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The Railway Recruitment Board Group D examination is India's largest single railway recruitment drive by candidate volume. Conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards across 21 zones, RRB Group D recruits candidates for Level 1 posts including Track Maintainer Grade IV, Pointsman, Helper/Assistant, Assistant Loco Shed, Assistant Operations, and Assistant TL and AC in Indian Railways. These are entry-level permanent central government positions open to candidates who have passed Class 10 or hold a valid ITI certificate.
For the 2026 cycle under CEN 09/2025, the Railway Recruitment Board released the official notification on January 30, 2026, announcing 22,195 Level 1 vacancies across 16 railway zones. The online application window ran from January 31 to March 9, 2026 (extended). The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is expected in June 2026. The current cycle coincides with another active cycle: CEN 08/2024 exams were conducted from November 27, 2025, to February 10, 2026, and results are expected in May 2026.
This page is the complete guide to RRB Group D 2026, covering official vacancy data, exam dates, exam pattern, complete syllabus, eligibility criteria, selection process, Physical Efficiency Test standards, cutoff trends, salary structure, and a complete preparation strategy.
| Topic Page | |
| Detailed Syllabus and Topic List | RRB Group D Syllabus |
| Eligibility: Age, Qualification, PET Standards | RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria |
| Official Notification and Vacancy Details | RRB Group D Notification |
| Application Process and Fee | RRB Group D Application Process |
| Cutoff: Category-wise and Zone-wise | RRB Group D Cutoff |
| Exam Analysis: Difficulty and Good Attempts | RRB Group D Exam Analysis |
| Previous Year Question Papers | RRB Group D PYQ |
| Exam Day Rules and Documents | RRB Group D Exam Day Guidance |
| Physical Efficiency Test Guide | RRB Group D PET |
| Result and Scorecard | RRB Group D Result |
| Frequently Asked Questions | RRB Group D FAQ |
| Full Test Series (400 Tests) | RRB Group D Test Series |
| Syllabus Tracker | RRB Group D Syllabus Tracker |
RRB Group D refers to Level 1 posts in the Indian Railways pay matrix under the 7th Central Pay Commission. These posts are the entry point into Indian Railways service for candidates with 10th pass or ITI qualifications. Unlike NTPC posts which require graduation or Class 12, Group D posts are accessible to candidates with only a Class 10 certificate, making it one of the most inclusive central government recruitment drives.
The posts are operational in nature. Track Maintainer Grade IV works on railway track maintenance. Pointsman manages railway signals and switches. Assistant posts support loco sheds, operations, and technical departments. All posts are permanent, pensionable, and carry the full range of central government benefits.
The scale of RRB Group D is unmatched. In the 2021-22 cycle (CEN 01/2019), over 1 crore candidates applied. In the 2024-25 cycle (CEN 08/2024), over 30 lakh appeared for CBT. For the 2026 cycle (CEN 09/2025), over 50 lakh applications are expected given the 22,195 vacancy announcement.
| Parameter Official Data | |
| Notification Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Notification Release Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Application Last Date (Extended) | March 9, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March 12 to 21, 2026 |
| Scribe Details Submission | March 22 to 26, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 |
| Posts | Track Maintainer Grade IV, Pointsman, Assistant, Assistant Loco Shed, Assistant Operations, Assistant TL and AC |
| Pay Level | Level 1 (7th CPC) |
| Basic Pay | Rs 18,000 per month |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th pass or ITI certificate |
| Age Limit (UR) | 18 to 33 years (as on January 1, 2026) |
| CBT Exam Expected | June 2026 |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in and regional RRB websites |
A total of 22,195 vacancies have been announced for various Level-1 posts in different railway zones.
