The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 under CEN 09/2025 is a major hiring drive by the Railway Recruitment Boards (Ministry of Railways, Government of India) aimed at filling around 22,000 Level-1 posts in Indian Railways. This opportunity targets 10th-pass and ITI-qualified youth for essential entry-level roles across the country’s vast railway network, offering long-term job security, competitive pay under the 7th CPC, and benefits like medical coverage, pension, and promotions.
The short/indicative notice appeared in the Employment Newspaper around 23 December 2025, confirming the vacancy count and key timelines. The full detailed notification is slated for release around 20 January 2026, with online applications opening shortly after.
Overview of RRB Group D Level-1 Posts
These positions involve hands-on duties in maintenance, operations, and support across departments such as Civil Engineering (P-Way/Track), Mechanical, Electrical, S&T, and Traffic. Common roles include:
- Track Maintainer Grade-IV (track inspection and upkeep)
- Pointsman-B (signal and point operation)
- Assistant in various sections (Workshop, Loco Shed, Bridge, Carriage & Wagon, P.Way, TL & AC, Track Machine, TRD, Operations)
Postings occur in different railway zones, providing nationwide opportunities.
Important Details at a Glance
- Recruiting Body: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB)
- CEN Number: 09/2025
- Approximate Vacancies: 22,000 (tentative; zone-wise breakup in detailed notification)
- Posting Location: Pan-India (various RRB zones)
- Pay Scale: Level-1 (7th CPC) – Starting basic pay ₹18,000 + DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and other perks (in-hand approx. ₹22,000–₹35,000+ based on posting city)
Age Criteria (as on 01.01.2026)
- Lower limit: 18 years
- Upper limit: 33 years
- Relaxations: 3 years for OBC-NCL, 5 years for SC/ST, 10 years for PwBD, plus extra for Ex-Servicemen and other categories per government norms.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
- Education: Matriculation (10th pass) from a recognized board, OR ITI/NAC from NCVT/SCVT-approved institute.
- Final-year/result-awaiting candidates are ineligible.
- Must satisfy post-specific medical fitness standards.
- Indian nationality (or eligible categories like subjects of Nepal/Bhutan with certificate).
How Candidates Are Selected
The process includes:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Main scoring stage.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Qualifying (running, weight carry/lift tasks; standards vary by gender).
- Document Verification.
- Medical Fitness Check.
Merit relies on CBT scores, with PET and other stages as qualifiers. Up to 3 times the vacancies may be shortlisted for PET.
CBT Exam Structure
- 100 objective questions | 100 marks | 90 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer
- Languages: English, Hindi + 13 regional options
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Focus on Class 10-level basics for Math/Science, logical puzzles, and recent events.
Application Charges
- General/OBC: ₹500 (₹400 refunded if CBT appears)
- SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Ex-Servicemen/Transgender/Minorities/EBC: ₹250 (fully refunded on CBT appearance)
- Mode: Online via card, net banking, UPI.
Key Timeline
- Short Notice Release: ~23 December 2025 (Employment News)
- Detailed Notification: Expected ~20 January 2026
- Online Application Window: 21 January 2026 to 20 February 2026 (till 23:59 hrs)
- Fee Payment Deadline: Same as application close
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Head to the unified portal www.rrbapply.gov.in starting 21 January 2026.
- Register via One-Time Registration (OTR) – link Aadhaar/mobile/email.
- Log in, choose your RRB/zone, and complete CEN 09/2025 form.
- Upload photo, signature, and certificates (as specified).
- Pay fee online.
- Submit and save/print confirmation (keep for reference).
Always use official RRB sites; avoid fake portals.
Official Resources
- Centralized Application: www.rrbapply.gov.in (activates 21.01.2026)
- Regional RRB Websites: For notices and PDFs (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in, etc.)
- Short Notice: Check Employment News archive or RRB portals
- Full CEN 09/2025: Download from official RRB sites once live
Quick FAQs
How many posts are available? Around 22,000 Level-1 vacancies (tentative).
Last date for form submission? 20 February 2026.
Required qualification? 10th pass or ITI/NAC from recognized body.
Age range? 18–33 years (01.01.2026), relaxable for reserved groups.
Fee amount? ₹500 (Gen/OBC) or ₹250 (others), with refunds on CBT participation.
Detailed notification status? Short notice out; full version expected mid-January 2026—read it for zone-wise details and exact rules.
With high competition, begin studying now: brush up on basics, practice mock tests, and stay fit for PET. Keep checking official RRB portals for updates, admit cards, and city intimation.
