The Indian Railways has officially announced one of the most awaited job opportunities of the year. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) have released the official notification (Advt. No. CEN 09/2025) for the recruitment of Group D (Level-1) posts. With a total of 22,195 positions available across various railway zones, this is a golden opportunity for candidates looking for a stable government career.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the RRB Group D 2026 recruitment, including important dates, eligibility, vacancy breakdown, and the application process.
The Railway Group D recruitment is designed to fill various technical and non-technical support roles. These positions are crucial for the smooth functioning of the Indian Railways.
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Railway RRB Group D 2026 Important Dates to Remember
Timing is everything when it comes to government exams. Make sure you mark these dates on your calendar to avoid the last-minute rush.
Notification Release: January 30, 2026
Application Start Date: January 31, 2026
Application Deadline: March 02, 2026
Fee Payment Last Date: March 04, 2026
Correction Window: March 05 to March 14, 2026
Exam Date: To be announced soon
Railway RRB Group D Vacancy Details: Post-Wise Distribution
The 22,195 vacancies are divided into different departments such as Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, and S&T (Signal & Telecommunication). Here is a breakdown of the posts:
Technical and Support Roles
Track Maintainer Grade IV: 11,032 posts (Largest share)
Pointsman-B: 5,053 posts
Assistant (S&T): 1,509 posts
Assistant (C&W): 1,000 posts
Assistant (Track Machine): 597 posts
Assistant (Bridge): 600 posts
Electrical and Operational Roles
Assistant Operations (Electrical): 604 posts
Assistant TL & AC: 500 posts
Assistant TRD: 800 posts
Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical): 200 posts
Assistant P-Way: 300 posts
Eligibility Criteria: Railway RRB Group D 2026
Before you head to the application link, ensure you meet the following requirements set by the RRB.
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed Class 10 (High School) from a recognized board (NCVT/SCVT). Alternatively, candidates holding a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT are also eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit (As of January 01, 2026)
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 33 Years
Age Relaxation: Standard government rules apply for SC/ST/OBC and Ex-Servicemen. Usually, this is 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Application Fee and Refund Policy
The RRB has a unique fee structure where a portion of the application fee is refunded after the candidate appears for the first stage of the exam (CBT).
Fee Structure
General / OBC / EWS: ₹ 500
SC / ST / Female / Transgender / EBC: ₹ 250
Refund Amount (After appearing in CBT-1)
General / OBC: ₹ 400 will be refunded to the bank account.
Reserved Categories: ₹ 250 (Full refund) will be processed.
Note: Ensure you provide your own bank account details during the application process to receive the refund successfully.
How to Apply for Railway Recruitment RRB Group D 2026
New Registration: Click on the “CEN 09/2025 Registration” link and enter your basic details like name, mobile number, and email.
Fill the Form: Log in with your registration ID and fill in your educational details and post preferences.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and caste certificate (if applicable).
Pay Fee: Pay the application fee using a Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
Print Confirmation: Download and print the final application form for future reference.
Documents Required for Filling of Railway RRB Group D 2026
Having your documents ready will make the process much smoother. Here is what you need:
Photograph: Recent passport size with a white/light background.
Signature: Clearly signed with black ink on white paper.
Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for identity verification and biometric attendance.
10th Certificate: To verify your date of birth and name spellings.
Caste Certificate: If you are claiming reservation (SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
Bank Details: Passbook or cancelled cheque for the fee refund.
Selection Process: How Will You Be Recruited?
The RRB Group D selection process is rigorous to ensure the best candidates are chosen for the Indian Railways. It involves four main stages:
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
This is an online objective test covering General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness/Current Affairs.
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who clear the CBT will be called for the PET. This involves tasks like running and carrying weights within a specific time limit. The criteria differ for male and female candidates.
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV)
Successful candidates must bring their original documents to prove their eligibility.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
The final step is a medical fitness test to ensure the candidate is physically fit to perform the duties of the specific post.
Tips for Preparation
To clear the RRB Group D exam, you need a solid strategy:
Focus on Mathematics: Practice basic arithmetic and algebra.
General Science: Study NCERT books from Class 8 to 10.
Current Affairs: Stay updated with the last 6-12 months of news, especially regarding Indian Railways.
Mock Tests: Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and manage your time.
Conclusion
The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 is a massive opportunity with over 22,000 seats. With the application window closing on March 02, 2026, candidates should not wait until the last day. Start gathering your documents and begin your preparation today!