Quick Summary
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the 2026 recruitment schedule. Check tentative dates for Group D, ALP, Technician, JE, and NTPC Graduate posts at indianrailways.gov.in.
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is the central organization under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, responsible for the recruitment of group C and group D staff across various zones. Its official portal for notifications and central employment notices (CEN) is indianrailways.gov.in.
RRB Railway Recruitment 2026 – Overview
RRB Railway Recruitment 2026 has commenced in phases following a calendar-wise schedule released by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) for thousands of vacancies including Group D (22,195+ posts), ALP, Technician, and NTPC. For Group D (CEN 09/2025), the application window was open until 09 March 2026 at indianrailways.gov.in. The minimum qualification varies from Class 10/ITI for Level-1 posts to a Bachelor Degree for NTPC Graduate roles.
In the previous major cycle of 2024-25, RRB announced approximately 18,000 Group D vacancies — the 2026 drive for 22,195+ posts marks a 23% increase in entry-level hiring.
| Post Category | Notification Window | Exam Window (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Group D / Level-1 | January 2026 (Released) | To be Announced |
| ALP (Asst. Loco Pilot) | February 2026 | Late 2026 – Early 2027 |
| Technician | March 2026 | January – March 2027 Cycle |
| Junior Engineer (JE) | Feb – March 2026 | July – September 2026 |
| NTPC (Graduate) | July – Sept 2026 (New Cycle) | Already Running (CBT-1) |
| Official Portal | indianrailways.gov.in | |
Source: RRB Draft Exam Calendar 2026-27, Ministry of Railways, March 2026.
RRB Railway Recruitment 2026 – Detailed Timeline & Schedule
Group D / Level-1 Recruitment (CEN 09/2025)
The official notification for over 22,195 posts was released in January 2026. The application window was extended to 09 March 2026. Candidates are currently awaiting the CBT-1 slot and admit card release dates.
ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) & Technician
As per the RRB Exam Calendar 2026-27, notifications for ALP posts are slated for mid-February, while Technician posts are expected between 05-09 March 2026. These roles typically target candidates looking for job vacancy for 12th pass with ITI or Diploma qualifications.
NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)
The CBT-1 for NTPC Graduate-level (CEN 06/2025) is currently active between 16 March and 27 March 2026. A new notification cycle for 2026-27 is tentatively scheduled for July to September 2026.
RRB Railway Recruitment 2026 – Pay Scale & Salary
RRB Railway 2026 Selection Process
- Computer Based Test (CBT-1): Screening test for all major categories.
- Second Stage CBT: Advanced technical or subject-specific paper for ALP/JE/Technician.
- Skill Test: Typing test (NTPC) or CBAT (Aptitude Test for ALP).
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Mandatory for Group D posts.
- Medical & Document Verification: Final checks before zone-wise merit list release.
How to Fill RRB Railway 2026 Online Form – Step by Step
- Visit Portal: Access the official RRB website at indianrailways.gov.in.
- Select Zone: Choose your respective RRB Zone (e.g., Ajmer, Chandigarh, Mumbai).
- New Registration: Click on the link for the specific CEN (e.g., CEN 09/2025).
- Upload Documents: Provide scanned copies of your photo, signature, and community certificate.
- Payment: Pay the exam fee (₹500 for Gen/OBC; ₹250 for SC/ST/Ex-SM/Female) online.
RRB Railway Recruitment 2026 Admit Card – How to Download
The RRB Admit Card 2026 for each stage (CBT-1, CBT-2, etc.) is typically released 4 days before the exam date. Candidates can check their Exam City and Date 10 days in advance on their respective RRB regional websites. You will need your Registration Number and Date of Birth to login.
