Ever dreamed of a permanent spot in the world’s largest rail network? The Indian Railways has just dropped a massive opportunity of rrb group d aka railway group d, that could be your ticket to a secure future. Forget the dry government circulars; let’s break down what this actually means for your career.
Job Overview
Indian Railways has announced a mega recruitment drive for 22,195 positions under the Level-1 category (CEN No. 09/2025). This isn’t just a “job opening”, it is a nationwide hunt for dedicated individuals to join the backbone of Indian transport. Whether it’s maintaining tracks or assisting in hi-tech workshops, these roles are the foundation of every safe train journey. With such a high number of vacancies, your chances of landing a spot are better than ever, especially if you’ve been waiting for a stable, long-term government career with great perks.
Who Should Apply?
This is a golden gate for:
- Freshers & 10th Pass/ITI Holders: If you’ve just finished school or technical training and want a solid start, this is for you.
- Aspirants Seeking Stability: If you value job security, medical benefits for your family, and a lifelong career path over the uncertainty of private jobs.
- Apprentices: If you’ve completed Act Apprenticeship in Railway establishments, you have a reserved seat at the table.
- Ex-Servicemen: A perfect way to transition back into a respected civil role.
Think of it this way: If you are hardworking, physically fit, and want a job that commands respect in society, stop overthinking and start preparing.
Job Role Explanation
What does a “Level-1” employee actually do? You are the “Maintainers” and “Assistants” of the system.
- Assistants (Workshops/Mechanical/Electrical): You’ll work in sheds or depots, helping senior technicians repair engines, coaches, or electrical fittings.
- Track Maintainers: This is a field role. You ensure the tracks are safe, bolts are tight, and the “lifeline” of the country stays on its path.
- Pointsman: A crucial operational role where you assist in managing train movements at stations.
It’s hands-on, vital work. You aren’t just an employee; you are a “Railman” keeping India moving.
Age Limit Table (As on 01.01.2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| General (UR) & EWS | 18 Years | 33 Years |
Age Relaxation Simplified: Government rules give you extra “buffer” years if you belong to certain categories. For example, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get an extra 3 years, while SC/ST candidates get 5 years extra. PwBD candidates can get up to 10-15 years of relaxation depending on their community.
Important Dates Table
| Event | Date |
| Online Applications Start | 31.01.2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 02.03.2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 04.03.2026 |
| Correction Window | 05.03.2026 to 14.03.2026 |
[Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the last week; the website often gets heavy traffic!]
Salary Breakdown
The starting “Initial Pay” is ₹18,000 as per the 7th CPC. But don’t let that number fool you; your actual “in-hand” salary will be much higher because of:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): To keep up with inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): To help with your stay.
- Transport Allowance: For your daily commute.
- Other Perks: Including medical facilities, free railway passes for travel, and pension benefits.
Growth: You start at Level-1, but through departmental exams (LDC/GDCE), you can quickly move up to higher levels and even officer ranks.
Selection Process
The selection is a three-step journey designed to find the most capable candidates.
- Computer Based Test (CBT): This is the main hurdle. It’s an objective test covering Math, General Science, and Reasoning.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): If you pass the CBT, you’ll need to prove your physical fitness (like running or carrying weight).
- Document Verification & Medical: The final check to ensure your papers are real and you are healthy enough for the job.
| Stage | What Happens |
| Stage 1 | CBT (Online Exam) |
| Stage 2 | Physical Fitness Test (PET) |
| Stage 3 | Document Check & Medical Exam |
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Go Official: Visit the official website of your chosen RRB (e.g., RRB Chandigarh, RRB Mumbai).
- Create an Account: Use an active mobile number and email. Authenticate using Aadhaar or Digilockerfor a smoother process.
- Fill Details: Enter your name and DOB exactly as they appear on your 10th certificate.
- Upload Docs: You’ll need a “live” photo taken through the portal and a clear scan of your signature.
- Pay Fee: Complete the payment and download your confirmation page.
Preparation Tips Section
- Master the Basics: Focus on 10th-level NCERT Science and Math. These are the core of the CBT.
- Negative Marking Alert: There is a 1/3rd mark penalty for every wrong answer. Don’t guess blindly!
- Stay Active: Don’t wait for CBT results to start running. Physical fitness takes time to build.
- Mock Tests: Practice online tests to improve your speed. Time management is what separates winners from the rest.
Vacancy Details Table (Zone-Wise)
The total 22,195 vacancies are distributed across multiple Indian Railway Zones. Each zone has a mix of technical and field roles. Here is a look at the breakdown for some major zones:
| Railway Zone (RRB) | Major Posts Included | Total Vacancies |
| Western Railway (Mumbai) | Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant (S&T), etc. | 3,128 |
| North Central Railway (Allahabad) | Pointsman, Track Maintainer, Assistant (S&T), etc. | 1,183 |
| North Western Railway (Jaipur) | Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant Carriage & Wagon | 1,021 |
| South Central Railway (Secunderabad) | Assistant Bridge, Assistant Carriage & Wagon, etc. | Ongoing List |
| South Western Railway (Hubli) | Track Maintainer, Assistant Bridge, Pointsman | 90 |
| West Central Railway (Jabalpur) | Assistant Bridge, Carriage & Wagon, etc. | Ongoing List |
Note: These numbers include specific reservations for Ex-Servicemen (ExSM), Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAA), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) .
Medical Standards & Info
Railway jobs have very specific health requirements because safety is the top priority. You will have to pass a medical fitness test conducted by the Railway Administration.
Key Medical Categories
Depending on the post you choose, you must meet one of these standards:
| Standard | General Fitness | Visual Acuity (Eyesight) Requirements |
| A-2 | Physically fit in all respects | Distant: 6/9, 6/9 without glasses. Must pass Colour, Night, and Binocular vision tests . |
| A-3 | Physically fit in all respects | Distant: 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses (power max 2D). Must pass Colour & Night vision tests . |
| B-1 | Physically fit in all respects | Distant: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (power max 4D). Must pass Colour & Night vision tests . |
| C-1 | Physically fit in all respects | Distant: 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses. Near vision must be Sn. 0.6 with or without glasses . |
Important Warnings
- LASIK Surgery: If you have had LASIK or any corrective eye surgery, you are NOT eligible for posts requiring A-2 and A-3 standards. You can, however, apply for B-1 or C-1 posts.
- Colour Blindness: If you cannot distinguish colors, you will be ineligible for many technical and operational roles like Pointsman (A-2) or Track Machine Assistant (A-3) .
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Passing the exam isn’t enough; you must also pass a physical test which involves:
- Weight Carry: Carrying 35kg (men) or 20kg (women) for 100 meters without putting it down.
- Running: Completing 1000 meters in a specific time limit.
FAQ Section
Q: Can final year students apply?
A: No. You must have your final results and certificates on or before March 2, 2026.
Q: Is there negative marking?
A: Yes, for every three wrong answers, you lose one full mark.
Q: Can I apply to multiple Railway Zones?
A: No. You can only choose one RRB zone. Multiple applications will lead to rejection of everything.
Q: Is ITI compulsory?
A: It depends on the post. Some roles require 10th pass, while technical roles may require ITI or NAC.
Q: What is the fee refund policy?
A: Usually, a part of your exam fee is refunded after you appear for the CBT.
Important Links
Official Website:
see here
Apply online:
apply here
Official pdf link:
see pdf
Applicants should verify all details from the official notification before applying.