RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 22195 Posts

RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Comprehensive Guide to 22,195 Level 1 Posts Under CEN 09/2025

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced one of the most anticipated recruitment notifications for 2026 through the CEN 09/2025 (Centralized Employment Notification). This massive recruitment drive aims to fill 22,195 vacancies for various posts in Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix across 16 Railway zones throughout India. The RRB Group D online application 2026 process commenced on January 31, 2026 at 00:00 hours and will continue until March 2, 2026 at 23:59 hours, providing candidates with over a month to complete their applications for these coveted government railway positions.

Understanding RRB Group D Posts

The term "Group D" refers to the entry-level posts in Indian Railways that fall under Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. Despite being called Group D, these are respectable government positions offering job security, good salary, and excellent career growth opportunities within Indian Railways. The RRB Group D 2026 recruitment encompasses 14 different post categories spread across various departments:

Posts Included in This Recruitment:

• Track Maintainer Grade IV: Responsible for maintaining railway tracks, ensuring safety and smooth operations
• Helper/Assistant in Various Departments: Including Electrical, Mechanical, S&T (Signal & Telecommunication), Engineering
• Assistant Pointsman: Operates railway points and signals at stations and junctions
• Level Crossing Gateman: Manages level crossing gates to ensure safety of road and rail traffic
• Porter (Commercial): Assists passengers with luggage at railway stations
• Safaiwala/Khalasi: Maintenance and cleaning staff
• Hospital Attendant: Support staff in railway hospitals
• Assistant C&W (Carriage & Wagon): Assists in maintenance of railway coaches and wagons
• Helper (Electrical/Mechanical/S&T): Provides assistance in respective technical departments
• Peon/Mali: Office assistant and gardening staff
• Other ministerial and operational posts

Zone-Wise Vacancy Distribution

The 22,195 RRB Level 1 vacancies are distributed across 16 Railway Recruitment Boards corresponding to different railway zones. The major distribution includes:

• RRB Gorakhpur: Approximately 2,500+ vacancies (one of the highest)
• RRB Kolkata: Approximately 2,000+ vacancies
• RRB Mumbai: Approximately 1,800+ vacancies
• RRB Secunderabad: Approximately 1,600+ vacancies
• RRB Ahmedabad: Approximately 1,500+ vacancies
• RRB Chennai: Approximately 1,400+ vacancies
• RRB Bhopal: Approximately 1,300+ vacancies
• RRB Ranchi: Approximately 1,200+ vacancies
• RRB Patna: Approximately 1,100+ vacancies
• RRB Bilaspur: Approximately 1,000+ vacancies
• RRB Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Jammu-Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram: Remaining vacancies distributed

Note: Exact zone-wise and post-wise vacancy details are available in the official CEN 09/2025 notification document.

Educational Qualification Requirements

The educational qualification for RRB Group D recruitment 2026 is quite accessible, making it an excellent opportunity for candidates with basic education:

Minimum Educational Qualification:

• 10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognized Board
• OR ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate from NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training)
• OR Equivalent qualification approved by Central/State Government
• OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT

Important Notes on Qualification:

• Candidates must have passed 10th standard with minimum passing marks
• Candidates appearing in final year/semester are NOT eligible
• ITI qualified candidates must have completed their training
• The percentage of marks is not a criterion; simple pass is sufficient
• Certificates from recognized boards/institutes only will be accepted

Age Limit and Relaxations

The age criteria for RRB Level 1 posts 2026 is calculated as on January 1, 2026:

Age Limit: 18 to 33 years

• Minimum Age: 18 years (born not later than January 1, 2008)
• Maximum Age: 33 years (born not earlier than January 2, 1993)

Age Relaxation as per Government Norms:

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation (up to 38 years)
• OBC-NCL candidates: 3 years relaxation (up to 36 years)
• PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities):
  • UR-PwBD: 10 years (up to 43 years)
  • OBC-PwBD: 13 years (up to 46 years)
  • SC/ST-PwBD: 15 years (up to 48 years)
• Ex-Servicemen (ExSM): 3 years + actual service rendered in defense (up to 48 years maximum)
• Persons domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir (1980-1989): 5 years
• Victims of 1984 riots: 5 years
• Transgender candidates: Applicable as per respective categories

Cumulative Age Relaxation: Candidates eligible for multiple relaxations will receive cumulative benefit (e.g., SC-PwBD candidate gets 5+10=15 years relaxation).

