The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the official notification for RRB Recruitment 2026, inviting applications for 22,195 Level-1 (Group D and other posts). Eligible candidates can apply online until 02 March 2026. This recruitment provides a valuable opportunity for candidates seeking a stable career in Indian Railways.
Below is the complete guide to vacancies, eligibility, application process, selection stages, and important instructions.
1. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 27 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 31 January 2026 (12:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 02 March 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 04 March 2026 |
| Application Correction | 05 – 14 March 2026 |
| PwBD Scribe Details Submission | 15 – 19 March 2026 |
Dates for CBT, PET, Document Verification, and Medical Exam will be announced on official RRB portals.
2. Vacancy Details
- Total Posts: 22,195
- Post Level: Level-1 (7th CPC)
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000 per month + allowances
- Vacancies are zone-wise and post-specific
- Numbers may change as per administrative decisions
3. Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- Indian citizens, OR
- Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan, OR
- Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before 01 Jan 1962, OR
- Persons of Indian origin from specified countries
Non-Indian citizens must have a Government of India eligibility certificate.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 33 years
Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST – 5 years
- OBC (NCL) – 3 years
- PwBD – Up to 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen – As per rules
- Widows/divorced women, railway employees, apprentices – As notified
Educational Qualification
- Candidates should have completed 10th Class / ITI / Course Completed Act Apprenticeship, as per post requirement
- Qualification must be completed by 02 March 2026
- Candidates awaiting results are not eligible
4. Medical Standards
- Posts have specific medical requirements: A-2, A-3, B-1, or C-1
- Candidates with LASIK or similar eye surgery are not eligible for A-2 and A-3 posts
- Medically unfit candidates will not be considered for alternative posts
5. Application Fees
| Category | Fee | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 after CBT |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Minorities / EBC | ₹250 | Full refund after CBT |
Refund applies only if the candidate appears in CBT.
6. Selection Process
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – Objective type, negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Qualifying in nature
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
Final selection depends on CBT score, PET qualification, medical fitness, and vacancies.
7. How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted online only via official RRB websites
- Candidates can apply for only one Railway Zone
- Multiple applications will result in rejection and debarment
Aadhaar Verification
- Strongly recommended for smooth exam entry, document verification, and fee refund
8. Reservation
- SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Ex-Servicemen
- Railway Apprentices (CCAA)
Submission of fake or incorrect certificates will lead to cancellation, lifetime debarment, and legal action
9. Important Instructions
- Admit cards will be issued online only
- Requests for change of exam centre or date will not be entertained
- Electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside exam halls
- Any malpractice will result in lifetime debarment
10. Final Advice
- Carefully read the official notification before applying
- Ensure eligibility regarding age, education, and medical standards
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues
- Rely only on official RRB websites for accurate updates
Conclusion
The RRB Group D / Level-1 Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025) is a prestigious and promising opportunity for aspirants looking to join Indian Railways. With over 22,000 vacancies, eligible candidates must complete their applications before 02 March 2026 to secure this opportunity.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. All details are based on official RRB notifications and may change. Candidates should refer to official RRB websites for the latest updates. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors or consequences arising from the use of this information.
