The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially unveiled one of the largest government recruitment drives of 2026 with the announcement of 22,195 Group D (Level-1) vacancies across Indian Railways. This massive hiring initiative opens doors for 10th pass and ITI-qualified candidates who aspire to secure a permanent central government job with stability, decent salary, and long-term career growth.
The RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 notification confirms recruitment for multiple posts such as Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant (Electrical, Mechanical, Signal & Telecom, Engineering) and several other Level-1 roles. With vacancies spread across all major railway zones, this recruitment offers opportunities to candidates from every region of India.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every important detail of RRB Group D 2026 — vacancies, zone-wise and department-wise distribution, eligibility criteria, selection process, job profiles, salary structure, and why this recruitment is a golden opportunity for government job aspirants.
Why RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 Is a Big Opportunity
Railway jobs have always been among the most trusted and sought-after government jobs in India, especially for candidates from rural and semi-urban backgrounds. The Group D cadre forms the backbone of Indian Railways, handling ground-level operations that keep the world’s fourth-largest railway network running smoothly.
What makes RRB Group D 2026 particularly important is:
✔ Huge vacancy count (22,195 posts)
✔ Low educational requirement (10th pass / ITI)
✔ All-India posting opportunities
✔ 7th Pay Commission salary benefits
✔ Job security + pension benefits (NPS)
In a time when private-sector jobs are uncertain, a Group D railway job offers stability, dignity, and predictable career growth.
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026: Official Highlights
Here is a quick overview of the recruitment:
Recruiting Authority: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Post Name: Group D (Level-1)
Total Vacancies: 22,195
Pay Level: Level-1 (7th CPC)
Initial Pay: ₹18,000 per month (Basic)
Job Location: Across India
Mode of Application: Online
Selection Process: CBT → PET → DV → Medical
The official notification confirms that all posts fall under Level-1 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, ensuring uniform pay and allowances across zones.
Understanding Group D (Level-1) Posts in Indian Railways
Before diving into vacancies, it is important to understand what Group D jobs actually involve.
Group D employees are responsible for core operational and maintenance activities in Indian Railways. These jobs are non-gazetted, non-ministerial, but they are permanent government posts with strong service benefits.
Typical responsibilities include:
Track maintenance and safety checks
Assisting in electrical and mechanical departments
Supporting train operations and yard activities
Maintaining railway assets and infrastructure
Ensuring smooth passenger and freight movement
Despite being entry-level, these roles offer clear promotion pathways and departmental exams for career growth.
Total Vacancies in RRB Group D 2026: 22,195 Explained
The headline figure of 22,195 vacancies is not random. It reflects:
Retirement gaps in Level-1 posts
Expansion and modernization of railway infrastructure
Increased freight and passenger traffic
Requirement for safety-related manpower
Unlike earlier years where vacancies were speculative, RRB Group D 2026 vacancies are officially confirmed and zone-approved, making this recruitment highly reliable.
Department-Wise Vacancy Distribution (Detailed Analysis)
The 22,195 vacancies are distributed across multiple railway departments. Below is a department-wise breakdown with explanation of job roles.
1. Track Maintainer Grade-IV (Engineering Department) – 11,000+ Posts
This is the largest chunk of vacancies.
Key Responsibilities:
Inspecting railway tracks
Repairing track components
Ensuring safety standards
Working in all weather conditions
Track Maintainers play a critical safety role, which is why recruitment numbers are high.
2. Pointsman-B (Traffic Department) – 5,000+ Posts
Pointsmen are responsible for operating track switches and assisting in train movement at stations and yards.
Why demand is high:
Increasing train frequency
Safety-critical operations
Expansion of station infrastructure
This role suits candidates who prefer operational duties over technical work.
3. Assistant (Signal & Telecommunication) – 1,500+ Posts
This department ensures communication systems, signals, and networking equipment function properly.
Work Profile:
Signal maintenance
Cable checks
Supporting telecom infrastructure
Candidates with ITI or technical aptitude often prefer this role.
4. Assistant (Mechanical – C&W) – 1,000+ Posts
C&W stands for Carriage & Wagon.
Responsibilities include:
Inspecting train coaches
Assisting in repairs
Supporting mechanical maintenance
This job offers exposure to rolling stock systems and future technical promotions.
