RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Notification for 22,000 Posts – Last Date, Eligibility, Syllabus & Apply Online

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the Group D Level‑1 notification (CEN No. 09/2025) for the year 2026, opening a gateway to thousands of government jobs in the Indian Railways. This article provides a complete, original overview of all crucial details, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application fees, syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, and a step‑by‑step guide to applying online.

The Indian Railways has announced a massive recruitment drive for approximately 22,000 Group D posts across various railway zones in India. The online application process for these highly sought‑after positions began on 31 January 2026 and will close on 2 March 2026 (as per the original schedule). However, the last date has been extended several times, with the final deadline now set for 9 March 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to check the official RRB website regularly for the most current information.

Important Dates at a Glance

The table below summarises the key dates for the RRB Group D 2026 recruitment process. Please note that the dates are subject to change based on official updates from the RRB.

Note: The last date to apply has been extended multiple times. By early March 2026, the final closing date was reported as 9 March 2026. Candidates should verify the exact deadline on the official RRB website before applying.

Total Vacancies: Approximately 22,000 Positions

The RRB has announced a total of approximately 22,000 vacancies for Group D (Level‑1) posts under this recruitment drive. The majority of these vacancies are in the Engineering Department, with Track Maintainer Grade‑4 alone accounting for nearly 11,000 posts. Other key positions include:

• Assistant (Track Machine)

• Assistant (Bridge)

• Pointsman

• Various other helper and assistant roles across different railway zones

The vacancies are distributed across all railway zones in India, allowing candidates to apply for positions closer to their home state.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognised board or possess an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) from a recognised institution.

Age Limit (as on 1 January 2026)

• Minimum Age: 18 years

• Maximum Age: 33 years (for unreserved category candidates)

Age Relaxation (for reserved categories): Relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable as per government norms for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwBD and other reserved categories.

Application Fee and Refund Policy

The RRB Group D application fee is partially refundable, provided the candidate appears for the Computer‑Based Test (CBT).

Key Points about the Refund:

• The refund is only applicable to candidates who actually appear for the CBT.

• The refunded amount is credited back to the same bank account used for fee payment, after deducting applicable bank charges.

Exam Syllabus and Pattern

Computer‑Based Test (CBT) Pattern

The CBT is the first and most important stage of the selection process. It is an objective‑type online examination consisting of 100 questions for 100 marks, with a total duration of 90 minutes.

Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

Detailed Syllabus

Mathematics

• Number System, BODMAS

• Fractions & Decimals

• LCM & HCF

• Ratio & Proportion

• Percentages

• Profit & Loss

• Simple & Compound Interest

• Time & Work

• Time & Distance

• Mensuration (area, volume, etc.)

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies

• Number & Alphabet Series

• Coding & Decoding

• Venn Diagrams

• Syllogism

• Directions

• Data Interpretation

• Decision Making

General Science (Class 10 level)

• Physics: Motion, Force, Light, Sound, etc.

• Chemistry: Elements, Compounds, Chemical Reactions, etc.

• Biology: Human Body, Plants, Nutrition, Diseases, etc.

General Awareness & Current Affairs

• National & International Current Events (last 6 months)

• Sports, Politics, Economy

• Indian Railways: History, Important Dates, Schemes

• Static GK: National Symbols, Important Days, etc.

Selection Process

The RRB Group D selection process consists of four stages. The final merit list is prepared solely on the basis of the CBT score, while the other stages are qualifying in nature.

1. Computer‑Based Test (CBT)
   This is the main written examination. Candidates must secure the cut‑off marks to be shortlisted for the next stage. Shortlisting is done at a ratio of three times the number of vacancies for the PET.

2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
   The PET is a qualifying test that assesses the physical fitness of candidates. There are no marks awarded for this stage, but failure to complete the required tasks results in immediate disqualification. Typical PET tasks include:

   • Running a specified distance within a time limit
     – Carrying a certain weight over a defined distance

3. Document Verification (DV)
   Candidates shortlisted after the PET are called for document verification. Original documents (Educational certificates, Caste certificate, Aadhaar card, etc.) are checked for authenticity.

4. Medical Examination
   A medical fitness test is conducted to ensure the candidate meets the health standards required for the specific Group D role.

How to Apply Online (Step‑by‑Step Guide)

Candidates can apply online for RRB Group D 2026 by following these simple steps:

1. Visit the Official Website
   Go to the official RRB application portal: rrbapply.gov.in

2. Click on “New Registration”
   On the homepage, find and click the “New Registration” link. Enter your basic details such as name, father’s name, mobile number, and email ID to create an account.

3. Log In with Credentials
   After successful registration, you will receive a User ID and Password. Use these credentials to log in.

4. Fill Out the Application Form
   Enter all the required details carefully: educational qualifications, Aadhaar number, address, and other personal information.

5. Upload Scanned Documents
   Upload clear, scanned copies of your:

   • Recent passport‑size photograph

   • Signature

   • Class 10 mark sheet / certificate

   • Caste certificate (if applicable)

6. Pay the Application Fee
   Pay the prescribed fee online using UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.

7. Submit and Print
   Review the entire form thoroughly. Once satisfied, click on “Final Submit”. After submission, download a copy of the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for RRB Group D 2026?
A. The original last date was 2 March 2026, but it has been extended multiple times. As of early March 2026, the final deadline is 9 March 2026. Always check the official website for the latest updates.

Q2. How many vacancies are there in RRB Group D 2026?
A. Approximately 22,000 vacancies have been announced, with the highest number (around 11,000) for Track Maintainer Grade‑4.

Q3. What is the educational qualification required?
A. Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or possess an ITI / NAC certificate from a recognised institution.

Q4. What is the age limit for the General category?
A. The age limit for General category candidates is 18 to 33 years as on 1 January 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories.

Q5. Is the application fee refundable?
A. Yes, the fee is partially refundable. General/OBC/EWS candidates get ₹400 back (after appearing in CBT), while SC/ST/Women candidates get a full ₹250 refund.

Q6. What is the negative marking scheme?
A. For every wrong answer, 1/3rd mark (0.33 marks) is deducted.

Q7. Is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) qualifying or scoring?
A. The PET is qualifying in nature. No marks are added from this stage. However, failure leads to disqualification.

Important Links

Disclaimer:

This article is compiled for informational purposes only, based on the official notification released by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) and cross‑checked with major news sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, candidates are strongly advised to read the official CEN 09/2025 notification carefully and check the official RRB website for the most current updates regarding dates, vacancies, and procedures.