RRB Level 1 Recruitment 2026: Detailed Guide on CEN 09/2025 (Apply Online, Eligibility, Fee, Exam Pattern, Dates & Selection Process)
Indian Railways is one of the most trusted and largest government employers in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for Railway jobs because of job security, decent salary, allowances, and long-term career benefits. In 2026, the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially released a major notification for recruitment to Various Posts in Level 1 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix through Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 09/2025.
This article is a complete, SEO-friendly guide covering important dates, eligibility criteria, age limit, fee structure, refund rules, selection process (CBT + PET + DV + Medical), exam pattern, negative marking, and how to apply online step-by-step.
All details in this article are based on the official detailed CEN document.
Overview: What is RRB CEN 09/2025?
RRBs have invited online applications on behalf of Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs) for multiple posts under Level 1 in the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix. The notification confirms that candidates can apply only via the official RRB websites, and the recruitment will be conducted in multiple stages including CBT, PET, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Key Highlights
- Notification Name: RRB CEN 09/2025 (Level 1 Posts)
- Pay Level: Level 1 (7th CPC)
- Initial Pay: ₹18,000 per month
- Age Limit: 18 to 33 years
- Total Vacancies: 22,195
- Mode of Application: Online only
These details are mentioned clearly in the “Vacancies at a glance” section of the notification.
Total Vacancies Under CEN 09/2025
The recruitment includes 22,195 vacancies across different Railway Zones and posts. Vacancy distribution is provided in the annexures:
- Annexure A: Post parameters (qualification, medical standard, PwBD suitability)
- Annexure B: RRB/Zone-wise vacancy table
Railways also reserve the right to revise these vacancies depending on operational requirements.
RRB CEN 09/2025 Important Dates (Official)
Candidates must note all deadlines carefully. Missing the date can lead to application rejection.
Official Schedule
- Indicative Notice in Employment News: 27.12.2025
- Online Application Start: 31.01.2026 (00:00 hrs)
- Online Application Last Date: 02.03.2026 (23:59 hrs)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 04.03.2026 (23:59 hrs)
- Modification Window: 05.03.2026 to 14.03.2026 (23:59 hrs)
- Scribe Details Submission Dates: 15.03.2026 to 19.03.2026
These dates are officially mentioned in the detailed notification.
Eligibility Criteria for RRB Level 1 (CEN 09/2025)
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements as on the closing date of application.
1) Nationality / Citizenship
A candidate must be:
- Citizen of India, OR
- Citizen of Nepal/Bhutan, OR
- Tibetan refugee settled in India before 01.01.1962, OR
- Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries, etc.
Candidates requiring a certificate of eligibility must produce it during document verification.
2) Educational Qualification
RRB clearly mentions that candidates must possess required qualifications on or before 02.03.2026, and those awaiting results are NOT eligible.
The post-wise qualifications are detailed in Annexure A.
Age Limit for RRB CEN 09/2025
Age Range
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 33 years
- Age counted as on: 01.01.2026
As per notification, date of birth limits depend on category.
Important Note on Date of Birth
Candidates must enter DOB exactly as mentioned in Matriculation/10th certificate, and no changes will be allowed later.
Age Relaxation (Category-Wise)
RRB gives upper age relaxation for reserved categories, subject to valid certificates:
- OBC-NCL: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwBD: additional relaxation as per rules
- Ex-servicemen: as per service length and category
- Widowed/divorced women: higher age limits
All relaxations and maximum upper age conditions are defined in the official notice.
Examination Fee for RRB Level 1
RRB has clearly defined the fee categories:
Fee Amount
- General candidates (except special categories): ₹500
- Refund: ₹400 (after bank charges) on appearing in CBT
- SC/ST/ExSM/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC: ₹250
- Refund: ₹250 (after bank charges) on appearing in CBT
Fee refund is applicable only if the candidate appears in CBT.
Mode of Payment
Only online payment is allowed:
- Internet banking
- Debit/Credit card
- UPI
Applications without fee payment will be rejected.
Refund Rule (Aadhaar-Seeded Bank Account)
Refund will be credited only to an Aadhaar-linked bank account, and candidates must validate Aadhaar during the application. If Aadhaar-bank account linkage is missing, system may redirect to NPCI portal for linking.
Selection Process for RRB CEN 09/2025
RRB has confirmed the recruitment process in 4 stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME)
This process is officially given in Para 14.0.
Shortlisting for PET and DV
- PET shortlist: around 3 times the vacancies
- DV shortlist: approximately 1:1 of vacancies after PET qualification
RRBs can call more candidates than vacancies as per recruitment requirements.
RRB CBT Exam Pattern (Level 1)
The official exam scheme includes:
- Total Questions: 100
- Marks: 100 (1 mark each)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- For scribe candidates: 120 minutes
Subject-Wise Distribution
- General Science: 25
- Mathematics: 25
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: 30
- General Awareness & Current Affairs: 20
RRB also notes that section-wise distribution may vary slightly.
Negative Marking
Yes. 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Shortlisting)
- UR: 40%
- EWS: 40%
- OBC-NCL: 30%
- SC: 30%
- ST: 30%
PwBD candidates may get relaxation by 2 marks if required.
PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
Candidates qualifying CBT will appear in PET. PET is compulsory and qualifying in PET is required for DV shortlisting.
RRB notes that qualifying PET does not guarantee appointment; it only means the candidate is eligible for next stages.
Medical Standards for Level 1 Posts
Medical fitness is mandatory. Medical standards include A-2, A-3, B-1, C-1 depending on posts.
RRB highlights that:
- Visual acuity is important.
- Candidates who underwent Lasik surgery are not eligible for A-2 & A-3 medical standard posts (but may be eligible for B-1/C-1 as per conditions).
How to Apply Online for RRB Level 1 Recruitment 2026
Candidates must apply online through official RRB websites only.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official RRB website of your chosen RRB/Zone.
- Click on Apply link for CEN 09/2025.
- Create an Account
- Fill name, father name, mother name and DOB as per 10th certificate.
- Ensure mobile number and email ID are active.
- These details cannot be edited later.
- Login using created credentials.
- Fill application details carefully
- Choose one RRB/Railway Zone only
- Multiple applications will lead to rejection/disqualification.
- Upload required scanned documents/signature (as per instructions)
- Complete payment via online methods
- Submit final application & download confirmation
Important Instructions (Must Read)
RRB has highlighted multiple critical instructions:
- Apply only on official websites
- One candidate = only one application
- Fake websites/job racketeers warning
- Exam centre change requests not allowed
- Modification allowed only during specified window with fee
- Candidates should apply early to avoid last-minute rush
Live Photo Capturing During Application
Unlike earlier recruitment cycles, RRB mentions:
- Candidates will NOT upload pre-existing photo
- Application portal will capture a live photo using webcam/mobile front camera
- Candidates should wear non-white clothes (preferably dark colours)
- Ensure face is centered and visible clearly
These instructions are in Para 16.4.
Application Modification Facility
Candidates can modify the application after submission (except account details and chosen railway).
- Modification dates: 05.03.2026 to 14.03.2026
- Modification fee: ₹250 each time (non-refundable)
- Account details & chosen RRB cannot be modified.
RRB CEN 09/2025 is a golden opportunity for candidates who want a stable government job in Indian Railways under Level 1 pay scale. With 22,195 vacancies, the competition will be huge, so candidates must apply early, prepare strategically for CBT, and stay physically ready for PET.
If you are eligible, ensure that you fill the application carefully, keep all certificates ready for DV, and follow only official RRB updates for exam dates and admit card notices.
