RRB Group D 2026 – 22,195 Level-1 Vacancies, Salary, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
RRB Group D 2026 is the largest railway recruitment by volume, offering around 22,195 Level-1 vacancies (CEN 09/2025) for 10th-pass and ITI candidates. Posts include Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Pointsman, and various Assistant roles across Indian Railways. This guide covers vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, salary and syllabus, with dedicated salary and syllabus breakdowns linked below.
RRB Group D 2026 — Overview
| Exam | RRB Group D (Level-1) 2026 |
|---|---|
| CEN | 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 Level-1 posts |
| Qualification | Class 10th pass / ITI / NAC (NCVT) |
| Age Limit | 18–33 years (as on 01 Jan 2026, with standard relaxations) |
| Application Window | 31 January 2026 to 09 March 2026 (closed) |
| Selection | CBT → PET → DV → Medical |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
RRB Group D 2026 Vacancy Distribution
The 22,195 Level-1 vacancies are distributed across categories as reported in CEN 09/2025:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 8,755 |
| OBC | 5,330 |
| SC | 3,043 |
| EWS | 2,152 |
| ST | 1,535 |
| Total (incl. other sub-quotas) | 22,195 |
Remaining posts are distributed across PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and other sub-quotas as per the official notification.
RRB Group D 2026 Posts
The Level-1 posts under Group D include: Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Pointsman, Assistant (various departments), Assistant Loco Shed, Assistant Operations, and Assistant TL & AC. The post is allotted based on merit and preference.
RRB Group D 2026 Eligibility
Educational: Class 10th pass from a recognised board, OR ITI, OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT. Age: 18 to 33 years as on 01 January 2026, with relaxations for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years) and other categories per government rules.
RRB Group D 2026 Exam Pattern
Group D selection has a single Computer-Based Test followed by a qualifying Physical Efficiency Test.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 90 minutes. Negative marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer. PET is mandatory and qualifying (pass/fail).
RRB Group D 2026 Salary & Syllabus — Detailed Guides
- RRB Group D Salary 2026 — In-Hand Pay, Allowances & Benefits
- RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 — CBT Topics, PET & Exam Pattern
RRB Group D 2026 Selection Process
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) — single stage, 100 marks
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — qualifying, candidates called at 3× vacancies
- Document Verification (DV) — candidates called at 2× vacancies
- Medical Examination as per post standards
Part of the RRB Recruitment 2026 complete guide.
RRB Group D 2026 — Job Profile of Level-1 Posts
Level-1 posts are the operational backbone of Indian Railways. A Track Maintainer Grade-IV inspects and maintains railway tracks to keep trains running safely. A Pointsman operates points and signals in the yard and assists in shunting operations. Assistant posts across departments (Loco Shed, Operations, TL & AC, etc.) support technical and maintenance teams. The work is largely field-based and physically active, which is why a Physical Efficiency Test forms part of the selection.
Documents Required for RRB Group D 2026
Candidates should keep ready: a recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format, the Class 10th certificate (date-of-birth proof), ITI or NAC (NCVT) certificate where applicable, a valid category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if claiming reservation, a PwBD certificate if relevant, and a government photo ID. Accurate uploads at the application stage prevent problems during document verification later.
RRB Group D 2026 — Preparation Strategy
The Group D CBT covers Mathematics, General Science, General Intelligence & Reasoning and General Awareness at the Class 10th level. Build daily practice in arithmetic and reasoning, revise General Science fundamentals across Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and keep up with current affairs from the last six months. Because the PET is qualifying, candidates should also begin physical conditioning early — particularly the 1000 m run and the lift-and-carry standard — so that clearing the CBT is not undone by an unprepared PET.
Why Choose RRB Group D?
Group D is the most accessible entry point into Indian Railways, open to 10th-pass and ITI candidates, with a 7th CPC Level-1 salary, full government job security, free family travel passes, subsidised medical care, and a clear promotion path to Level 2 and beyond. For many candidates it is the first secure government job and a launchpad for departmental growth within the railways.
Explore the Full RRB Recruitment 2026 Guide
- 🏛️ RRB Recruitment 2026 — Complete Railway Exams Guide
- 🚉 RRB NTPC 2026 — 8,868 Vacancies, Salary & Syllabus
- 💰 RRB NTPC Salary 2026 — Post-Wise Pay & In-Hand
- 📘 RRB NTPC Syllabus 2026 — CBT 1 & CBT 2 Pattern
- 💰 RRB Group D Salary 2026 — In-Hand Pay & Allowances
- 📘 RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 — CBT Pattern & PET
- ✍️ SSC Stenographer — Complete Exam Guide
RRB Group D 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Around 22,195 Level-1 posts under CEN 09/2025.
A Class 10th pass, ITI, or NAC (NCVT).
A single CBT of 100 questions for 100 marks in 90 minutes, with 1/3 negative marking.
Yes, the Physical Efficiency Test is mandatory and qualifying in nature.
18 to 33 years as on 01 January 2026, with standard category relaxations.
rrbapply.gov.in is the official application portal.
RRB Group D 2026 — Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Application Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| RRB Group D Salary 2026 | Salary Guide |
| RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 | Syllabus & PET |
| RRB Recruitment 2026 Hub | All Railway Exams |
Disclaimer: Vacancy counts and dates are indicative and change per recruitment cycle. Always confirm the latest details from the official CEN on rrbapply.gov.in.
Why Choose RRB Group D? Key Benefits
Despite being the entry-level post in the Railway hierarchy, RRB Group D offers several genuine advantages that make it one of the most applied-for central government positions in India:
- Job Security: As a permanent central government position, Group D provides exceptional job security with protection under Railway Service Rules.
- Free Railway Pass: Group D employees and their families receive free railway passes for travel across the Indian Railways network. This is a substantial non-monetary benefit for daily and annual travel.
- Subsidised Housing: Railway colonies offer subsidised accommodation close to the workplace in most Railway zones and divisions.
- Medical Benefits: Full family medical coverage through Railway hospitals and dispensaries, with no premium cost for the employee.
- Promotion Prospects: Group D employees can appear in departmental examinations to move up to Level 2 (Track Maintainer Grade III) and beyond over time.
- Accessible Eligibility: With only a 10th pass or ITI required, this is one of the most accessible central government jobs for candidates from non-graduate backgrounds.
