The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the short notification for RRB Recruitment 2025-26, announcing approximately 22,000 vacancies for Group D (Level-1) posts. This is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass candidates to secure a government job in the Indian Railways. The detailed notification (CEN 09/2025) is expected to be released shortly, with the online application window opening on 31st January 2026. This article provides a comprehensive guide on eligibility, the selection process, and the direct link to apply.
About RRB Recruitment 2025-26
The RRB Recruitment 2025-26 drive (CEN 09/2025) aims to fill Level-1 posts across various Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs). These posts include Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant in various technical departments (Electrical, Mechanical, and S&T), and Assistant Pointsman. The recruitment is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Control Board to manage the workforce requirements of the Indian Railways. Candidates must clear a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) to get selected.
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Recruitment Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level-1) Recruitment |
| Notification No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 22,000 |
| Post Name | Group D (Track Maintainer, Assistant, Pointsman) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 31st January 2026 (Revised) |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | www.rrbapply.gov.in |
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Age Limit
To be eligible for the RRB Recruitment 2025-26, candidates must adhere to the strict age criteria defined by the RRB as of 01.01.2026.
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years (General/UR)
Age Relaxation:
- OBC (NCL): 3 Years (Upper limit: 36 Years)
- SC/ST: 5 Years (Upper limit: 38 Years)
- PwBD: 10 Years (General), 13 Years (OBC), 15 Years (SC/ST)
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Required Documents
Candidates must keep scanned copies of the following documents ready before the RRB Recruitment 2025-26 application link becomes active. Ensuring you have these documents will prevent last-minute errors.
- Recent Passport Size Photograph: Color photo with a white background (Size: 20kb-50kb).
- Signature: Running hand signature (Size: 10kb-40kb).
- Class 10th Marksheet: For proof of date of birth and qualification.
- ITI/NAC Certificate: If applicable for technical posts.
- Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate (if seeking reservation).
- PwBD Certificate: If applicable.
- Aadhaar Card: Needed for verification during registration.
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Educational Qualification
The educational qualification is the most critical eligibility factor for RRB Recruitment 2025-26.
- Essential Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized board (NCVT/SCVT).
- Technical Qualification: For certain specific posts, a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT or ITI from a recognized institution is required.
- Note: Engineering Graduates are also eligible for Group D posts.
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Selection Process
The selection procedure for RRB Recruitment 2025-26 involves three major stages. Candidates must qualify in each stage to proceed to the next.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): An online objective test covering Science, Maths, Reasoning, and General Awareness.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
- Male: Lift 35kg for 100m in 2 mins; Run 1000m in 4 mins 15 secs.
- Female: Lift 20kg for 100m in 2 mins; Run 1000m in 5 mins 40 secs.
- Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination: Verification of original certificates followed by a medical fitness test.
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Salary Details
Selected candidates under the RRB Recruitment 2025-26 will receive a salary as per the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix Level 1.
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000 per month.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and Night Duty Allowance.
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹22,500 to ₹25,380 per month (depending on the city of posting).
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Application Fee
The application fee for RRB Recruitment 2025-26 must be paid online via Net Banking, Credit Card, or UPI.
| Category | Application Fee | Refundable Amount* |
| UR / OBC | ₹500 | ₹400 |
| SC / ST / Ex-SM / PwBD / Female / EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 |
*Refund is applicable only to candidates who appear for the CBT Exam.
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 How to Apply
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for RRB Recruitment 2025-26:
- Visit the official application portal: www.rrbapply.gov.in.
- Click on “New Registration” under CEN 09/2025.
- Register using your Mobile Number and Email ID.
- Log in and fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and post preferences.
- Upload your Photograph, Signature, and Category Certificate.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the application for future reference.
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Important Dates
Keep track of these key dates to ensure you do not miss any deadlines for RRB Recruitment 2025-26.
| Event | Date |
| Short Notification Release | 27th December 2025 |
| Detailed Notification Release | 30th January 2026 (Expected) |
| Application Start Date | 31st January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 2nd March 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be notified |
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Important Links Table
| RRB Group D Notification | View Here |
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 FAQs
- What is the start date for RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Application?The online application process begins on 31st January 2026.
- How many vacancies are released in RRB Group D 2025-26?There are approximately 22,000 vacancies for Level-1 posts.
- What is the age limit for RRB Group D?The age limit is 18 to 33 years for General candidates.
- Is ITI mandatory for RRB Group D?For most technical posts, ITI/NAC is preferred, but 10th Pass is the minimum qualification for many Group D posts.
RRB Recruitment 2025-26 Conclusion
The RRB Recruitment 2025-26 is a massive opportunity for job seekers aiming for a stable career in the Indian Railways. With 22,000 vacancies and a transparent selection process, candidates should start their preparation immediately. Ensure you check the official website regularly for the detailed notification and apply before the deadline to avoid rush.