The Indian Railways, through its Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), is once again opening its doors to a massive talent pool with the release of Notification No: 09/2025. This highly anticipated recruitment drive offers an incredible opportunity for 22,195 individuals to join the Level-1 (Group D) cadre across various zones of the Indian Railways. If you’re looking for a stable and rewarding career with one of the world’s largest employers, this is your chance to contribute to the nation’s lifeline.
These essential roles cover a wide range of operational and maintenance functions, forming the backbone of railway services. Eligible candidates, including 10th pass, ITI, or NAC holders, are invited to apply online, with applications commencing on January 31, 2026, and closing on March 2, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a fulfilling journey with the Indian Railways!
The application fee varies by category, with a significant portion being refundable upon appearing for the Computer Based Test (CBT). Make sure to pay your fees online through the designated payment gateway during the application process:
General/OBC/EWS Candidates: ₹500/- (₹400 refundable after CBT)
SC/ST/PwBD/Female/EBC/Transgender Candidates: ₹250/- (Fully refundable after CBT)
Age Limit
To be eligible for the RRB Group D (Level-1) posts, candidates must meet the age criteria as of 01st January 2026. The basic age range is for General category candidates, with significant relaxations provided for reserved categories as per Government of India norms. This ensures an inclusive recruitment process for all:
General Candidates: 18 to 33 Years
SC/ST Candidates: +5 Years (Up to 38 Years)
OBC Candidates: +3 Years (Up to 36 Years)
PwBD (General/EWS) Candidates: +10 Years
PwBD (SC/ST) Candidates: +15 Years
PwBD (OBC) Candidates: +13 Years
Ex-Servicemen: As per Government Policy
Educational Qualification
For the Level-1 (Group D) positions with Indian Railways, the essential educational qualification is fundamental. Candidates must have successfully completed their Matriculation / SSLC / 10th pass from a recognized board. Alternatively, applicants holding an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate approved by NCVT/SCVT or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT are also eligible. These qualifications ensure that candidates possess the basic academic and vocational skills required for the diverse roles within the railways.
The selection process for RRB Group D (Level-1) posts is comprehensive, designed to evaluate both mental aptitude and physical fitness. Candidates will undergo a multi-stage process to ensure the best fit for these demanding roles:
Computer Based Test (CBT): This is the initial screening stage where candidates’ knowledge in subjects like Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, and Current Affairs is assessed.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates who clear the CBT will proceed to the PET, which evaluates their physical capabilities required for railway duties (e.g., lifting weights, running).
Certificate Verification (Document Verification): Successful candidates from PET will have their original documents verified to confirm eligibility and authenticity.
Medical Examination: The final stage involves a medical examination to ensure candidates meet the necessary health standards for employment in the Indian Railways.
RRB Recruitment 2026 How to Apply
Applying for the RRB Group D (Level-1) recruitment is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted successfully:
Check Eligibility: Before starting, thoroughly read the official notification on your respective RRB website to confirm you meet all eligibility criteria for the desired post.
Visit Official Website: Go to the website of the Railway Recruitment Board you wish to apply to (e.g., rrbchennai.gov.in) and look for the recruitment section, specifically for CEN 09/2025.
New Registration: Click on “New Registration” or “Apply Online” to begin. You will need to fill in basic details to generate a registration number and password.
Login & Fill Form: Use your newly created credentials to log in and proceed with filling out the detailed application form, providing accurate personal, academic, and professional information.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any other required documents as specified in the notification.
Pay Application Fee: Pay the applicable application fee online using the provided payment gateway. Remember the refund conditions for certain categories.
Submit & Print: Review all details carefully before final submission. After successful submission, download and print a copy of your completed application form for future reference. The last date to submit is 02nd March 2026 (11:59 PM).
Hello, I'm a content creator. I have four years of experience. My primary goal is to deliver useful job information to Indian job seekers. I cover a wide range of topics such as government employment, private jobs, admit cards, exam results, and many more. Keep tuned for relevant Employment updates that will help you with your job hunt and career advancement.
