RRB Group D application started

Candidates planning to apply for the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 must carefully review the eligibility conditions before submitting the application form. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) strictly verify eligibility during the document verification stage, and any mismatch in age, qualification, or nationality may lead to cancellation of candidature.

Applicants are advised to ensure that they meet all requirements as of the date specified in the official notification.

Educational Qualification

To be eligible for the RRB Group D exam, candidates must possess the minimum academic qualification recognized by the Government of India or its authorized boards.

Minimum Required Qualification:

Candidates must have completed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized board OR hold an ITI certificate from institutions recognized by NCVT/SCVT OR have completed a Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAA).

Important Points to Remember:

• Candidates awaiting final results are not eligible to apply.
• Only qualifications obtained before the closing date of application will be accepted.
• Diplomas or higher technical degrees alone do not automatically substitute the required qualification unless specifically mentioned in the notification.
• The qualification requirement may slightly vary depending on the technical nature of certain posts.

Meeting the educational qualification ensures that candidates possess the basic academic foundation necessary to perform railway operational and maintenance duties.

Age Limit

Candidates must fall within the prescribed age bracket to be considered eligible for recruitment.

Age Requirement:
18 to 33 years (as calculated on 01 January 2026)

• Candidates must have attained 18 years of age.
• Candidates must not exceed 33 years unless eligible for age relaxation under reserved categories.

Age will be calculated strictly based on the date of birth recorded in the Matriculation certificate, which serves as the official proof.

Age Relaxation

The Railway Recruitment Boards provide upper age limit relaxation to candidates belonging to reserved and special categories in accordance with Government of India guidelines.

Key Notes:

• Candidates claiming relaxation must provide valid supporting documents.
• Relaxation benefits apply only to categories recognized by the Government.
• Multiple relaxations cannot always be combined unless permitted in official rules.

Age relaxation ensures equal opportunity for candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Nationality

Applicants must satisfy the nationality conditions laid down by the Government of India.

A candidate must be one of the following:

• A citizen of India, OR
• A citizen of Nepal or Bhutan, OR
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement, OR
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam intending to permanently settle in India.

Candidates belonging to categories other than Indian citizens must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

A total of 22,195 vacancies have been notified for various Level-1 posts under RRB CEN 09/2025. These vacancies are distributed across different Railway Zones and posts. The number of vacancies is provisional and may increase or decrease based on administrative requirements.

View full Vacancies Page

The RRB Group D Selection Process is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) to identify candidates who are physically fit, medically suitable, and capable of handling railway operational duties. The recruitment procedure consists of multiple stages, and candidates must qualify in each stage to move forward in the selection process.

The selection is primarily based on merit and performance in the following stages:

Selection Stages:
Computer Based Test (CBT) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Document Verification (DV) → Medical Examination

Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)

The Computer Based Test is the first and most important stage of the RRB Group D recruitment process. It is an objective-type online examination designed to evaluate a candidate’s fundamental knowledge, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills.

Key Highlights:

• The exam is conducted in online mode.
• Questions are multiple-choice in nature.
• The paper typically includes subjects such as Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness & Current Affairs.
• There is usually a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.

Candidates are shortlisted for the next stage based on their normalized CBT scores and the cutoff marks decided by the RRBs. Performing well in this stage is crucial, as it determines the candidate’s position in the merit list.

Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Candidates who qualify in the CBT are called for the Physical Efficiency Test. This stage assesses whether applicants possess the physical stamina required for railway duties, many of which involve manual work and long hours.

PET Requirements:

The PET is qualifying in nature, meaning marks obtained are not added to the final merit list. However, failing this test results in disqualification from the recruitment process.

Stage 3: Document Verification (DV)

Candidates who successfully clear the PET are invited for Document Verification. During this stage, the RRB verifies the authenticity of the information provided in the application form.

Documents Typically Required:

• Matriculation/10th certificate (for age proof)
• Educational qualification certificates
• Caste or category certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD certificate (if applicable)
• Ex-servicemen certificate (if applicable)
• Valid photo identity proof
• Other documents specified in the official notification

Any discrepancy found during verification may lead to cancellation of candidature. Candidates should therefore ensure that all documents are original and valid.

Stage 4: Medical Examination

The final stage of the selection process is the medical fitness test. Since railway jobs often involve safety-sensitive responsibilities, candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards.

Medical Assessment Includes:

• Vision standards
• Physical health
• Hearing ability
• General medical fitness

The medical standards vary depending on the post, and candidates must be declared medically fit by the railway medical authorities to be considered for final appointment.

Final Merit List

The final selection is based primarily on the candidate’s performance in the Computer Based Test, provided they successfully qualify the PET, document verification, and medical examination stages.

Candidates who meet all requirements are included in the final merit list and are subsequently allotted posts based on their rank, preferences, and availability of vacancies.

Understanding the selection process in advance helps candidates prepare strategically and improve their chances of securing a position in the Indian Railways.

Understanding the RRB Group D Exam Pattern is essential for candidates preparing for the examination. The exam pattern provides a clear overview of the structure of the test, subjects included, marking scheme, and duration. Being familiar with the format helps candidates plan an effective preparation strategy, manage time efficiently during the exam, and improve overall performance.

The RRB Group D recruitment process mainly consists of the following stages:

• Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination

Among these stages, the Computer Based Test (CBT) is the only stage where marks are counted for preparing the merit list. The PET is qualifying in nature, while document verification and medical examination ensure eligibility and fitness for the post.

RRB Group D Computer Based Test (CBT) Pattern

The CBT is an objective-type online examination designed to evaluate a candidate’s academic knowledge, logical reasoning, and general awareness. The questions are multiple-choice, and candidates must select the correct answer from the given options.

Duration: 90 Minutes

Eligible PwBD candidates who require a scribe are typically provided an additional 30 minutes of compensatory time.

Marking Scheme

• Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
• There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.
• No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.

Candidates should attempt questions carefully to avoid unnecessary loss of marks due to negative marking.

Subjects Included in the CBT

Mathematics:
This section tests numerical ability and typically includes topics such as Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Mensuration, Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, and Speed, Time & Distance.

General Intelligence & Reasoning:
Questions in this section evaluate logical thinking and analytical skills. Common topics include Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Relationships, Jumbling, Data Interpretation, and Conclusions.

General Science:
This section is generally based on Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences studied up to the 10th standard level. It focuses on fundamental scientific concepts and everyday applications.

General Awareness & Current Affairs:
This section measures awareness of current events and general knowledge related to India and the world, including topics such as Sports, Culture, Economics, Politics, Geography, History, and important national and international developments.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Pattern

Candidates who qualify in the CBT are shortlisted for the Physical Efficiency Test. This stage evaluates whether candidates possess the physical capability required for railway duties.

The PET is qualifying in nature, and no marks are awarded. However, failure to meet the required standards leads to disqualification.

Document Verification and Medical Test

Candidates who successfully clear the CBT and PET are called for document verification and a medical examination. These stages confirm the authenticity of the candidate’s credentials and ensure they meet the medical standards required for the role.

Preparation Tips Based on Exam Pattern

• Focus on high-weightage subjects such as Reasoning and Mathematics.
• Practice mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
• Develop a time-management strategy for the 90-minute exam.
• Avoid guesswork to minimize negative marking.
• Maintain physical fitness to easily qualify for the PET stage.

Candidates are strongly advised to review the official exam pattern before starting their preparation. A clear understanding of the structure of the examination allows aspirants to study in a focused manner and significantly improves their chances of success in the RRB Group D recruitment process.