The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the short notification for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025) on 23 December 2025. This is a massive recruitment drive for 22,000 Level-1 posts across different zones and departments of Indian Railways.
This recruitment offers a great opportunity for 10th pass and ITI candidates who are looking for a secure and stable railway job. The online application process will start from 21 January 2026, and the last date to apply is 20 February 2026.
Table of Contents
RRB Group D Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Recruitment Type | RRB Group D Level-1 (CEN 09/2025) |
| Post Names | Pointsman-B, Assistant (Track Machine, Bridge, P-Way, TRD, Loco Shed, Operations, TL & AC, C & W), Track Maintainer, Assistant (S & T) |
| Total Vacancies | 22,000 |
| Job Category | Group D (Level-1, Non-Gazetted) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India (all railway zones) |
| Notification Release Date | 23 December 2025 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 21 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 20 February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before exam (to be notified) |
| CBT Exam Date | April-September 2026 (tentative) |
| PET Exam Date | After CBT (to be notified) |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500/- (₹400 refundable after appearing in CBT) |
| SC / ST | ₹250/- (fully refundable) |
| Female Candidates | ₹250/- (fully refundable) |
| PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender | ₹250/- (fully refundable) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI) |
Age Limit
As on 01 January 2026:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 33 years
Age Relaxation (as per Government of India rules):
- SC / ST: 5 years (up to 38 years)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years (up to 36 years)
- PwBD: 10 years for UR/EWS, 13 years for OBC, 15 years for SC/ST
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government norms
- Railway Staff with 3 years service: Up to 40-45 years, depending on category
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Track Maintainer (Group IV) | 11,000 |
| Pointsman-B | 5,000 |
| Assistant (C & W) | 1,000 |
| Assistant (S & T) | 1,500 |
| Assistant (Track Machine) | 600 |
| Assistant (Bridge) | 600 |
| Assistant (TRD) | 800 |
| Assistant (P-Way) | 300 |
| Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical) | 200 |
| Assistant Operations (Electrical) | 500 |
| Assistant (TL & AC) | 50 |
| Total | 22,000 |
Vacancies are distributed across all railway zones, including Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, North-Eastern, South-Central, South-Eastern and North-Western zones.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 must fulfil the following eligibility conditions.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess any one of the following qualifications:
- Passed 10th Standard (Matriculation) from a recognised board, OR
- Hold a valid ITI Certificate from a recognised institution, OR
- Possess a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT, OR
- Hold a Diploma or Degree in Engineering
Physical Standards
- The candidate must be medically fit as per the railway medical standards
- Uncorrected vision should not be more than 6/9 in each eye
- Colour blindness is not permitted
- The candidate should not have any serious physical deformity
Preferential Qualification
Candidates possessing technical or professional qualifications higher than the prescribed qualification may be given preference, as per railway rules.
Application Process
- Click on the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025) application link
- Create an account using your email ID and mobile number
- Fill out the complete online application form with accurate personal and educational information
- Select your preferred RRB zone where you wish to be posted
- Upload required documents
- Review all filled information carefully before submission
- Pay the application fee. & Submit the application form
- Download, take a printout, and save it for future reference
Important Links
| Link Type | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| official notification | Click Here |
| syllabus | Click Here |
| Official RRB Website | Visit here |
Railway Group D PST and PMT
Physical Standard Test (PST)
The Physical Standard Test (PST) is mandatory for RRB Group D recruitment. Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards to qualify for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
Physical Standards for Male Candidates
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 165 cm (160 cm for ST candidates) |
| Chest | 80 cm (minimum 5 cm expansion) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height as per railway medical standards |
Physical Standards for Female Candidates
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 155 cm (150 cm for ST candidates) |
| Chest | 80–85 cm (no expansion requirement) |
| Weight | Minimum 45 kg |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is a qualifying test. Candidates must clear both tasks to proceed further in the selection process. Only one attempt is allowed for each task.
