RRB Group D 2026: Notification, Vacancy, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Salary
The RRB Group D Level-1 examination is one of the most accessible entry points into Indian Railways for candidates with a 10th pass or ITI qualification. This recruitment focuses on operational and maintenance roles across Indian Railways, offering a fantastic career opportunity.
For 2026, Indian Railways has announced 22,195 vacancies for various posts such as Track Maintainer, Pointsman-B, Assistant (Electrical, Mechanical, TRD, TL & AC, C&W, S&T), and other Level-1 roles. The recruitment is managed by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) via a centralized notification.
In this article, Super Notes provides a comprehensive guide to the RRB Group D 2026 recruitment, including the notification, vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, salary, and more.
RRB Group D 2026 Notification – Official Details
The official RRB Group D Notification (CEN 09/2025) was released on 30th January 2026 on all regional RRB websites. The online registration process began on 31st January 2026 through the central portal rrbapply.gov.in and will remain open until 2nd March 2026.
This recruitment is open to candidates across India, and you can only apply once, selecting your preferred railway zone during the application process.
Overview of RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
The Group D recruitment covers a wide range of Level-1 technical and operational posts across Indian Railways. These are non-gazetted posts, and responsibilities involve fieldwork, maintenance duties, operational assistance, and safety-related tasks.
Basic Pay: ₹18,000 per month, with allowances to increase the in-hand salary.
Selection Process:
CBT (Computer Based Test)
PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
Document Verification
Medical Examination
RRB Group D 2026 Vacancy Details – Zone-wise Breakdown
Indian Railways has announced 22,195 vacancies across 16 railway zones. Major vacancy-heavy zones include Northern Railway, Western Railway, Central Railway, Northeast Frontier Railway, and South Central Railway. The vacancy count is lower than previous years, so cut-offs are expected to be tighter.
Zones Graduate Posts (Vacancies) UG Level Posts (Vacancies)
Western Railway (Mumbai) 3,148
Northern Railway (New Delhi) 3,537
Southern Railway (Chennai) 1,036
South Eastern Railway (Kolkata) 955
South Western Railway (Hubli) 90
Total 22,195
For RRB NTPC zone-specific vacancies, you can refer to the RRB official website.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Graduate Level: Graduation from any recognized university.
12th Level (Undergraduate): Candidates must have completed 12th or equivalent from a recognized board.
Age Limit (As on 01-01-2026)
Graduate Level Posts: 18 to 33 years
12th Level Posts: 18 to 30 years
Age Relaxation: Usual age relaxation applies to SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories.
Medical Fitness
Candidates will undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the necessary health and fitness standards. Failure to clear this test will disqualify candidates.
RRB Group D 2026 Selection Process
The RRB Group D selection process is based on multiple stages:
CBT (Computer-Based Test):
General Awareness
Mathematics
Reasoning
General Science
PET (Physical Efficiency Test): Tests physical endurance such as running, jumping, and more.
Document Verification: Verification of eligibility documents.
Medical Examination: Ensures candidates meet the physical fitness criteria.
RRB Group D 2026 Exam Pattern
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
Subjects No. of Questions Marks Duration
General Awareness 40 40 90 minutes
Mathematics 30 30 90 minutes
Reasoning 30 30 90 minutes
Total 100 100 90 minutes
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
Subjects No. of Questions Marks Duration
General Awareness 50 50 90 minutes
Mathematics 35 35 90 minutes
Reasoning 35 35 90 minutes
Total 120 120 90 minutes
Negative Marking
1/3rd mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
RRB Group D 2026 Salary
Basic Pay: ₹18,000 (Level 1)
In-hand Salary: ₹22,500 to ₹25,000 per month, depending on location and allowances.
Allowances and Benefits
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Medical Benefits
Pension Benefits
Nature of the Job
The RRB Group D posts are not desk jobs. They involve:
Outdoor duties
Shift work
Physical labour
Safety-critical responsibilities
Candidates should be ready for field-based work, maintaining railway infrastructure, ensuring safety, and supporting the operational team.
Conclusion
The RRB Group D 2026 exam is a valuable opportunity for candidates looking to enter the prestigious Indian Railways system. With a competitive pay scale, allowances, and career growth opportunities, this recruitment remains one of the most sought-after jobs. Stay updated with official notifications, start early preparation, and improve your chances by focusing on CBT fundamentals and physical fitness.
— Super Notes
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