RRB Group D 2026 is one of the most anticipated railway recruitment exams in India, attracting lakhs of applicants across multiple zones. Group D posts typically include roles such as Track Maintainer, Helper, Assistant Pointsman, and other Level 1 positions in Indian Railways. The recruitment process involves a Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), document verification, and medical examination.
While the official notification release date is awaited, past recruitment cycles indicate that the application process generally opens within a few months after announcement. Candidates should prepare early because competition levels remain high, with applicant numbers often crossing 1 crore in previous large-scale cycles.
Expected Notification Timeline and Exam Pattern
The recruitment process usually follows a structured timeline. Based on previous cycles, candidates can expect notification release, application window, admit card release, and examination within a 4–6 month period after announcement.
| Stage | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Notification release | Mid-2026 (tentative) |
| Application window | 30–45 days |
| Admit card release | 7–10 days before exam |
| CBT Exam | Within 3–4 months of application |
| PET | 1–2 months after CBT |
The Computer-Based Test typically lasts 90 minutes and includes 100 questions.
RRB Group D 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualification, and nationality requirements. Candidates must meet all criteria before applying to avoid rejection during document verification.
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Maximum age | 33 years (relaxations apply) |
| Educational qualification | 10th pass / ITI equivalent |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
Age relaxation of 3–5 years generally applies to reserved categories according to government norms.
RRB Group D 2026 Exam Pattern
The CBT exam includes multiple-choice questions across four major sections. Each correct answer typically carries 1 mark, while negative marking of 1/3 mark applies for incorrect answers.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 30 | 30 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Candidates must manage time effectively within 90 minutes. The exam is available in multiple regional languages.
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
The Mathematics section includes topics such as percentages, profit and loss, ratio, time and work, speed and distance, and basic algebra. General Intelligence covers analogies, coding-decoding, puzzles, and logical reasoning.
General Science includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology topics at the 10th standard level. Current Affairs focuses on national and international events from the past 6–12 months.
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry |
| Reasoning | Series, puzzles, coding-decoding |
| General Science | Basic physics, chemistry, biology |
| Current Affairs | Sports, government schemes, economy |
Consistent practice of previous year questions significantly improves score potential.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
Candidates qualifying CBT must clear the Physical Efficiency Test. The PET measures physical stamina through running tasks.
| Category | Male Requirement | Female Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Running test | 1000 meters in 4 min 15 sec | 1000 meters in 5 min 40 sec |
| Weight lifting | 35 kg for 100 meters | 20 kg for 100 meters |
Failure to meet PET standards results in disqualification regardless of CBT score.
Cutoff Trends and Competition Level
Cutoff marks vary by zone and category. In previous cycles, general category cutoffs often ranged between 65–75 marks out of 100, depending on region and vacancy distribution. High competition levels mean even a 5-mark difference can impact selection chances.
Candidates should aim for 80+ scores to remain competitive, especially in high-demand zones. Regular mock testing helps evaluate readiness and time management.
Preparation Roadmap for RRB Group D 2026
Preparation should ideally begin 6–8 months before the expected exam date. A structured study plan increases efficiency and retention.
| Preparation Phase | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Months 1–2 | Concept clarity in Maths & Reasoning |
| Months 3–4 | General Science & Current Affairs |
| Months 5–6 | Full-length mock tests |
| Final month | Revision & weak area improvement |
Daily practice of 2–3 hours can significantly improve performance over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many candidates underestimate the competition and rely solely on basic preparation. Lack of time management, ignoring negative marking, and insufficient mock testing are common reasons for low scores.
Consistency and revision remain critical for maintaining accuracy above 85–90 percent in mock tests.
Conclusion
RRB Group D 2026 presents a significant opportunity for candidates seeking stable government employment in Indian Railways. With eligibility requiring only a 10th pass qualification and age between 18–33 years, competition is expected to be intense. A clear understanding of exam pattern, syllabus, PET standards, and cutoff trends helps candidates prepare strategically. Starting preparation early, maintaining daily study discipline, and practicing mock tests regularly increases the chances of securing selection in this highly competitive recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will RRB Group D 2026 notification be released?
The notification is expected in 2026, with application windows typically open for 30–45 days after release.
What is the age limit for RRB Group D 2026?
Candidates must be between 18 and 33 years, with relaxation applicable for reserved categories.
Is there negative marking in RRB Group D exam?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in the CBT exam.
How many questions are there in the CBT exam?
The CBT includes 100 questions to be completed in 90 minutes.
What score is considered safe for selection?
A score above 75–80 marks generally improves chances, depending on region and category cutoff trends.