Hello dear friends, If you’re a fresher looking for a secure and rewarding government career, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Group D 2026 notification is your prime opportunity. With over 22,000 vacancies for Level-1 posts, this recruitment drive is a massive gateway to joining the world’s largest railway network. This guide is designed specifically for first-time applicants. We’ll walk you through every detail—from dates and fees to the exact documents you need—in a clear, simple, and natural way, ensuring you’re fully prepared to apply with confidence.

Understanding the Role and Its Importance

RRB Group D, now known as Level-1 posts, forms the operational backbone of Indian Railways. These are hands-on, crucial roles that ensure the smooth and safe running of trains. Positions like Track Maintainer, Assistant in various technical departments (Signal & Telecommunication, Electrical, Mechanical), and Pointsman are not just jobs; they are careers with dignity, stability, and clear growth paths. For candidates with a 10th pass or ITI qualification, this is one of the most accessible and prestigious entry points into the government sector, offering a handsome salary, job security, and comprehensive benefits from day one.

Crucial Dates You Must Circle on Your Calendar

Timing is everything. Missing a deadline can cost you this chance. Here are the important tentative dates you need to remember for the RRB Group D 2026 recruitment.

Activity	Tentative Date
Notification Release Date	Available Soon
Online Application Starts	31 January 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	02 March 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment	02 March 2026
Exam Date (CBT)	To be Notified Later
Admit Card Release	Before the Exam
Exam City Details	Before the Exam
Result Declaration	Will be Updated Later

Important Note: These dates are tentative. The RRB will confirm the exact schedule on its official website (https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in/). Make it a habit to check the official site regularly once the notification is out. Do not rely solely on third-party sources for final dates.

Application Fee: A Refundable Investment

A key feature of this recruitment is the partial refund of the application fee. This means a significant portion of your fee is returned just for appearing in the Computer Based Test (CBT). Here’s the fee structure:

• For General and OBC Category Candidates: ₹ 500
  • Refund on appearing for CBT: ₹ 400 (So, your net cost is effectively ₹ 100).
• For SC, ST, EBC, Female, and Transgender Candidates: ₹ 250
  • Refund on appearing for CBT: ₹ 250 (You get the full fee back upon attempting the exam).

Payment Mode: The fee is paid online through a secure gateway. You can use:

• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Internet Banking
• IMPS
• Cash Card / Mobile Wallets

Are You Eligible? Breaking Down the Criteria

1. Age Limit (As on a date to be specified by RRB):

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 33 years
• Age Relaxation: RRB provides relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen as per the government’s rules. The exact details will be in the official notification.

2. Educational Qualification:
The basic requirement is very accessible for freshers. You need to have either:

• Passed the 10th standard (Matriculation) from a recognized board, OR
• Possess an ITI certificate from an institution recognized by NCVT/SCVT.

3. Total Vacancies:
There are a total of 22,000+ posts across various designations. The exact post-wise distribution (like Track Maintainer, Assistant roles) will be detailed in the official vacancy table. You will be able to indicate your preferences during the application process.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Flawless Online Application

Filling the form correctly is your first test. Follow these steps diligently:

Step 1: Document Preparation (Do This FIRST)
Before you even click “Apply Online,” get all your scanned documents ready. This prevents last-minute panic. Here’s a checklist:

Document Required	Specifications & Details
Photograph	Recent passport-size (4.5cm x 3.5cm) with a plain white or light background. Face should be clearly visible without cap, goggles, or mask. Formal attire is recommended.
Signature	Signed with black ink on white paper. It must be clear, legible, and consistent with your future signatures.
10th Class Marksheet & Certificate	This is your key proof for Date of Birth and Educational Qualification.
Aadhaar Card	Mandatory for identity and address proof. The number is required in the form, and the original will be checked later.
Category Certificate (if applicable)	Valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificate in the government-prescribed format. For OBC, ensure it is non-creamy layer and current.
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)	A Benchmark Disability Certificate issued by a competent medical authority, clearly stating the disability percentage.
Ex-Serviceman Certificate	Required for relevant candidates; should clearly mention the period of service.
Bank Account Details	Your account number, IFSC code, and account holder name (must match your application details). This is crucial for the fee refund.
Active Email ID & Mobile Number	Use your own personal and active contacts. All communication will be sent here.

