RRB Group D 2026 Recruitment Begins; 22,195 Level-1 Vacancies Open

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has opened the online application window for RRB Group D 2026 recruitment at rrbapply.gov.in, offering approximately 22,195 Level-1 posts across various Indian Railways zones and production units under CEN No. 09/2025.

Application Dates & Portal

Applications for the RRB Group D 2026 drive commenced on 31 January 2026, and candidates can submit their forms online up to 02 March 2026 (23:59 hrs). Interested applicants must use the official RRB application portal – rrbapply.gov.in to complete the registration and fee payment before the deadline. ([turn0search24])

Total Vacancies and Job Level

The recruitment notification lists 22,195 vacancies for various Level-1 posts under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix. These posts generally include frontline operational roles such as Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Helper/Assistant in departments including Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical and Signal & Telecom, among others. ([turn0search20])

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for RRB Group D 2026, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Educational Qualification: Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board; posts may also include ITI or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) where specified.
• Age Limit: 18 to 33 years as of 01 January 2026, with age relaxation applicable for reserved category candidates as per government norms. ([turn0search18])

Pay Scale and Benefits

Selected candidates for Group D Level-1 posts will receive an initial basic pay of Rs 18,000 in the Level-1 pay band under the 7th CPC, along with admissible allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) and other benefits as per applicable rules. ([turn0search20])

Selection Process

The RRB Group D recruitment process typically includes several stages:

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT) — objective online exam.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — for qualifying physical standards.
3. Document Verification (DV) — checking eligibility documents.
4. Medical Examination (ME) — ensuring fitness for the role. ([turn0search20])

Candidates are advised to check the official notification PDF and instructions on rrbapply.gov.in for detailed post-wise vacancies, eligibility conditions, application fees, and selection process particulars before applying.

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure that the Class 10/ITI/NAC certificates and identity proofs are ready before starting the application.
• Apply well before 02 March 2026 to avoid last-minute site congestion.
• Keep scanned copies of required documents like photo, signature, and educational certificates handy for upload.
• Review the detailed eligibility criteria in the official notification to confirm qualifications, age relaxations and medical standards. ([turn0search25])

This recruitment drive is one of the year’s largest opportunities for 10th pass and ITI candidates seeking government jobs in the Indian Railways, and timely application is essential for consideration in this competitive selection process. ([turn0reddit57])