| Post Category Approximate Vacancies | ||
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | Engineering Department | Largest share |
| Pointsman | Operations Department | Significant share |
| Helper/Assistant | Electrical, S&T, Mechanical | Significant share |
| Assistant Loco Shed (Diesel) | Mechanical Department | Moderate share |
| Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical) | Electrical Department | Moderate share |
| Assistant Operations and BD | Operations Department | Moderate share |
| Assistant TL and AC | Electrical Department | Smaller share |
| Hospital Attendant | Medical Department | Smaller share |
| RRB Zone Railway Zone Coverage Vacancies (Approx.) | ||
| RRB Chandigarh (RRB CDG) | Northern Railway | 3,537 (highest) |
| RRB Mumbai | Western Railway and Central Railway | 3,148 + 1,979 |
| RRB Patna | East Central Railway | Significant |
| RRB Prayagraj | North Central Railway | Significant |
| RRB Chennai | Southern Railway and South Central | Significant |
| RRB Kolkata | Eastern Railway and South Eastern | Significant |
| RRB Secunderabad | South Central Railway | Moderate |
| RRB Bhopal | West Central Railway | Moderate |
| RRB Guwahati | Northeast Frontier Railway | Moderate |
| RRB Bengaluru | South Western Railway | Moderate |
Northern Railway has the highest number of vacancies (3,537), followed by Western Railway (3,148) and Central Railway (1,979) as per official CEN 09/2025 data.
| Cycle Year Total Vacancies | ||
| CEN 09/2025 | 2026 | 22,195 |
| CEN 08/2024 | 2025 | 32,438 |
| CEN 02/2019 | 2022 | 1,03,769 |
| CEN 01/2019 | 2019 | 1,03,769 |
The current 2026 cycle has significantly fewer vacancies than the 2022 mega-cycle but more focused competition among the candidate pool.
The Computer-Based Test is the first and only written stage of the RRB Group D selection process. The exam features 100 MCQ questions across four subjects in 90 minutes.
| Section Questions Marks | ||
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
| Rule Detail | |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
| No sectional time limit | Yes; 90 minutes for entire paper |
| No sectional cutoff | Only overall cutoff applies |
| Normalisation | Applied across all shifts |
| Language | Hindi, English, and 13 other regional languages |
| Purpose | Shortlisting for PET; marks counted in final merit |
Critical difference from RRB NTPC: Unlike NTPC where CBT 1 is qualifying only, RRB Group D CBT marks are directly used in the final merit list. The CBT score determines the final selection and post allocation. This makes every mark in the CBT crucial.
Single-stage CBT: RRB has confirmed that RRB Group D will be a single-stage exam. There is no CBT 2 for Group D. The single CBT is followed by PET, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Normalisation: Since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts across many days, normalisation is applied. All merit decisions are based on normalised scores.
Topics include Number System, BODMAS, Decimals and Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Elementary Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, and Elementary Statistics. All topics are at Class 10 standard.
Topics include Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, and Non-verbal Reasoning (Mirror Images, Paper Folding, Embedded Figures).
General Science covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (Biology) at the Class 10 level. Topics include Laws of Motion, Work and Energy, Sound, Light, Electricity and Magnetism (Physics); Periodic Table, Metals and Non-metals, Acids, Bases, Salts, Carbon Compounds (Chemistry); and Cell Biology, Human Body Systems, Nutrition, Diseases, Plant Biology (Life Sciences).
This section covers Science and Technology, Sports, Culture, Persons in News, Economics, Politics, and other National and International Current Affairs from the preceding 6 to 12 months.
For the complete topic-by-topic breakdown with PYQ-based weightage, visit the RRB Group D Syllabus page. Track your coverage using the RRB Group D Syllabus Tracker.
Candidates must be Indian citizens. Subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who settled before January 1, 1962, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries are eligible under prescribed conditions.
| Qualification Condition | |
| 10th Standard Pass | From a recognised Central or State Board |
| ITI Certificate | From a recognised institution |
| National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) | Issued by NCVT |
| Diploma/Degree in Engineering | From a recognised institution |
A candidate must have passed the 10th standard from a recognised educational Board OR must have passed ITI from a recognised Institution OR hold a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT. The ITI or NAC qualification is in addition to or in lieu of the 10th standard pass requirement.
