A 1000-word rephrased blog can be written, but the exact “RRB Group D – 22,000 posts (window shown: 20 Feb 2026)” detail must be verified from an official Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) notification or a government listing first; right now there’s no access to live verification sources for this turn, so only a draft with clearly marked “verify in notification” placeholders can be provided.
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: 22,000 Vacancies (Application Window Around 20 Feb 2026)
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Group D recruitment is one of India’s most searched and most awaited government job opportunities because it offers stable employment, nationwide posting options, and a clear selection pathway. For 2026, a major hiring drive is being discussed/listed with 22,000 vacancies, and an application window is being shown around 20 February 2026 (candidates must confirm the exact start/end dates in the official RRB notification before applying).
This article explains what RRB Group D is, who can apply, expected eligibility, selection stages, syllabus overview, document requirements, and practical preparation tips—so candidates can plan early and avoid last-minute confusion when the notification goes live.
What is RRB Group D?
RRB Group D is a category of entry-level roles in Indian Railways, generally associated with essential support and operational duties. These jobs are vital to day-to-day railway functioning, which is why recruitment is conducted at a large scale whenever vacancies are released.
Group D positions are usually suitable for candidates seeking a government job after 10th pass/ITI (exact qualification rules vary by notification). The roles often involve field work, maintenance support, and operational assistance under different railway departments. The work can be physically active and may involve duty shifts depending on the unit and posting location.
RRB Group D 2026: Key highlights (to verify)
Here are the headline points candidates are looking for—treat these as preliminary until the official notification confirms every detail:
- Recruitment: RRB Group D 2026
- Total posts: 22,000 (as currently being shown)
- Application window: around 20 Feb 2026 (as currently being shown)
- Mode of application: Online
- Selection: Exam + physical assessment (as per typical past patterns)
As soon as the official RRB CEN notification is available, candidates should match the above points with the “Important Dates” and “Vacancy Details” sections and proceed only after confirmation.
Expected eligibility (based on typical Group D rules)
Eligibility rules can change, but most Group D notifications historically focus on a few core areas:
Educational qualification
Usually one of the following is asked (final requirement depends on the CEN):
- 10th pass (Matriculation)
- ITI (in relevant trades)
- Equivalent qualification recognized by authorities
Candidates should not assume eligibility until the notification states it clearly—especially if there are trade-wise requirements for technical units.
Age limit
RRB recruitments typically have:
- A minimum age requirement (often 18 years)
- An upper age limit (varies by recruitment cycle)
- Relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms
Because age criteria can vary from one CEN to another, use the official “Age Limit” section as the final authority.
Nationality
Commonly, eligibility includes Indian citizens and sometimes other categories as per government rules—again, confirm through the notification.
Selection process (what to expect)
RRB Group D selection generally includes multiple stages designed to test both knowledge and fitness. While the exact steps will be confirmed in the 2026 notification, candidates can expect a structure similar to this:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
The CBT filters candidates academically, while PET ensures candidates can handle the physical nature of many Group D duties. Document verification and medical checks ensure eligibility and fitness standards are met.
CBT syllabus overview (prep-first approach)
Even before the notification comes, candidates can start preparing core subjects that almost always appear in Railway exams:
- General Awareness / Current Affairs: national + international events, railway-related updates, static GK
- Mathematics: number system, simplification, percentage, ratio, time & work, time & distance, basic algebra/geometry
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: analogy, series, coding-decoding, direction sense, puzzles, syllogism
- General Science: basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology up to school level (often 10th standard)
A smart approach is to build accuracy first and then increase speed through mock tests and timed practice.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): prepare early
Group D PET is a deciding factor for many candidates. Preparation should begin early because physical conditioning cannot be built overnight.
Practical PET preparation tips:
- Start brisk walking and jogging 4–5 days a week.
- Build stamina gradually—avoid injury from sudden intense workouts.
- Add light strength training (bodyweight exercises) to improve endurance.
- Maintain consistent sleep and hydration.
PET rules (distance/time and categories) will be officially specified; train for slightly higher than the minimum standard so the actual test feels manageable.
How to apply online (once the form is live)
When RRB opens applications, the safest workflow is:
- Visit the official RRB website of your region (or the centralized recruitment link mentioned in the notification).
- Open the Group D 2026 notification and read it end-to-end.
- Register with basic details (name, mobile number, email, etc.).
- Fill the application form carefully (education, address, category, preferences).
- Upload documents in the required format (photo/signature; sometimes category certificate details).
- Pay the fee (if applicable) using the allowed payment modes.
- Submit and download the confirmation page/receipt.
Avoid using cybercafé auto-fill without checking details. Small mistakes in name spelling, DOB, category, or photo format can create issues during DV.
Documents required (keep them ready now)
Keeping documents ready before the application window saves time:
- Class 10 certificate/mark sheet (DOB and qualification proof)
- ITI/other qualification certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar/ID proof
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) if applicable
- PwBD certificate if applicable
- Recent passport-size photo (as per guidelines)
- Signature scan
- Domicile/income certificate (only if required by the notification)
Scan in clear quality, correct size, and correct file format.
Mistakes to avoid (candidate checklist)
- Applying without reading the full notification (eligibility mismatch is the #1 rejection reason).
- Uploading unclear photo/signature or wrong dimensions.
- Using a nickname or different spelling than official certificates.
- Waiting until the last day—servers often slow down near deadline.
- Ignoring PET fitness preparation and focusing only on CBT.
Preparation strategy (8-week starter plan)
If the application window is around 20 Feb 2026, starting now offers a real advantage. Here’s a simple plan candidates can follow:
- Week 1–2: Basics in Maths + Reasoning, daily 30–45 min GA, light fitness routine.
- Week 3–4: Topic-wise tests, revise errors, increase GA/current affairs coverage.
- Week 5–6: Mixed mock tests (timed), strengthen weak chapters, PET training upgrade.
- Week 7–8: Full-length mocks + revision, focus on accuracy and exam temperament.
Consistency matters more than long study hours once in a while.
FAQs (quick)
Q1. RRB Group D 2026 has how many vacancies?
It’s being shown as 22,000 posts, but treat it as tentative until the official notification confirms.
Q2. When will the application start?
An application window around 20 Feb 2026 is being shown; confirm exact dates from the official “Important Dates” section.
Q3. Is PET compulsory?
In most Group D recruitments, PET is part of the process; final confirmation depends on the 2026 notification.
Q4. Can 10th pass apply?
Group D usually targets 10th pass/ITI-level eligibility, but the official notification will be final.