RRB Group D
Railway Recruitment Board — Level-1 (Group D) Posts
RRB Group D (Level-1) Recruitment Exam
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, conduct the RRB Group D recruitment exam to fill Level-1 posts of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix in Indian Railways. These are the entry-level "unskilled/semi-skilled" staff posts such as Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Pointsman-B, Helper/Assistant (various departments), Assistant Loco Shed, Assistant Operations, Assistant TL & AC, Assistant Bridge, Assistant P-Way, Assistant C&W, Assistant TRD and Assistant S&T, along with similar group support roles.
The most recent recruitment cycle, advertised as CEN 09/2025, announced 22,195 vacancies across 16 railway zones. The detailed notification was released on 30 January 2026, the online application window ran from 31 January 2026 to 9 March 2026, and the Computer-Based Test (CBT) is scheduled from 3 to 25 August 2026 (tentative dates as announced on official RRB websites). This page covers the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, fees, selection stages and pay, based on the current cycle and previous cycles where noted.
Overview / Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | RRB Group D (Level-1) Recruitment |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), Ministry of Railways |
| Advertisement No. | CEN 09/2025 (2025-26 cycle) |
| Post Level | Level-1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 (tentative; revised via corrigendum) |
| Exam Level | National (conducted by 16+ regional RRBs) |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) online |
| Medium | English, Hindi and 13 regional languages |
| Selection Stages | CBT, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Negative Marking | Yes; 1/3rd mark per wrong answer |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in and rrb.indianrailways.gov.in |
Selection Process
Candidates are selected through a multi-stage process. Each stage is qualifying/shortlisting, and the final merit list is prepared from CBT scores after the PET, Document Verification and Medical clearance.
- Stage 1 - Computer-Based Test (CBT): Objective MCQ test of 100 questions for 100 marks in 90 minutes. Marks in the CBT form the basis of the final merit.
- Stage 2 - Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualifying in nature. Details below.
- Stage 3 - Document Verification (DV): Verification of original certificates, caste certificates, photo ID and other documents.
- Stage 4 - Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the medical fitness standards (visual acuity, colour vision, etc.) prescribed for the post.
Exam Pattern (CBT)
The CBT is a single-stage objective test. All questions are Multiple Choice Questions with one correct answer, and there is negative marking of 1/3rd for each incorrect answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Section II | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| Section III | General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Section IV | General Awareness and Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for PwBD candidates as per norms; tentative). The questions are of Matriculation/10th standard level. Based on the previous cycle, qualifying marks were around 40% for UR/EWS and 30% for OBC/SC/ST candidates; these are indicative and may change for the current cycle.
Detailed Syllabus
Mathematics
- Number system, simplification and BODMAS
- Decimals and fractions
- LCM and HCF
- Ratio and proportion
- Percentages
- Mensuration (areas, volumes, surface area)
- Time and work
- Time and distance (including trains and boats/streams)
- Simple and compound interest
- Profit and loss
- Algebra and basic identities
- Geometry and elementary trigonometry
- Square roots and cube roots
- Age calculations and clocks/calendars
- Pipes and cisterns
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Analogies (word and number)
- Alphabet and number series
- Coding and decoding
- Mathematical operations
- Relationships and blood relations
- Syllogism and jumbling
- Venn diagrams
- Data interpretation and data sufficiency
- Decision making
- Similarities and differences
- Analytical reasoning
- Classification
- Direction sense test
- Statements - arguments and assumptions
- Non-verbal reasoning (mirror images, embedded figures)
General Science
- Physics: motion, force, work and energy
- Physics: light, electricity and magnetism
- Physics: heat and sound, pressure and density
- Chemistry: matter and its states
- Chemistry: atoms, molecules and chemical reactions
- Chemistry: acids, bases and salts
- Chemistry: metals, non-metals and everyday chemicals
- Biology: cell structure and basic functions
- Biology: human body systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory)
- Biology: plant life, nutrition and reproduction
- Health, hygiene and common diseases
- Environmental science and pollution basics
- Food and nutrition basics
- Scientific instruments and their uses
General Awareness and Current Affairs
- Current affairs of national and international importance
- Science and technology developments
- Sports and games (players, tournaments, trophies)
- Indian culture, heritage and festivals
- Important personalities and awards
- Indian economy and economic terms
- Indian polity and constitution basics
- Indian history (freedom struggle, important rulers)
- Indian geography (rivers, mountains, climate)
- Railways-related current affairs and developments
- Static GK from science, books and authors
Marking Scheme
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks per question | 1 mark per question (100 questions, 100 marks) |
| Negative marking | 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Unattempted questions | No penalty |
| Qualifying marks (tentative, previous cycle) | UR/EWS 40%; OBC 30%; SC/ST 30% |
| Cut-off factors | Number of vacancies, number of candidates, difficulty level, category and zone |
| Nature of stages | CBT determines merit; PET is qualifying only |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The PET is a qualifying test. Based on the official notification and previous cycles, the norms are (tentative, and the female running distance/time has varied across cycles - verify in the current notification):
| Category | Task 1 - Weight Lifting | Task 2 - Running |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes | Run 1000 metres within 4 minutes 15 seconds |
| Female | Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes | Run 1000 metres within 5 minutes 40 seconds (some earlier cycles prescribed 400 m in 3 minutes) |
Exemption and relaxed norms apply for PwBD candidates as per rules. Only candidates who clear the PET are called for Document Verification and the final medical examination.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10th (Matriculation) examination, OR hold an ITI certificate from a recognised institute, OR a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NCVT), OR an Engineering Diploma/Degree where specified for particular posts. A National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT is also accepted for certain posts. Candidates awaiting their final result are not eligible.
