Are you dreaming of a stable career with the Indian Railways? The wait is finally over! The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB Group D 2026 (CEN 09/2025) notification, opening doors for over 22,195 Level-1 vacancies.
Whether you want to be a Pointsman, Track Maintainer, or an Assistant in various departments, this is one of the biggest recruitment drives of the year. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire application process, from registration to final submission, ensuring you don’t make any costly mistakes.
RRB Group D 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s look at the essential details you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 Posts |
| Educational Qualification | 10th Pass / ITI / NAC |
| Age Limit | 18 – 33 Years (Relaxation as per rules) |
| Application Start Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2, 2026 |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
“Am I eligible?” is the first question every aspirant asks. For 2026, the criteria are clear:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of India.
- Education: You must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board. Candidates with an ITI certificate or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) are also eligible and highly preferred for technical roles.
- Age (as of Jan 1, 2026):
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 33 years
- Note: OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation, while SC/ST candidates get 5 years.
Expert Tip: If you are in your final year and haven’t received your 10th-grade results yet, you cannot apply. The qualification must be completed before the closing date.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Don’t wait until the last minute to scan your files! Having everything ready will save you from “session timeout” frustrations.
- Photograph: Recent color passport size (35mm x 45mm) against a white/light background (JPEG, 20–50 KB).
- Signature: Scanned signature on white paper with a black ink pen (JPEG, 10–40 KB).
- ID Proof: Aadhaar Card is preferred (it speeds up verification via DigiLocker).
- Category Certificate: If you’re applying for fee relaxation or reservation (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS).
Step 3: The Online Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Phase A: Account Creation
- Visit the official portal: rrbapply.gov.in.
- Click on “Apply” and select “Create an Account”.
- Enter your basic details: Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Father’s Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID.
- Identity Verification: Use your Aadhaar card number. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to provide an alternative ID like a PAN or Voter ID.
- Generate an OTP to verify your mobile and email.
- Create a strong password and submit.
Phase B: Filling the Application
- Login: Use your registered email/mobile and password to log in.
- Select Recruitment: Choose CEN 09/2025 (Group D Level-1).
- Educational Details: Enter your 10th-grade/ITI marks and board details.
- Post Preference: You will see a list of available posts (Pointsman, Assistant, etc.). Rank them according to your interest.
- Language of Exam: Choose your preferred language for the Computer Based Test (CBT).
Phase C: Uploading Documents & Fee Payment
- Upload your scanned photo and signature according to the specified dimensions.
- Pay the Application Fee:
- Gen/OBC/EWS: ₹500 (₹400 is refunded after you appear for the CBT).
- SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM/PwBD: ₹250 (Full refund of ₹250 after appearing for the CBT).
- Payment can be made via UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit cards.
Step 4: Final Submission & Correction Window
Once the payment is successful, review your application one last time. If everything looks correct, click “Submit”.
Important Dates to Remember:
- Fee Payment Deadline: March 4, 2026.
- Modification Window: If you made a mistake, you can edit your form from March 5 to March 14, 2026 by paying a small modification fee.
Selection Process: What Happens After You Apply?
Applying is just the beginning. The journey to a Railway job involves:
- CBT (Computer Based Test): A 90-minute exam with 100 questions (Science, Math, Reasoning, and Current Affairs).
- PET (Physical Efficiency Test): * Males: Carry 35kg for 100m and run 1km in 4 min 15 sec.
- Females: Carry 20kg for 100m and run 1km in 5 min 40 sec.
- Document Verification (DV) & Medical Exam.
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. With 22,000+ vacancies, this is your year to shine.” — Railway Aspirants Mentor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for more than one RRB region? No. You can only apply to one RRB region. Multiple applications will lead to rejection.
Q2: Is there negative marking in the exam? Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer in the CBT.
Q3: How much is the starting salary? Selected candidates start at Pay Level-1 with a basic pay of ₹18,000, plus DA, HRA, and other allowances, totaling around ₹22,000–₹25,000 per month.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes based on the CEN 09/2025 notification. Always refer to the official RRB websites for the most accurate and updated information.
