The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is currently conducting one of India’s largest government hiring drives of the year RRB Group D Level 1 Recruitment 2026, released under CEN 09/2025. This recruitment covers non-technical, entry-level posts across Indian Railways and is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities for Class 10th pass and ITI-qualified candidates. Here is a complete, up-to-date breakdown of everything you need to know.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), Indian Railways |
| Advertisement No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Post Name | Various Group D posts, Level 1 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Dates | 31 January 2026 – 09 March 2026 (extended) |
| Exam Stage | CBT-1 (Computer Based Test) |
| CBT-1 Exam Date | 03 – 25 August 2026 |
| Selection Process | CBT-1, PET, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in / regional RRB websites |
About RRB Group D Level 1 Recruitment 2026
Indian Railways announced this recruitment cycle to fill entry-level technical and non-technical posts across its 16 railway zones and production units. These positions fall under Level 1 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix and form the backbone of railway operations — including track maintenance, signal and telecom support, mechanical assistance, and pointsman duties. Compared to the previous cycle (CEN 08/2024, which had 32,438 vacancies), this year’s vacancy count of 22,195 marks one of the lower vacancy counts seen in recent years, making competition for each seat significant.
Important Dates for RRB Group D 2026
- Notification Released: 30 January 2026
- Online Application Start: 31 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 09 March 2026 (extended)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 11 March 2026
- Correction Window: 12 – 21 March 2026
- Exam City Details Released: 24 July 2026
- Admit Card Released: 31 July 2026
- CBT-1 Exam Dates: 03, 06, 09, 17, 21 and 25 August 2026 (revised tentative schedule, conducted in multiple shifts)
- Result: To be announced (candidates should track the official RRB portal for updates)
Candidates should always cross-verify these dates on their respective zonal RRB website, since schedules for large-scale exams like this are occasionally revised.
RRB Group D Vacancy Details (Post-wise)
The 22,195 vacancies are spread across multiple Level 1 posts. A snapshot of the major categories:
| Post Name | Approximate Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | 11,032 |
| Pointsman-B | 5,053 |
| Assistant (S&T) | 1,509 |
| Assistant (C&W) | 1,000 |
| Assistant TRD | 800 |
| Assistant Operations (Electrical) | 604 |
| Assistant (Bridge) | 600 |
| Assistant (Track Machine) | 597 |
| Assistant TL & AC | 500 |
| Assistant P-Way | 300 |
| Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical) | 200 |
Note: Numbers may be revised through official corrigenda. Candidates should check the zone-wise vacancy PDF on the official RRB CEN 09/2025 notification for the exact breakup applicable to their region and category.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board, OR hold an ITI certificate from an institution recognized by NCVT/SCVT, OR possess a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026):
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 33 years (upper limit may vary slightly by source; candidates should confirm the exact ceiling from the official notification, as it also differs based on category)
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC-NCL candidates: 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10–15 years depending on category
- Other relaxations as per Government of India norms
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund on Appearing for CBT |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded |
| SC / ST / EBC / Female / Transgender / Ex-Servicemen / PwBD / Minorities | ₹250 | ₹250 refunded (full refund) |
Payment can be made online through debit card, credit card, net banking, IMPS, or mobile wallets.
Selection Process
RRB Group D Level 1 recruitment follows a four-stage selection process:
- Computer Based Test (CBT-1): Objective-type questions covering Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness on Current Affairs.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates who qualify CBT-1 must clear category-specific physical standards (running, lifting, etc.).
- Document Verification (DV): Verification of educational certificates, category certificates, age proof, and other supporting documents.
- Medical Examination: A final medical fitness test as per railway medical standards is conducted before appointment.
How to Download the RRB Group D Admit Card / Exam City Slip
- Visit the official website of your respective zonal Railway Recruitment Board.
- Locate the link for “RRB Group-D CBT-I Admit Card 2026” or the CEN 09/2025 exam schedule notice.
- Log in using your registration number, enrollment number, or date of birth.
- Download and open the Exam City Notice or Admit Card PDF.
- Carefully check your exam date, shift timing, reporting time, and exam center address.
- Take a clear printout to carry to the exam center along with a valid photo ID.
Pay Scale and Career Benefits
Selected candidates are placed at Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with a starting basic pay of approximately ₹18,000 per month, along with allowances (DA, HRA, Travel Allowance) as applicable, medical benefits, pension under the National Pension System, and other perks associated with a central government railway job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are there in RRB Group D Recruitment 2026? A total of 22,195 Level 1 vacancies have been notified under CEN 09/2025.
Q2. What is the minimum qualification required for RRB Group D 2026? Candidates need to have passed Class 10 from a recognized board, or hold an ITI/NAC certificate recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
Q3. When is the RRB Group D CBT-1 exam being held? The exam is scheduled across multiple dates in August 2026, as per the revised tentative schedule released by RRB.
Q4. What is the selection process for RRB Group D? Selection involves CBT-1, a Physical Efficiency Test, Document Verification, and a Medical Examination.
Q5. Where can candidates download their admit card? Admit cards are available on the official regional RRB websites by logging in with registration details.