RRB Group D Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Relaxation

The RRB Group D eligibility 2026 rules decide whether you can apply for the 22,195 Level 1 posts under CEN 09/2025. The basic conditions are simple: you need a 10th pass certificate, an ITI certificate or a National Apprenticeship Certificate, and you must be between 18 and 33 years old on 1 January 2026. Reserved categories and some special groups get extra age relaxation.

RRB Group D Eligibility

RRB Group D Educational Qualification

As per the notification, a candidate must have any one of the following from a recognised board or institute:

• 10th pass (Matriculation), or

• ITI from an institution recognised by NCVT or SCVT, or

• National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.

Important rules:

• The qualification must be complete by the closing date of the application. Candidates awaiting their result are not eligible.

• A diploma or degree in engineering is not accepted in place of ITI or Course Completed Act Apprenticeship. Diploma or degree holders can still apply if they have passed Class 10.

• Graduate Act Apprentices are not treated as Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAA).

• 12th pass and graduate candidates can apply, since the minimum qualification is 10th pass.

RRB Group D Age Limit 2026

The age limit is 18 to 33 years, calculated as on 1 January 2026.

Date of Birth Range by Category

Example: A UR candidate born on 15 March 1993 is eligible. A UR candidate born on 1 January 1993 is not, because the range starts from 2 January 1993. An OBC (NCL) candidate born on 1 January 1993 is eligible because of the 3-year relaxation.

RRB Group D Age Relaxation

Relaxations apply only when the candidate submits the required certificate in the prescribed format. Check the notification for other categories such as quasi-administrative office employees.

Nationality Requirement

A candidate must be one of the following:

• A citizen of India, or

• A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or

• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 intending to settle permanently, or

• A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or certain East African countries to settle permanently in India.

Candidates in all categories except Indian citizens need a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.

Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAA)

CCAA candidates are those who have completed apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act. Key points:

• The apprenticeship must be complete by the closing date.

• They get age relaxation equal to the apprenticeship period, up to the limits in the table above.

• They are exempted from the PET, as per the notification.

Physical and Medical Eligibility

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Transgender candidates follow the female standards. PwBD candidates, ex-servicemen and CCAA candidates are exempted from the PET.

Medical Standards

Each post has a medical standard, mainly for eyesight.

Candidates who have had LASIK surgery are not eligible for A-2 and A-3 posts. Candidates found unfit for the post they chose are not given another post, so check the medical standard of each post before selecting preferences.

PwBD Candidates

Not every post is suitable for every type of disability. The notification lists which posts are suitable for which sub-categories of disability. PwBD candidates should apply only for posts marked suitable for their category.

Other Eligibility Conditions

• One application only: A candidate can apply to only one RRB. Multiple applications lead to rejection of all applications.

• Category proof: OBC (NCL), EWS, SC and ST candidates must hold valid certificates in the prescribed format.

• Correct details: Details such as name, date of birth and category must match your documents. Mismatches can lead to cancellation at DV.

Who Can and Cannot Apply: Examples

Documents You Will Need to Prove Eligibility

Keep these ready from the application stage, because the same documents are checked during document verification:

• Class 10 certificate (for date of birth and qualification)

• ITI or NAC certificate, if applying on that basis

• Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC-NCL or EWS) in the central government format

• PwBD certificate, if applicable

• Ex-servicemen discharge certificate, if applicable

• Valid photo ID such as Aadhaar

Quick Eligibility Checklist

• I have passed Class 10, or hold an ITI or NAC.

• My date of birth falls within the range for my category.

• I hold valid certificates for any relaxation I claim.

• I can meet the PET standards, or I belong to an exempted category.

• I meet the medical standard for the posts I want.

The RRB Group D eligibility 2026 criteria are open to a wide range of candidates: 10th pass, ITI or NAC holders aged 18 to 33, with extra years for reserved and special categories. Check your date of birth against the table, keep your certificates ready, and confirm the medical standard of every post you choose.