Are you ready to kickstart your career with the Indian Railways? One of the most anticipated job notifications of the year is finally here! The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced a massive recruitment drive for 2026, aimed at filling approximately 22,000 vacancies for various Level-1 posts. This notification, released under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 09/2025, offers a life-changing opportunity for 10th-pass candidates and ITI holders across the country.
Government jobs in the railway sector are highly coveted due to their stability, competitive pay structure under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, and extensive perks. Whether you aspire to be a Track Maintainer, Pointsman, or an Assistant in specialized technical departments, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate the application process and selection stages effectively.
Key Highlights
The 2026 RRB Group-D recruitment is a national-level event. RRB Chandigarh has been designated as the Nodal RRB to coordinate this cycle for Level-1 posts. With an initial basic pay of ₹18,000 per month and gross salaries reaching up to ₹25,380 depending on the city of posting, this is an excellent entry-level opportunity.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | RRB Group-D (Level-1) Recruitment 2026 |
| Notification Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | ~22,000 Posts |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Job Location | Across India (Zonal Wise) |
| Basic Pay | ₹18,000 (Level-1, 7th CPC) |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Important Dates
Staying updated with the timeline is crucial for any aspirant. The detailed notification PDF is scheduled for release on January 20, 2026, with the application window opening the very next day.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notification Release | December 23, 2025 |
| Detailed Notification PDF | January 20, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | January 21, 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Form | February 20, 2026 Hurry Up! Application Ended |
| CBT Exam Dates | To be announced (Expected Mid-2026) |
Vacancy Breakup (Zone-wise & Post-wise)
The 22,000 vacancies are distributed across various Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs). Candidates must choose their Zone carefully as transfers are difficult later. Below is the Expected Zone-wise Breakup.
Top 5 High Vacancy Zones
| Zone (Railway) | Headquarters | Approx Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Railway (NR) | New Delhi | 3,537 |
| Western Railway (WR) | Mumbai | 3,148 |
| Central Railway (CR) | Mumbai | 1,979 |
| Eastern Railway (ER) | Kolkata | 1,817 |
| Southern Railway (SR) | Chennai | 1,650 |
Post-wise Distribution
| Post Name | Approx Vacancies | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Gr. IV | 11,000 | Engineering |
| Pointsman-B | 5,000 | Traffic |
| Assistant (S & T) | 1,500 | Signal & Telecom |
| Assistant (C & W) | 1,000 | Mechanical |
| Assistant (TRD/TL & AC) | 1,300 | Electrical |
Eligibility Criteria
The 2026 recruitment features a special age relaxation due to the gap in recruitment years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Class 10th (Matriculation) Passed.
- OR ITI from NCVT/SCVT recognized institute.
- OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
- Age Limit (as of 01.01.2026):
- General/EWS: 18 to 36 years.
- OBC (NCL): 18 to 39 years.
- SC / ST: 18 to 41 years.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: CBT | 100 MCQs in 90 minutes. (Science: 25, Maths: 25, Reasoning: 30, GK: 20). Negative marking: 1/3. |
| Stage 2: PET | Physical Efficiency Test. Male: 35kg Lift & 1000m Run. Female: 20kg Lift & 1000m Run. |
| Stage 3: DV & Medical | Document Verification and Medical Exam (Standard A2 to C1). |
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
Applying for RRB Group D can be tricky if you miss the small details. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your form is accepted without errors:
- Account Creation: Visit rrbapply.gov.in and click on “New Registration”. You will need a valid Mobile Number and Email ID for OTP verification.
- Fill Basic Details: Enter your Name, Father’s Name, and Date of Birth exactly as they appear on your 10th Class Marksheet. Any mismatch here can lead to disqualification during Document Verification.
- Part-I Application: Log in using your registered credentials. Select the “CEN 09/2025” notification and your preferred RRB Zone. (Note: You can only apply to one zone).
- Enter Education & Community: Fill in your 10th/ITI details. Select your community (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS). If you are OBC, ensure you have a valid “Non-Creamy Layer” certificate.
- Upload Documents:
- Photograph: Recent color photo (35mm x 45mm), White background, 20kb–50kb size, JPG format. Face should be clearly visible.
- Signature: Running hand signature in Black/Blue ink on white paper. Size: 10kb–40kb, JPG format.
- SC/ST Certificate: Upload PDF/JPG (50kb–100kb) for free travel pass eligibility.
- Post Preference: You will see a list of posts available in your zone. Assign priority numbers (1, 2, 3…) to all eligible posts. Don’t leave any blank!
- Fee Payment: Pay the fee (₹500 or ₹250) via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Card. Keep the transaction receipt safe.
- Final Submit: Preview the entire form. Check your photo and signature visibility. Once satisfied, click “Final Submit”. Print the application form for future reference.
FAQs: RRB Group D 2026
The RRB Group-D 2026 Recruitment is a golden gateway for aspirants seeking a stable career. With 22,000 vacancies and a structured selection process, your hard work can pay off. Make sure to apply between January 21 and February 20, 2026 at rrbapply.gov.in.
– Start your preparation today and secure your spot in the Indian Railways!
