RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Physical & Medical Standards

Check RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026 including age limit (18–36 years), educational qualification, nationality, PET, medical standards, age relaxation, required documents, post parameters, attempts, and complete eligibility details for 22,195 vacancies.

RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Physical & Medical Standards

Overview

RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has prescribed the RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026 for candidates applying to 22,195 Level-1 vacancies under CEN 09/2025. Applicants must satisfy the prescribed age limit, educational qualification, nationality, physical efficiency, and medical standards before applying. Candidates should be between 18 and 36 years of age and possess a Class 10 pass certificate, ITI, or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), as applicable. They must also qualify the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and meet the required medical standards for the allotted post. Candidates who do not fulfill any of the eligibility conditions at any stage of the recruitment process will have their candidature cancelled.

RRB Group D Eligibility Overview 2026

The table below provides a quick overview of the RRB Group D Eligibility Criteria 2026, including the age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and other important eligibility requirements for candidates applying for Level-1 posts in Indian Railways.

Particulars Eligibility Criteria
Exam Name RRB Group D 2026
Conducting Body Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Age Limit 18 to 36 Years
Nationality Indian (and other eligible categories as per RRB rules)
Exam Level National
Minimum Educational Qualification Class 10 Pass / ITI / National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT
Work Experience Not Required
Number of Attempts No Fixed Limit (Subject to Eligibility Criteria)

RRB Group D Age Limit 2026 for Male & Female

The RRB Group D Age Limit 2026 is the same for both male and female candidates. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and should not exceed 36 years of age as on the cut-off date specified in the official notification. There is no separate age criterion based on gender. However, candidates belonging to reserved categories are eligible for upper age relaxation as per Government of India and Railway Recruitment Board rules.

RRB Group D Age Limit 2026

Criteria Age Limit
Minimum Age 18 Years
Maximum Age 36 Years

RRB Group D Age Relaxation 2026

Category Upper Age Relaxation
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 3 Years
SC / ST 5 Years
PwBD 10 to 15 Years (as applicable)
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) As per Government Rules
Other Eligible Categories As per RRB/Government of India Rules

Can 12th Pass Apply for RRB Group D 2026?

Yes, 12th pass candidates are eligible to apply for RRB Group D 2026, provided they have already passed Class 10 (Matriculation), which is the minimum educational qualification prescribed by the Railway Recruitment Board. Candidates who possess an ITI or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT are also eligible. While having a 12th qualification does not provide any additional eligibility benefit, candidates can apply because they have already fulfilled the mandatory Class 10 qualification requirement.

Qualification Eligibility Status
Class 10 (Matriculation) Eligible
ITI / National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) Eligible
12th Pass Eligible (as candidates have already passed Class 10)
12th Pass without Class 10 Not Applicable

Is ITI Mandatory for RRB Group D 2026?

No, an ITI qualification is not mandatory for RRB Group D 2026. Candidates are eligible if they have passed Class 10 (Matriculation), possess an ITI certificate, or hold a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT. This means candidates who have only passed Class 10 can also apply, while those with ITI or NAC qualifications are equally eligible. Therefore, ITI is an optional qualification and not a compulsory requirement for RRB Group D recruitment.

Educational Qualification Eligibility Status
Class 10 (Matriculation) Eligible
ITI Certificate Eligible
National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) from NCVT Eligible
ITI Mandatory? No

RRB Group D Trade Notice 2026

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has specified important eligibility conditions for candidates applying under trade qualifications. Only Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in Railway establishments and holding a valid National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) are eligible under this category. Candidates must provide accurate apprenticeship details, certificate information, training duration, and marks while filling out the online application form. Applicants awaiting their NCVT results should mention the date of their last examination as instructed in the official notification.

Trade Notice Details
Eligible Candidates CCAAs trained in Railway establishments
Required Certificate National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT
Other Certificates Not Accepted
Application Details Training duration, certificate details, and marks must be entered correctly
Result Awaiting Candidates Enter the date of the last NCVT examination in the application form

RRB Group D Age Limit 2026

The RRB Group D Age Limit 2026 is one of the most important eligibility conditions prescribed by the Railway Recruitment Board. Candidates must be between 18 and 36 years of age as on the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. To determine eligibility, RRB has also specified the upper and lower date of birth limits for different categories.

