RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: 22,195 Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Salary & Apply Online Guid

Quick Overview

Start here to understand what the latest official notice changes mean for your application choices.

Advertisement number CEN 09/2025 is the reference you must use for all communication, downloads and queries. Keep this code handy when you read the official PDF and when contacting the railway recruitment board helpline.

Level 1 posts cover entry-level roles such as track maintenance, pointsman and various assistant posts. These jobs suit candidates with Class 10, ITI or NAC qualifications who want hands-on operational work.

Eligibility Criteria

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Eligibility criteria

Start by checking three simple facts: your nationality, your educational qualification and your age on the cut‑off date. If these do not match the official rules you should not begin the application.

Nationality rules as per Government of India norms

You must be one of the following: an Indian citizen, a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 1 January 1962, or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) from specified countries. If you are a PIO or refugee, you will need an eligibility certificate from the Government of India to apply.

Educational qualification: 10th pass, ITI, or National Apprenticeship Certificate

The accepted routes are: Class 10 (matriculation), ITI from NCVT/SCVT‑recognised institutes, or the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) awarded by NCVT. Do not apply if you are only awaiting final results; certificates must be available at document verification.

Age limit and cut-off date for calculation

The standard age range is 18–33 years. Calculate your age as on 01 January 2026 to confirm eligibility. If you miss this date, your application will be rejected.

Age relaxation for reserved categories and special cases

Relaxation applies as per the notification. Typical allowances include OBC‑NCL: +3 years; SC/ST: +5 years. Persons with benchmark disability, ex‑servicemen and other special cases get additional concessions according to rules.

Quick checklist for you:

• Nationality proof or eligibility certificate ready.

• Educational qualification (10th/ITI/NAC) certificate in hand.

• Age verified as on the cut‑off and any category certificates ready.

Keep originals and scanned copies of all documents at hand to avoid delays during document verification.

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Educational Qualifications

Know your accepted qualifications so you can upload correct proof and avoid delays at verification.

Matriculation (Class 10) eligibility

Your Class 10 mark sheet or certificate is the basic proof of eligibility. Keep scanned copies of the certificate and the date of birth page ready for the application form upload.

Make sure names and dates match other ID documents to avoid rejection at document verification.

ITI from NCVT/SCVT-recognised institutes

If you hold an ITI, it must be from an NCVT or SCVT‑recognised institute. Keep your trade name, year of passing and registration details handy.

These details are checked against certificates, so upload clear scans of your ITI completion proof and trade certificate.

National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT

The national apprenticeship certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT is accepted as proof of vocational training. An apprenticeship certificate strengthens your claim if you have one.

Always cross-check the official notification for equivalent qualification acceptance and follow the listed document details.

• Common mistakes: incomplete uploads, mismatched name/DOB, or low‑resolution scans.

• Fix errors early in the correction window to save time.

• Candidates should retain originals for verification and carry extra copies when called.

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Medical standards you must meet for document verification

Before you commit to a post, confirm the medical rules that decide whether you can join after document checks.

Medical clearance happens at the time of document verification and again before joining. Even if you clear the examination, failure in medical tests can stop your appointment.

A-2 and A-3: vision requirements

A-2 requires distant and near vision of 6/9, 6/9 without glasses. You must meet this unaided standard for certain safety‑critical roles.

A-3 allows 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses, but lens power must not exceed ±2D. Check your prescription before choosing such posts.

B-1 and B-2: roles and additional tests

B-1 and B-2 expect 6/9, 6/12 with or without correction. These categories may require extra checks like colour vision, binocular vision and night (mesopic) vision.

C-1 and C-2: basic vision criteria

C-1 needs 6/12, 6/18, while C-2 calls for 6/12 distant vision. These suit reading and close work but still demand specific near vision levels.

• Get an eye check‑up early if you are unsure of your category.

• Keep medical certificates and eye prescriptions ready for verification.

• Match medical readiness to your post preferences to avoid last‑minute disqualification.

Vacancy Details

RRB Group D vacancies 2026: zone-wise and category-wise distribution

This section maps where most openings are concentrated so you can pick zones that suit you. The total number of vacancies is 22,195, spread across 16 zones.

Railway zones with the highest openings

The top three zones are: Northern Railway (New Delhi) — 3,537, Western Railway (Mumbai) — 3,148, and Central Railway (Mumbai) — 1,979. High-volume zones often see higher cut-offs and tougher competition.

Understanding UR, SC, ST, OBC and EWS breakup

Category totals are: UR — 9,322; OBC — 5,240; SC — 3,240; ST — 1,726; EWS — 2,250. These numbers show how seats are reserved and help you estimate your chances by category.

Reality check: Past years show big swings — 2018: 62,097; 2019: 103,769; 2025: 32,438; 2026: 22,195 — so competition changes by cycle.

• Target zones with more openings if you can relocate and meet medical norms.

• Match your category with zone choices to improve odds.

• Always verify the latest revised vacancy notice on official sites for final details.

