Indian Railways Group D Recruitment 2026

Balasahana Suresh
🛤️ What’s Happening?

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways, government of India have officially opened applications for the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 — one of the biggest hiring drives this year. A total of 22,195 vacancies have been announced for Level 1 posts (formerly Group D) across indian Railways under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 09/2025.

📅 Key Dates You Must Know

  • Notification Released: 30 January 2026 (official detailed notification)
  • Applications Started: 31 January 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 2 March 2026 (11:59 PM)
  • Fee Payment Last Date: 4 March 2026 (usually) and correction window till 14 March in some posts.
This online application must be submitted through the official RRB websites — there is no offline application process.

🎯 What Posts Are Included?

The 22,195 vacancies are across Level 1 positions under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix. Common posts include:

  • Track Maintainer Grade IV
  • Pointsman
  • Assistant – S&T, Electrical, Mechanical & other departments
  • Assistant Loco Shed
  • Assistant Operations
    …among others.
These are foundational roles responsible for train operations, track maintenance, and support services across various zones and units of indian Railways.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the RRB Group D posts, candidates must meet the following:

📌 Educational Qualification

  • 10th pass (Matric) from a recognized board
    OR
  • ITI certificate from a recognised institute
    OR
  • National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) accredited by NCVT
    (Candidates awaiting final results are not eligible.)
A recent rule relaxation confirmed by the Railway Board makes Class 10 pass + ITI/NAC or equivalent acceptable for all Level 1 posts.

📌 Age Limit

  • 18–33 years as on 1 January 2026
  • Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government norms.
💰 Application Fees

  • General / OBC / EWS: ₹500 (partially refundable)
  • SC / st / PwBD / women / Ex‑Servicemen / Minorities / EBC: ₹250 (refundable after appearing in CBT)
    Payment is online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
📝 Selection Process

The recruitment typically includes:

Computer Based Test (CBT) – objective multiple‑choice written exam

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – for certain posts requiring physical tasks

Document Verification – validating eligibility, certificates, and identity

Medical Examination – final fitness check before appointment

Candidates must clear each stage to be considered for appointment.

📌 Salary & Benefits

Selected candidates are placed in Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with a basic pay of around ₹18,000 + allowances including HRA, DA, transport, and more depending on zone/location.

🧑‍💻 How to Apply

Visit the official RRB portal (such as rrbapply.gov.in or the specific regional RRB site).

Create an account or log in with existing credentials.

Fill in personal, educational, and preference details.

Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates).

Pay the application fee and submit the form.

Make sure all details are accurate — editing may only be possible during a limited correction window later.

🧠 Why This Recruitment Matters

  • It’s one of the largest entry‑level recruitment drives in 2026, especially for candidates with 10th pass and ITI qualifications.
  • It provides stable government employment in one of India’s biggest public sectors.
  • The drive helps fill long‑pending manpower needs across railway zones and production units.
⚠️ Apply Before the Deadline

The online window is open now and closes on 2 March 2026. If you’re eligible, don’t wait — complete your application early to avoid last‑minute issues.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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