RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Application Process Delayed with 22,000 Vacancies

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has postponed the application process for the Group D recruitment 2026, which will now start on January 31, 2026. With approximately 22,000 vacancies available, candidates are advised to ensure their Aadhaar details are updated to avoid issues during the application process. The selection will involve a Computer-Based Test followed by a Physical Efficiency Test. Stay tuned for more details on eligibility and application procedures as the official notification is expected soon.

By Ambika Singh Jan 21, 2026, 14:25 IST

Postponement of RRB Group D Application Process

Railway RRB Group D Vacancy 2026: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a delay in the application process for the Group D recruitment for 2026. Approximately 22,000 positions across various zones and departments of the Indian Railways are set to be filled. Initially, the application process was slated to commence on January 21, 2026, but this has now been postponed. The RRB has updated this information on its official website along with the new timeline for online applications.

Revised Application Dates

The RRB had initially issued a notification for Group D recruitment on December 27, 2025, detailing the filling of around 22,000 vacancies. Eligible candidates were expected to submit their online applications from January 21, 2026, until February 20, 2026. However, these dates have now been revised.

New Application Start Date: The online application process for the 22,000 RRB Group D vacancies will now commence on January 31, 2026. According to the updated schedule, the application window will remain open until March 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Candidates interested in railway government jobs can find the updated notice on the RRB's official website.

Important Aadhaar Update

Update Your Aadhaar Details: The RRB has emphasized the importance of updating Aadhaar details before applying. Candidates must ensure that the name and date of birth on their Aadhaar card match exactly with those on their Class 10 certificate. Additionally, job seekers are advised to update their latest photographs and biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, to prevent any issues during the recruitment process.

The board has indicated that applications not verified through Aadhaar may encounter delays and complications at various stages, necessitating further verification.

Vacancy Distribution in RRB Group D

Engineering Department Vacancies: Among the 22,000 Group D vacancies, the Engineering department has the highest allocation, with 12,500 sanctioned positions. Specifically, 11,000 posts are designated for Track Maintainer Grade-4. Other vacancies include:

5,000 for Traffic Point B

1,500 for Assistant (S&T)

1,000 for Assistant (C&W)

800 for Assistant (TRD)

600 each for Assistant (Track Machine) and Assistant (Bridge)

300 for Assistant (P-Way)

500 for Assistant Operations

200 for Assistant Loco Shed

Region-wise, the East Central Railway has been allocated 993 posts, while the South Eastern Railway has 1,199 posts. Detailed post-wise and zone-wise information will be provided in the forthcoming notification.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?
The short notification does not clarify the specific educational qualifications required for this recruitment, leading to some confusion regarding ITI and Class 10 requirements. A comprehensive notification will be released prior to the application process, detailing the necessary educational qualifications.

Age Limit: Candidates must be between 18 to 33 years old. OBC candidates are eligible for a three-year age relaxation, while SC and ST candidates receive a five-year relaxation.

Selection Process Overview

Selection Method: The selection will consist of a single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The CBT will last 90 minutes and include 100 questions, with a penalty of one-third for incorrect answers. Three times the number of vacancies will be invited for the PET, followed by document verification and a medical examination.

Key Information for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026:
Recruiting Body: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Post Names: Various positions including Assistant (Track Machine), Assistant (Bridge), Track Maintainer (Group IV), and others.
Vacancies: Approximately 22,000
Application Start Date: January 31, 2026
Application End Date: March 02, 2026
Advertisement Number: CEN 09/2025
Age Limit: 18-33 years
Salary: ₹18,000 (Initial Pay)

Application Procedure

How to Apply:
Candidates should visit the official RRB website rrbapply.gov.in to complete their application.
Once the application link for the relevant recruitment is active, click on the link titled 'Various Posts in Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix'.
Begin by registering with your basic information, including your name, date of birth, father's name, mother's name, Aadhaar number, Class 10 marks, email ID, and mobile number.