Age Limit (tentative): 18 to 33 years as on the notified cut-off date (some cycles prescribed 18-30 years; for CEN 09/2025 the maximum was raised to 33 years). Upper age is relaxed for reserved categories as per Government of India norms - approximately: OBC (NCL) 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwBD up to 10 years (UR), with further relaxations for ex-servicemen and serving railway staff.
Nationality: A citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee settled in India before 1 January 1962, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries, subject to rules.
Application Process and Fees
Candidates apply online through the official portal rrbapply.gov.in. The process involves registration, filling the application in two parts, choosing preferred posts and zones, uploading photo/signature, paying the fee and printing the final form. The fee (CEN 09/2025) was:
| Category | Application Fee | Refundable (on appearing in CBT) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs 500 | Rs 400 refunded |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Transgender / EBC / Ex-Servicemen | Rs 250 | Fully refunded |
Important dates (CEN 09/2025, tentative/current cycle): Notification 30 January 2026; application start 31 January 2026; last date to apply 9 March 2026; fee payment last date 11 March 2026; correction window 12-21 March 2026; city intimation slip from 24 July 2026; admit card about 3-4 days before the exam; CBT from 3 to 25 August 2026.
Salary / Pay Scale
Group D posts are in Level-1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. The basic pay is Rs 18,000 per month. With Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and other railway allowances, the approximate gross in-hand salary is about Rs 22,500 to Rs 25,380 per month (tentative, depending on posting location and current allowance rates). Other benefits include medical facilities, pass privileges, provident fund and pension (NPS) as per railway rules.
Official Links
- RRB official website - rrb.indianrailways.gov.in
- Apply online portal - rrbapply.gov.in
- Example regional RRB site (Chennai / rrbcdg.gov.in redirects to official portal)
The detailed notification PDF for CEN 09/2025 and all subsequent notices (exam schedule, mock test link, city intimation, admit card, results) are published on the official regional RRB websites under the CEN 09/2025 section. Always download the notification and syllabus PDFs only from rrb.indianrailways.gov.in / rrbapply.gov.in.
Preparation Tips and Strategy
- Master the exam pattern: With 100 questions in 90 minutes, speed matters more than depth. Practice full-length mocks under timed conditions.
- Prioritise accuracy: With 1/3rd negative marking, an educated guess is sometimes worthwhile, but blind guessing can pull scores down.
- Reasoning is the highest-weight section: 30 questions - it is the most scoring if practised well. Solve puzzles, series and syllogisms daily.
- Keep General Science at Class 10 level: Focus on NCERT books of classes 8-10 for Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Revise tables, squares and percentages: Quick mental arithmetic saves precious minutes in Mathematics and in calculations.
- Daily current affairs: Cover the last 6-12 months of national and international events, sports and awards, plus railway-specific news.
- Attempt previous year papers: Analysing real questions from earlier cycles reveals the standard and repeated topics.
- Start physical preparation early: Since PET is qualifying, begin a light running and weight-carrying routine well before the CBT so you are not surprised later.
FAQ
Q: Who conducts the RRB Group D exam?
A: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways conduct the exam on behalf of Indian Railways for Level-1 posts.
Q: What is the minimum educational qualification?
A: Passing the 10th (Matriculation) exam from a recognised board, or an ITI certificate, or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NCVT), or an Engineering Diploma/Degree as applicable.
Q: What is the age limit?
A: Generally 18 to 33 years as on the notified date for CEN 09/2025; earlier cycles had an 18-30 years limit. Category relaxations apply. Always check the current notification.
Q: Is there negative marking in the CBT?
A: Yes. 1/3rd of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer; unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Q: Is the PET compulsory for all candidates?
A: Yes for general candidates; the PET is qualifying in nature, and PwBD candidates are exempted or given relaxed norms as per rules.
Q: What is the basic salary of a Group D employee?
A: Level-1 basic pay is Rs 18,000 per month under the 7th CPC, with an approximate in-hand salary of Rs 22,500 to Rs 25,380 including allowances.
Closing note: Dates, vacancies, fees and norms mentioned above are from the CEN 09/2025 notification and previous cycles, and may be revised. Candidates must keep checking the official RRB website (rrb.indianrailways.gov.in) and the apply portal (rrbapply.gov.in) for the latest notifications, admit cards, and results.