19th December 2026 By Mangala
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW-RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India have released Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 09/2025 for recruitment to various Level 1 posts in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix across multiple Railway Zones. A total of 21,997 vacancies have been notified for eligible Indian candidates. These posts offer an initial basic pay of Rs. 18,000/- along with applicable allowances as per Railway rules. The online application process starts from 31 January 2026 and the last date to apply is 02 March 2026 (23:59 Hrs).
This is one of the biggest railway recruitments of 2026, and candidates are advised to carefully review eligibility, age criteria, and selection process before applying.
📌 Key Highlights
This recruitment is conducted centrally by RRBs for various Railway Zones. Candidates can apply to only one RRB/Railway Zone and must carefully choose their preferences.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Notification No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Post Name | Various Level 1 Posts (Group D) |
| Total Vacancies | 21,997 |
| Pay Level | Level 1 of 7th CPC |
| Initial Basic Pay | Rs. 18,000/- |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | CBT → PET → DV → Medical |
📅 Important Dates
Candidates must strictly adhere to the official schedule.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice in Employment News | 27.12.2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 31.01.2026 (00:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply | 02.03.2026 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 04.03.2026 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Modification Window | 05.03.2026 to 14.03.2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission | 15.03.2026 to 19.03.2026 |
| CBT Date | To be announced on RRB websites |
🪑 Vacancy Details
RRB has notified 21,997 total vacancies for various Level 1 posts in Indian Railways.
| Post Category | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Posts (Group D) | 21,997 |
🔹 Railway Zone-wise and category-wise vacancies are detailed in Annexure B of the notification.
🔹 Vacancies may increase or decrease depending on administrative requirements.
🔹 Reservation applicable for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, PwBD, ExSM & CCAA categories.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility conditions as on the closing date (02.03.2026).
Age Limit (As on 01.01.2026)
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 18 to 33 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 18 to 36 Years |
| SC/ST | 18 to 38 Years |
Age Relaxation (Maximum Upper Age)
- PwBD: Up to 10 years (UR), 13 years (OBC), 15 years (SC/ST)
- Railway Staff (3 years service): Up to 40–45 years (category-wise)
- Widowed/Divorced Women: Up to 35–40 years (category-wise)
- Course Completed Act Apprentices: Relaxation up to training period (maximum 3–8 years depending on category)
⚠ Date of Birth must match Matriculation certificate. No changes allowed later.
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess any one of the following qualifications from a recognized Board/Institute as on the last date of application (02 March 2026):
- ✅ Option 1:
- 10th Pass (Matriculation/SSLC)
- ✅ Option 2:
- 10th Pass + ITI Certificate in relevant trade from NCVT/SCVT recognized institute
- ✅ Option 3:
- Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAA)
⚠ Important Clarifications
- Candidates awaiting final results are NOT eligible.
- Diploma or Degree in Engineering is NOT accepted in place of ITI/CCAA, unless specifically mentioned for a particular post.
- Graduation is NOT mandatory for Level 1 posts.
- Post-wise specific qualification and medical standards are detailed in Annexure A of the official notification.
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs. 500/- |
| SC/ST/ExSM/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC | Rs. 250/- |
🔹 Rs. 400/- (UR/OBC/EWS) refundable after appearing in CBT.
🔹 Rs. 250/- (Reserved categories) fully refundable after appearing in CBT.
📝 Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of the following stages:
1️⃣ Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Single stage CBT (may be conducted in multi-stage mode if required)
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deduction for each wrong answer
- Normalization applied if exam held in multiple shifts
2️⃣ Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Shortlisting: 3 times the vacancies (Railway-wise)
- Based on merit in CBT
3️⃣ Document Verification (DV)
- Shortlisting at 1:1 ratio of vacancies
- Based on CBT merit + PET qualification
4️⃣ Medical Examination
- Must meet prescribed medical standards
- No alternative post if medically unfit
🏃 Physical Efficiency Test (PET) (Indicative)
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 & Benefits
- Initial Basic Pay: Rs. 18,000/- per month
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Railway Medical Facilities
- Pension benefits under NPS
- Travel benefits for SC/ST candidates during recruitment stages
Selected candidates must serve in the chosen Railway Zone and transfer requests will not be entertained for at least 5–10 years.
🖥️ How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official RRB website of your chosen Railway Zone.
- Create an Account (if not already registered).
- Fill in personal, educational and category details carefully.
- Upload live photo and signature as per specifications.
- Choose RRB and post preferences carefully (cannot be changed later).
- Pay application fee online.
- Submit and download confirmation.
⚠ Only one application per candidate is allowed.
⚠ Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
⚠ Important Instructions
- Candidates must use their own active mobile number and email ID.
- No change of RRB/Zone allowed after submission.
- Aadhaar authentication recommended.
- Carry only e-call letter to exam center.
- Use of unfair means leads to lifetime debarment.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How many vacancies are announced in RRB Group D 2026?
A total of 21,997 vacancies have been announced.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to apply online is 02 March 2026 (23:59 Hrs).
Q3. What is the salary for RRB Group D posts?
Initial basic pay is Rs. 18,000/- under Level 1 of 7th CPC, plus allowances.
Q4. Is there negative marking in CBT?
Yes, 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
Q5. Can I apply for more than one Railway Zone?
No. Candidates can apply to only one RRB/Railway Zone.
Q6. Is ITI mandatory?
Post-wise qualifications apply. Diploma/Degree in Engineering is not accepted in lieu of ITI unless specified.
Q7. When will the CBT be conducted?
CBT dates will be notified on the official RRB websites.
🔗 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Visit Official RRB Website |
| Official Notification PDF | Available on respective RRB website |
| Official Website | www.railwayexams.com |
| Official WhatsApp Channel | Join for Latest Updates |
| Official Telegram Channel | Join for Fast Alerts |