RRB Group D CBT-1 Exam Date 2026 - Complete Schedule for 22,195 Level-1 Posts
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) have confirmed the tentative schedule for the Computer Based Test (CBT-1) for various Level-1 posts under CEN 09/2025, popularly known as the RRB Group D recruitment 2026. According to the official notice dated 3 July 2026, the CBT-1 exam will be conducted from 3 August 2026 to 21 August 2026 across multiple shifts and centres nationwide. This recruitment drive covers 22,195 vacancies in Level 1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, including posts like Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant (various trades), and more.
This article covers everything candidates need to know the exam date schedule, exam city and e-call letter timelines, Aadhaar verification requirements, eligibility, application fee, selection process, and important official links, based strictly on the official RRB notice and verified recruitment details.
Check here: RRB Group D CBT-1 Exam Date 2026
RRB Group D CBT-1 Exam Date 2026 - Key Highlights
This section gives a quick snapshot of the most important facts about the RRB Group D CBT-1 exam 2026 ideal for candidates who want the core details at a glance before diving into specifics.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), Ministry of Railways |
| Advertisement No. | CEN 09/2025 |
| Post | Various Posts in Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Group D) |
| Total Vacancies | 22,195 |
| Exam Stage | Computer Based Test (CBT-1) |
| CBT-1 Exam Dates | 3 August 2026 to 21 August 2026 |
| Exam City & Date Link | Around 10 days before the exam date |
| E-Call Letter Download | Around 4 days before the exam date |
| Notice Release Date | 3 July 2026 |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
When Is the RRB Group D CBT-1 Exam 2026?
Candidates preparing for this recruitment naturally want to know the exact exam window. As per the official RRB notice, the CBT-1 exam for Group D posts will be held over a multi-day, multi-shift schedule.
- CBT-1 Exam Dates: 3 August 2026 to 21 August 2026
- Exam Type: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Applicable Recruitment: CEN 09/2025 Various Posts in Level 1
RRB has clarified that this is a tentative schedule, meaning exact shift-wise and date-wise allocation for individual candidates will be communicated separately through the exam city intimation link and e-call letter.
RRB Group D Exam City, Date Intimation & E-Call Letter Timeline
Before the actual exam, RRB releases two important pieces of information that every candidate must track: the exam city/date intimation link and the e-call letter. This section explains when each becomes available.
Exam City and Travel Authority Link
- The link to check the exam city and exam date will go live around 10 days before the candidate's scheduled exam date.
- SC/ST candidates can also download their Travel Authority (TA) through the same link.
- This facility will be made available on the official websites of all RRB regional boards.
E-Call Letter (Admit Card) Download
- E-Call letters will be available for download around 4 days before the exam date mentioned in the exam city intimation link.
- Candidates should regularly check the official RRB website corresponding to their application to avoid missing the download window.
Aadhaar Verification: Mandatory Requirement for Exam Entry
Aadhaar-based biometric verification is a critical part of the RRB Group D exam process in 2026. This section explains what candidates must do to ensure smooth entry into the exam hall.
- Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication of candidates will be conducted at the exam centre before entry into the exam hall.
- Candidates must carry either their original Aadhaar card or a printout of e-verified Aadhaar.
- Those who haven't completed Aadhaar authentication yet are advised to do so by logging in with their credentials on www.rrbapply.gov.in.
- Even candidates who verified Aadhaar during the application stage must ensure their Aadhaar remains unlocked in the UIDAI system before arriving at the centre, to avoid delays during registration.
Tip: Check your Aadhaar lock/unlock status on the UIDAI portal a day or two before your exam to avoid last-minute issues at the centre.
RRB Group D Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Understanding the complete application and exam timeline helps candidates track where they stand in the recruitment cycle. Below is the full schedule from notification to exam.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 30 January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date (Extended) | 9 March 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 11 March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 12 March – 21 March 2026 |
| CBT-1 Exam Date | 3 August – 21 August 2026 |
| Exam City/Date Intimation | ~10 days before exam |
| E-Call Letter Download | ~4 days before exam |
| Result Date | To be announced |
RRB Group D 2026: Vacancy Overview (22,195 Posts)
The RRB Group D recruitment 2026 spans multiple technical and non-technical posts across Indian Railways zones. Here's a snapshot of the major post-wise vacancy distribution.
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Track Maintainer Grade IV | 11,032 |
| Pointsman-B | 5,053 |
| Assistant (S&T) | 1,509 |
| Assistant (C&W) | 1,000 |
| Assistant TRD | 800 |
| Assistant Operations (Electrical) | 604 |
| Assistant (Bridge) | 600 |
| Assistant (Track Machine) | 597 |
| Assistant TL & AC | 500 |
| Assistant P-Way | 300 |
| Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical) | 200 |
For the complete RRB-wise breakup, candidates should refer to the official CEN 09/2025 notification.
Eligibility Criteria for RRB Group D 2026
Before appearing for the CBT-1 exam, it's worth revisiting the basic eligibility conditions that applicants had to meet at the time of application.
- Educational Qualification: Class 10 (High School) pass from a recognised board, OR ITI/National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT/SCVT.
- Age Limit (as on 1 January 2026): Minimum 18 years, Maximum 33 years, with age relaxation applicable as per RRB norms for reserved categories.
RRB Group D Application Fee (For Reference)
| Category | Application Fee | Refund on Appearing for CBT |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹500 | ₹400 |
| SC / ST / EBC / Female / Transgender / PwBD | ₹250 | ₹250 |
RRB Group D Selection Process 2026
The recruitment follows a multi-stage selection process. Candidates clearing CBT-1 move to the subsequent stages listed below.
- Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination
RRB has reiterated that selection is based purely on merit through the CBT, and candidates should be cautious of anyone promising jobs through unofficial or illegal means.
Important Advisory from RRB
- Refer only to the official RRB websites for authentic updates; avoid relying on unverified third-party sources.
- Beware of touts or agents claiming to arrange selection through illegal consideration RRB has clarified that recruitment is strictly merit-based via CBT.
Official RRB Group D Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Official RRB Websites | Check Official |
| Check Exam date | Check Here |
