The Indian Railways Recruitment 2026 notification (CEN 09/2025) has been officially released by the Government of India, Ministry of Railways, Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) for 22,195 Level 1 vacancies in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. Eligible candidates who have passed 10th / ITI / NAC can apply online from 31 January 2026 to 2 March 2026 through official RRB websites.
If you’re searching for Railway Group D Vacancy 2026, RRB Level 1 Notification PDF, Railway Jobs after 10th Pass, or Indian Railways Online Form 2026, this article gives you complete details — eligibility, age limit, salary, selection process, fee refund rules, medical standards, and step-by-step application guide.
Overview of Indian Railways Level 1 Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025)
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Notification Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 Posts |
| Post Name | Level 1 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) |
| Pay Scale | ₹18,000 + Allowances |
| Qualification | 10th / ITI / NAC |
| Age Limit | 18–33 Years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | CBT → PET → DV → Medical |
As mentioned in the official notification (Page 4), the total vacancies are 22,195 Level 1 posts with an initial pay of ₹18,000 under 7th CPC .
Important Dates – RRB Level 1 Vacancy 2026
According to the official CEN 09/2025 notification (Page 4) :
- Online Application Start Date: 31 January 2026 (00:00 Hrs)
- Last Date to Apply: 2 March 2026 (23:59 Hrs)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 4 March 2026
- Modification Window: 5 March – 14 March 2026
- CBT Exam Date: To be announced
Total Vacancies – 22,195 Railway Group D Level 1 Posts
This massive recruitment drive covers various Railway Zones across India including:
- RRB Mumbai
- RRB Chennai
- RRB Kolkata
- RRB Secunderabad
- RRB Ahmedabad
- RRB Ajmer
- RRB Bhopal
- RRB Chandigarh
- RRB Gorakhpur
- RRB Patna
- RRB Ranchi
- RRB Prayagraj
- RRB Guwahati
- RRB Bhubaneswar
- RRB Bengaluru
- RRB Bilaspur
- RRB New Delhi
Railway-wise and post-wise vacancy details are provided in Annexure-B of the notification .
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Railways Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification (As on 02 March 2026)
Candidates must have:
- 10th Pass (Matriculation) OR
- ITI from NCVT/SCVT OR
- National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)
Candidates awaiting results are NOT eligible (as clearly stated in Para 6.0 of the notification) .
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 33 Years
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | 3 Years |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| PwBD | 10–15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules |
Medical Standards – Very Important
Candidates must meet the required medical standards as mentioned in Para 3.0 (Page 11) .
Medical categories include:
- A-2
- A-3
- B-1
- C-1
Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery are NOT eligible for A-2 & A-3 posts.
This is extremely important for aspirants applying for safety-related railway posts.
Application Fee & Refund Rules
| Category | Fee | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded after CBT |
| SC/ST/Female/PwBD/Minorities/EBC | ₹250 | Full refund after CBT |
Refund will be credited to Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Selection Process – How Candidates Will Be Selected
The recruitment process includes:
Computer Based Test (CBT)
- 100 Questions
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Subjects:
- Mathematics – 25
- General Science – 25
- Reasoning – 30
- General Awareness – 20
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Male Candidates:
- Lift 35kg for 100m in 2 mins
- Run 1000m in 4 min 15 sec
Female Candidates:
- Lift 20kg for 100m in 2 mins
- Run 1000m in 5 min 40 sec
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Salary Structure – Railway Group D 2026
- Basic Pay: ₹18,000
- DA
- HRA
- Transport Allowance
- Railway Pass Benefits
- Pension & Retirement Benefits
Approx in-hand salary: ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 per month (varies by location).
How to Apply Online for RRB Level 1 Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit official RRB website (like https://www.rrbapply.gov.in)
- Click on CEN 09/2025
- Create Account (mobile & email mandatory)
- Verify Aadhaar / DigiLocker
- Fill personal and educational details
- Capture Live Photograph
- Upload signature
- Pay application fee
- Submit and download confirmation
Only ONE RRB can be selected. Multiple applications will lead to rejection .
Important Instructions Candidates Must Not Ignore
- Apply early to avoid server rush.
- Keep mobile number active.
- Don’t fall for fake job agents.
- Free Sleeper Class Pass for SC/ST candidates (Page 10) .
- Exam center change requests will NOT be accepted.
Why This Railway Recruitment 2026 Is a Golden Opportunity
This is one of the biggest Railway Group D recruitments after 2023, offering:
- 22,195 Vacancies
- 10th Pass Eligible
- Central Government Job Security
- Pension & Benefits
- Pan India Posting
If you are preparing for Railway Group D 2026 exam, this notification is your chance to secure a stable government job.
Final Words
The Indian Railways Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025) for 22,195 Level 1 vacancies is a massive opportunity for 10th pass and ITI candidates across India. Make sure you apply before 2 March 2026, prepare seriously for CBT, and stay updated only through official RRB websites.