RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Applications Postponed, Check New Registration Date, Vacancies, Age Limit, Eligibility Criteria & More

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a major update regarding the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026. The application process for nearly 22,000 Group D posts has been postponed. The recruitment drive will fill vacancies in multiple railway zones and departments and is being conducted under Centralized Employment Notification No. 09/2025. Candidates are advised to carefully note the new timeline and updated guidelines before applying.

Revised application schedule

As per the latest notification, the online registration process for RRB Group D 2026 will commence on January 31, 2026, instead of the previously announced date of January 21. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online till 11:59 PM on March 2, 2026. Applications will be accepted only through the official portal, rrbapply.gov.in, and offline submissions will not be allowed.

Aadhaar advice for candidates

RRB has issued a strong advisory regarding Aadhaar verification. Applicants must ensure that their Aadhaar details, especially name and date of birth, exactly match the information mentioned in their Class 10 certificate. Candidates are also advised to update their latest photograph and biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, in the Aadhaar files.

Distribution of vacancies

Of the total 22,000 vacancies in Group D, the Engineering department accounts for the highest number, with approximately 12,500 posts. There are almost 11,000 vacancies for the Grade 4 Track Maintainer position alone. Other posts include Traffic Point B, Assistant (S&T), Assistant (C&W), Assistant (TRD), Assistant (Track Machine), Assistant (Bridge), Assistant (P-Way), Assistant Operation and Assistant Loco Sheet. The regional allocation includes 993 posts for East Central Railway and 1,199 posts for South Eastern Railway.

Eligibility, age limit and selection process

The age limit for RRB Group D 2026 is 18 to 33 years. OBC candidates are eligible for three years age relaxation while SC and ST candidates get five years relaxation. The short notice has not clearly specified the educational qualifications, which has led to confusion regarding the Class 10 and ITI requirements.

The selection process involves a computer-based test (CBT), followed by a physical efficiency test (PET). The CBT lasts 90 minutes with 100 questions and a third party negative rating for incorrect answers.

Application fees and pay scale

Candidates can apply for only one RRB. Multiple applications to different railways will result in a rejection. The application fee is Rs 500 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, of which Rs 400 will be refunded after appearing for the CBT. Selected candidates will receive a Level 1 pay scale of Rs 18,000 per month.