The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially released the employment notification CEN No. 09/2025 for recruitment to multiple posts under Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. This announcement begins a large-scale hiring drive across Indian Railways, offering thousands of vacancies for candidates seeking a stable government career.
This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass candidates who aspire to secure a permanent government job in the Indian Railways. With a massive 21,997 vacancies announced across different Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs), positions include Track Maintainer Grade IV, Assistant Pointsman, and Assistants in Electrical, Mechanical, and S&T departments.
This article provides a complete guide to the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026, covering vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limit, selection process, important dates, and direct links for notification and online application.
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Recruiting Organization | Indian Railways (RRBs/RRCs) |
| Notification Number | CEN No. 09/2025 |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level 1) Exam 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 21,997 |
| Job Location | All India (Zone-wise) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Salary/Pay Scale | Level 1 (7th CPC) – Basic Pay ₹18,000 |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 Zone Wise Details
| Railway Zone / RRC | Headquarters | Key Posts Available |
| Central Railway | Mumbai | Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant (Works) |
| Northern Railway | New Delhi | Engineering, S&T, Mechanical posts |
| Western Railway | Mumbai | Electrical, Traffic, and Bridge assistants |
| Eastern Railway | Kolkata | Includes Metro Railway Kolkata posts |
| Southern Railway | Chennai | Posts in TN, Kerala, and surrounding regions |
| North Western Railway | Jaipur | Engineering and Traffic assistants |
| Total Vacancies | All India | 21,997 Posts |
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification
- General Candidates: Must have passed Matriculation (10th Standard) from a recognized Board/Institution OR hold an ITI certificate from NCVT/SCVT approved institutes.
- Apprentices: Candidates possessing a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT are also eligible.
- Note: Applicants awaiting their final results are not permitted to apply.
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
As on 01 January 2026, applicants must be at least 18 years old, while the maximum permissible age is 33 years. Only candidates falling within this age range will be considered eligible.
Relaxation in the upper age limit is available for reserved categories. OBC (NCL) candidates get 3 years, SC/ST candidates get 5 years, and PwBD/Ex-Servicemen will receive concessions as per government rules.
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
Candidates will be shortlisted based on the process outlined below.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): Conducted for 90 minutes with 100 objective-type questions.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates must meet prescribed physical standards to qualify.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be required to produce original certificates.
- Medical Examination: Final stage to ensure medical fitness for railway duties.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Date | 27 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 02 March 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 04 March 2026 |
| Correction Window | 05 March to 14 March 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be notified soon |
How to Apply Online for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
The application can be submitted successfully by following the instructions listed below.
- Candidates should log on to the RRB portal and initiate their application by clicking on the CEN 09/2025 link. Create an account using your mobile number and email.
- Verify your identity using DigiLocker or Aadhaar for faster authentication.
- Fill in personal details, educational marks, and carefully select your preferred Railway Zone (cannot be changed later).
- Upload a live photograph, signature, and caste certificate (if applicable for travel pass).
- Pay the application fee through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
- Preview the form, submit it, and take a printout for future reference.
Important Links
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Final Words
The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 offers a massive opportunity for 10th-pass candidates to secure a stable career in the Indian Railways. With 21,997 vacancies across multiple zones, aspirants should apply within the given timeline, prepare thoroughly for the CBT and PET, and ensure all eligibility conditions are met. This recruitment drive is one of the largest in recent years, making it a golden chance for railway job seekers.
