RRB Recruitment 2025-26 represents one of the most anticipated and massive job opportunities in the Indian public sector, with Indian Railways gearing up to fill tens of thousands of vacancies across various categories. Whether you’re a Class-10 pass candidate or a graduate engineer, this detailed article will help you understand what’s happening in the 2026 RRB recruitment cycle, key dates, eligibility, selection process, strategic insights, and preparation tips.
What is RRB Recruitment 2025-26?
RRB (Railway Recruitment Boards) is an organisation under the Ministry of Railways responsible for recruiting eligible candidates to various posts in Indian Railways, the world’s fourth-largest rail network. Every year, RRB conducts multiple recruitment drives for different categories, including technical, non-technical, level-1 positions, isolated ministerial roles, and more. The RRB Recruitment 2026 cycle covers a broad range of notifications planned throughout the year, offering unprecedented opportunities for job seekers.
What is the vacancy for RRB Recruitment 2025-26?
The highest number of vacancies released for RRB Recruitment 2025-26 is 22,000 for the Group D posts. Check out the details for various exams below:
| Recruitment Category | Vacancies 2026 | Eligibility Level | Application Window 2026 |
| RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 | 22,000 | 10th/ITI | Jan 21 – Feb 20, 2026 |
| RRB Railway Recruitment 2025-26 for Junior Engineer | 2,588 | Diploma/Engineering | To be released |
| RRB NTPC Recruitment 2025-26 | To be released | 12th/Graduate | To be released |
| RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2025-26 | To be released | 12th/Graduate | To be released |
| RRB ALP Recruitment 2025-26 | To be released | Matriculation / SSLC, ITI from recognized institutions of NCVT/SCVT | To be released |
| RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2025-26 | 368 | Graduation | 11th and 12th February, 2026 |
| RRB Railway Teacher Recruitment 2025-26 | To be released | Ed./ B. El. Ed./ Diploma in Special Education | To be released |
| RRB Technician Recruitment 2025-26 | To be released | Matriculation/Graduation | 5th to 9th March 2026 |
What is the selection process for RRB Indian Railway Recruitment 2025-26?
The selection process of various railway exams involves a computer-based test, aptitude or skill test, document verification and medical examination. Given below are the details:
| Exam | Stage | Stage Name | Explanation |
| RRB Group D | Stage 1 | Computer Based Test (CBT) | This is a single-stage CBT consisting of questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness. The exam is objective in nature with negative marking. Candidates are shortlisted for PET based on normalized CBT scores and zone-wise cut-off. |
| Stage 2 | Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | Candidates must complete physical tasks such as running and weight lifting within prescribed time limits. PET is qualifying in nature and tests physical fitness required for track maintenance and field duties. | |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification (DV) | Original documents like educational certificates, caste certificates, and identity proof are verified. Any discrepancy can lead to disqualification. | |
| Stage 4 | Medical Examination | Medical fitness is checked as per Railway Medical Standards (vision, hearing, physical fitness). Final selection depends on medical fitness. | |
| RRB JE (Junior Engineer) | Stage 1 | CBT 1 | Screening test with questions from Maths, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Basic Science & Engineering. Used only for shortlisting; marks are not added to final merit. |
| Stage 2 | CBT 2 | Main technical exam focusing heavily on Engineering Discipline (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics). Marks obtained here play a major role in final merit. | |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification (DV) | Verification of eligibility, qualification, category, and identity documents. | |
| Stage 4 | Medical Examination | Post-specific medical standards are applied. Candidates must meet A-3/B-1/B-2 standards depending on post. | |
| RRB NTPC | Stage 1 | CBT 1 | Common screening test for all NTPC posts. Includes Maths, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Used for shortlisting candidates for CBT 2. |
| Stage 2 | CBT 2 | Slightly higher difficulty level than CBT 1. Marks of CBT 2 are considered for merit list preparation. | |
| Stage 3 | Skill Test / CBAT (Post-specific) | Typing Skill Test for Clerk/Typist posts and CBAT for Station Master/Traffic Assistant to assess decision-making and reaction time. | |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification (DV) | Candidates are called in merit order for verification of original documents. | |
| Stage 5 | Medical Examination | Ensures fitness as per job requirements, especially for safety-related posts. | |
| RRB Pharmacist | Stage 1 | Computer Based Test (CBT) | Questions from Pharmacy subjects, General Awareness, Reasoning, and Basic Science. Technical knowledge carries higher weightage. |
| Stage 2 | Document Verification (DV) | Educational qualification (D.Pharm/B.Pharm), registration certificates, and category documents are verified. | |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination | General medical fitness is checked. Vision standards are comparatively relaxed. | |
| RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) | Stage 1 | CBT 1 | Screening exam with questions from Maths, Reasoning, General Science, and Current Affairs. Used only for shortlisting. |
| Stage 2 | CBT 2 (Part A & B) | Part A covers core subjects, while Part B is qualifying and tests trade-specific knowledge. Both are crucial for selection. | |