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Group D Level 1 posts

Below you will find clear, practical descriptions of the group posts so you can rank your preferences with confidence. These short summaries help you match your skills to real duties before you pick priorities on the form.

Track Maintainer Grade IV and Pointsman B

Track Maintainer Grade IV involves hands-on work on the track. You will dig, tamp and inspect rails and sleepers. The job is physical and outdoors.

Pointsman B manages signals and points at crossings and stations. You must stay alert; safety and timing are key parts of the role.

Assistant roles: P‑Way, TRD, S&T, TL & AC, Bridge, C&W, Track Machine

Assistants support specialised departments. P‑Way (permanent way) helps track upkeep. TRD focuses on tools and repairs. S&T looks after signalling gear.

TL & AC, Bridge and C&W assist mechanical or structural teams. Track Machine assistants operate or support machinery used for maintenance.

Electrical roles and fitness

Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical) and Assistant Operations (Electrical) work in technical, often shift-based environments. You should be comfortable with wiring, tests and electrical safety.

"Check medical standards early — vision and fitness rules vary by post."

• Match your choices to your fitness, skills and willingness to work shifts.

• Review medical and technical details on the recruitment board site before you finalise preferences.

• Pick realistic posts based on your qualification (10th/ITI/NAC) and readiness to move zones.

Syllabus & Exam Pattern

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: CBT exam pattern

A clear view of the test structure lets you target high‑impact areas first.

Subject-wise distribution and total marks

The CBT has 100 questions for 100 marks. Topics and weightage are:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning — 30 marks

• Mathematics — 25 marks

• General Science — 25 marks

• General Awareness & Current Affairs — 20 marks

Reasoning carries the highest share, so focus on speed and accuracy there. Maths and Science need steady practice; current affairs require daily reading.

Exam duration and negative marking

The total time is 90 minutes. That gives you roughly 54 seconds per question if you aim to attempt all.

There is a penalty of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer. Balance attempts with accuracy to avoid losing marks to guesswork.

"Plan your time: attempt high‑weight sections first, then return to shorter or tougher items."

Minimum qualifying percentage by category

Minimum qualifying marks are set as follows:

Note: Qualifying marks allow you to proceed to later stages but do not guarantee a safe rank. Aim higher than the minimum in this competitive process.

Simple preparation approach

Build speed for Mathematics and Reasoning with timed practice. Revise Class 10 level science daily. Read current affairs in short, focused bursts every day.

• Practice sectional mock tests to refine time management.

• Skip doubtful questions early; revisit only if time permits.

• Keep accuracy above 80% for attempted questions to offset negative marking.

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Syllabus Details

A clear topic map helps you split weekly practice time between maths, reasoning, science and current affairs. Use it to build a simple routine you can keep up for several weeks.

Mathematics topics

High-frequency areas: number system, BODMAS, decimals and fractions, LCM/HCF, ratio and percentage, mensuration, time & work, time & distance, SI/CI, profit & loss, algebra, geometry/trigonometry, statistics, pipes & cistern.

Practise these with timed sets of 15–20 questions and focus on accuracy first, then speed.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Cover analogies, series, coding‑decoding, syllogism, Venn diagrams, directions, and statement‑argument/assumption types. These topics often yield quick marks when you apply pattern practice.

General Science (Class 10 level)

Stick to basic Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at Class 10 standard. Revise key concepts and solve MCQs from past papers to spot recurring themes.

General Awareness and current affairs

Focus on national and international news, sports, culture, notable personalities, economy, polity and science & tech. Make monthly notes and revise them weekly.

"Short notes + past papers + timed mock tests beat last-minute cramming."

• Use short notes for daily revision and archive one‑page topic summaries.

• Do full-length mock tests weekly and analyse mistakes for targeted practice.

• Keep a weekly plan: 3 days maths, 2 days reasoning, 1 day science, 1 day general awareness.

Salary Details

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Salary, allowances

A realistic view of pay and allowances makes budgeting for relocation, uniforms and daily expenses far easier.

The starting basic pay is ₹18,000 per month. With allowances, your typical in‑hand range is about ₹22,500 to ₹25,380. These estimates help you plan monthly costs and savings.

Major components that change your take‑home

Allowances that raise your gross pay include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and transport allowance. Medical facilities, night duty pay and overtime also add cash or benefits.

Note: DA and HRA rates change with government orders, so the final take‑home can shift over time.

Why pay varies by post and posting

Your in‑hand pay depends on city HRA class, how often you do night duty and whether overtime is common in your role. Field posts often attract more shifts and overtime than station‑based posts.

"Check pay and allowance notes before you finalise preferences — small differences add up over a year."

• Use the pay estimate to compare posts and locations.

• Remember long‑term benefits: steady increments, pension/CPF contributions and medical cover.

• Read official pay and allowance notes for the latest figures before you accept an offer.

Selection Process

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Selection process

A simple roadmap shows each stage you must clear and what matters for final merit. Follow the order below so you know which parts are qualifying and which affect ranking.

