The Indian Railway has officially announced 21,997 Group D Level 1 vacancies for recruitment through the RRB Group D Exam 2026 under CEN 09/2025. The detailed notification was released on 30 January 2026, and online registration has started from today at the official application portal www.rrbapply.gov.in.
This massive recruitment drive is being conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) to fill various Level 1 posts across different railway zones in India. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online within the notified application window.
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 – Overview
The RRB Group D recruitment is one of the largest government hiring processes in India, offering stable employment, attractive salary, and growth opportunities within the Indian Railways.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB Group D Level 1 |
| Notification Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 21,997 |
| Job Level | Level 1 (7th CPC) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.rrbapply.gov.in |
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 – Post Details
Under this recruitment drive, candidates will be appointed to multiple technical and non-technical Level 1 posts, including:
- Track Maintainer Grade IV
- Pointsman-B
- Assistant (Bridge)
- Assistant (Track Machine)
- Assistant (Carriage & Wagon)
- Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical/Mechanical)
- Assistant Operations (Electrical)
- Assistant TL & AC
- Assistant TRD
- Assistant S&T
Among all posts, Track Maintainer Grade IV has the highest number of vacancies, making it one of the most competitive and sought-after roles.
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 – Zone-wise Distribution
The 21,997 vacancies have been distributed zone-wise, post-wise, and category-wise across all major railway zones. This allows candidates to select their preferred region while applying.
Major Railway Zones Covered
- Western Railway (Mumbai)
- Northern Railway (New Delhi)
- Southern Railway (Chennai)
- North Western Railway (Jaipur)
- North Central Railway (Prayagraj)
- West Central Railway (Jabalpur)
- East Coast Railway (Bhubaneswar)
- South East Central Railway (Bilaspur)
- North Eastern Railway (Gorakhpur)
- Northeast Frontier Railway (Guwahati)
- Eastern Railway & Metro Railway (Kolkata)
- Central Railway (Mumbai)
Each zone has vacancies distributed across UR, SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories, ensuring fair representation as per government norms.
Western Railway Group D Vacancy 2026 (Mumbai)
Western Railway accounts for 3,148 vacancies, making it one of the largest contributors to this recruitment cycle. Major posts include:
- Track Maintainer-IV
- Pointsman-B
- Assistant (S&T)
- Assistant Carriage & Wagon
- Assistant Bridge
The highest number of posts under this zone is again for Track Maintainer-IV, reflecting the infrastructure-intensive nature of railway operations.
Northern Railway Group D Vacancy 2026 (New Delhi)
Northern Railway has announced 3,537 vacancies, the highest among all zones. Candidates opting for this zone will find ample opportunities across engineering, electrical, traffic, and mechanical departments.
Key posts include:
- Track Maintainer-IV
- Assistant TL & AC
- Pointsman-B
- Assistant Bridge
- Assistant TRD
Southern Railway Group D Vacancy 2026 (Chennai)
Southern Railway has released 1,036 vacancies, covering posts in engineering, electrical, traffic, and S&T departments. This zone remains highly preferred by candidates from southern states.
RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 – Category-wise Allocation
The vacancies have been distributed across categories as per reservation norms:
- Unreserved (UR)
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
Candidates must ensure they select the correct category during application, as category changes are generally not allowed later.
RRB Group D Application Process 2026
Eligible candidates must apply online only through the official portal.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit https://www.rrbapply.gov.in/
- Register using basic details and generate login credentials
- Fill the application form carefully
- Select preferred railway zone(s)
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and download the confirmation page
Why Apply for RRB Group D 2026?
- Central Government Job Security
- Pay Level 1 under 7th Pay Commission
- Allowances such as DA, HRA, TA
- Pension benefits under NPS
- Promotion opportunities within Indian Railways
Important Links for Candidates
- RRB Group D Syllabus 2026
- RRB Group D Exam Pattern 2026
- RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria
- RRB Group D Previous Year Question Papers
- RRB Group D Salary & Pay Scale
These resources help candidates plan their preparation strategically.
Conclusion
The RRB Group D Vacancy 2026 announcement for 21,997 posts is a golden opportunity for aspirants seeking a secure government job in Indian Railways. With vacancies spread across multiple zones and departments, candidates should carefully review the notification, choose their preferred zone wisely, and apply well before the deadline.
Early application, proper preparation, and a clear understanding of the exam pattern can significantly increase the chances of selection.