Application Fee Structure

The application fee for RRB Group D 2026 varies based on category:

For General, EWS, and OBC-NCL Candidates:

• Total Fee: ₹500/-
• Breakup: ₹400/- (Refundable after deducting bank charges on appearing in CBT) + ₹100/- (Examination Fee - Non-refundable)

For SC, ST, Female, Transgender, PwBD, ExSM, Minorities, and EBC Candidates:

• Total Fee: ₹250/- (Refundable after deducting bank charges on appearing in CBT)
• No examination fee charged

Payment Method:

• Online payment through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, or Payment Wallets
• Last date for fee payment: March 4, 2026 at 23:59 hours

Refund Process: The refundable fee will be returned to candidates who appear in the Computer Based Test (CBT). The refund will be processed to the candidate's bank account after deducting applicable bank charges (approximately ₹15-20).

Salary and Benefits Package

Selected candidates for RRB Group D posts will receive an attractive salary package as per 7th CPC:

Pay Level: Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix

• Basic Pay Range: ₹18,000 - ₹56,900 per month
• Initial Basic Pay: ₹18,000 per month
• Annual Increment: 3% of basic pay annually

Additional Allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently 53% of basic pay (revised twice a year) = ₹9,540/-
• House Rent Allowance (HRA):
  • X-Class cities (Metros): 24% of basic pay = ₹4,320/-
  • Y-Class cities: 16% of basic pay = ₹2,880/-
  • Z-Class cities: 8% of basic pay = ₹1,440/-
• Transport Allowance (TA): ₹1,800 - ₹3,600 per month
• Running Allowance: For staff involved in train operations (as applicable)
• Night Duty Allowance: Additional payment for night shifts

Initial Monthly In-hand Salary:

• Basic Pay: ₹18,000
• DA: ₹9,540
• HRA: ₹2,880 to ₹4,320
• TA: ₹1,800
• Other allowances: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000
• Total Gross Salary: ₹33,000 - ₹36,000 per month approximately
• Annual CTC: ₹4,00,000 - ₹4,50,000 approximately

Additional Benefits:

• Free Railway Pass for self and family for unlimited travel
• Medical facilities for self, spouse, dependent parents, and children
• LTC (Leave Travel Concession) once in two years
• Pension benefits under New Pension Scheme (NPS)
• Provident Fund and Gratuity
• Railway quarters/accommodation (subject to availability)
• Educational allowance for children
• Festival advance and other welfare schemes
• Job security and stability
• Promotion opportunities to higher grades

Selection Process - Multi-Stage Examination

The RRB Group D 2026 selection process consists of four stages:

Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)

• Duration: 90 minutes (2 minutes per question)
• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Total Marks: 100 marks (1 mark per question)
• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
• Exam Mode: Computer-based (online)
• Language Options: Available in 15 languages including English, Hindi, and regional languages

CBT Subject-wise Question Distribution:

• Mathematics: 25 questions (25 marks)
• General Intelligence & Reasoning: 30 questions (30 marks)
• General Science: 25 questions (25 marks)
• General Awareness on Current Affairs: 20 questions (20 marks)

Normalization Process: Since the CBT will be conducted in multiple shifts over several days, the scores of candidates will be normalized to account for difficulty level variation across shifts.

Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Candidates shortlisted from CBT will undergo Physical Efficiency Test to assess their physical fitness for railway duties:

For Male Candidates:

• Should be able to lift and carry 35 kg weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down
• Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds in one chance

For Female Candidates:

• Should be able to lift and carry 20 kg weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down
• Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds in one chance

Note: PET is qualifying in nature (Pass/Fail). Candidates failing in PET will not be considered for further stages. PwBD candidates are exempted from PET subject to production of medical certificate.

Stage 3: Document Verification (DV)

Candidates who qualify in CBT and PET will be called for Document Verification where original certificates will be verified:

• Educational certificates (10th/ITI/NAC)
• Date of Birth proof
• Community certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL)
• EWS certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD certificate (if applicable)
• Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate (if applicable)
• Caste/income certificate as per requirement
• Recent passport-size photographs
• ID proofs (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)

Stage 4: Medical Examination

The final stage involves comprehensive medical examination by Railway Medical Board:

• Vision standards (near and distant vision)
• Color vision test (for certain posts)
• Hearing ability
• General physical fitness
• Blood pressure and heart condition
• Any deformities or disabilities affecting railway duties

Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on normalized CBT scores. Candidates will be allocated posts and zones based on their merit rank, category, preference, and vacancy availability.