Age Group UR / EWS (Date of Birth Not Earlier Than) OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) SC / ST Lower Date of Birth (All Categories)
18 to 36 Years 02.01.1989 02.01.1986 02.01.1984 01.01.2007

RRB Group D Age Relaxation 2026

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) provides upper age relaxation to candidates belonging to reserved and special categories as per Government of India rules. The applicable relaxation varies depending on the candidate's category and service status. The detailed age relaxation for RRB Group D 2026 is provided below.

Category Age Relaxation / Upper Age Limit
SC / ST 5 Years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 3 Years
Ex-Servicemen Length of Defence Service + 3 Years
PwBD (UR) 10 Years
PwBD (OBC-NCL) 13 Years
PwBD (SC/ST) 15 Years
Candidates domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir (01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989) 5 Years
Railway Group 'C' / Erstwhile Group 'D' Staff (UR) Upper Age Limit: 40 Years
Railway Group 'C' / Erstwhile Group 'D' Staff (OBC-NCL) Upper Age Limit: 43 Years
Railway Group 'C' / Erstwhile Group 'D' Staff (SC/ST) Upper Age Limit: 45 Years
Employees of Railway Quasi-Administrative Offices Length of Service Rendered or 5 Years (Whichever is Lower)
Widowed / Divorced / Judicially Separated Women (UR) Upper Age Limit: 35 Years
Widowed / Divorced / Judicially Separated Women (OBC-NCL) Upper Age Limit: 38 Years
Widowed / Divorced / Judicially Separated Women (SC/ST) Upper Age Limit: 40 Years
Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAA) for ITI/Apprenticeship Posts Relaxation Equal to Apprentice Training Period under the Apprentices Act, 1961
CCAA Candidates (UR) Upper Age Limit: 35 Years
CCAA Candidates (OBC-NCL) Upper Age Limit: 38 Years
CCAA Candidates (SC/ST) Upper Age Limit: 40 Years

RRB Group D Educational Qualification 2026

Candidates applying for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 must possess the prescribed educational qualification on or before the closing date of the online application. The minimum qualification required is Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board, an ITI certificate from a recognized institution, or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT. Candidates awaiting the results of their qualifying examination are not eligible to apply.

Qualification Eligibility Status
Class 10 (Matriculation) Eligible
ITI (Industrial Training Institute) Eligible
National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT Eligible

RRB Group D Nationality Criteria 2026

To be eligible for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026, candidates must satisfy the nationality requirements prescribed by the Railway Recruitment Board. Indian citizens are eligible to apply. In addition, certain categories of foreign nationals and migrants are also eligible, subject to fulfilling the conditions specified in the official notification and producing the required eligibility certificates wherever applicable.

Nationality Category Eligibility
Citizen of India Eligible
Citizen of Nepal Eligible
Citizen of Bhutan Eligible
Tibetan Refugee (who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement) Eligible
Persons of Indian Origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), and East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India Eligible (subject to Government of India eligibility conditions)

RRB Group D Experience Required 2026

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) does not require any prior work experience for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026. Both freshers and experienced candidates are eligible to apply, provided they meet the prescribed age limit, educational qualification, nationality, physical efficiency, and medical standards. Candidates who fulfill all the eligibility conditions and successfully qualify the Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination can be considered for final appointment to Group D posts.

RRB Group D Attempts Allowed 2026

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has not prescribed any fixed limit on the number of attempts for the RRB Group D Examination 2026. Candidates can apply for the examination multiple times, provided they continue to satisfy all the eligibility conditions, including the prescribed age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and other requirements mentioned in the official notification.

RRB Group D Physical Eligibility 2026

Candidates applying for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 must qualify the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) after clearing the Computer-Based Test (CBT). The PET is qualifying in nature and consists of weight-lifting and running tasks. The physical standards are different for male and female candidates. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are exempted from appearing in the PET but must qualify the prescribed medical examination.

Category Physical Eligibility Requirements
Male Candidates Lift and carry 35 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes in one attempt without putting the weight down, and run 1000 metres in 4 minutes 15 seconds in one attempt.
Female Candidates Lift and carry 20 kg for 100 metres within 2 minutes in one attempt without putting the weight down, and run 1000 metres in 5 minutes 40 seconds in one attempt.
PwBD Candidates Exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). However, they must qualify the prescribed medical examination applicable to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.