The age limit for RRB Group D 2026 is 18 to 33 years as on January 1, 2026.
| Category Maximum Age | |
| Unreserved (UR) / EWS | 33 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 36 years (3 years relaxation) |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 38 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 38 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (UR) | 43 years (10 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 46 years (13 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 48 years (15 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service |
For the complete post-wise eligibility breakdown, physical standard requirements, and medical fitness conditions, visit the RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria page.
The selection process involves four stages after the CBT.
| Stage Type Marks in Final Merit | ||
| CBT (Computer-Based Test) | Merit-determining | Yes (direct) |
| PET (Physical Efficiency Test) | Qualifying | No |
| PST (Physical Standard Test) | Qualifying | No |
| DV (Document Verification) | Mandatory | No |
| Medical Examination | Qualifying | No |
The 90-minute, 100-question CBT is the only written examination. Its normalised marks directly form the final merit list. There is no CBT 2 for Group D.
Candidates who clear the CBT cutoff are called for PET. The PET tests physical fitness through running, lifting, and carrying tasks. The PST measures height, weight, and chest measurements where applicable.
PET Standards:
| Gender Task Standard | ||
| Male | Run 1000 metres | In 4 minutes 15 seconds (one chance) |
| Male | Lift and carry 35 kg weight | 100 metres in 2 minutes (one chance) |
| Female | Run 1000 metres | In 5 minutes 40 seconds (one chance) |
| Female | Lift and carry 20 kg weight | 100 metres in 2 minutes (one chance) |
PwBD candidates exempted from PET must be certified as unfit for PET by a Government Civil Surgeon.
After clearing PET, candidates undergo document verification for educational qualification, age, category, and other certificates.
Final medical examination determines fitness for the specific post's operational requirements. Vision standards vary by post (Track Maintainer has stricter vision requirements than some other posts).
This is the most important distinction between Group D and NTPC. In NTPC, CBT 1 is qualifying only and CBT 2 marks determine merit. In Group D, there is only one CBT and its normalised marks directly determine the final merit and post allocation. Every mark in the Group D CBT counts.
This means candidates cannot afford to target only the cutoff. A candidate who scores 70 and clears the PET will rank below a candidate who scored 85 and also clears PET. The CBT score directly determines which zone and post a candidate is allocated to.
Group D cutoffs vary significantly by zone, category, and post. The CBT cutoff determines who is shortlisted for PET. Typically, approximately 3 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted from CBT for PET.
| Cycle UR Cutoff Range (Out of 100) Remarks | ||
| CEN 08/2024 (2025) | 72 to 82 | Expected (result pending) |
| CEN 02/2019 (2022) | 65 to 77 | Large vacancy count kept cutoffs moderate |
| CEN 01/2019 (2021) | 63 to 76 | Over 1 crore candidates; moderate difficulty |
For zone-wise and category-wise cutoff data, visit the RRB Group D Cutoff page.
| Category Fee Paid Refund on Appearing in CBT | ||
| General (UR) / OBC | Rs 500 | Rs 400 (after bank charges) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women / Ex-Servicemen / Transgender / Minorities / EBC | Rs 250 | Rs 250 (full refund) |
The refund is processed after the candidate appears for the CBT. Candidates who register but do not appear forfeit the fee.
| Component Amount | |
| Basic Pay | Rs 18,000 per month |
| Dearness Allowance | Revised quarterly |
| House Rent Allowance | 8 to 27% of basic pay (city-based) |
| Transport Allowance | Rs 1,350 to Rs 3,600 per month |
| Gross Approximate In-hand | Rs 22,500 to Rs 25,380 per month |
The basic salary of candidates selected under RRB Group D Recruitment will be Rs 18,000. Besides the basic pay, selected candidates are provided with other allowances including Dearness Allowance, Daily Allowance, Transport Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Night Duty Allowance, Medical Facilities, and Overtime Allowance.