| Stage 3 | Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) | Tests alertness, reaction time, and decision-making ability. No negative marking. Essential for ALP role. | |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification (DV) | Verification of educational and technical qualifications. | |
| Stage 5 | Medical Examination | Very strict medical standards (A-1 category) including vision, color blindness, and hearing. | |
| RRB Section Controller | Stage 1 | CBT 1 | Screening exam common with NTPC. Tests aptitude and general awareness. |
| Stage 2 | CBT 2 | Main exam with higher-level questions; determines merit ranking. | |
| Stage 3 | CBAT | Mandatory aptitude test to assess traffic management and operational decision-making skills. | |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification (DV) | Verification of eligibility and category documents. | |
| Stage 5 | Medical Examination | Safety-category medical standards are applied. | |
| RRB Technician | Stage 1 | CBT | Objective test focusing on technical trade knowledge, Maths, Reasoning, and General Science. |
| Stage 2 | Document Verification (DV) | Trade certificates, ITI/NAC documents, and category proofs are checked. | |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination | Fitness is checked as per post requirements; standards are moderate compared to ALP. | |
| RRB Railway Teacher Recruitment 2025-26 | Stage 1 | Computer Based Test (CBT) | This is the primary screening stage conducted online. The CBT tests candidates on General Awareness, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Mathematics, Teaching Aptitude, and Subject-Specific Knowledge (as per the teaching post applied for, such as PGT, TGT, PRT, or specialized teachers). The exam is objective in nature with negative marking for incorrect answers. Marks obtained in CBT play a crucial role in shortlisting candidates for the next stage. |
| Stage 2 | Teaching Skill Test / Interview | Candidates shortlisted from CBT are called for a Teaching Skill Test or Interview. In this stage, candidates may be asked to deliver a demo class, explain a topic, or answer pedagogy-based questions. This stage evaluates communication skills, conceptual clarity, classroom management, and teaching methodology. | |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification | Candidates who clear the teaching skill test/interview are called for document verification. Original documents related to educational qualifications, professional teaching degrees (B.Ed/D.El.Ed), age, category, and identity proof are verified. Any mismatch or invalid document may lead to disqualification. | |
| Stage 4 | Medical Examination | Finally, candidates must undergo a Railway Medical Examination. Medical standards for teachers are generally less stringent compared to safety-category posts, but basic fitness, vision, and overall health are assessed to ensure suitability for service. | |
| Stage 5 | Final Merit List & Appointment | The final merit list is prepared based on CBT performance and Teaching Skill Test/Interview marks, subject to document verification and medical fitness. Selected candidates receive appointment letters for posting in Railway Schools / Institutions. |
What is the exam pattern for the major railway exams?
The exam pattern for most major railway exams is conducted between 100-150 marks. The details are tabulated below for the aspirants:
| Exam | Stage | Subjects / Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
| RRB Group D | CBT | Mathematics (25), General Intelligence & Reasoning (30), General Science (25), General Awareness & Current Affairs (20) | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark |
| PET | Running & Weight Lifting | Qualifying | — | — | Not applicable | |
| RRB Junior Engineer (JE) | CBT 1 | Mathematics (30), Reasoning (25), General Awareness (15), Basic Science & Engineering (30) | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark |
| CBT 2 | General Awareness (15), Physics & Chemistry (15), Engineering Discipline (70) | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes | ⅓ mark | |
| RRB NTPC | CBT 1 | Mathematics (30), Reasoning (30), General Awareness (40) | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark |
| CBT 2 | Mathematics (35), Reasoning (35), General Awareness (50) | 120 | 120 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark | |
| Skill Test / CBAT | Typing Skill (Clerk), CBAT (SM/TA) | — | — | As notified | No negative marking | |
| RRB Pharmacist | CBT | Pharmacy Subjects (Professional Knowledge), General Awareness, Reasoning, Basic Science | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark |
| RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) | CBT 1 | Mathematics (20), Reasoning (25), General Science (20), General Awareness (10) | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes | ⅓ mark |
| CBT 2 – Part A | Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, Engineering Basics | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark | |
| CBT 2 – Part B | Trade / Discipline related questions | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes | Qualifying only | |
| CBAT | Aptitude Tests (Alertness, Reaction Time, Concentration) | — | — | As prescribed | No negative marking | |
| RRB Section Controller | CBT 1 | Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark |
| CBT 2 | Advanced Reasoning, GA, Operational & Traffic Aptitude | 120 | 120 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark | |
| CBAT | Traffic & Operational Aptitude Test | — | — | As prescribed | No negative marking | |
| RRB Railway Teacher | CBT | Teaching Aptitude, Pedagogy, Subject Knowledge, Reasoning, General Awareness | 100–150 | 100–150 | 120 minutes | ⅓ mark |
| Skill Test / Interview | Teaching Demo, Pedagogy Assessment, Communication Skills | — | — | — | Not applicable | |
| RRB Technician | CBT | Trade Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | ⅓ mark |
Where should I apply for RRB Recruitment 2025-26?