RRB Group D Medical Eligibility 2026

Candidates selected for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 must satisfy the prescribed medical standards before final appointment. The Railway Administration conducts a medical examination to assess a candidate's overall physical fitness and visual acuity. The required medical standard varies depending on the post allotted. Candidates who fail to meet the prescribed medical requirements will not be considered eligible for appointment.

Medical Standard General Fitness Visual Acuity
A-2 Physically fit in all respects Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/9 without glasses (No fogging test). Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 without glasses. Must pass Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision and Mesopic Vision tests.
A-3 Physically fit in all respects Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/9 with or without glasses (lens power not exceeding 2D). Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses. Must pass Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision and related vision tests.
B-1 Physically fit in all respects Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (lens power not exceeding 4D). Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses. Must pass Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Night Vision and Mesopic Vision tests.
B-2 Physically fit in all respects Distant Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (lens power not exceeding 4D). Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses. Must pass Binocular Vision test.
C-1 Physically fit in all respects Distant Vision: 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses. Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses.
C-2 Physically fit in all respects Distant Vision: 6/12, Nil with or without glasses. Near Vision: Sn. 0.6 (combined) with or without glasses for reading or close work.

RRB Group D Documents Required 2026

Candidates applying for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 must produce the required original documents along with self-attested photocopies during the Document Verification (DV) stage. These documents are used to verify the candidate's identity, educational qualification, category, age, and other eligibility conditions. Failure to produce the required documents may result in cancellation of candidature.

Sl. No. Required Document
1 SCVT/NCVT Certificate (where applicable)
2 Aadhaar Card (Original and Photocopy)
3 Income Certificate (Family Income, if applicable)
4 OBC-NCL Certificate (if applicable)
5 Certificate for Transgender Candidates (if applicable)
6 Decree of Divorce / Judicial Separation (if applicable)
7 Class 10 (Matriculation) Certificate
8 Non-Creamy Layer Declaration (for OBC-NCL candidates)
9 Medical Certificate for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), if applicable
10 Jammu & Kashmir Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
11 Any other document prescribed in the official RRB Group D Notification 2026

RRB Group D Post Parameters 2026

Apart from fulfilling the general eligibility criteria, candidates must also satisfy the post-specific medical standards and benchmark disability (PwBD) suitability prescribed by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). The required medical standard and suitability vary depending on the post and department. Candidates can check the detailed post parameters below.

Designation Department Medical Standard VI HI LD MD
Assistant (Workshop) Mechanical C1 B, LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant Bridge Engineering B1 No No No No
Assistant C & W Mechanical B1 No D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant Depot (Stores) Stores C1 LV HH OL, OA Yes
Assistant Loco Shed (Diesel) Mechanical B1 LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical) Electrical B1 LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant Operations (Electrical) Electrical B1 LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Pointsman Traffic A2 No No No No
Assistant Signal & Telecom S&T B1 LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant Track Machine Engineering A3 No D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant TL & AC Electrical B1 LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant TL & AC (Workshop) Electrical C1 B, LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant TRD Electrical B1 No D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant Works Engineering C1 B, LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Assistant Works (Workshop) Engineering C1 B, LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Hospital Assistant Medical C1 B, LV D, HH OL, LC, DW, AAV Yes
Track Maintainer Grade IV Engineering B1 No No No No

RRB Group D Reasons for Disqualification or Debarment 2026

Candidates must ensure that all details submitted in the RRB Group D 2026 application form are accurate and comply with the instructions mentioned in the official notification. Any incorrect information, invalid documents, or violation of the application guidelines may lead to rejection of the application or debarment from the recruitment process.

Reason Possible Consequence
Uploading an invalid photograph (black & white photo, cap, goggles, covered head, blurred or disfigured image, etc.) Application Rejection
Uploading signature in capital letters, block letters, or disjointed letters Application Rejection
Not possessing the prescribed educational qualification Disqualification
Submitting multiple applications for the same or different RRBs/RRCs Cancellation of all applications and debarment from future RRB/RRC examinations
Providing an incorrect Date of Birth (DOB) Disqualification
Furnishing incorrect or false information in the application form Application Rejection or Debarment
Published : 03-Aug-26 05:50 PM | Last Updated : 11-Aug-26 04:06 PM