Railway Group D Recruitment 2026: Notification, Eligibility, and Application Guide

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the official notification for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026. This is one of the largest recruitment drives for 10th pass candidates in India, offering around 22,000 vacancies across various Group D posts. These positions provide a stable government job with attractive salary benefits and career growth opportunities in the Indian Railways.

As per official information, the online application process will begin on 31 January 2026 and continue until 2 March 2026. Both male and female candidates from across India can apply for these posts. This article provides complete details about the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, selection method, and step-by-step application guidance.

Overview of the Notification / jobs/results/">Result / Job

The Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) under advertisement number CEN 09/2025. This recruitment aims to fill approximately 22,000 Group D (Level-1) positions in various departments of Indian Railways.

Detail	Information
Recruitment Organization	Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Advertisement Number	CEN 09/2025
Post Name	Group D (Level-1)
Total Vacancies	22,000 (Tentative)
Salary/Pay Scale	Approximately ₹23,500 per month
Short Notice Date	13 January 2026
Category	Railway RRB Group D Notification 2026
Official Website	www.rrbapply.gov.in

Important Dates & Timeline

Candidates must keep track of the following important dates for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026. Missing any deadline may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Event	Date
Short Notification Release	13 January 2026
Online Application Start Date	31 January 2026
Online Application End Date	2 March 2026
Admit Card Release (Expected)	To be announced
Computer-Based Test (CBT) Date (Expected)	To be announced
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Date (Expected)	To be announced
Document Verification & Medical Examination (Expected)	To be announced
Final Result Declaration (Expected)	To be announced

Students are advised to check the official website regularly for updates on exam dates and other important announcements. Dates may change as per official decisions.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. The criteria include age limit, educational qualification, and nationality.

Age Limit

The minimum age to apply is 18 years, and the maximum age is 33 years as of 1 January 2026. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government rules.

Category	Age Relaxation
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	3 years
SC/ST	5 years
Ex-Servicemen	Up to 3 years (based on service period)
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)	10 years (General), 13 years (OBC), 15 years (SC/ST)

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board. For some technical posts, ITI certification may also be required. The exact qualification for each post will be mentioned in the detailed notification.

Nationality

Applicants must be Indian citizens. Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962 are also eligible, subject to government approval.

Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step)

Applying for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 is a simple online process. Follow these steps carefully to submit your application without errors.

Step 1: Read the Official Notification

Visit the official website www.rrbapply.gov.in and download the detailed notification (CEN 09/2025). Read it thoroughly to understand the eligibility, vacancies, selection process, and important instructions.

Step 2: Register on the Portal

Go to the “Apply Online” section on the official website. Click on “New Registration” and enter your basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. You will receive an OTP for verification. After verification, a registration number and password will be sent to your email and mobile.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

Log in using your registration number and password. Fill in all required details such as personal information, educational qualifications, category, and post preference. Double-check all entries for accuracy.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of the following documents in the specified format:

• Passport-size photograph (recent, color, white background)
• Signature (black ink on white paper)
• Class 10 certificate or mark sheet
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Ex-serviceman certificate (if applicable)

Ensure the file size and format meet the requirements mentioned in the notification.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee varies based on category. Payment can be made online using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Category	Application Fee
General / OBC / EWS	₹500
SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / PwBD / Women / Minorities	₹250

Note: Candidates who appear for the CBT will get a refund of ₹400 (General/OBC/EWS) or full refund (SC/ST/PwBD/Women) after deducting bank charges.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review all details carefully before final submission. Once submitted, no changes can be made. After submission, take a printout of the application form and fee receipt for future reference.

Selection Process / Evaluation Method

The selection process for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 consists of multiple stages. Candidates must qualify in each stage to proceed to the next.

Stage	Description
Computer-Based Test (CBT)	A single-stage online exam with multiple-choice questions. The test covers Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)	Candidates who qualify in the CBT will undergo a physical test. The standards differ for male and female candidates.
Document Verification	Shortlisted candidates must present original documents for verification, including educational certificates, identity proof, and category certificates.
Medical Examination	Candidates must pass a medical fitness test conducted by railway authorities to ensure they are fit for the job.
Final Merit List	Based on CBT marks and reservation rules, a final merit list will be prepared. Selected candidates will receive appointment letters.

CBT Exam Pattern

Subject	Number of Questions	Marks
Mathematics	25	25
General Intelligence and Reasoning	30	30
General Science	25	25
General Awareness and Current Affairs	20	20
Total	100	100

The duration of the CBT is 90 minutes. There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer.

Documents Required

Candidates must keep the following documents ready before applying for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026. These documents will be required during the application process and document verification stage.

For Application

• Scanned passport-size photograph (JPEG, 20-50 KB)
• Scanned signature (JPEG, 10-20 KB)
• Class 10 mark sheet or certificate (PDF, 50-300 KB)
• Valid email ID and mobile number

For Document Verification

• Original Class 10 certificate or mark sheet
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Ex-serviceman certificate (if applicable)
• Aadhaar card or any government-issued ID proof
• Passport-size photographs (recent, 4-6 copies)
• Domicile certificate (if required)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) for government employees

Salary / Benefits / Career Scope (if job-related)

Railway Group D posts offer a stable government job with a good salary package and additional benefits. Here’s what selected candidates can expect:

Salary Structure

As per the 7th Pay Commission, Group D employees receive a starting salary of approximately ₹23,500 per month. This includes basic pay, dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), and other allowances.

