RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF Released for 21,997 Posts
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially released the employment notification CEN No. 09/2025 for the recruitment of various posts in Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. This is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass candidates seeking a permanent government job in the Indian Railways. With a massive total of 21,997 vacancies announced across various Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs), this drive aims to fill positions like Track Maintainer Grade IV, Assistant Pointsman, and Assistants in Electrical, Mechanical, and S&T departments.
The online application link for Railway Group D Vacancy 2026 will be active from 31 January 2026 to 02 March 2026. Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute server issues. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the vacancy breakdown, detailed eligibility, physical efficiency test (PET) requirements, and the direct link to the RRB Group D Apply Online portal.
Key Highlights: RRB CEN 09/2025 Notification
Before applying, candidates should check the brief overview of the recruitment process. The selection will be based on a Computer Based Test (CBT), followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
- Recruiting Organisation: Indian Railways (RRBs/RRCs)
- Notification Number: CEN No. 09/2025
- Exam Name: RRB Group D (Level 1) Exam 2026
- Total Vacancies: 21,997
- Job Location: All India (Zone-wise)
- Application Mode: Online
- Salary/Pay Scale: Level 1 (7th CPC) – Basic Pay ₹18,000
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 Zone Wise Details
The vacancies are distributed among various Railway Zones. Candidates must choose only ONE RRB/RRC while applying. Below is the zone-wise summary based on the official Annexure B.
| Railway Zone / RRC | Headquarters | Key Posts Available |
|---|---|---|
| Central Railway | Mumbai | Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant (Works) |
| Northern Railway | New Delhi | Engineering, S&T, Mechanical posts |
| Western Railway | Mumbai | Electrical, Traffic, and Bridge assistants |
| Eastern Railway | Kolkata | Includes Metro Railway Kolkata posts |
| Southern Railway | Chennai | Posts in TN, Kerala, and surrounding regions |
| North Western Railway | Jaipur | Engineering and Traffic assistants |
| Total Vacancies | All India | 21,997 Posts |
RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026
To be eligible for the Railway Group D Bharti 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria as of the closing date of the application.
Educational Qualification
- For General Candidates: Passed 10th Standard (Matriculation) from a recognized Board/Institution OR passed ITI from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
- For Apprentices: Candidates holding a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT are also eligible.
- Note: Candidates waiting for their final results are not eligible to apply.
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC (NCL): 3 Years (Upper age limit: 36 Years)
- SC / ST: 5 Years (Upper age limit: 38 Years)
- PwBD / Ex-Servicemen: As per extensive government rules.
Medical Standards
Candidates must pass the medical fitness test conducted by the Railway Administration.
- A-2 & A-3: High vision standards (Distant Vision 6/9).
- B-1 & C-1: Moderate vision and physical fitness standards.
- Alert: Candidates with LASIK surgery are not eligible for A-2 and A-3 medical standard posts.
RRB Group D Salary and Benefits (Pay Level 1)
Selected candidates will receive a salary under Level 1 of the 7th Pay Commission. This is one of the most attractive aspects of 10th pass government jobs.
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000/- per month.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised semi-annually (currently approx. 50% of Basic).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 9%, 18%, or 27% depending on the city (Class X, Y, Z).
- Transport Allowance (TA): Fixed amount + DA on TA.
- Gross Salary: The in-hand salary for a Group D employee typically ranges between ₹28,000 to ₹32,000 per month initially.
- Perks: Railway Pass for travel, Medical care (Railway Hospital), Pension (NPS), and steady career growth.
RRB Group D Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The recruitment consists of three main stages. Candidates must clear each stage to proceed to the next.
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Total Questions: 100
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for every wrong answer.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science (10th Level Physics, Chem, Bio) | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry) | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Shortlisted candidates (3 times the vacancies) will be called for PET.
- Male Candidates:
- Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (without putting it down).
- Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds.
- Female Candidates:
- Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (without putting it down).
- Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 seconds.
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Exam (ME)
Based on performance in CBT and qualifying in PET, candidates are called for DV and Medical.
How to Apply Online for RRB Group D 2026
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure your form is accepted:
- Registration: Visit the official RRB website (link below) and click on “Apply Online for CEN 09/2025”. Create an account using your mobile number and email.
- Authentication: Use DigiLocker or Aadhaar to verify your identity. This speeds up the process and avoids scrutiny delays.
- Fill Details: Enter your personal information, educational marks (Matriculation/ITI), and choose your preferred Railway Zone carefully (this cannot be changed later).
- Uploads: Upload a high-quality live photograph (instructions provided in portal) and your signature. Upload SC/ST certificate if you want a free travel pass.
- Fee Payment: Pay the requisite fee via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
- Final Submit: Preview the application form and submit. Print the application for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 27 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 02 March 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 04 March 2026 |
| Correction/Modification Window | 05 March to 14 March 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be notified soon |
Application Fees
| Category | Fee Amount | Refund (After appearing in CBT) |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved / OBC / EWS | ₹500/- | ₹400/- |
| SC / ST / Ex-SM / PwBD / Female / Minorities / EBC | ₹250/- | ₹250/- |
Essential Links
- Official Notification PDF – Download Notification
- RRB Group D Apply Online – Apply Online Here
- Previous Year Question Papers – Download PDF
- RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 – Check Syllabus
- Zone Wise Cut Off Marks – View Previous Cut Off
- Official RRB Website Link – Check
- Whatsapp Channel for Government Jobs – Join Now
- Telegram Channel for Government Jobs – Join Now
- Whatsapp Channel for Railway Exams – Join Now
- Telegram Channel for Railway Exams – Join Now
Securing a job in the Indian Railways ensures financial stability and a respectable career. With 21,997 vacancies in the 2026 cycle, aspirants have a huge opportunity. Ensure you meet the medical and educational standards before applying. Start your preparation today by downloading the syllabus and previous year papers linked above. Apply before 02 March 2026 to avoid the last-day rush!