PET for Male Candidates
| Task | Standard |
|---|---|
| Weight Lifting | Carry a 35 kg weight for 100 meters within 2 minutes without putting it down |
| Running | Complete 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds |
PET for Female Candidates
| Task | Standard |
|---|---|
| Weight Lifting | Carry a 20 kg weight for 100 meters within 2 minutes without putting it down |
| Running | Complete 1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds |
Important Points
- PET is qualifying only
- No relaxation in time or distance for any category
- Only one attempt is permitted for each task
- PwD candidates (40% or more disability) are exempted from PET but must clear the medical examination
- PET results are announced on the same day
- Railways are not responsible for any injury during the PET
Selection Process
Stage 1 – Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Objective-type exam with 100 questions for 100 marks
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD)
- Subjects: General Science, Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Minimum qualifying marks:
- General/EWS: 40%
- OBC (NCL): 30%
- SC/ST: 30%
- PwBD: 30%
- CBT may be conducted in a single or multi-stage
Detailed syllabus and pattern are explained in RRB Group D Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025
Stage 2 – Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- PET is qualifying only
- Candidates shortlisted from CBT are called for PET
- One attempt per task, no relaxation in time or distance
- PwBD candidates (40% or more disability) are exempted from PET but must clear the medical test
- PET result is declared on the same day
Stage 3 – Document Verification (DV)
- DV is a qualifying stage
- Original documents are verified against application details
- Any mismatch or missing document leads to disqualification
Stage 4 – Medical Examination
- Final qualifying stage
- Includes vision test, physical fitness, and general medical checks
- Candidates must meet the prescribed railway medical standards
Final Merit List
- Prepared only based on CBT marks
- PET, DV, and Medical stages are qualifying in nature
- In case of a tie:
- Older candidate gets preference
- If the age is the same, the alphabetical order of the name is considered
- Appointment is offered based on merit, category, and vacancy availability
Salary & Benefit Details
RRB Group D posts are offered under Level-1 of the 7th Central Pay Commission with a competitive salary and benefits.
Salary Structure:
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Basic Pay | ₹18,000/- per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Government norms (approximately 50% of basic pay) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per posting location (10%-20% of basic pay) |
| Transport Allowance | ₹500-800 per month |
| Daily Allowance | As per the rules, when on duty away fromthe station |
| Estimated Monthly Salary (with allowances) | Approximately ₹22,500 – ₹25,380 |
Check here Railway Group D Salary Per Month 2025
Additional Benefits:
- Provident Fund (PF) contribution by employee and employer
- Gratuity on retirement as per railway rules
- Life insurance scheme (AICL)
- Medical facilities for self and dependents
- Pension scheme for post-retirement security
- Leave benefits (annual, casual, sick leave with encashment)
- Overtime allowance
- Night duty allowance
- Uniform and equipment provided
- Railway travel pass for self and family
- Educational assistance for dependent children
- Housing assistance as per availability
FAQs: RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
How many vacancies are available in the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026?
A total of 22,000 Level-1 vacancies are available, including Track Maintainer (11,000), Pointsman-B (5,000), Assistant (C & W) (1,000) and other positions across all railway zones.
What is the last date to apply for RRB Group D 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 20 February 2026. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.
What qualifications are required for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have passed 10th Class/Matriculation or possess a valid ITI Certificate, National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), or a Diploma/Degree in Engineering from a recognised institute.
What is the salary for RRB Group D posts?
The initial basic pay is ₹18,000 per month. With DA, HRA and other allowances, the approximate monthly in-hand salary ranges between ₹22,500 and ₹25,380.
What is the selection process for RRB Group D?
The selection comprises CBT-1 (100 questions, 90 minutes), PET (running test), PST (height/chest/weight measurement), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Conclusion
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 is a good chance for candidates looking for a stable railway job. Since the final selection is based on CBT marks, focus on exam preparation along with physical fitness.
Candidates can also check UPSSSC Lekhpal Recruitment 2026 for another strong government job opportunity. Apply on time and prepare as per the syllabus to improve your selection chances.