Component	Amount (Approximate)
Basic Pay	₹18,000
Dearness Allowance (DA)	₹3,240 (18% of basic pay)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	₹1,440 to ₹4,320 (8% to 24% of basic pay, based on city)
Transport Allowance	₹900 to ₹3,600 (based on city)
Total In-Hand Salary	₹23,500 to ₹26,000

Additional Benefits

• Job security and pension benefits after retirement
• Medical facilities for self and family
• Travel concessions for self and family members
• Housing facilities or HRA
• Paid leave and holidays
• Promotion opportunities to higher grades

Career Growth

Group D employees can be promoted to Group C posts through departmental exams and seniority. With experience and additional qualifications, they can reach higher administrative positions in the Indian Railways.

Important Rules & Guidelines

Candidates must follow these important rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth application and selection process.

General Rules

• Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
• Candidates must provide accurate information. Any false information may result in cancellation of candidature.
• The application fee is non-refundable unless the candidate appears for the CBT.
• Candidates must keep their registration number and password safe for future login.

Exam Day Guidelines

• Carry the admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport) to the exam center.
• Reach the exam center at least 90 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Do not carry electronic devices like mobile phones, calculators, or smartwatches to the exam hall.
• Follow all instructions given by the invigilator during the exam.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Guidelines

Candidates must meet the following physical standards to qualify for the PET:

Category	Male Candidates	Female Candidates
Running	1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds	400 meters in 3 minutes 10 seconds
Lifting and Carrying	35 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes (without putting it down)	20 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes (without putting it down)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates make avoidable mistakes during the application process or exam preparation. Here are some common errors and how to prevent them:

During Application

• Incorrect Personal Details: Ensure your name, date of birth, and other details match your official documents. Mismatches may lead to rejection.
• Uploading Wrong Documents: Double-check the documents before uploading. Blurry or incorrect documents will not be accepted.
• Missing Deadlines: Submit your application well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
• Incorrect Fee Payment: Verify your category before paying the fee. Wrong payments may not be refunded.

During Exam Preparation

• Ignoring Syllabus: Focus on the official syllabus and avoid studying irrelevant topics.
• Skipping Mock Tests: Practice with previous year papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Neglecting Physical Fitness: Start preparing for the PET early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Not Reading Instructions: Carefully read all instructions in the admit card and exam hall to avoid disqualification.

Who Should Apply / Check This?

Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for the following candidates:

• 10th Pass Students: Candidates who have completed Class 10 and are looking for a stable government job.
• ITI Certificate Holders: Those with ITI certification can apply for technical posts in Group D.
• Unemployed Youth: Young individuals seeking employment in the government sector with good salary and benefits.
• Women Candidates: Women looking for secure jobs with equal opportunities in Indian Railways.
• Ex-Servicemen: Retired defense personnel can apply with age relaxation benefits.
• Persons with Disabilities (PwBD): PwBD candidates can apply for reserved posts with additional benefits.

Check This :-

Amazing Helpful Tool :SSC Online Tools – Photo, Eligibility, OTR, Admit Card & More

This recruitment is ideal for candidates who want a long-term career in the Indian Railways with opportunities for growth and promotion.

How to Use the Official Website {official website}

The official website for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 is www.rrbapply.gov.in. Here’s how to navigate the website effectively:

Step 1: Visit the Homepage

Open the official website in a web browser. The homepage displays the latest notifications, important dates, and quick links for applying.

Step 2: Find the Recruitment Section

Click on the “Recruitment” or “Notifications” tab to find the Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 link. Look for CEN 09/2025.

Step 3: Download the Notification

Click on the notification link to download the detailed PDF. Read it carefully to understand eligibility, vacancies, and selection process.

Step 4: Register and Apply

Click on “Apply Online” and follow the registration process. Fill in all details accurately and upload the required documents.

Step 5: Check Application Status

After submitting the application, log in to your account to check the status. You can also download the admit card from the same portal when released.

Step 6: Contact Support (If Needed)

If you face any issues, use the “Helpdesk” or “Contact Us” section on the website. You can also call the helpline number provided in the notification.

Official Links & Verification

Always verify information from official sources to avoid misinformation. Here are the official links for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026:

Purpose	Link
Official Website	www.rrbapply.gov.in
Notification PDF	Download Here
Apply Online	Click Here
Corrigendum Notice	View Notice

Students are advised to check these links regularly for updates and announcements. Avoid relying on unofficial sources for critical information.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, details may change as per official announcements by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).

• We are not affiliated with the RRB or Indian Railways. For official updates, always refer to www.rrbapply.gov.in.
• Vacancy numbers, dates, and eligibility criteria mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information. The RRB reserves the right to modify these details.
• Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying. This article does not guarantee selection or job placement.
• We do not collect or store any personal data of applicants. For application-related queries, contact the official helpline.

For the most reliable and updated information, visit the official RRB website or contact the nearest RRB office.