In a major boost for government job seekers, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a massive recruitment drive for over 22,000 Level-1 (Group D) posts. The online application process is set to commence on January 31, 2026, marking the start of a crucial opportunity for candidates with a 10th-pass or ITI qualification.
The recruitment, conducted under advertisement number CEN 09/2025, has seen a revision in its schedule. Originally planned for an earlier date, the application window will now remain open until March 2, 2026.
Key Details at a Glance
· Application Start Date: January 31, 2026
· Application End Date: March 2, 2026
· Total Vacancies: Approximately 22,000 Level-1 Posts
· Eligibility: Class 10 pass or ITI from NCVT/SCVT
· Selection Process: Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, Medical Exam
· Official Website for Application: https://www.rrbapply.gov.in/
Who Can Apply?
This RRB Group D recruitment 2026 is accessible to a wide pool of candidates. The primary educational requirement is a pass in Class 10 or an ITI certificate from a recognized institute. Additionally, holders of a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by the NCVT are also eligible.
The age limit for applicants is generally between 18 and 33 years, with relaxations provided for candidates from reserved categories as per government norms.
Vacancy Breakdown and Key Posts
The 22,000 vacancies span various departments within the Indian Railways. The largest share of posts is in the engineering department.
Major vacancies include:
· Track Maintainer Grade-IV: 11,000 posts
· Pointsman-B: 5,000 posts
· Assistant (Signal & Telecom): 1,500 posts
· Assistant (C&W): 1,000 posts
· Assistant (TRD): 800 posts
How to Apply for RRB Group D 2026
Candidates must apply online exclusively through the official RRB portal, rrbapply.gov.in. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.
A critical advisory from the board recommends that candidates ensure their Aadhaar card details are updated and perfectly match their Class 10 certificate information (name, date of birth) to avoid verification issues during the recruitment process.
Application Fee and Salary
The application fee is ₹500 for General and OBC candidates, with ₹400 refundable upon appearing for the CBT. For SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates, the fee is ₹250, which is fully refundable after taking the exam.
Upon selection, candidates will be placed in the Level-1 pay matrix of the 7th Central Pay Commission, with a starting basic pay of ₹18,000 per month, plus additional allowances.
With applications opening in just a few days, eligible candidates are advised to gather their documents, including a scanned photograph, signature, and relevant educational certificates, to ensure a smooth application process for these coveted Railway jobs 2026.
