RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 for 22,000+ Posts
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) are set to announce a massive recruitment drive for approximately 22,000 Level-1 (formerly Group D) posts across various zones of Indian Railways. This is a golden opportunity for candidates who have passed the 10th standard or have an ITI qualification. The selection will be based on a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The official notification with application dates is expected soon.
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), on behalf of Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs), are preparing to release a Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) for a large-scale recruitment of various Level-1 posts. According to the latest updates, approximately 22,000 vacancies will be filled in this drive. These posts form the operational backbone of the Indian Railways and include crucial roles like Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Helper/Assistant in various technical departments (Electrical, Mechanical, S&T), and Assistant Pointsman.
This upcoming recruitment is open to candidates across India and offers a stable and secure career with the Government of India. The selection process is expected to follow the established multi-stage procedure, starting with a single-stage Computer Based Test (CBT), followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for shortlisted candidates, and finally, Document Verification and Medical Examination. The application process will be entirely online through the official RRB websites.
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 (Important Points)
Candidates must keep an eye on the official RRB websites for the upcoming notification with the final dates and details.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Post Name | Level-1 (Group D) Posts |
| Total Vacancies | 22,000+ (Approximately) |
| Application Start Date | To Be Announced |
| Application Last Date | To Be Announced |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Job Type | Permanent Central Government Job |
| Job Location | Various Railway Zones across India |
| Official Website | List of all RRB Websites |
Vacancy and Pay Scale Details
The recruitment drive aims to fill over 22,000 vacancies for various Level-1 posts across all zones of Indian Railways.
| Post Category | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Level-1 Posts (Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, Porter, etc.) | Level-1 (Pay Matrix) | 22,000+ |
Application Fee (Expected)
- For all candidates (UR/OBC/EWS): ₹500/- (Out of this, ₹400 is typically refunded after appearing in the CBT).
- For SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, and Economically Backward Class candidates: ₹250/- (This entire amount is typically refunded after appearing in the CBT).
The fee must be paid online. The refund is credited to the bank account from which the payment was made.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the age and educational qualification criteria as specified in the notification.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognized Board. OR ITI from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT or equivalent. OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT. |
| Age Limit |
Age Relaxation: Upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and as per rules for Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates. |
Selection Process
The selection process for RRB Level-1 posts is a multi-stage procedure designed to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): All eligible candidates will have to undergo a single-stage CBT. The marks from this test will be normalized to account for variations in difficulty levels across different shifts.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Based on the merit in the CBT, candidates numbering three times the community-wise vacancies will be shortlisted for the PET. This test is mandatory and qualifying in nature.
- Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination: Candidates who qualify in the PET will be called for Document Verification. Following successful DV, candidates will be sent for a mandatory medical fitness test conducted by the Railway Administration to ensure they meet the prescribed medical standards for the post.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based solely on the marks obtained in the Computer Based Test (CBT), provided the candidate has qualified in the PET and passed the Medical Examination.
Exam Pattern (Computer Based Test)
The CBT is the primary stage of the selection process and will be an objective-type test.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates).
- Negative Marking: There will be negative marking, and 1/3rd mark shall be deducted for each wrong answer.
- Syllabus:
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level.
- Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, SI & CI, Profit and Loss, etc.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Coding and Decoding, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, etc.
- General Awareness and Current Affairs: Current Affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The PET is mandatory and qualifying in nature. Passing the PET is essential to be considered for the next stage.
| Gender | Event | Qualifying Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Male Candidates | Weight Lifting | Should be able to lift and carry 35 Kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down. |
| Running | Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 metres (1 KM) in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one chance. | |
| Female Candidates | Weight Lifting | Should be able to lift and carry 20 Kg of weight for a distance of 100 metres in 2 minutes in one chance without putting the weight down. |
| Running | Should be able to run for a distance of 1000 metres (1 KM) in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one chance. |
How to Prepare
A disciplined approach covering both the CBT and PET is required.
- For CBT: Build a strong foundation in Mathematics and General Science from NCERT books up to the 10th standard. Practice reasoning questions daily. Stay updated with current affairs for at least the last 6-8 months before the exam. Solve previous years' RRB Group D papers to understand the pattern and difficulty level.
- For PET: Do not neglect your physical fitness. Start with light jogging and gradually build stamina to meet the running criteria. Practice lifting and carrying the specified weight to get accustomed to the task. A balanced diet and regular exercise are key.
Best Books for Preparation
Candidates can refer to these standard books for their CBT preparation.
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How to Apply Online
The application process will be online through any of the official RRB websites.
- Go to the official website of the RRB you wish to apply for (e.g., RRB Ranchi, RRB Chandigarh, etc.).
- Find the link for the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) for Level-1 Posts and click on it.
- Read the instructions carefully and click on "New Registration".
- Fill in your basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID to register.
- Log in with your registration credentials and fill out the detailed application form with your educational and personal details.
- Select your preferred posts and railway zones in order of priority.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required certificates (like caste certificate).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Review your application and submit it. Download and take a printout of the final application for your records.
Documents Needed to Apply
Candidates should have the following scanned documents ready before starting the online application:
- Recent passport-size colour photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- 10th Class / Matriculation certificate for proof of date of birth.
- ITI/NAC certificate (if applicable).
- SC/ST certificate in the prescribed format (for fee waiver and reservation).
- OBC-NCL certificate in the prescribed format.
- A valid mobile number and email ID.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| List of All Official RRB Websites | Click Here |
(FAQs)
- Q1: Is an ITI certificate mandatory for applying to RRB Group D posts?
No, candidates who have passed the 10th standard (Matriculation) from a recognized board are also eligible to apply, in addition to candidates with ITI or NAC qualifications.
- Q2: Will my application fee be refunded?
Yes, typically a portion of the fee (₹400 for General/OBC) or the full fee (₹250 for reserved categories/female) is refunded to your bank account after you appear for the Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Q3: Is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for marks?
No, the PET is mandatory but only qualifying in nature. No marks from the PET will be added to the final merit list. However, you must pass it to be considered for the next stage.
- Q4: Is there negative marking in the CBT?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks for each incorrect answer in the Computer Based Test.