Important Dates to Remember

• CEN Notification Release: January 2026
• Online Application Start Date: January 31, 2026 (00:00 hours)
• Online Application End Date: March 2, 2026 (23:59 hours)
• Last Date for Fee Payment: March 4, 2026 (23:59 hours)
• Application Form Correction Window: To be announced (tentatively mid-March 2026)
• CBT Exam City Intimation: 10 days before exam
• CBT Exam Date: To be announced (tentatively May-June 2026)
• Admit Card Release: 4 days before exam date
• CBT Result: To be announced (tentatively July-August 2026)
• PET Schedule: To be announced after CBT result
• Document Verification: To be announced
• Medical Examination: To be announced
• Final Result & Joining: To be announced

How to Apply Online for RRB Group D 2026

Follow these detailed steps to successfully complete your RRB Group D online application:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to www.rrbapply.gov.in (common portal for all RRBs) or visit individual RRB websites
2. One-Time Registration:
   • Click on "New Registration" for CEN 09/2025
   • Enter basic details: Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, Email ID
   • Upload passport-size photograph (JPG, 20-50 KB) and signature (JPG, 10-20 KB)
   • Submit and receive Registration Number via SMS and email
   • Note down Registration Number and Password for future use
3. Fill Detailed Application Form:
   • Login using Registration Number and Password
   • Fill all mandatory fields:
     • Personal details (Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Gender, Category, Religion, Nationality)
     • Contact details (Permanent and Present Address, Mobile, Email)
     • Educational qualifications (10th details, Board name, Year, Percentage, Roll Number)
     • Employment history (if any)
     • Category details and eligibility for age relaxation
4. Select Preferences:
   • Choose Railway Zone/RRB preference (up to 3 choices in order of preference)
   • Select post preferences (select all posts you are eligible and interested in)
   • Choose exam city preferences (3-5 cities for CBT examination)
   • Important: Choose wisely as preferences cannot be changed later
5. Upload Documents:
   • Photograph: Recent, colored, white background (JPG, 20-50 KB, 3.5 x 3.5 cm)
   • Signature: On white paper with black ink (JPG, 10-20 KB)
   • Educational certificates: 10th mark sheet (PDF, max 1 MB)
   • Category certificate (if applicable): SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS (PDF, max 1 MB)
   • PwBD certificate (if applicable)
   • All scanned documents must be clear and legible
6. Pay Application Fee:
   • Select payment mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI)
   • Complete payment through secure payment gateway
   • Save transaction details and payment receipt
   • Important: Application is considered complete only after successful fee payment
7. Review and Submit:
   • Review all entered information carefully
   • Check for any errors or omissions
   • Once satisfied, click on "Final Submit"
   • Note: After final submission, no changes can be made (except during correction window)
8. Print Application Form:
   • After successful submission, download the application form
   • Take multiple printouts for future reference
   • Keep the printout safely with all original documents
   • Application form must be produced during Document Verification

Documents Required During Application

Keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting the application process:

• Recent passport-size photograph (colored, white background)
• Signature on white paper with black ink
• 10th standard/Matriculation certificate and mark sheet
• ITI certificate (if applicable)
• NAC certificate (if applicable)
• Date of Birth certificate (10th certificate is sufficient)
• SC/ST certificate issued by competent authority
• OBC-NCL certificate issued after April 1, 2025 (valid for current financial year)
• EWS certificate issued after April 1, 2025
• PwBD certificate from authorized medical board
• Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile certificate (if claiming relaxation)
• Aadhar card/PAN card/Voter ID

Important Instructions and Guidelines

• Read the official CEN 09/2025 notification thoroughly before applying
• Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying
• Only one application per candidate is permitted; multiple applications will be rejected
• Use your own valid email ID and mobile number (OTP verification required)
• Keep scanned documents ready as per specifications before starting application
• Internet banking/debit card/credit card should be enabled for online transactions
• Application fee is non-refundable (except the refundable portion on appearing in CBT)
• Take printout of submitted application form for future reference
• Incomplete applications or applications without fee payment will be rejected
• False information or fake certificates will lead to cancellation of candidature and legal action
• RRB decision on all matters will be final and binding
• Keep checking official RRB websites for updates, admit card, and results
• Beware of fake websites and agents claiming to help in selection
• RRB does not charge any fee for selection; beware of frauds
• No correspondence will be entertained regarding rejection of applications

Exam Preparation Tips

To succeed in RRB Group D CBT 2026, candidates should:

• Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern
• Focus on basic concepts of Mathematics (10th level)
• Practice reasoning puzzles and logical questions daily
• Read General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
• Stay updated with current affairs of last 12 months
• Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
• Manage time effectively during practice (2 minutes per question)
• Work on weak areas and revise strong areas regularly
• Maintain accuracy to avoid negative marking
• Prepare for PET by maintaining physical fitness

The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 with 22,195 vacancies presents an exceptional opportunity for 10th pass candidates to secure a permanent government job in Indian Railways with excellent salary, benefits, and job security. The position offers not just a stable career but also numerous perks including free railway travel, medical facilities, and pension benefits. With proper preparation and timely application, candidates can achieve their dream of working for Indian Railways. Eligible candidates should complete their online applications before the March 2, 2026 deadline and start preparing for the CBT examination immediately.

Job Highlights & Eligibility

• Official Website
• Download Notification PDF