To apply for the RRB Recruitment 2025-26, candidates must only refer to the official websites. In the table below, we have provided the complete list of official websites where candidates need to visit to apply:
| Recruitment Category | Exam | Official Application Website | Detailed Explanation |
| RRB Group D Apply Online | RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 | rrbapply.gov.in | This is the centralised application portal for RRB Group D. Candidates select their preferred RRB zone during application. All stages – registration, fee payment, application status, and admit card links – are routed through this portal. |
| RRB Junior Engineer Apply Online | RRB JE Recruitment 2025–26 | rrbapply.gov.in | This is the centralised application portal for RRB Group D. Candidates select their preferred RRB zone during application. All stages – registration, fee payment, application status, and admit card links – are routed through this portal. |
| RRB NTPC Apply Online | RRB NTPC Recruitment 2025–26 | rrbapply.gov.in | RRB NTPC uses a single application system for all zones. Candidates choose the RRB region and post preferences while filling out the form on this portal. |
| RRB Pharmacist Apply Online | RRB Pharmacist Recruitment 2025–26 | rrbapply.gov.in | Applications for RRB Pharmacist posts are submitted online through the common RRB apply portal. Notifications and CBT details are later published on regional RRB sites. |
| RRB Assistant Loco Pilot Apply Online | RRB ALP Recruitment 2025–26 | rrbapply.gov.in | RRB ALP applications are accepted only through the official centralized portal. Candidates must ensure correct trade/discipline selection while applying. |
| RRB Section Controller | RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2025–26 | rrbapply.gov.in | RRB ALP applications are accepted only through the official centralised portal. Candidates must ensure correct trade/discipline selection while applying. |
| RRB Railway Teacher | RRB Railway Teacher Recruitment 2025–26 | Section Controller recruitment falls under RRB NTPC categories, and applications are submitted via the same centralised application portal. | Railway Teacher recruitment (PRT, TGT, PGT & special teachers) is conducted through the RRB online application system. Post-wise details are released zone-wise. |
| RRB Technician | RRB Technician Recruitment 2025–26 | rrbapply.gov.in | RRB Technician forms are submitted online via the central portal. Trade-specific details and admit cards are later handled by regional RRBs. |
What is the salary for RRB Recruitment 2025-26?
The salary for RRB Recruitment varies as per the post you are applying. Check out the details for each of the major post in the recruitment of RRB posts 2026:
| RRB Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay (₹) | Approx. In-Hand Salary |
| RRB Group D Salary (Track Maintainer, Helper, etc.) | Level 1 | DA, HRA/TA, Travel Allowance | ₹28,776 – ₹34,276 |
| RRB Technician Salary | Level 2 | DA, HRA/TA, Night Duty Allowance (if applicable) | Grade 1: Rs. 53,352 – Rs. 47,512 Grade 3: Rs. 36,288 – Rs. 32,308 |
| RRB NTPC Salary (Junior Clerk, Accounts Clerk, etc.) | Level 2 | DA, HRA/TA | ₹28,696 |
| Level 5 / 6 | DA, HRA/TA, Night Duty (post-wise) | ₹39,856 -₹42,000 | |
| RRB Junior Engineer Salary | Level 6 | DA, HRA/TA, Technical Allowances | ₹71,713 – ₹60,233 |
| RRB ALP Salary | Level 2 | DA, HRA/TA, Running Allowance | Rs. 32,000 – Rs. 35,900 |
| RRB Section Controller Salary | Level 6 | DA, HRA/TA, Operational Allowances | ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 |
| RRB Pharmacist Salary | Level 5 | DA, HRA/TA | ₹19,900 – ₹44,900 |
| RRB Railway Teacher Salary | Level 5 | DA, HRA/TA | ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Level 6 | DA, HRA/TA | ₹42,000 – ₹48,000 | |
| Level 7 | DA, HRA/TA | ₹50,000 – ₹58,000 |
FAQs
RRB Recruitment 2025 – 26 notifications are expected to be released phase-wise during 2025 and early 2026, depending on the post (Group D, NTPC, ALP, JE, Technician, Teacher, etc.). Each recruitment has a separate notification published on the official RRB websites.
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple RRB recruitments, provided the application windows are open separately and the candidate fulfills the eligibility criteria for each post.
The selection process generally includes Computer Based Tests (CBT), followed by post-specific stages such as CBAT, Skill Test, PET, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. The exact stages vary depending on the post applied for.
The in-hand salary under RRB Recruitment 2025–26 ranges from approximately ₹22,000 to ₹58,000 per month, depending on the post and pay level.
All RRB Recruitment 2025–26 applications must be submitted online only through the official centralized application portal – rrbapply.gov.in. No offline applications are accepted.
Hello! This is Arijit Dutta. I am a skilled Content Writer at Oliveboard with nearly 3+ years of experience in crafting engaging, informative, and exam-focused content for the Railways Domain. With a strong command of language and a keen understanding of learner needs, I contribute significantly to Oliveboard’s mission of delivering high-quality educational resources. Passionate about clear communication and continuous learning, I consistently create content that helps government job aspirants achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and listening to music, which helps me stay balanced and creative in my professional journey.