Railway Recruitment Board Group D 2026 Notification Overview
The Railway Board released the detailed notification on January 30, 2026. This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass candidates and ITI holders to join the world’s fourth-largest rail network.
| Event | Details |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level-1) |
| Notification No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 Posts |
| Application Start Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Extended Last Date to Apply | 2nd March 9th March 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the stringent eligibility requirements set by the board.
1. Educational Qualification
To be eligible for Railway Group D posts, an applicant must have completed:
Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
OR ITI (Industrial Training Institute) from an institute recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
2. Age Limit (As of January 1, 2026)
The standard age bracket is 18 to 33 years. However, for the 2026 cycle, certain relaxations have been applied:
General/EWS: 18 – 33 Years (Normal) / Up to 36 Years (with recent relaxations).
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years relaxation.
SC/ST: 5 Years relaxation.
PwBD: 10 to 15 Years relaxation depending on the category.
How to Apply Online for Railway Recruitment Board Group D 2026
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure a successful submission:
Registration: Visit the official portal at rrbapply.gov.in and click on “New Registration.”
Select Zone: Choose your preferred Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) zone carefully, as you cannot change it later.
Fill Details: Enter personal info, educational qualifications, and contact details as per your 10th-standard certificate.
Upload Documents: * Photograph (35mm x 45mm, 15-40 KB).
Signature (10-20 KB).
SC/ST Certificate (if applicable for free travel pass).
Fee Payment: Pay the application fee via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
Final Print: Download and print the application form for future reference.
Application Fee:
General/OBC: ₹500 (₹400 refunded after appearing in CBT).
SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM/PwBD: ₹250 (Full refund after appearing in CBT).
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Selection Process 2026
The selection involves four critical stages. You must qualify for each to move to the next.
Computer-Based Test (CBT): The primary screening round.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A qualifying test of physical strength.
Document Verification (DV): Authenticating your original certificates.
Medical Examination: Ensuring fitness for specific railway roles (A-2, B-1, etc.).
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Understanding the RRB Group D Exam Pattern is the first step toward a high score. The CBT lasts 90 minutes and consists of 100 objective-type questions.
CBT Subject Breakdown
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Note: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.
Syllabus Highlights
Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry.
General Intelligence: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Venn Diagram.
General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of 10th-standard level (CBSE/NCERT).
General Awareness: Current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, and Politics.
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Recruitment 2026: Syllabus, and Salary
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially set the stage for one of India’s most anticipated employment drives. The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025) aims to fill a massive 22,195 vacancies for various Level-1 posts across multiple railway zones. If you are looking for a stable career in the Indian Railways, this comprehensive guide covers everything from eligibility and the online application process to the latest syllabus and salary structure.
Railway Recruitment Board Group D 2026 Notification Overview
The Railway Board released the detailed notification on January 30, 2026. This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass candidates and ITI holders to join the world’s fourth-largest rail network.
| Event | Details |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level-1) |
| Notification No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 Posts |
| Application Start Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Extended Last Date to Apply | March 9, 2026 |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the stringent eligibility requirements set by the board.
1. Educational Qualification
To be eligible for Railway Group D posts, an applicant must have completed:
Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
OR ITI (Industrial Training Institute) from an institute recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
2. Age Limit (As of January 1, 2026)
The standard age bracket is 18 to 33 years. However, for the 2026 cycle, certain relaxations have been applied:
General/EWS: 18 – 33 Years (Normal) / Up to 36 Years (with recent relaxations).
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years relaxation.
SC/ST: 5 Years relaxation.
PwBD: 10 to 15 Years relaxation depending on the category.
How to Apply Online for Railway Recruitment Board Group D 2026
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure a successful submission:
Registration: Visit the official portal at rrbapply.gov.in and click on “New Registration.”
Select Zone: Choose your preferred Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) zone carefully, as you cannot change it later.
Fill Details: Enter personal info, educational qualifications, and contact details as per your 10th-standard certificate.
Upload Documents: * Photograph (35mm x 45mm, 15-40 KB).
Signature (10-20 KB).
SC/ST Certificate (if applicable for free travel pass).
Fee Payment: Pay the application fee via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
Final Print: Download and print the application form for future reference.
Application Fee:
General/OBC: ₹500 (₹400 refunded after appearing in CBT).
SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM/PwBD: ₹250 (Full refund after appearing in CBT).
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Selection Process 2026
The selection involves four critical stages. You must qualify for each to move to the next.
Computer-Based Test (CBT): The primary screening round.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A qualifying test of physical strength.
Document Verification (DV): Authenticating your original certificates.
Medical Examination: Ensuring fitness for specific railway roles (A-2, B-1, etc.).
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Understanding the RRB Group D Exam Pattern is the first step toward a high score. The CBT lasts 90 minutes and consists of 100 objective-type questions.
CBT Subject Breakdown
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Syllabus Highlights
Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry.
General Intelligence: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Venn Diagram.
General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of 10th-standard level (CBSE/NCERT).
General Awareness: Current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, and Politics.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
The PET is mandatory for all except PwBD candidates. The criteria are different for male and female candidates:
Male Candidates: * Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (one attempt).
Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds (one attempt).
Female Candidates: * Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (one attempt).
Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds (one attempt).
RRB Group D Salary Structure 2026 (7th Pay Commission)
One of the main attractions of this job is the RRB Group D Salary. As per the 7th Pay Commission, these posts fall under Level-1 of the pay matrix.
Basic Pay: ₹18,000
Grade Pay: ₹1,800
Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and Night Duty Allowance.
In-Hand Salary: Depending on the city (X, Y, or Z category), the starting in-hand salary ranges between ₹28,000 to ₹34,000 per month.
List of RRB Group D Posts (CEN 09/2025)
With 22,195 vacancies, there are several roles available. Key positions include:
Track Maintainer Grade IV (Largest vacancy share)
Pointsman-B
Assistant (Track Machine)
Assistant (C&W – Carriage & Wagon)
Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical)
Assistant S&T (Signal & Telecommunication)
Railway Recruitment Board Group D Recruitment 2026: (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for RRB Group D 2026?
The last date for online registration for the RRB Group D CEN 09/2025 is March 9, 2026. However, candidates are advised to complete their registration early to avoid technical issues due to high website traffic on the final day.
What is the qualification for Railway Group D posts?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board. Alternatively, those with an ITI certificate or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT are also eligible to apply for Level-1 posts.
Is there any age relaxation for the 2026 recruitment?
Yes. While the standard age limit is 18 to 33 years, a one-time 3-year age relaxation has been granted for the 2026 cycle to support candidates who missed opportunities due to previous delays. Additionally, SC/ST (5 years) and OBC-NCL (3 years) categories receive their usual relaxations.
What is the selection process for Railway Recruitment Board Group D?
The selection process consists of four stages:
Computer-Based Test (CBT): An objective exam with 100 questions.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A qualifying test of physical strength (running and weight lifting).
Document Verification (DV): Verification of educational and category certificates.
Medical Examination: Final fitness test conducted by Railway hospitals.
Is there a negative marking in the RRB Group D exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer in the Computer-Based Test (CBT). No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
Can I apply for more than one RRB Zone?
No. Candidates can only apply to one RRB Zone. If a candidate submits multiple applications for different zones, all their applications are liable to be rejected.
