Are you dreaming of a secure career in the Indian Railways? The wait is finally over! The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially set the wheels in motion for one of India’s most anticipated recruitment drives. If you have been refreshing the official websites daily, this is the news you’ve been waiting for: the RRB Group D 2026 Notification (CEN 09/2025) is officially live.
With over 22,000+ vacancies announced for Level-1 posts, this represents a golden opportunity for 10th-pass candidates across the country. In this deep-dive guide, we provide the direct RRB Group D 2026 notification PDF download link and break down every critical detail you need to know to stay ahead of the competition.
RRB Group D 2026 Notification: At a Glance
The Railway Recruitment Board has released the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 09/2025. Here is a quick summary of the recruitment highlights:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level 1) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| CEN Number | 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 |
| Educational Qualification | 10th Pass / ITI / NAC |
| Age Limit | 18–33 Years (Relaxation up to 36 for some categories) |
| Application Start Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2, 2026 |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
How to Download RRB Group D 2026 Notification PDF?
Downloading the official notification is the first step toward a successful application. It contains the legal framework, zone-wise vacancy distribution, and specific medical standards.
Steps to Download:
- Visit the official regional RRB website (e.g., RRB Chandigarh, RRB Mumbai, RRB Allahabad).
- Look for the “Latest Notices” or “CEN 09/2025” section on the homepage.
- Click on the link titled “Detailed Centralised Employment Notice CEN 09/2025 for Level-1 Posts.”
- The PDF will open in a new tab; click the download icon to save it for future reference.
Expert Tip: Always save the PDF on your Google Drive or phone. You will need to refer to the “Medical Standards” and “Syllabus” sections repeatedly during your preparation.
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026: Zone-Wise Breakdown
The 22,195 vacancies are spread across various railway zones. Historically, zones like Northern Railway (New Delhi) and Western Railway (Mumbai) see the highest number of openings.
- Northern Railway (New Delhi): 3,537 Vacancies
- Western Railway (Mumbai): 3,148 Vacancies
- Central Railway (Mumbai): 2,012 Vacancies
- Northeast Frontier Railway (Guwahati): 1,776 Vacancies
Detailed category-wise (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) distributions are available in the official PDF.
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible?
Before hitting the ‘Apply‘ button, ensure you meet the following requirements as of January 1, 2026.
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed:
- Class 10th (High School) from a recognized board.
- OR ITI (Industrial Training Institute) from an institution recognized by NCVT/SCVT.
- OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
2. Age Limit (Relaxed for 2026)
For the 2026 cycle, the RRB has provided some relief in the upper age limit.
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age (General/EWS): 33 Years
- Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic gap, some notifications may reflect an upper age limit of 36 years for specific categories—verify this in the PDF based on your DOB.
Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- PwBD: 10–15 Years depending on category.
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
The selection is rigorous but fair. It consists of four major stages:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): An objective test covering Science, Maths, Reasoning, and GA.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A test of physical endurance (e.g., running and carrying weight).
- Document Verification (DV): Authenticating your certificates.
- Medical Examination: Ensuring you meet the visual and physical standards for specific railway roles.
Exam Pattern for CBT
The CBT is 90 minutes long and features 100 questions:
- General Science: 25 Questions
- Mathematics: 25 Questions
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: 30 Questions
- General Awareness & Current Affairs: 20 Questions
Warning: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd for every wrong answer.
Salary & Benefits: Why Join the Railways?
Selected candidates are placed in Level-1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹25,000 – ₹28,000 (depending on the city category X, Y, or Z).
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and Medical Facilities for self and family.
Final Thoughts
The RRB Group D 2026 Notification is a life-changing opportunity for millions. With the application window open from January 31 to March 2, don’t wait until the last minute—server issues are common in the final days!
Download the PDF, check your zone, and start your preparation today. Remember, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”
Ready to start? Head over to the official website and begin your journey toward a secure future in the Indian Railways!