Pro Tip: Fill your name, your parents’ names, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your 10th certificate. Any discrepancy can lead to rejection during document verification.

Step 2: Official Registration

1. Visit the official RRB regional website once the link is active.
2. Click on “New Registration” for Group D (Level-1) 2026.
3. Enter basic details like name, date of birth, and mobile number.
4. You will receive a unique Registration Number and Password. Save these securely. This is your key for all future steps.

Step 3: Filling the Detailed Application Form

1. Log in with your registration details.
2. Carefully fill in all sections: personal, educational, communication, and post preferences.
3. Post Preferences: You will likely be allowed to choose multiple posts and Railway Zones. Research and select wisely based on your interests and the vacancies.

Step 4: Uploading Documents & Fee Payment

1. Upload the scanned photo and signature as per the specified size and format.
2. Review your entire application thoroughly. Use the “Preview” option.
3. Proceed to pay the application fee online using any of the available modes.
4. Do not close the browser until you see the “Payment Successful” and “Application Submitted” confirmation.
5. Final Step: Download and print the final application form and fee receipt for your records. This is mandatory for future stages.

The Selection Process: A Four-Stage Journey

Your path to the job involves clearing these sequential stages:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT-1): This is the first qualifying exam. It will typically cover Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness. Prepare with a focus on accuracy, as there is usually negative marking for wrong answers.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates who clear the CBT are called for PET. This is a qualifying test (marks don’t add up) to assess basic fitness. For males, it usually involves tasks like lifting weights or running; for females, tasks like running or lifting lighter weights. Start basic fitness training early.
3. Document Verification (DV): Here, all your original documents are verified against the details you submitted in the online form. This step underscores the importance of 100% accuracy in your application.
4. Medical Examination: The final stage is a thorough medical check-up to ensure you are fit for the demanding nature of railway duties.

Salary and Perks: What You Can Expect

The financial benefits make this a highly attractive career. The posts are under the 7th Central Pay Commission, Pay Level-1.

Salary Component	Details
Basic Pay	₹18,000 per month
Dearness Allowance (DA)	Revised quarterly as per government rates (a percentage of basic pay).
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	Depends on your city of posting (X, Y, or Z category).
Transport Allowance (TA)	As per prevailing RRB rules.
Other Allowances	Include Night Duty Allowance, Uniform Allowance, etc., as applicable.
Medical Benefits	Comprehensive medical facilities for you and your dependent family members.
Approximate In-Hand Salary	₹22,000 to ₹25,000 per month after all deductions and additions.

Additionally, you get job security (pension under the New Pension Scheme), paid leaves, travel concessions, and immense opportunities for career progression through departmental exams.

Faqs: your Question Answer 

1. Is there age relaxation for OBC/SC/ST candidates?
Yes. OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years relaxation, and SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation in the upper age limit of 33 years.

2. What is the salary for RRB Group D after selection?
The starting in-hand salary is approximately ₹22,000 to ₹25,000 per month, which includes basic pay, allowances, and benefits under the 7th Pay Commission.

3. Is the application fee refundable?
Yes, part of it is refunded. General/OBC candidates pay ₹500 and get ₹400 back after appearing for CBT. SC/ST/Female candidates pay ₹250 and get the full ₹250 refunded after the exam.

4. What is the selection process?
It has 4 stages:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT)
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
3. Document Verification
4. Medical Examination

5. When will the application form start?
Tentatively from 31 January 2026. The last date to apply is expected to be 02 March 2026. Always check the official RRB website for exact dates.

Conclusion

The RRB Group D 2026 recruitment for 22,000+ posts is a golden opportunity, especially for young freshers ready to build a meaningful career. The process is transparent but demands attention to detail—from marking the tentative application window of 31st January to 2nd March 2026 in your calendar, to preparing your documents and starting your subject-wise and physical preparation today.