The Railway Recruitment Boards have issued the RRB Level 1 Notification 2026, launching a nationwide hiring drive for entry-level Group-D positions in the Indian Railways. The recruitment offers more than 22,000 vacancies for candidates with Class 10 or technical qualifications. Officials say the process aims to strengthen frontline operations, maintenance and safety across the country’s expanding railway network.
RRB Level 1 Notification 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Posts | Track Maintainer, Pointsman, Assistant Workshop & Operations |
| Vacancies | Over 22,000 nationwide |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 10 pass or ITI/NAC |
| Selection Stages | CBT → Physical Test → Document Verification → Medical |
| Basic Pay | ₹18,000 per month |
| Estimated In-Hand Salary | ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Application Window | Late January to early March 2026 |
| Job Type | Permanent Central Government Service |
| Expected Applicants | Several million nationwide |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbapply.gov.in |
The RRB Level 1 Notification 2026 represents one of the largest entry-level government recruitment exercises in India this year. By combining written examination, physical testing and medical screening, authorities aim to select candidates capable of supporting daily railway operations safely and efficiently. For many applicants, the recruitment offers a pathway to stable public employment, but competition remains intense.
What the RRB Level 1 Notification 2026 Announces
The recruitment has been issued under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) 09/2025. The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct examinations and appointments on behalf of the Ministry of Railways, one of India’s largest public sector employers.
The vacancies are distributed across railway zones including Northern, Western, Central, Southern and Eastern Railways. Positions are primarily operational support roles essential to railway functioning.
Officials say the hiring comes as Indian Railways modernises infrastructure, increases freight movement and prepares for higher passenger capacity. A senior railway administrative officer said in a briefing that “adequate field staff is necessary for track inspection, signalling reliability and emergency response preparedness.”
Roles and Work Responsibilities
The posts under Level-1 are not desk-based clerical jobs. They involve technical and manual field duties, often outdoors.
Track Maintainer
Workers inspect railway tracks, repair damaged rails and monitor alignment. They patrol assigned sections daily to prevent accidents.
Pointsman
Responsible for coordinating train movements at stations, signalling train drivers and assisting platform operations.
Assistant (Workshop and Shed)
Assist mechanics and technicians in locomotive sheds, carriage workshops and maintenance yards.
Railway safety experts note these jobs directly affect train punctuality and accident prevention. Many tasks occur during night shifts or in extreme weather conditions.
Eligibility Criteria and Educational Requirements
Applicants must be aged between 18 and 33 years, with statutory relaxations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and certain other categories.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold:
- Matriculation (Class 10) certificate, or
- ITI certificate, or
- National Apprenticeship Certificate.
Because higher education is not required, the recruitment attracts candidates from both rural districts and urban labour markets.
Labour economist Dr. Ritu Sharma says entry-level government jobs carry social value beyond income.
“Stable employment in a government organisation often provides healthcare, pension contributions and predictable wages, which many private sector jobs in the informal economy cannot guarantee,” she explained.
Selection Process: Multi-Stage Screening
The RRB Level 1 Notification 2026 uses a layered evaluation process to test academic ability and job fitness.
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The first stage is a nationwide written examination.
Subjects include:
- Mathematics
- General Science
- Reasoning
- Current Affairs
Candidates receive 90 minutes to answer 100 questions.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Shortlisted candidates must perform physical tasks such as running and weight lifting within time limits.
Railway engineers say physical screening is necessary because track maintenance requires endurance and mobility near active rail lines.
Document Verification and Medical Test
The final stages confirm certificates and assess eyesight and physical health. Vision standards are particularly strict because employees often work near moving trains and signalling systems.
Salary, Benefits and Career Progression
The pay scale follows the 7th Central Pay Commission Level-1 pay matrix.
Basic pay: ₹18,000 per month
Estimated take-home: ₹22,000 to ₹25,000 with allowances
Allowances include:
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
Employees also receive railway travel concessions for family members.
Promotion Opportunities
Railway employees may later qualify for:
- Technician posts
- Junior clerical roles
- Supervisor categories
Promotion occurs through departmental examinations and seniority.
Competition and Applicant Numbers
Recruitment analysts expect extremely high participation. Previous railway recruitment drives have attracted tens of millions of applicants nationwide.
Public employment researchers say government jobs remain highly desirable because India’s workforce still includes a large informal sector without employment security.
An employment policy analyst noted that the number of applicants per vacancy can exceed 50 candidates, depending on region.
Economic and Social Significance
Indian Railways carries more than 20 million passengers daily and transports large volumes of freight such as coal, food grains and industrial goods.
Maintenance staff and operational assistants form the frontline workforce that supports this system.
Economists say large recruitment drives can influence local economies. Candidates often relocate for training and posting, bringing steady income into rural households.
Challenges Applicants Should Understand
While the jobs are secure, they also involve demanding conditions.
Workers may:
- Work night shifts
- Patrol tracks in remote areas
- Perform duties during monsoon or extreme heat
Railway staff associations have previously highlighted safety risks associated with track inspection and heavy machinery.
Preparation and Selection Realities
Experts advise applicants to prepare for both academic and physical stages simultaneously.
Recruitment trainers note that many candidates focus only on the written test and neglect physical preparation, leading to elimination during the physical test.
Medical disqualification can also occur, especially for vision standards required for track duties.
Broader Labour Market Context
Government employment remains a major aspiration in India. According to labour market surveys, job security, pension eligibility and healthcare coverage are key motivators for applicants.
Policy analysts say the demand reflects both the scale of the youth population and limited availability of secure formal employment.
