The Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 has officially emerged as one of the largest government job opportunities in India, opening the door for 22195 Group-D (Level-1) vacancies across multiple railway zones. We bring you a comprehensive, accurate, and in-depth guide covering every critical aspect of the recruitment process, from important dates and eligibility criteria to vacancy distribution, application fees, exam pattern, and step-by-step application process.
This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for 10th pass candidates, including male and female applicants from all Indian states, who aspire to build a secure and prestigious career in Indian Railways.
Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 – Key Highlights
The recruitment is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) under CEN 09/2025, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Group-D (Level-1) |
| Advertisement No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22195 Posts |
| Pay Scale | ₹18,000 + DA, HRA & other allowances |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 March 2026 |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
Candidates must strictly adhere to the official timeline to avoid last-minute issues.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notice Release | 23 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 2 March 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 9 March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 5 March to 14 March 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be Notified |
Railway Group D Vacancy Details 2026 – Zone Wise Distribution
The 22195 vacancies are distributed across major railway zones, offering candidates the flexibility to apply based on regional preference.
| Railway Zone | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Western Railway (Mumbai) | 3148 |
| Northern Railway (New Delhi) | 3537 |
| Central Railway (Mumbai) | 1979 |
| Northeast Frontier Railway (Guwahati) | 1776 |
| North Eastern Railway (Gorakhpur) | 1196 |
| North Central Railway (Allahabad) | 1183 |
| East Central Railway (Hajipur) | 993 |
| East Coast Railway (Bhubaneswar) | 803 |
| Eastern Railway (Kolkata) | 1173 |
| South Eastern Railway (Kolkata) | 949 |
| South Central Railway (Secunderabad) | 1012 |
| South Railway (Chennai) | 1036 |
| West Central Railway (Jabalpur) | 1147 |
| North Western Railway (Jaipur) | 974 |
| South East Central Railway (Bilaspur) | 1199 |
| South Western Railway (Hubli) | 90 |
Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 – Application Fee Details
The application fee structure is designed with full or partial refund benefits for candidates appearing in the CBT exam.
| Category | Application Fee | Refund After CBT |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Ex-Servicemen / Minority / EBC / Transgender | ₹250 | ₹250 |
Refund Policy:
After appearing in the Computer Based Test (CBT), eligible candidates will receive the refund directly into their bank account after deduction of applicable bank charges.
Railway Group D Age Limit 2026
Age eligibility is calculated based on 1 January 2026.
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years
Age Relaxation:
Applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, EWS, and other reserved categories as per Government of India rules.
Railway Group D Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet the following educational criteria:
- 10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognized board
- ITI qualification is mandatory for certain technical posts (as specified in the official notification)
Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process
The selection process is conducted in multiple stages to ensure fairness and transparency:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Qualifying Nature
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Note: The final merit list is prepared only on the basis of CBT marks, as PET is qualifying in nature.
Railway Group D Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT will be conducted in online mode with objective-type questions.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Key Exam Features:
- Exam Duration: 90 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Level: 10th Standard
- Languages: English, Hindi, and 13 Regional Languages
- Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- General / EWS: 40%
- OBC / SC / ST: 30%
- PwBD: 2% relaxation
How to Apply for Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide
We recommend following these steps carefully to ensure a successful application:
- Visit the official website rrbapply.gov.in
- Read the official notification thoroughly
- Select the preferred Railway Zone
- Click on Apply Online and complete registration
- Fill in personal, educational, and contact details accurately
- Upload required documents, photograph, and signature in prescribed format
- Pay the application fee as per category
- Submit the application form
- Download and print the final application form for future reference
Railway Group D Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
- Application Start Date: 31 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 9 March 2026
- Official Website: rrbapply.gov.in
- Official Notification: Available on RRB regional websites
The Indian Railways offers unmatched job stability, structured promotions, retirement benefits, and nationwide exposure. With 22195 vacancies, transparent recruitment, and inclusive eligibility, this recruitment drive stands out as one of the most sought-after government job opportunities of 2026.
Candidates who prepare strategically and apply within the timeline significantly enhance their chances of securing a lifelong government career.
