RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: 22,000 Level-1 Vacancies Announced for 10th Pass Candidates

New Delhi, january 16, 2026: In a significant move that brings a wave of hope for millions of government job aspirants, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced a massive recruitment drive for 2026. Under the Centralized Employment Notice (CEN) 09/2025, the Indian Railways is set to fill approximately 22,000 vacancies for Level-1 (Group D) posts.

This recruitment is specifically tailored for individuals who have completed their 10th standard (Matriculation), making it one of the largest entry-level job opportunities in the country this year.

Key Highlights of RRB Recruitment 2026

The Indian Railways remains one of the largest employers in the world, and this 2026 cycle is part of the board’s new annual recruitment calendar aimed at streamlining the hiring process.

Feature	Details
Notification Number	CEN 09/2025
Total Vacancies	22,000 (Approx.)
Post Level	Level 1 (7th CPC Pay Matrix)
Minimum Education	10th Pass or ITI or NAC (NCVT)
Age Limit	18 to 33 Years (Relaxation as per rules)
Registration Mode	Online Only

Important Dates to Remember

Candidates are advised to mark their calendars to ensure they do not miss the application window. While a short notice was released on December 23, 2025, the full detailed notification is expected to be live soon.

• Detailed Notification Release: January 20, 2026
• Online Application Starts: January 21, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: February 20, 2026
• Exam Date (CBT): To be announced (Expected mid-2026)

Vacancies and Post Details

The 22,000 openings are spread across various technical and non-technical departments within the zonal railways. The most prominent roles include:

1. Track Maintainer Grade IV: 11,000 vacancies (Engineering Dept.)
2. Assistant Pointsman: 5,000 vacancies (Traffic Dept.)
3. Assistant (S&T): 1,500 vacancies (Signal & Telecommunication)
4. Assistant (C&W): 1,000 vacancies (Mechanical Dept.)
5. Other Assistants: Includes roles in Bridge, P-Way, TRD, and Loco Sheds.

The Northern Railway (NR), Western Railway (WR), and Central Railway (CR) are expected to have the highest concentration of vacancies, with NR alone accounting for over 3,500 posts.

Eligibility Criteria & Selection Process

To ensure a fair selection, the RRB follows a multi-stage process.

1. Educational Qualification

Applicants must have passed the 10th standard from a recognized board. For certain technical roles, an ITI certificate or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT may be preferred or required.

2. Age Limit (As of January 1, 2026)

The general age bracket is 18 to 33 years. However, under the 2026 rules, age relaxation is provided:

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
• SC/ST: 5 Years
• PwBD: Up to 10 Years

3. Selection Stages

• Computer-Based Test (CBT): A 90-minute exam featuring 100 questions covering General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness.
• Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates must pass physical tasks like weight lifting and running.
• Document Verification & Medical Exam: Final stages to verify credentials and physical fitness for specific railway zones.

How to Apply for RRB 2026 Vacancies

Eligible candidates must apply through the official regional RRB websites (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in for Chandigarh or rrbmumbai.gov.in for Mumbai).

1. Registration: Visit the official portal and click on “New Registration” for CEN 09/2025.
2. Form Filling: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and choose your preferred RRB zone.
3. Document Upload: Upload a scanned photograph and signature according to the specified dimensions.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee (₹500 for General/OBC; ₹250 for SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM/PwBD).
5. Final Submission: Review and submit the form, then print the confirmation page.