RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 22,195 Vacancies
Detailed Notification (CEN 09/2025), Eligibility, Syllabus, and Zone-wise Vacancy Guide
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially triggered one of the largest employment drives of 2026. Under the Centralized Employment Notice (CEN) 09/2025, the board has invited online applications for 22,195 Level-1 (Group D) posts. This recruitment serves as a gateway for millions of 10th-pass and ITI-qualified candidates to join the Indian Railways in permanent roles.
In this ultimate guide, we break down every single detail—from zone-wise vacancies to the specific physical requirements—to help you navigate the application process and secure your career.
1. RRB Group D 2026 Important Dates
Missing a deadline is the first mistake you must avoid. The RRB operates on a strict timeline for CEN 09/2025.
| Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | January 30, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | March 02, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | March 04, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March 05 to March 14, 2026 |
| CBT Exam Tentative Schedule | May – July 2026 |
2. Vacancy Breakdown: 22,195 Posts
The 2026 recruitment features diverse roles across various departments. The Track Maintainer Grade IV remains the post with the highest number of openings, followed by Pointsman-B.
| Post Name | Department | Vacancies (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | Engineering | 11,032 |
| Pointsman-B | Traffic | 5,053 |
| Assistant (S&T) | S&T | 1,509 |
| Assistant Carriage & Wagon | Mechanical | 1,000 |
| Assistant Loco Shed | Electrical | 200 |
| Assistant Operations | Electrical | 604 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 | |
Top RRB Zones for 2026
Strategic zone selection is crucial because you can only apply to ONE RRB. Here are the zones with the most vacancies:
- Western Railway (Mumbai): 3,148 Posts
- Northern Railway (New Delhi): 3,537 Posts
- North Central Railway (Prayagraj): 1,183 Posts
- West Central Railway (Jabalpur): 1,147 Posts
3. Eligibility Criteria
A. Educational Qualification
To be eligible for RRB Group D, a candidate must have one of the following qualifications from a recognized board/NCVT/SCVT:
- 10th Pass (Matriculation)
- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate
- National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT
B. Age Limit (As of January 01, 2026)
| Category | Age Range |
|---|---|
| General (UR) & EWS | 18 to 33 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 to 36 Years |
| SC / ST | 18 to 38 Years |
4. Selection Process: The 4 Stages
The RRB follows a transparent merit-based system. You must clear all four stages:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): The primary screening exam.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A qualifying test for fitness.
- Document Verification (DV): Original certificate check.
- Medical Examination: Ensuring you meet Railway medical standards (A-2, B-1, etc.).
5. CBT Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The CBT is 100 marks with a duration of 90 minutes. Caution: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science (10th Standard) | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Syllabus Highlights:
- Math: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio, Percentages, Mensuration, Time & Work, Simple/Compound Interest.
- Reasoning: Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Data Interpretation, Blood Relations.
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences based on the 10th Standard CBSE syllabus.
- General Awareness: Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, and Politics.
6. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
| Category | Weight Lifting | Running Task |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Carry 35 kg for 100m in 2 minutes (one chance) | 1000m run in 4 minutes 15 seconds |
| Female | Carry 20 kg for 100m in 2 minutes (one chance) | 1000m run in 5 minutes 40 seconds |
7. How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to ensure your application is not rejected:
- Visit the official portal: rrbapply.gov.in.
- Click on "Create an Account" and verify your mobile and email via OTP.
- Login and select CEN 09/2025.
- Zone Selection: Choose your RRB zone carefully.
- Fill Details: Enter educational marks and personal info exactly as per your 10th Marksheet.
- Upload Photo/Sign: Scanned photo must have a white background (15-40 KB).
- Fee Payment: Pay ₹500 (Gen/OBC) or ₹250 (SC/ST/Female). Note: Fee is partially refundable after you appear for the CBT.
Conclusion: Start Your Preparation Today!
With 22,195 posts, the competition will be fierce. Millions will apply, but only those with a consistent study plan and physical training will succeed. Stay updated with **BharatGraminSeva** for mock tests and exam date announcements.
DIRECT LINK TO APPLYDisclaimer: This information is based on the official RRB CEN 09/2025 notification. Please verify details on the official RRB website before applying.