Computer Based Test screening and shortlisting

The CBT is the primary screening step. Your score here decides who moves forward for the next round.

Prepare well: higher marks improve your chance of being shortlisted for physical rounds and final selection.

Physical Efficiency Test and qualifying nature

The physical efficiency test is qualifying in nature. You must meet the set standards to proceed, but it does not add to merit score.

Train early — do not wait until after the CBT to practise stamina and required tasks.

Document verification and medical examination

Document verification checks originals against your online entries. Mismatched or missing papers can cancel your candidature.

The medical examination is the final fitness gate and matches the medical category for your post.

"Prepare for CBT and PET in parallel, and keep documents organised to avoid last‑minute issues."

• Exact order: CBT → physical efficiency test → document verification → medical examination.

• Keep scanned copies and originals ready before the call for verification.

How to Apply

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: How to apply online

Follow a clear step‑by‑step approach on rrbapply.gov.in to complete your application form smoothly. Small errors in the form cause delays at document verification, so take time at each screen and keep documents handy.

New registration, OTP verification, and login essentials

Begin with new registration. Use an active mobile number and email — you will receive an OTP and all future alerts there. Verify the OTP immediately and note your registration number for login.

Tip: Keep the same mobile and email until the process ends to avoid missing important messages.

Filling Part I details: category, qualification, and other declarations

Enter personal and eligibility details accurately: category, educational qualification (10th/ITI/NAC), and any declarations such as ex‑serviceman or EWS. Match entries to your certificates to prevent mismatches during verification.

Post preference selection and priority order

Select posts in priority order. The portal honours your first preference if you qualify, so rank realistically based on fitness, skills and willingness to relocate.

Uploading photo and signature in the required format

Upload a recent photograph and scanned signature in the specified size and format. Preview uploads and re‑upload if images look blurred. Also attach category or disability certificates where applicable.

Final submit and downloading your application form

Pay the fee and choose exam language, photo ID and bank details for any refund. Once you finalise, submit the application and download the submitted form and fee receipt.

• Save PDFs and screenshots of the application form and payment proof.

• Correction windows may charge a ₹100 modification fee and are limited—aim to be correct on first submit.

• Keep originals and clear scans ready for later verification.

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Documents required for the online form and verification

Start by organising photos, IDs and certificates into clearly named files before you log in to the application form. This saves time and cuts the risk of mismatches during document verification.

Photo, signature and accepted photo ID proofs

Keep a scanned passport‑size photograph and a clear signature file ready in the portal’s required format. Typical photo IDs accepted are Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID and Passport. The name and date of birth on your chosen ID must match your application form exactly.

Educational certificates: 10th, ITI or NAC proof

Upload your Class 10 certificate or mark sheet, or ITI/NAC certificate as applicable. These files prove your educational qualification and will be checked against your online entries during verification.

Category, disability and ex‑servicemen certificates

If you claim reservation, upload valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificates issued by the competent authority. PwBD candidates must attach the official disability certificate and any scribe details if required.

• Checklist: photo, signature, one accepted ID, educational proof, category/disability/ex‑servicemen certificates.

• Name files clearly and keep combined PDFs within portal size limits.

• Bring originals and photocopies when called for verification — mismatched details can cancel your candidature.

"Store every scan in a dedicated folder and double‑check each file before uploading."

All Details

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Medium of exam and language options

Picking the right language can cut reading time and boost your accuracy on test day.

The CBT is available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages. Choose the medium that helps you work fastest and understand questions clearly.

English, Hindi and regional language list

Full list: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu, plus English and Hindi.

How to select your preferred exam language during application

You select the language while you fill the online application form. Look for the language preference field in the form flow and pick it before final submit.

• Choose the language you use when you practise mock tests to keep confidence high.

• Review your selection in the final preview; changes later may be limited.

• Remember: translations exist, but you must prioritise clarity and quick comprehension under time pressure.

RRB Group-D Recruitment 2026: Physical Efficiency Test

Your fitness routine should mirror the test demands so you perform confidently on the day. The physical efficiency test is qualifying, so training is non‑negotiable if you want final selection.

Male PET criteria: weight carry and running timings

Male candidates must carry 35 kg for 100 m in under 2 minutes without stopping. You must also run 1000 m in 4 minutes 15 seconds.

"Without stopping" means continuous movement while holding the load. Practise short loaded walks and timed carries to build rhythm and avoid pausing during the attempt.

Female PET criteria: weight carry and running timings

Female candidates must carry 20 kg for 100 m in under 2 minutes without stopping. The 1000 m run target is 5 minutes 40 seconds.

Increase distance and load gradually to build stamina. Sudden jumps in weight or pace raise injury risk, so follow a stepwise plan.

• Treat the PET as a qualifying stage — regular training is essential.

• Work on strength (legs, core, grip) for the carry and interval runs for speed.

• Practise in exams‑like conditions: same distance, time tracking and minimal rest.

• Maintain hydration, wear proper footwear and check basic medical fitness before intense sessions.

"Simulate the official attempt so the real process feels familiar and less stressful."