Are you looking for a permanent government job in Indian Railways? The wait is finally over! The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the massive notification (CEN No. 09/2025) for the recruitment of Level-1 (Group D) posts.
With a total of 21,997 vacancies announced across various Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs), this is one of the biggest employment opportunities of the year for 10th pass and ITI candidates. The online application link is active from 31st January 2026.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know: Eligibility, Salary, Exam Pattern, Physical Test Details, and How to Apply.
RRB Group D 2026: Key Highlights
Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the notification.
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Indian Railways (RRBs / RRCs) |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level 1) |
| Notification No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 Posts |
| Job Location | All India (Zone Wise) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Registration Dates | 31 Jan 2026 to 02 March 2026 |
| Job Type | Permanent Government Job |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates
Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss the application window.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 27 December 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 02 March 2026 (Till 11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 04 March 2026 |
| Correction Window | 05 March to 14 March 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be Notified Soon |
Application Fee & Refund
The Railways refunds a portion of the fee to candidates who actually appear for the CBT Exam.
| Category | Fee Amount | Refund Amount (After Exam) |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 500/- | ₹ 400/- |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Transgender / Minorities / EBC | ₹ 250/- | ₹ 250/- |
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026: Post Details
The 21,997 vacancies are distributed among various technical and non-technical departments. You can apply for the following posts based on your preference and medical standard:
- Engineering Dept: Track Maintainer Grade IV, Assistant Bridge, Assistant P.Way, Assistant Track Machine.
- Electrical Dept: Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical), Assistant Operations, Assistant TL & AC, Assistant TRD.
- Mechanical Dept: Assistant Carriage and Wagon.
- Traffic Dept: Pointsman B.
- S&T Dept: Assistant (Signal & Telecom).
Note: The Zone-wise vacancy table (for RRB Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, etc.) is available in the official notification PDF.
RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026
To apply for CEN 09/2025, candidates must meet the following Age and Education requirements as of the closing date.
1. Educational Qualification
- 10th Pass: Candidates who have passed Matriculation (10th Class) from a recognized Board (NCVT/SCVT).
- OR ITI: Candidates holding an ITI Certificate (Industrial Training Institute) in relevant trades.
- OR NAC: National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
- Important: Candidates waiting for their final results are NOT eligible to apply.
2. 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 (General): 10 Years
RRB Group D Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)
This is a Level-1 Central Government post. The salary structure is excellent for freshers.
- Pay Level: Level 1
- Basic Pay: ₹ 18,000/- per month.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Night Duty Allowance, etc.
- Gross In-Hand Salary: Approximately ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 35,000/- per month depending on the city (X, Y, or Z class city).
Selection Process: How to Get Selected?
The selection process for RRB Group D consists of three main stages. You must qualify for each stage to proceed to the next.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): An online written exam.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A physical fitness test (Running & Weight Lifting).
- Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus (CBT)
The CBT will have negative marking. For every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Duration |
| General Science (Physics, Chem, Life Science – 10th Level) | 25 | 25 | |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 90 Minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 | (120 Mins for PwBD) |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Details
Candidates who clear the CBT cutoff will be called for PET. This test is qualifying in nature.
For Male Candidates:
- Lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Run for a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance.
For Female Candidates:
- Lift and carry 20 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down.
- Run for a distance of 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one chance.
How to Apply Online for RRB Group D 2026?
Follow these simple steps to submit your application form:
- Visit the Link: Click on the “Apply Online” link provided below or visit your respective RRB regional website.
- Register: Click on “New Registration” and enter your Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth, Email, and Mobile Number.
- Fill Details: Login with your credentials. Choose your RRB Zone carefully (You cannot change this later).
- Upload Documents: Upload your recent color photograph, signature, and SC/ST certificate (if applicable).
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee via UPI, Net Banking, or Card.
- Print: Submit the form and take a printout of the application for future reference.
Important Links
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification (CEN 09/2025) | Download PDF |
| Check Zone-Wise Vacancy | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Join Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for RRB Group D if I am waiting for my 10th result?
Ans: No, you must have your final result/mark sheet as of the closing date of the application.
Q2: Is ITI mandatory for RRB Group D 2026?
Ans: For certain technical posts, ITI/NAC is preferred. However, 10th Pass candidates are eligible for various posts like Track Maintainer, Pointsman, etc. (Please check specific post-wise eligibility in the notification).
Q3: Is there any interview in RRB Group D?
Ans: No, there is no interview. Selection is based on CBT, PET, and Document Verification.
Q4: Can I apply to more than one Railway Zone?
Ans: No, a candidate can apply to only ONE Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Applying to multiple zones will lead to rejection.
Q5: What is the exam date for RRB Group D 2026?
Ans: The exam dates have not been announced yet, but it is expected to be held later in 2026. Stay tuned for updates.