The Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 (under Notification CEN 09/2025) ranks among India’s most awaited job openings this year. With 22,195 vacancies declared across various railway zones, it provides a secure entry-level career for those who have wrapped up their 10th standard or ITI.
Important Dates: RRB Group D 2026
The official notification was put out on January 30, 2026. Candidates must strictly stick to the following schedule for the application process:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | January 30, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | January 31, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | March 4, 2026 |
| Correction Window | March 5 – March 14, 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date (Tentative) | May – June 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Level 1 posts such as Track Maintainer, Pointsman, and various Assistant roles, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
1. Educational Qualification
- Minimum: 10th Class Pass (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
- Technical Posts: Some posts may call for an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT/SCVT.
2. Age Limit (as of Jan 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years (for General/EWS)
- Age Relaxation: Standard relaxations apply for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD candidates.
Selection Process
The recruitment runs through a multi-stage process testing both mental aptitude and physical fitness:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): The primary screening stage made up of 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A qualifying stage involving running and weight-lifting tasks.
- Document Verification (DV): Verification of original educational and category certificates.
- Medical Examination: A health check confirming fitness for specific railway duties.
CBT Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The CBT is a 90-minute exam carrying a negative marking of 1/3rd for each wrong answer.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| General Science (10th Standard Physics, Chemistry, Life Science) | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
Clearing the PET is mandatory for all candidates except PwBD and certain Ex-Servicemen.
- Male Candidates: * Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (one chance).
- Run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds (one chance).
- Female Candidates:
- Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes (one chance).
- Run 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds (one chance).
Salary & Job Profile
Under the 7th Pay Commission, Group D employees are placed in Level 1 of the pay matrix.
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000
- Total Monthly In-Hand Salary: Approximately ₹22,500 to ₹25,380 (including Dearness Allowance, HRA, and Transport Allowance).
- Benefits: Railway employees enjoy job security, medical facilities for family, pension schemes, and travel passes.
How to Apply Online
- Head to the official RRB application portal: rrbapply.gov.in.
- Create an account by clicking “Register” and verify your mobile number/email.
- Select the CEN 09/2025 notification.
- Enter your personal, educational, and address details.
- Upload your scanned photograph (35mm x 45mm) and signature.
- Pay the application fee (₹500 for Gen/OBC; ₹250 for SC/ST/Female/Minorities).
- Note: A portion of the fee is refunded after appearing for the CBT.
- Submit the form and print the confirmation page.