RRB Group D 2026 Recruitment: 22,000 Vacancies, Dates & Full Guide
RRB Group D 2026 Recruitment: 22,000 Vacancies, Dates & Full Guide
The Indian Railways has officially announced a massive recruitment drive for 2026, offering a life-changing opportunity for over 22,000 aspirants. Whether you are a 10th-pass student or an ITI holder, this is your chance to secure a stable career in Level 1 posts.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know, from vacancy distribution to the latest salary structure.
Quick Navigation Table for Candidates
| Event | Date / Detail |
| Notification Release | January 20, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,000 (Level 1) |
| Online Application Starts | January 21, 2026 |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
| CBT Exam Language | 15+ Local Languages |
Important Dates for RRB Group D 2026
Mark your calendars! The registration window is brief, and you won’t want to miss the deadline.
- Short Notice Released: December 23, 2025
- Detailed Notification PDF: January 20, 2026
- Online Application Starts: January 21, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: February 20, 2026
- CBT Exam Date: To be announced (Expected Mid-2026)
Railway Group D 22000 Vacancy Details (Post-Wise)
The 2026 recruitment is particularly heavy on technical and safety roles. The Track Maintainer position alone accounts for 50% of the total openings.
| Post Name | Department | Number of Vacancies |
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | Engineering | 11,000 |
| Pointsman B | Traffic | 5,000 |
| Assistant (S&T) | Signal & Telecommunication | 1,500 |
| Assistant (C&W) | Mechanical | 1,000 |
| Assistant (TRD) | Electrical | 800 |
| Other Assistant Posts | Various | 2,700 |
| Total | 22,000 |
Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit
To apply for these Level 1 positions, you must meet the following basic requirements as of January 1, 2026:
- Educational Qualification: 10th Pass (Matriculation) OR ITI from a recognized institution (NCVT/SCVT) OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC).
- Age Limit: 18 to 33 years for the General category.
- Age Relaxations:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwBD: 10 years
RRB Group D Selection Process
The selection is a multi-stage process designed to test both your mental aptitude and physical fitness.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): The primary screening round.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Mandatory for all candidates (Qualifying nature).
- Document Verification (DV): Verification of original certificates.
- Medical Examination: Final health check-up to ensure fitness for the specific post.
RRB Group D Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 90 minutes. Beware of the negative marking: 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
RRB Group D Track Maintainer Salary 2026
One of the biggest draws of this recruitment is the competitive pay scale under the 7th Pay Commission.
- Pay Level: Level 1
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000
- Allowances: Includes DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), and Transport Allowance.
- Estimated Monthly Gross Salary: ₹28,000 – ₹34,000 (depending on the city category).
How to Apply Online for RRB Group D 2026
Starting January 21, you can apply through any of the regional RRB websites or the centralized portal at rrbapply.gov.in.
- Registration: Fill in your basic details to get a Registration ID.
- Post Preference: Carefully select your preferred posts and Railway Zones.
- Upload Documents: You will need a scanned photograph and signature.
- Fee Payment: ₹500 for General/OBC (₹400 refundable after appearing in CBT) and ₹250 for SC/ST/Ex-SM/Females (fully refundable).
Your Journey Starts Now: Plan, Prepare, Conquer!
The release of this calendar is more than just a list of dates; it’s the official starting gun for your dedicated preparation journey. Remember, every successful candidate once stood where you are today—looking at a calendar and deciding to take that first step. Consistency turns effort into excellence, and a well-made plan is the bridge between your goals and your achievement. Let this schedule be the framework upon which you build your disciplined daily routine. The path may seem long, but each day of focused study brings you closer to securing your future. Believe in your preparation, stay resilient through the challenges, and keep your eyes firmly on the goal. Your hard work will write your success story.
Ready to test your preparation? Practice with thousands of topic-wise quizzes and full-length mock tests tailored for all RRB Group D exams and other competitive government tests. Visit GK Quizz to start your practice today and track your progress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can 10th-pass candidates apply for all posts?
Yes, 10th pass is the minimum qualification for most Group D (Level 1) posts.
Q2: Is there any change in the syllabus for 2026?
The core subjects remain the same, but there is a higher emphasis on Science and Logical Reasoning in recent exam trends.
Q3: Is the application fee refundable?
Yes, a portion of the fee is refunded to your bank account after you appear for the CBT exam.