5. Assistant (Electrical – TRD, TL & AC, Loco Shed) – 2,000+ Posts (Combined)
Electrical assistants work in multiple sub-departments such as:
Traction Distribution (TRD)
Train Lighting (TL)
Air Conditioning (AC)
Loco Sheds
These posts are ideal for ITI (Electrician) candidates.
6. Assistant (Engineering – P-Way, Track Machine) – 900+ Posts
These roles support:
Permanent Way (P-Way)
Track machines and heavy equipment
They involve both manual and technical assistance.
Zone-Wise RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 (Major Railway Zones)
Vacancies are distributed across almost all railway zones, ensuring regional balance.
Major Zones with High Vacancies:
Northern Railway (New Delhi): ~3,500+ posts
Western Railway (Mumbai): ~3,100+ posts
Central Railway (Mumbai): ~2,000+ posts
Northeast Frontier Railway (Guwahati): ~1,700+ posts
South Central Railway (Secunderabad): ~1,000+ posts
Each zone recruits based on:
Network length
Operational load
Retirement projections
This zone-wise distribution allows candidates to apply strategically based on home-state preference.
Why Zone-Wise Data Matters for Aspirants
Many candidates ignore zone-wise vacancy data, but it directly affects:
Competition level
Cut-off trends
Posting location probability
Zones with higher vacancies often have slightly lower cut-offs, especially for unreserved candidates.
Educational Qualification for RRB Group D 2026
To apply for RRB Group D 2026, candidates must meet one of the following:
10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognized board
ITI certificate from NCVT/SCVT
Equivalent qualification recognized by government
No higher degree is required, making this recruitment accessible to millions of aspirants.
Age Limit for RRB Group D 2026
Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: 33 years
Age Relaxation:
SC/ST: +5 years
OBC: +3 years
Ex-Servicemen: As per service length
PwBD: As per rules
Age is calculated as per the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
How to Apply for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 through the official Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) online portal. The application process is completely online, and no offline forms are accepted.
Follow the step-by-step process carefully to avoid mistakes.
🔹 Step 1: Visit the Official RRB Website
Go to the official RRB regional website or the centralized recruitment portal.
Get List of regional websites here
🔹 Step 2: New Registration
Click on “RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online”
Enter basic details such as:
Name
Date of Birth
Mobile Number
Email ID
A registration number and password will be generated.
📌 Note: Use an active mobile number and email ID.
🔹 Step 3: Fill Online Application Form
Login using your registration credentials and fill in:
Personal details
Educational qualification (10th / ITI)
Category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS)
Railway zone preference
Language preference for CBT
🔹 Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
Recent passport-size photograph
Signature
Required certificates (as per notification)
📌 Images must be in prescribed format and size, otherwise the form may be rejected.
🔹 Step 5: Pay Application Fee
Pay the examination fee through:
Debit Card
Credit Card
Net Banking
UPI
💰 Application Fee (Expected):
General / OBC / EWS: ₹500
SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Ex-Servicemen: ₹250
(Fee refund applicable as per RRB rules after CBT)
🔹 Step 6: Final Submit & Print
Review the form carefully
Submit the application
Download and print the application confirmation page for future reference
⚠️ Once submitted, no major corrections are allowed.
Selection Process for RRB Group D 2026 (Overview)
The selection process follows four clear stages:
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Document Verification (DV)
Medical Examination
Each stage is qualifying in nature, except CBT which determines merit.
Salary Structure of RRB Group D (Level-1)
Although detailed salary analysis will be covered in Part-2, here is a brief overview:
Basic Pay: ₹18,000
DA, HRA, TA: As applicable
Approx In-Hand Salary: ₹22,000–₹25,000
Salary increases over time with DA revisions and promotions.
Why RRB Group D 2026 Is Ideal for First-Time Govt Job Seekers
This recruitment is especially beneficial for:
First-time government job aspirants
Candidates from rural areas
10th pass students
ITI holders seeking stable employment
Unlike exams that require intense academic preparation, Group D focuses on basic aptitude and physical fitness.
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026 – Explained Step by Step
The RRB Group D selection process is designed to test candidates on basic intelligence, physical fitness, and medical suitability. It is not an academic-heavy exam, but it rewards consistency and discipline.
The four stages are:
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Document Verification (DV)
Medical Examination
Let’s break down each stage in detail.
Stage 1: RRB Group D CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT (Computer Based Test) is the most important stage because merit is decided here.
