RRB Level 1 Recruitment 2026 – Complete Guide to CEN No. 09/2025 | 22,195 Vacancies | Eligibility, Salary, Exam Pattern & Apply Online
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have released the Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 09/2025 for recruitment to Level-1 posts (7th CPC Pay Matrix) across various units of Indian Railways. This is one of the largest central government recruitments, offering 22,195 vacancies for candidates who have passed 10th / ITI / Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAA).
This recruitment drive provides a golden opportunity for SSC-level and ITI candidates to secure a permanent railway job with job security, pension benefits, allowances, and nationwide posting.
1. Organization Overview – Indian Railways & RRBs
Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, operating under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Recruitment for Group-C and Level-1 posts is conducted through Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs).
Key Features of Railway Jobs
- Central Government employment
- Pay as per 7th Central Pay Commission
- Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA, Travel Benefits
- Pension under NPS
- Medical facilities for employee & family
- Nationwide transfer and promotion opportunities
2. Notification Details at a Glance
- Notification Name: Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 09/2025
- Posts: Various Level-1 Posts
- Pay Level: Level-1 (7th CPC)
- Initial Pay: ₹18,000 per month
- Total Vacancies: 22,195
- Mode of Application: Online only
- Job Location: All India
These details are officially mentioned in the notification .
3. Important Dates (Official)
As per the official notification:
- Opening date for online application: 31 January 2026
- Last date to apply online: 02 March 2026
- Last date for fee payment: 04 March 2026
- Application modification window: 05 March to 14 March 2026
Dates for CBT, PET, DV & Medical Examination will be announced later on official RRB websites .
4. Total Vacancies & Posts
Vacancy Summary
- Total Posts: 22,195
- Vacancies include reservation for:
- SC
- ST
- OBC-NCL
- EWS
- PwBD
- Ex-Servicemen
- CCAA (Railway Apprentices)
Railway-wise and post-wise vacancy details are provided in Annexure-B of the notification .
5. Level-1 Posts
Level-1 posts include duties related to:
- Track maintenance
- Station cleaning and upkeep
- Loading/unloading operations
- Electrical and mechanical assistance
- Basic technical and non-technical support roles
These are entry-level posts with opportunities for promotion through departmental exams.
6. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications as on 02 March 2026:
- 10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognized board
OR - ITI (NCVT/SCVT)
OR - Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (CCAA) trained in Railway establishments
Candidates waiting for results are NOT eligible to apply .
7. Age Limit (As on 01 January 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 33 years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC-NCL: 3 years
- PwBD: Up to 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per service rules
- Widowed/Divorced Women: Up to 40 years (SC/ST)
Complete relaxation rules are detailed in the notification .
8. Nationality / Citizenship
Candidates must be:
- Indian Citizen
OR - Citizen of Nepal / Bhutan
OR - Tibetan refugee (before 01-01-1962)
OR - Person of Indian origin from specified countries
Certificate of eligibility is required where applicable .
9. Medical Standards
All candidates must satisfy medical fitness standards specified for the post:
| Medical Standard | Vision Requirement |
|---|---|
| A-2 / A-3 | High visual acuity, no LASIK |
| B-1 | Moderate visual standards |
| C-1 | Basic fitness |
Candidates medically unfit will not be given alternative appointment .
10. Examination Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Ex-SM / EBC | ₹250 |
Fee Refund:
Candidates who appear in CBT will get refund after deduction of bank charges .
11. Selection Process
The recruitment process includes four stages:
Stage 1 – Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Objective type questions
- Negative marking: ⅓ mark per wrong answer
Stage 2 – Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Qualifying in nature
Stage 3 – Document Verification (DV)
Stage 4 – Medical Examination
Final selection is based on merit, medical fitness, and vacancy availability .
12. Exam Pattern (CBT)
- Subjects:
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Science
- General Awareness
- Duration: As notified
- Normalisation of marks applicable if multiple shifts
13. Reservation Policy
Reservation applicable for:
- SC / ST
- OBC-NCL
- EWS
- PwBD
- Ex-Servicemen
- CCAA
Certificates must be in prescribed format and valid on closing date .
14. Posting & Service Conditions
- Posting anywhere in India
- No transfer request for 5–10 years
- Training period applicable
- Service bond may be required
- Liable for Territorial Army service
15. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- Visit official RRB website
- Create an account using mobile & email
- Fill online application form
- Upload live photo & signature
- Pay examination fee
- Submit application & download copy
Applications must be submitted online only .
16. Official Notification & Apply Online Link
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| RRB Websites | https://indianrailways.gov.in |
| Latest Updates | https://www.examguru.org.in |
17. Why RRB Level-1 Recruitment is Important
- One of the largest railway recruitments
- Suitable for 10th / ITI candidates
- Permanent central government job
- Nationwide vacancies
- Excellent long-term career growth
The RRB Level-1 Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025) is a once-in-a-year opportunity for candidates seeking secure government employment in Indian Railways. With 22,195 vacancies, transparent selection process, and strong service benefits, this recruitment is ideal for youth across India.
Candidates are strongly advised to:
- Read the notification carefully
- Apply before the deadline
- Prepare seriously for CBT & PET
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