RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online 22000 (Approx.) Posts
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Your Complete Guide to 22,000 Vacancies
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have announced a massive recruitment drive through the Indicative Notice for Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 09/2025. This recruitment targets “Various Posts in Level 1,” commonly known as RRB Group D. With approximately 22,000 vacancies expected for the 2026 cycle, this is one of the most significant government job opportunities in India. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, application steps, exam pattern, and essential tips to help you secure a position.
Table of Contents
1. Overview of RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
The RRB Group D recruitment is conducted for Level 1 posts under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix. These roles form the backbone of the Indian Railways’ operational and maintenance activities.
- Recruiting Authority: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)
- Notification Type: Indicative Notice (CEN 09/2025)
- Post Name: Group D (Level 1)
- Total Vacancies (Approx.): 22,000
- Application Mode: Online
2. Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific educational, age, and medical standards to be eligible for these posts.
A. Educational Qualification
To apply for RRB Group D posts, candidates must have passed:
- Act Apprentice: Certificate issued under the Apprentices Act, 1961, from a recognized Industrial Training Institute (ITI).
- OR
- 10th Pass (Matriculation): Plus (a) ITI pass certificate from a recognized institution, OR (b) National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
B. Age Limit (as of 01.07.2026)
The age limit is typically 18 to 33 years. However, relaxations are provided for reserved categories:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- PwBD (UR/EWS): 10 years
- PwBD (OBC): 13 years
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
3. How to Apply Online
Follow these steps carefully to complete your application once the official link is active:
- Visit the Official RRB Website: Go to the regional RRB website corresponding to your state or preferred zone.
- Registration: Click on “New Registration” and enter your basic details like name, mobile number, and email ID to generate a Registration ID.
- Fill Application Form: Log in with your Registration ID and password. Fill in personal, educational, and community details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and size.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the fee online via UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or other available options.
- UR/EWS/OBC Male: Rs. 500/- (Refundable Rs. 400/-)
- SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minority: Rs. 250/- (Refundable Rs. 200/-)
- Submit and Download: Verify all details before final submission. Download the confirmation page for future reference.
4. Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The selection process involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
CBT Exam Structure
The CBT is objective in nature. Here is the detailed structure:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for every wrong answer.
- Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
5. Pay Scale and Job Profile
Selected candidates will be placed in the Level 1 Pay Matrix of the 7th CPC. The initial salary is attractive, with several allowances.
Approximate In-Hand Salary: Rs. 22,000 – 25,000 (including allowances like DA, HRA, TA)
Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Transport Allowance (TA), Night Duty Allowance, etc.
Common Job Profiles
- Trackman: Maintenance of railway tracks.
- Helper (Electrical/Mechanical/S&T): Assisting technicians in their respective departments.
- Cook: Cooking food in railway canteens.
- Porter: Handling luggage and passenger assistance.
- Gunman/Guard: Security duties.
6. Preparation Strategy
To crack the RRB Group D exam, a disciplined approach is required. Here are proven strategies:
- Maths: Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work.
- Reasoning: Series, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagram.
- Science: Biology (Human Body, Diseases), Physics (Units, Motion), Chemistry (Acids, Bases).
With only 90 seconds per question on average, practice is key. Solve previous year papers within the time limit to improve speed and accuracy.
- NCERT Books (Class 8th to 10th) for Science and Maths.
- Monthly Current Affairs magazines.
- Mock tests from reliable online platforms.
Conclusion
The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 offers a golden opportunity for 10th and ITI pass candidates to secure a stable and prestigious government job. With 22,000 vacancies, the competition will be high, but systematic preparation and adherence to the application process can ensure success. Keep checking the official RRB websites for the exact notification release date and start your preparation immediately.