Q4. Which body is responsible for publishing the RRB Group D recruitment notice?
The official advertisement and all related updates are formally issued by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) across its various regional portals and the national employment newspaper.
Q5. What is the total seat count expected for the 2026 RRB Group D cycle?
According to the latest preliminary notices, the department is looking to fill a significant number of positions, with over 22,000 vacancies anticipated for Level 1 posts across India.
Q6. On what date will the online registration portal for RRB Group D open?
The registration link is slated to go live starting January 21, 2026, allowing candidates to begin submitting their details.
Q7. When is the final deadline to submit an application for the 2026 recruitment?
Applicants must ensure their forms are submitted by February 20, 2026, as the window is expected to close by midnight on this date.
Q8. What are the minimum academic standards required for RRB Group D?
To be eligible, a candidate should have completed their 10th standard (High School) from a recognized board. Alternatively, those holding an ITI certificate or an equivalent qualification are also qualified to apply.
Q9. What is the age bracket for candidates applying for this recruitment?
The standard age requirement is generally between 18 and 33 years. However, please note that the government provides age relaxations for reserved categories (such as SC/ST/OBC and PwBD) as per existing recruitment protocols.
Q10. What steps should I follow to submit my application for RRB Group D 2026?
Applying is a strictly online process. You will need to visit the official regional RRB website corresponding to the zone you wish to apply for, complete the registration, upload the required digital documents, and pay the application fee through the secure payment gateway.
Q11. What is the detailed selection process for RRB Group D 2026?
The selection involves four stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): An online written exam.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A test of physical strength and endurance.
- Document Verification (DV): Verification of your original certificates.
- Medical Examination: Final health check-up conducted by Railway doctors.
Q12. What are the subjects and marks for the CBT exam?
The CBT consists of 100 questions to be solved in 90 minutes:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: 30 Marks
- Mathematics: 25 Marks
- General Science: 25 Marks
- General Awareness & Current Affairs: 20 Marks
Q13. Is there any negative marking in the Railway Group D exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for every incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
Q14. What are the PET (Physical Efficiency Test) criteria for Male candidates?
Male candidates must:
- Lift and carry 35 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one attempt without putting the weight down.
- Run a distance of 1000 meters in 4 minutes and 15 seconds in one attempt.
Q15. What are the PET (Physical Efficiency Test) criteria for Female candidates?
Female candidates must:
- Lift and carry 20 kg of weight for a distance of 100 meters in 2 minutes in one attempt without putting the weight down.
- Run a distance of 1000 meters in 5 minutes and 40 seconds in one attempt.
Q16. What is the application fee for RRB Group D 2026?
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹500
- SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/Females/PwBD/Transgender: ₹250
Q17. Is the application fee refundable?
Yes. Candidates who appear in the CBT exam will receive a partial refund. General/OBC candidates get back ₹400, while SC/ST/Female candidates get a full refund of ₹250 (bank charges deducted).
Q18. What is the in-hand salary of a Track Maintainer in 2026?
The starting basic pay is ₹18,000. Including DA, HRA, and Transport Allowances, the in-hand salary ranges between ₹28,000 and ₹34,000 per month, depending on the city of posting.
Q19. Can I apply if I am currently in my final year of the 10th class?
No. You must have already passed the 10th class/ITI and possess the original certificate/mark sheet as of the closing date of the application (February 20, 2026).
Q20. Is an ITI certificate compulsory for all 22,000 vacancies?
Not for all. While many technical posts like Track Maintainer require an ITI certificate or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), some Level-1 posts are open to candidates who have only passed the 10th standard.
Q21. How many candidates will be called for the Physical Test (PET)?
RRB typically calls candidates three times the number of vacancies (approx. 66,000 candidates for 22,000 posts) based on their merit score in the CBT.
Q22. What are the vision standards for RRB Group D?
Medical standards vary by post (A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, C2). Most safety-related posts like Pointsman require a high standard of vision (6/9 without glasses) and clear color vision.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the details released by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). All candidates are advised to regularly check the official RRB websites for the latest updates, official PDF notifications, and definitive dates for each stage of the recruitment process.
Start your focused preparation today. Use this calendar as your strategic blueprint to plan your study schedule and ace your target RRB Group D exam in 2026! Start your preparation today.