Additional benefits include annual increments, leave travel concession, medical coverage for family, educational allowance for children, and pension under the National Pension System.
| Post Primary Duties | |
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | Routine inspection and maintenance of railway tracks, bridges, and associated structures under supervision |
| Pointsman | Operates and maintains signals, switches, and signal boxes at railway stations |
| Assistant Loco Shed | Maintains diesel and electric locomotives in loco shed environments |
| Assistant Operations | Supports train operations and documentation in yards and stations |
| Assistant TL and AC | Maintains train lighting and air conditioning systems |
These are outdoor and operational posts. Most involve physical activity, shift duties, and work in all weather conditions. The posting is typically within the zone to which the candidate applied.
General Science (25 questions) is unique to RRB Group D among major railway exams. It differs from the General Awareness section in that it tests specific scientific concepts at the Class 10 level rather than current affairs. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Life Sciences) each contribute approximately 8 to 9 questions per shift based on PYQ analysis.
Strong preparation in science yields consistent marks because the questions are fact-based and formula-based with predictable formats. Candidates who build solid Class 10 science fundamentals across all three streams can reliably score 20 or above in this section.
The 20-question General Awareness section covers current events, sports, politics, economy, and culture from the 6 to 12 months preceding the exam. Given the June 2026 expected exam date, current affairs from approximately July 2025 to June 2026 are relevant.
Mathematics is at Class 10 standard, making it one of the more accessible sections. Arithmetic topics (Percentage, Profit/Loss, SI/CI, Time and Work, Speed-Distance-Time, Ratio) typically account for 15 to 18 of the 25 questions. Building fast arithmetic calculation skill provides the highest return per preparation hour.
Reasoning carries 30 marks and is the highest-marks section. Series (Number and Alphabetical) and Analogy consistently account for 8 to 12 of the 30 questions. Non-verbal reasoning (Mirror Images, Embedded Figures) contributes 4 to 6 questions. These topics reward systematic practice and pattern recognition.
Unlike purely written exams, RRB Group D has a mandatory PET that many candidates underestimate. The 1,000-metre run in 4 minutes 15 seconds (male) and lifting 35 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes requires specific physical training. Candidates should begin physical conditioning alongside their CBT preparation. A candidate who clears CBT with a high score but fails PET cannot be selected.
Since CBT marks are merit-determining in Group D, the target should not be the minimum cutoff but a score that places the candidate competitively in the merit list.
| Category Expected CBT Cutoff Range Safe Score Competitive Score | |||
| UR | 70 to 82 | 85 to 90 | 92 or above |
| OBC | 65 to 77 | 80 to 85 | 88 or above |
| SC | 58 to 70 | 74 to 79 | 83 or above |
| ST | 52 to 64 | 68 to 73 | 77 or above |
Targeting 90+ in competitive zones for the UR category puts a candidate in a strong merit position for preferred zone and post allocation.
What is the total vacancy in RRB Group D 2026? A total of 22,195 vacancies have been announced for various Level-1 posts under CEN 09/2025, released on January 30, 2026.
What is the expected exam date for RRB Group D 2026? The RRB Group D CEN 09/2025 CBT is expected to be held in June 2026. The official exam date has not been released yet as of May 2026. The exam date will be announced on rrbapply.gov.in.
Is Group D a single-stage exam? Yes. RRB has confirmed that RRB Group D will be a single-stage exam. There is no CBT 2 for Group D. The single CBT is followed by PET, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Are Group D CBT marks counted in the final merit? Yes. Unlike RRB NTPC where only CBT 2 counts, Group D has only one CBT, and its normalised marks directly determine the final merit list.
Is there negative marking? Yes. 1/3 mark (0.33) is deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the minimum qualification for RRB Group D 2026? Class 10 pass (10th standard) from a recognised board, or a valid ITI certificate from a recognised institution, or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT.
Stay updated with the latest news and notifications about RRB Group D 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern and Cutoff and other exams.
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24 May 2026
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