CBT Exam Overview
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 100
Duration: 90 minutes
Negative Marking: ⅓ mark for each wrong answer
Mode: Online
Section-Wise Distribution
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
This pattern remains uniform across all RRB zones.
RRB Group D Syllabus 2026 – Topic-Wise Breakdown
1. Mathematics Syllabus (25 Marks)
Mathematics is high-scoring if practiced properly.
Important Topics:
Number System
BODMAS
Decimals & Fractions
LCM & HCF
Ratio & Proportion
Percentage
Profit & Loss
Simple & Compound Interest
Time & Work
Time, Speed & Distance
Average
Mensuration (2D & 3D)
Algebra (basic)
Geometry & Trigonometry (basic)
📌 Level: Class 8–10
📌 Strategy: Speed + accuracy
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning (30 Marks)
This section decides rank difference.
Key Topics:
Analogies
Classification
Coding-Decoding
Series (Number/Alphabet)
Syllogism
Blood Relations
Direction Sense
Venn Diagrams
Mathematical Operations
Puzzles (basic)
Statement & Conclusion
📌 Practice is more important than theory here.
3. General Science (25 Marks)
Science questions are direct and NCERT-based.
Subjects Covered:
Physics (Motion, Work, Energy, Electricity)
Chemistry (Matter, Acids, Bases, Metals)
Biology (Human Body, Plants, Nutrition)
📌 Source: NCERT Class 9 & 10
📌 Tip: Avoid over-studying advanced topics.
4. General Awareness & Current Affairs (20 Marks)
This section is unpredictable but manageable.
Static GK Topics:
Indian History
Geography (India focus)
Indian Polity
Economy (basic)
Indian Railways facts
Sports & Awards
Current Affairs:
Last 6–12 months
Government schemes
National & international events
📌 Daily news + monthly PDF is enough.
CBT Qualifying Marks (Category-Wise)
Minimum qualifying marks (subject to normalization):
UR/EWS: 40%
OBC: 30%
SC: 30%
ST: 30%
⚠️ Qualifying does NOT mean selection — cut-off is always higher.
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Full Details
The PET is qualifying in nature, but many candidates get eliminated here due to poor preparation.
PET Standards for Male Candidates
Running:
1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds (one chance)
Weight Lifting:
Carry 35 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes
PET Standards for Female Candidates
Running:
1000 meters in 5 minutes 40 seconds
Weight Lifting:
Carry 20 kg for 100 meters in 2 minutes
📌 PET is conducted after CBT shortlisting, usually 3–4 times the vacancy.
Common PET Mistakes (Avoid These)
Ignoring stamina training
Practicing only running, not weight lifting
Not warming up before test
Overconfidence after CBT
👉 PET preparation should start immediately after CBT exam, not after results.
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV)
Candidates who clear PET are called for Document Verification.
Required Documents:
10th Marksheet & Certificate
ITI Certificate (if applicable)
Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
EWS Certificate (if applicable)
Aadhaar / ID Proof
Passport-size photographs
Medical fitness declaration
⚠️ Any mismatch or fake document = direct rejection.
Stage 4: Medical Examination – Explained Simply
Medical fitness is mandatory for railway jobs due to safety reasons.
Common Medical Standards for Group D:
Vision:
Usually A-2 or B-1 category
No color blindness
Normal hearing
No major deformity
General physical fitness
📌 Exact category depends on post and department.
RRB Group D Salary Structure 2026 – In-Hand & Allowances
Basic Pay (7th CPC)
₹18,000 per month
Allowances Included:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA) or Railway Quarters
Transport Allowance
Night Duty Allowance (for some posts)
Overtime (where applicable)
Approx In-Hand Salary:
₹22,000 – ₹25,000 per month (varies by city & DA rate)
Over time, salary increases with:
DA hikes
Annual increments
Promotions
Job Profile After Selection – What You Actually Do
Many aspirants ask: “Group D me kaam kya hota hai?”
Track Maintainer:
Field duty
Track safety checks
Physically active role
Pointsman:
Assisting train movement
Station & yard duties
Shift-based work
Assistant (Electrical/Mechanical/S&T):
Supporting technical staff
Maintenance work
Workshop/field mix
📌 Work can be physically demanding, but job security is unmatched.
Career Growth & Promotion in RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
Group D is not a dead-end job.
