The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Group D exam is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities for Class 10/ITI pass candidates who wish to join Indian Railways in Level-1 posts. The latest notification for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 has been released under Advertisement No. CEN 09/2025, bringing around 22,000+ vacancies across various zones of Indian Railways.
RRB Group D Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Posts | Group D / Level-1 (e.g., Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Assistant Points man, Helper/Assistant, etc.) |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 22,000+ posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Stages | CBT → PET → Document Verification → Medical |
This recruitment offers a prestigious career in Indian Railways, with structured job profiles and steady growth prospects.
RRB Group D Notification 2026
RRB Group D eligibility criteria
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 18 and 33 years as of 01/01/2026. Category-wise age relaxations are applicable as per government norms (e.g., SC/ST: +5 years, OBC: +3 years, PwBD: up to 15 years for SC/ST).
RRB Group D qualification
• Mandatory Class 10th pass from a recognized board.
• ITI/NCVT / NAC certificate is also acceptable for some posts.
Nationality
Must be an Indian citizen fulfilling RRB guidelines.
RRB Group D selection process
The RRB Group D recruitment process includes the following four stages:
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Computer Based Test (CBT) – Online multiple-choice exam
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Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Physical fitness qualifying test
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Document Verification – Verification of original documents
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Medical Examination – Final fitness check before appointment
RRB Group D 2026 Exam Pattern (CBT)
The Computer Based Test (CBT) is a crucial qualifying stage and comprises 100 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. Each question carries 1 mark, with negative marking of ⅓ for each incorrect response.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
➡️ 90 minutes duration (120 minutes for PwBD candidates with scribe)
➡️ Negative marking: -1/3 mark per wrong answer
RRB Group D Syllabus Overview
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key topics across all CBT sections:
Mathematics
– Number System, Fractions, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
– Time & Work, Simple Interest, Profit & Loss
– Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration basics
(Topics aligned with Class 10 level)
General Science
– Basic Physics, Chemistry & Life Sciences
– Everyday science concepts comparable to 10th standard syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning
– Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding
– Syllogism, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
General Awareness & Current Affairs
– National & International current affairs
– Sports, Awards, Government schemes, History, Geography
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Shortlisted candidates from the CBT are called for PET, which measures basic physical fitness:
RRB Group D 2026 Male Candidates:
• Lift & carry 35 kg for 100 m within 2 mins
• Run 1000 m in 4 min 15 sec
RRB Group D 2026 Female Candidates:
• Lift & carry 20 kg for 100 m within 2 mins
• Run 1000 m in 5 min 40 sec
Note: PET is a qualifying stage; final merit is based on the CBT score.
Salary & Benefits
RRB Group D posts offer an attractive salary structure under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix Level-1:
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Basic Pay: ₹18,000 per month
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In-Hand Salary: Around ₹22,500 – ₹25,380+ with allowances (DA, HRA, Transport, Medical)
This makes Group D jobs highly desirable for aspirants seeking stable central govt employment.
Frequently Asked Questions – RRB Group D 2026
Q1. What is RRB Group D exam?
RRB Group D is a national-level recruitment exam conducted by Railway Recruitment Boards for Level-1 posts such as Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, and other technical support roles in Indian Railways.
Q2. What is the minimum qualification for RRB Group D 2026?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or possess an ITI / NCVT / NAC certificate from a recognized institution.
Q3. What is the age limit for RRB Group D exam?
The age limit is 18 to 33 years, with age relaxation applicable for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and other reserved categories as per government rules.
Q4. How many vacancies are expected in RRB Group D 2026?
Around 22,000+ vacancies are expected across various railway zones in India.
Q5. Is there negative marking in RRB Group D CBT?
Yes. 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer in the CBT.
Q6. Is PET compulsory for RRB Group D?
Yes. The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is mandatory and qualifying in nature for candidates shortlisted after CBT.
Q7. What is the salary of RRB Group D employees?
The basic pay is ₹18,000 per month, and the in-hand salary ranges from ₹22,500 to ₹25,000+, including allowances.
Q8. Can I prepare for RRB Group D online?
Yes. With structured online mock tests, chapter-wise practice, and previous year questions, aspirants can effectively prepare online.
