🚆 1. Big Opportunity: ~22,000 Railway Group D Vacancies in 2026
Indian Railways through the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) is conducting one of its largest ever Group D recruitment drives in 2026 for approximately 22,000 Level-1 posts across multiple railway zones and departments.
These posts are ideal for 10th pass / ITI candidates seeking secure government jobs in indian Railways.
🗓️ 2. New application Dates (Revised!)
The application schedule was postponed recently. Aspirants should note the updated timeline:
📌 Application Start Date: 31 january 2026
📌 Last Date to Apply: 2 march 2026 (11:59 PM)
📍 Applications are accepted only online via the official portal: www.rrbapply.gov.in
💡 Earlier, the process was supposed to start on Jan 21, but it was deferred — so mark the new dates!
🎓 3. Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To apply for RRB Group D 2026, candidates must meet the basic eligibility conditions:
🧠 Educational Qualification
✔️ Minimum: Class 10 pass from a recognised board
✔️ ITI certificate holders may get preference for certain technical roles (e.g., Track Maintainer) in some zones/departments.
📅 Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2026)
🔹 Minimum Age: 18 years
🔹 Maximum Age: 33 years (relaxation for reserved categories as per govt norms)
📋 4. Major Posts & Vacancy Distribution
While the official final breakup will come with the detailed notification, an indicative outline shows major posts include:
- Track Maintainer Grade-IV – ~11,000 posts
- Traffic Point B – ~5,000 posts
- Assistant (Signals & Telecom / C&W / TRD / Track Machine / Bridge) – various vacancies
- Assistant Operation / P-Way / Loco Sheet – smaller shares
➡️ Most vacancies are in the Engineering Department, with Track Maintainers forming the largest group.
📝 5. How to Apply — Step-by-Step
Step-by-Step application Process:
✔️ Visit: www.rrbapply.gov.in
✔️ Register: Create a profile with valid details
✔️ Fill Form: Enter personal, educational & contact information
✔️ Upload Documents: Photo, signature, Aadhaar details
✔️ Aadhaar Verification: Required before final submission
✔️ Pay Fee: Online (see next section)
✔️ Submit & Download: Keep a copy for future reference
💡 Important: Only one application per candidate per RRB is allowed — submitting multiple forms will lead to rejection.
💰 6. Fees & Refunds
💸 Application Fee:
✔️ General / OBC / EWS: ₹500
✔️ SC / st / PwBD / Female / Transgender / Ex-Servicemen / EBC: Reduced fee ₹250 (varies in some reports)
🔄 Refund Mechanism: For candidates who appear in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) stage, a portion (often ₹400) may be refunded after CBT.
🧠 7. selection process (What to Expect)
The RRB Group D recruitment involves multiple stages:
🖥️ Computer-Based Test (CBT): Objective questions
🏃 Physical Efficiency Test (PET): For qualifying candidates
📄 Document Verification & Medical Exam: Final checks
✔️ The CBT usually has negative marking (around one-third) for wrong answers.
✔️ Only a multiple of vacancies (often 3×) will be shortlisted for the PET based on CBT scores.
💼 8. Salary & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be placed in Level-1 of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix.
💵 Expected Starting Salary: ~₹18,000/month (basic + allowances)
With Dearness Allowance, HRA, and other benefits, the total package becomes significantly better — especially in metro & high-cost railway divisions.
🧾 9. Important Tips Before You Apply
✅ Update your Aadhaar: Name, DOB & photo should match your Class 10 mark sheet before applying.
✅ Documents Ready: Keep scanned copies of identity, education, caste certificates, etc., handy.
✅ One Form Only: Multiple applications = rejection.
✅ Prepare Early: CBT syllabus is common and competitive — start prep early.
📌 Quick Snapshot — RRB Group D 2026
📍 Recruiter: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)
📄 Notification: Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 09/2025
📊 Vacancies: ~22,000 Level-1 posts
🗓️ Apply Online: 31 Jan – 2 Mar 2026
🧑🎓 Eligibility: 10th pass / ITI preference
🧠 Selection: CBT → PET → DV/Medical
💰 Payscale: 7th CPC Level-1 with allowances
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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