Promotion Channels:
Group D → Group C (through departmental exams)
Seniority-based promotions
Technical skill upgrades
With experience, employees can become:
Technician
Junior Engineer (through exams)
Section Controller (traffic side)
📈 Many officers in Railways started as Group D employees.
Cut-Off Trends: What to Expect in 2026
Previous years indicate:
UR Cut-Off: 70–75
OBC: 65–70
SC: 60–65
ST: 55–60
📌 Cut-off varies by:
Zone
Category
Vacancy count
Exam difficulty
Higher vacancies in 2026 may slightly reduce cut-offs, especially in less competitive zones.
How to Prepare for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 – Expert Strategy
1. Focus on Basics
No advanced math or science needed.
2. Practice Daily
50–70 questions per day
Weekly mock tests
3. Strengthen PET Side by Side
Morning running
Strength training
4. Avoid Over-Resources
One book + mock tests = enough.
Best Books for RRB Group D Preparation
Mathematics: Rakesh Yadav / NCERT
Reasoning: Lucent / Arihant
Science: NCERT 9–10
GK: Lucent GK
Current Affairs: Monthly PDFs
FAQs on RRB Group D Recruitment 2026
Q1. Is RRB Group D 2026 notification officially released?
Yes, vacancies are officially announced.
Q2. Can 10th pass students apply?
Yes, 10th pass is sufficient.
Q3. Is PET compulsory?
Yes, qualifying PET is mandatory.
Q4. Is there interview?
No interview for Group D posts.
Q5. Is posting transferable?
Yes, but usually within zone initially.
Final Verdict: Should You Apply for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026?
If you want:
A stable government job
Minimal academic pressure
Fixed salary + pension benefits
Long-term career security
👉 RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 is absolutely worth applying for.
With 22,195 vacancies, disciplined preparation can realistically turn this opportunity into permanent employment.
👉 Latest Govt Jobs, Admit Cards, Results & Exam Updates sabse pehle paane ke liye
🌐 Visit & Bookmark: kolee.in
📢 Trusted source for Railway, SSC, Banking & State Govt Jobs
Hello and warm greetings!
I’m Satyapal Yadav, the founder of Kolee.in and a passionate content writer and researcher. I began my professional journey in 2005 in the IT sector, exploring the vast world of technology. Over time, my curiosity and interest in financial markets led me to trading around 2010, which inspired me to merge my tech background with finance research and content writing.
At Kolee.in, my mission is simple: I strive to provide readers with accurate, research-backed, and easy-to-understand information to help them make informed decisions in their careers, finances, and personal lives. Over the years, I have specialized in topics including finance, government jobs, competitive exams, education, government policies, and the latest technology trends.
I firmly believe that knowledge is valuable only when it is understood deeply and applied wisely. That’s why I dedicate myself to producing content that is clear, practical, and actionable, bridging the gap between complex information and reader-friendly guidance.
When it comes to government jobs, I cover everything from state and central vacancies to competitive exam strategies, helping readers navigate their career paths with confidence. In the finance domain, I share insights on personal finance, investment strategies, and market updates, making complex topics easy to understand.
Education is another passion of mine. I provide guidance on exam preparation, scholarships, and learning strategies, helping students and professionals achieve their academic and career goals. I also explore technology trends, reviewing the latest gadgets and sharing insights on innovations in AI, apps, and emerging tech, keeping readers up-to-date in a fast-evolving digital world.
What drives me is the desire to empower my readers. I don’t just provide information—I aim to help people make smart choices, whether it’s pursuing the right government job, planning their finances, or staying ahead with technology and education updates.
All content on Kolee.in is carefully researched and reader-focused. This ensures that readers get valuable information that is easy to navigate and understand. My writing emphasizes clarity, authenticity, and relevance, making it trustworthy for students, job seekers, finance enthusiasts, and tech-savvy readers alike.
I’ve spent years learning, researching, and refining my approach to content creation, combining my IT and finance experience with my passion for education and technology. Every article I write is designed to inform, inspire, and guide—helping readers make practical and confident decisions in their personal and professional lives.
Through Kolee.in, I aim to build a platform that bridges the gap between complex data and everyday readers, turning knowledge into actionable insights. I want my readers to feel empowered, confident, and informed every time they visit the site.
Thank you for stopping by! I hope the content you find here helps you achieve your goals, stay informed, a
nd make smart decisions in life, career, and learning.
With warm regards and best wishes,
Satyapal Yadav
Founder and Content Writer, Kolee.in
