RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Application Dates Extended for 22,000 Level-1 Posts
The Railway Recruitment Boards have announced a significant change in the application schedule for the RRB Group D Recruitment 2026. Indian Railways has deferred the online registration dates for approximately 22,000 Level-1 vacancies. This move affects thousands of job seekers across the country.
Revised Application Schedule
According to the latest corrigendum issued by the Railway Recruitment Boards, the application process will now begin on January 31, 2026. This replaces the earlier start date of January 21. The deadline for submitting online applications has been extended to March 2, 2026, up to 11.59 PM.
The boards updated Centralised Employment Notice No. 09/2025 to reflect these changes. The initial dates appeared in Employment News dated December 27, 2025.
Vacancy Details and Pay Scale
This recruitment drive aims to fill around 22,000 Level-1 positions across various railway zones and production units. Selected candidates will receive placement under the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix.
Successful applicants can expect an initial basic pay of Rs 18,000 per month. They will also receive applicable allowances as per government rules.
Eligibility Criteria
The Railway Recruitment Boards have specified clear eligibility requirements for candidates:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 33 years old as of January 1, 2026. Reserved category candidates will receive age relaxation according to government norms.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates need to have passed Class 10 from a recognized board. For certain technical posts, ITI certificate holders may also apply, subject to specific eligibility conditions.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee remains unchanged from previous recruitment cycles:
- General, OBC, and EWS category candidates must pay Rs 500.
- SC, ST, PwD candidates, and all women applicants will pay a reduced fee of Rs 250.
Selection Process
The selection for RRB Group D 2026 will involve multiple stages:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Medical Examination
Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. Only those who clear all stages will receive final appointment offers.
Important Clarifications
Railway authorities emphasize that the current notice provides indicative information only. A detailed notification will follow separately on official RRB websites.
This comprehensive notification will include:
- Post-wise vacancy breakdown
- Zone-wise vacancy distribution
- Detailed exam pattern
- Complete syllabus
Prospective applicants should monitor official RRB websites for these crucial updates. The official application portal remains rrbapply.gov.in.
This extension provides additional time for candidates to prepare their applications thoroughly. Job seekers across India now have more opportunity to apply for these coveted railway positions.
