The RRB Group D Eligibility 2026 is the first thing candidates must check before applying for the Railway Recruitment Board Group D examination under CEN 09/2025. With 22,195 vacancies announced for Track Maintainer, Helper, Pointsman and Gateman posts, understanding the education qualification, age limit and medical standards is essential. This article covers the complete eligibility criteria for RRB Group D 2026.
RRB Group D Eligibility 2026 – Quick Overview
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Board | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| CEN Number | CEN 09/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 Posts |
| Education | 10th Pass + ITI or Equivalent (varies by post) |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 33 Years |
| Age Relaxation | OBC +3, SC/ST +5, PwBD +10/+13/+15 |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
RRB Group D Education Qualification
The educational requirement for RRB Group D varies slightly depending on the post. Here is the post-wise education qualification:
| Post Name | Education Qualification |
|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | 10th Pass + ITI from recognized institute OR 10th Pass with minimum 50% marks (for non-ITI candidates in some RRBs) |
| Helper / Fitter | 10th Pass + ITI in relevant trade from NCVT/SCVT recognized institute |
| Pointsman | 10th Pass (Matriculation) from recognized board |
| Gateman | 10th Pass (Matriculation) from recognized board |
Recognized ITI Trades for RRB Group D
The following ITI trades are accepted for various Group D posts:
- Fitter – Most preferred trade for railway mechanical posts
- Electrician – For electrical department posts
- Welder – For workshop and track maintenance
- Machinist – For workshop posts
- Carpenter – For civil engineering department
- Painter – For coach maintenance
- Plumber – For civil and mechanical departments
- Turner – For workshop posts
- Mechanic (Diesel/Motor Vehicle) – For diesel loco sheds
- Wireman – For electrical department
Note: The specific ITI trades required vary by post and RRB zone. Always check the official CEN 09/2025 notification for exact trade requirements for your preferred post.
RRB Group D Age Limit 2026
The age limit for RRB Group D is 18 to 33 years as on the date specified in the notification. Age relaxation is provided to reserved category candidates:
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age After Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | No relaxation | 33 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 Years | 36 Years |
| SC / ST | +5 Years | 38 Years |
| PwBD (General) | +10 Years | 43 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | +13 Years | 46 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | +15 Years | 48 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules (service period + 3 years) | Varies |
Note: Age will be calculated as on the crucial date mentioned in the official CEN 09/2025 notification. Candidates must carry valid age proof (10th certificate/Aadhar) during document verification.
RRB Group D Medical Standards
Railway Group D posts involve safety-related duties such as track maintenance, signalling and gate operations. Therefore, candidates must meet specific medical standards:
| Medical Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visual Acuity (Distant Vision) | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other eye (without glasses) for safety category posts |
| Near Vision | Sn 0.6 in both eyes (without glasses) |
| Colour Vision | Must be able to distinguish red, green, yellow and white signals correctly |
| Hearing | Normal hearing ability; must hear whispered voice at 6 metres |
| Physical Fitness | Free from any disease or disability that interferes with efficient discharge of duties |
| Night Vision | Normal night vision for safety category staff |
Important Medical Disqualifications
The following conditions may lead to medical unfitness for Railway Group D posts:
- Colour Blindness: Candidates with colour blindness (complete or partial) are not eligible for safety category posts
- High Myopia: Candidates requiring glasses for distant vision may be rejected for safety posts
- Hearing Impairment: Significant hearing loss is disqualifying for safety category
- Flat Feet: Severe flat feet may be considered unfit for track maintenance duties
- Heart/Lung Conditions: Any serious cardiac or respiratory condition
- Hernia: Untreated hernia is disqualifying
Note: Medical standards are strictly enforced for railway safety positions. Candidates are advised to get an eye check-up done before applying to avoid disappointment later.
RRB Group D Nationality & Other Requirements
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen. Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (settled before 1 Jan 1962) and migrants from certain countries with eligibility certificate from Govt of India are also eligible
- Character: Good moral character; no criminal record
- Documents Required: 10th marksheet, ITI certificate (if applicable), caste certificate, domicile, Aadhar card, photographs
- Application Fee: Rs.500 (General/OBC), Rs.250 (SC/ST/Ex-SM/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC)
RRB Group D Post-Wise Vacancies & Eligibility Summary
| Post | Education | Age | Medical Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Gr. IV | 10th + ITI | 18-33 | A-2 (Safety) |
| Helper / Fitter | 10th + ITI | 18-33 | B-1 / B-2 |
| Pointsman | 10th Pass | 18-33 | A-2 (Safety) |
| Gateman | 10th Pass | 18-33 | A-3 (Safety) |
RRB Group D Eligibility 2026 – FAQ
What is the education qualification for RRB Group D 2026?
The basic education requirement is 10th pass (matriculation) from a recognized board. For some posts like Track Maintainer and Helper, an ITI certificate from NCVT/SCVT recognized institute in a relevant trade is additionally required.
What is the age limit for RRB Group D 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 33 years. Age relaxation is available for OBC (+3 years), SC/ST (+5 years) and PwBD (+10/13/15 years depending on category). Ex-servicemen get relaxation as per government rules.
Is ITI mandatory for all RRB Group D posts?
No. ITI is not mandatory for all posts. Posts like Pointsman and Gateman require only 10th pass qualification. However, Track Maintainer and Helper posts typically require 10th + ITI in a relevant trade.
Can candidates with spectacles apply for RRB Group D?
For safety category posts (Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Gateman), candidates must have the required visual acuity without glasses. For non-safety posts, limited use of glasses may be permitted. It is recommended to check the specific medical standard for your preferred post.
Is colour blindness allowed in RRB Group D?
No. Candidates with colour blindness (complete or partial) are not eligible for safety category Railway Group D posts. They must be able to correctly distinguish red, green, yellow and white signal colours.
What is the application fee for RRB Group D 2026?
The application fee is Rs.500 for General and OBC candidates. SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Female, Transgender, Minorities and EBC candidates pay Rs.250. Fee refund of Rs.400 is available after appearing in the CBT exam.
