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The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has brought a massive wave of opportunities for government job aspirants with the upcoming RRB Group D Recruitment 2026.
If you have been waiting to join the Indian Railways, now is the perfect time to gear up. The board has released a short notice announcing approximately 22,000 vacancies for various Level-1 posts such as Track Maintainer, Pointsman, and Assistant roles in different departments.
This recruitment drive is a golden chance for candidates who have completed their 10th standard or ITI. The official detailed notification (CEN 09/2025) is expected to be released by 20th January 2026, with the online application window opening shortly after.
At jobalertsfree.com, we are committed to providing you with the most accurate and timely updates to help you secure your dream job. Read on for complete details regarding eligibility, the application process, and important dates.
Key Highlights of Recruitment
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level-1) Exam 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,000 (Approx.) |
| Post Names | Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant (Bridge, C&W, etc.) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Dates | 21st Jan 2026 to 20th Feb 2026 (Expected) |
| Job Location | All Over India (Zone-wise) |
| Selection Process | CBT, PET, DV, Medical Exam |
| Official Website | rrbcdg.gov.in / rrbapply.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
The 22,000 vacancies will be distributed across various Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs). While the exact zone-wise breakdown will be in the detailed notification, the expected post distribution is as follows:
- Track Maintainer Grade IV: ~11,000 Posts (Highest Vacancy)
- Pointsman-B: ~5,000 Posts
- Assistant (S&T): ~1,500 Posts
- Assistant (C&W): ~1,000 Posts
- Assistant (Bridge / Track Machine / TRD / Loco Shed): Remaining posts.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the specific requirements set by the RRB.
1. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized board (NCVT/SCVT).
- OR hold a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
- OR possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
2. Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years (Note: A relaxation of up to 3 years may be applicable pending final notice, potentially extending the upper limit to 36 years).
- Age Relaxation: OBC (3 Years), SC/ST (5 Years), and PwBD candidates as per government norms.
Selection Process
The selection for RRB Group D 2026 involves four clear stages. You must qualify in each to proceed to the next.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): The primary screening exam consisting of 100 questions (Science, Maths, Reasoning, GA) to be solved in 90 minutes.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
- Male: Lift 35kg for 100m in 2 mins; Run 1000m in 4 min 15 sec.
- Female: Lift 20kg for 100m in 2 mins; Run 1000m in 5 min 40 sec.
- Document Verification (DV): Verification of original certificates.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the medical standards (A2, B1, C1, etc.) relevant to the post.
Application Fee
- General / OBC: ₹500 (₹400 refundable after appearing in CBT).
- SC / ST / Ex-SM / PwBD / Female / EBC: ₹250 (Full ₹250 refundable after appearing in CBT).
- Payment Mode: Online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
How to Apply Online
Follow these steps carefully to submit your application on jobalertsfree.com or the official portal:
- Visit the official RRB website (e.g., rrbapply.gov.in).
- Click on the link for “CEN 09/2025 Group D Recruitment”.
- Register by providing your basic details (Name, Mobile, Email) to generate a Registration ID.
- Log in and fill out the detailed application form with your educational and personal data.
- Upload scanned copies of your Photograph, Signature, and Category Certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the requisite application fee online.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Short Notice Release | 23rd December 2025 |
| Detailed Notification PDF | 20th January 2026 (Tentative) |
| Online Application Starts | 21st January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20th February 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be Announced |
Important Links
| Link Description | Direct Link |
| Apply Online (Active on 21 Jan) | Click Here |
| Download Short Notice | Click Here |
| Official Website | rrbcdg.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the RRB Group D 2026 Notification be officially released?
The short notice was released on December 23, 2025. The detailed notification (CEN 09/2025) containing the exact vacancy breakdown and zone-wise details is scheduled to be published on January 20, 2026. Candidates should keep an eye on official RRB websites for the PDF download.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in RRB Group D 2026?
The Railway Recruitment Board has announced approximately 22,000 vacancies for Level-1 posts. The majority of these vacancies are expected to be for the post of Track Maintainer Grade IV (approx. 11,000), followed by Pointsman and various Assistant roles in technical departments.
Q3. Can 10th-pass candidates apply for RRB Group D 2026?
Yes, candidates who have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board are eligible to apply. Additionally, candidates with an ITI certification or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) are also eligible. The specific requirement of ITI for certain technical posts will be confirmed in the detailed notification.
Q4. What is the age limit for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026?
The standard age limit is 18 to 33 years as of January 1, 2026. However, there are expectations of a 3-year age relaxation due to pending recruitment cycles, which might extend the upper age limit to 36 years. Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) get additional relaxation as per government rules.
Q5. What is the selection process for RRB Group D?
The selection process consists of four stages: first, a Computer Based Test (CBT) to test knowledge; second, a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) to test physical fitness; third, Document Verification (DV); and finally, a Medical Examination to ensure the candidate meets the health standards for the specific railway post.
Q6. Is there negative marking in the RRB Group D CBT exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in the Computer Based Test. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. It is crucial for candidates to answer carefully and avoid guessing to maintain a good score for the merit list.
Q7. How can I apply for the RRB Group D 2026 exam?
You can apply online by visiting the official RRB website or the common application portal rrbapply.gov.in. You need to register, fill in your personal and educational details, upload your photo and signature, select your preferred railway zone, and pay the application fee before the closing date.
Q8. What is the application fee for the RRB Group D exam?
For General and OBC candidates, the fee is Rs. 500 (with Rs. 400 refundable after the CBT). For SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, Female, Transgender, Minorities, and EBC candidates, the fee is Rs. 250 (which is fully refundable after appearing for the CBT).
Conclusion
The RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 is a massive opportunity for job seekers across India, offering stability and a respectable career in the Indian Railways. With 22,000 posts up for grabs, competition will be stiff, so early preparation is key.
Make sure to visit jobalertsfree.com regularly for the latest updates on the exam dates, admit cards, and results. Don’t miss the application window starting January 21, 2026!
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