Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the indicative notification (Short Notice) for the recruitment of Group D (Level-1) posts under CEN 09/2025. This is one of the most anticipated recruitment drives for 10th-pass candidates, offering approximately 22,000 vacancies across various zones of the Indian Railways.
The online application window is scheduled to open on January 21, 2026. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply directly through the official portal.
Below is the complete guide on the recruitment process, eligibility, important dates, and direct links to the official notification.
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Job Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Recruitment Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Advertisement Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Post Name | Group D (Level-1 Posts) |
| Total Vacancies | 22,000+ (Approx) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Category | Central Government Jobs (Railways) |
| Job Location | All India (Zone Wise) |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Important Dates Timeline
Candidates must keep track of these dates to ensure they do not miss the application deadline.
| Event | Date |
| Short Notice Release Date | December 23, 2025 |
| Detailed Notification Release | January 20, 2026 (Expected) |
| Online Application Start Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | February 20, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | February 20, 2026 |
| Exam Date (CBT) | To be notified later |
RRB Group D Vacancy Details 2026
The indicative notice mentions a total of 22,000 vacancies. These posts fall under Level-1 of the 7th Pay Commission Matrix. The vacancies will be distributed across various departments such as Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, and Signal & Telecom.
Expected Post Names:
- Track Maintainer Grade IV
- Helper / Assistant (Electrical / Mechanical)
- Assistant Pointsman
- Assistant Bridge
- Hospital Attendant
Note: The detailed Zone-wise and Category-wise vacancy breakup will be available in the detailed notification PDF on January 20, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility standards before applying.
1. Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized Board / NCCT.
- OR
- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
- OR
- National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
2. Age Limit (As on 01.01.2026):
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years (For General Candidates)
Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
- SC / ST: 5 Years
- PwBD: 10 Years
Application Fee
The application fee is refundable (partially) for candidates who appear in the Computer Based Test (CBT).
| Category | Fee Amount | Refundable Amount (After CBT) |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500/- | ₹400/- |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen | ₹250/- | ₹250/- |
| Female / Transgender / PwBD | ₹250/- | ₹250/- |
Selection Process
The selection for RRB Group D posts involves three major stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): A single online exam covering General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness/Current Affairs.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualifying in nature.
- Male: Lift 35kg for 100m in 2 mins AND Run 1000m in 4 min 15 sec.
- Female: Lift 20kg for 100m in 2 mins AND Run 1000m in 5 min 40 sec.
- Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination.
How to Apply for RRB Group D Online Form 2026
Follow these steps once the link becomes active on January 21, 2026:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to rrbapply.gov.in.
- Register: Click on “New Registration” and enter your Name, Date of Birth, and Contact details.
- Login: Use your Registration Number and Password to log in.
- Fill Application: Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, and choose your preferred Railway Zone (You can apply to only one RRB).
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your Photograph, Signature, and Category Certificate (if applicable).
- Pay Fee: Complete the payment using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
- Submit & Print: Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Official Links
Use the direct links below to access the notification and application form.
| Link Description | Direct Link |
| Apply Online (Active on Jan 21) | Click Here to Apply |
| Download Short Notice (PDF) | Click Here for Notification |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the start date for RRB Group D 2026 online application?
Ans: The online application process will start on January 21, 2026.
Q2: How many vacancies are released in CEN 09/2025?
Ans: The indicative notice announces approximately 22,000 vacancies for Level-1 posts.
Q3: Can 10th pass candidates apply for RRB Group D?
Ans: Yes, candidates with a 10th-grade pass certificate are eligible to apply.
Q4: Is there any age relaxation for OBC candidates?
Ans: Yes, OBC (NCL) candidates get an age relaxation of 3 years over the upper age limit.
Q5: Can I apply for multiple Railway Zones?
Ans: No, a candidate can apply to only one Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) or Zone.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on the short indicative notice (CEN 09/2025) released by the Railway Recruitment Board as of December 2025. Vacancy numbers and dates are tentative and subject to change by the official authorities. Candidates are advised to strictly follow the detailed notification which will be published on the official website rrbapply.gov.in before applying.
