RRB Group D: Pay Level, Posts and the Physical Test

RRB Group D is the entry point into Indian Railways for Class 10th pass and ITI candidates — one of the highest-volume railway exams by applicant numbers, recruiting across seven departments for roles that keep the physical railway network running: track maintenance, technical assistance, and station-level support work.

See the RRB Group D exam hub for the current cycle and railway vacancies open now.

This guide covers eligibility, the exam pattern, the Physical Efficiency Test (a stage that trips up candidates who focus only on the written exam), job profile, and salary. See the railway exams in India overview for how Group D fits alongside NTPC, ALP, JE and RPF.

What Is RRB Group D?

RRB Group D recruits Level 1 staff across seven departments — Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Signal & Telecommunication, Stores, Medical and Traffic — for posts including Track Maintainer Grade-IV, Helper/Assistant roles in technical departments, and Pointsman. These are the roles directly responsible for maintaining track, equipment and station-level operations on the ground.

Posts Under RRB Group D

• Track Maintainer Grade-IV: track maintenance and repair work.
• Assistant (Track Machine): maintenance of track-laying machinery.
• Assistant (Bridge): inspection and repair of railway bridges.
• Assistant (Carriage & Wagon): maintenance of passenger and freight coaches.
• Assistant TRD (Traction Distribution): maintenance of overhead electrical traction equipment.
• Assistant (Signal & Telecommunication): maintenance of signalling and telecom infrastructure.
• Helper/Assistant in Mechanical and Electrical departments, and Pointsman, among other Level 1 posts.

RRB Group D Eligibility

Educational Qualification: Class 10th pass, or ITI/equivalent qualification, from a recognised board/institute.

Age Limit: Generally 18 to 33 years as on the notification's reference date, with the standard category-wise relaxation (typically 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST). Confirm the exact band from the current notification, since it can be revised cycle to cycle.

RRB Group D Exam Pattern

Selection is a single-stage Computer Based Test, followed by a Physical Efficiency Test, Document Verification and Medical Examination — there's no second CBT stage, unlike NTPC or ALP.

CBT: 100 questions for 100 marks over 90 minutes.

Negative marking is 1/3 mark per wrong answer, with no penalty for unattempted questions. Qualifying cut-offs are typically 40% for UR/EWS candidates and 30% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

This is the stage that catches candidates who prepare only for the written exam — PET is evaluated strictly pass/fail, and failing it disqualifies you regardless of your CBT score.

Both the running and weight-carrying components must be cleared in a single attempt. Candidates with disabilities (PwBD) are exempted from PET but must still clear the medical examination.

Job Profile

Work is physically demanding and largely field-based rather than desk-based. A Track Maintainer inspects and repairs track sections to keep the line safe for train movement. Helpers/Assistants in Mechanical, Electrical and S&T departments support maintenance of rolling stock, traction equipment, and signalling/telecom systems respectively, typically working alongside more senior technical staff. A Pointsman operates points (track switches) and assists with signalling at stations under supervision. Most Group D roles involve outdoor work, shift schedules, and a degree of physical exertion that the PET is designed to screen for upfront.

RRB Group D Salary

RRB Group D sits at Pay Level 1, with a starting basic pay of ₹18,000. See our Railway Salary guide for the full DA/HRA/Transport Allowance calculation — the illustrative gross salary at this level works out to approximately ₹35,000 a month at the current DA rate, with lower in-hand pay after deductions.

Who Should Apply for RRB Group D?

RRB Group D suits Class 10th pass or ITI candidates looking for a secure, entry-level government job with a defined promotion path within Indian Railways, who are physically fit enough to clear the PET and comfortable with field-based, often physically demanding work. If you'd rather avoid a mandatory physical test, NTPC's Undergraduate-level posts (also Class 12th-pass accessible, though needing one more year of schooling) don't have a PET requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum qualification for RRB Group D?

Class 10th pass, or an ITI certificate/equivalent qualification, from a recognised board or institute.

Is the Physical Efficiency Test compulsory for RRB Group D?

Yes, for all candidates except those in the PwBD category, who are exempted from PET but must still clear the medical examination. PET is pass/fail — clearing the CBT alone isn't enough to proceed.

What is the running and weight-lifting requirement for RRB Group D PET?

Male candidates must carry 35 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes and run 1000 metres in 4 minutes 15 seconds. Female candidates must carry 20 kg for 100 metres in 2 minutes and run 1000 metres in 5 minutes 40 seconds.

What is the starting salary for RRB Group D?

Basic pay starts at ₹18,000 (Pay Level 1). See our Railway Salary guide for the full gross-salary calculation including DA, HRA and Transport Allowance.

How many stages are there in RRB Group D selection?

Four: a single Computer Based Test, the Physical Efficiency Test, Document Verification, and Medical Examination — unlike NTPC or ALP, there's no second CBT stage.

Which departments does RRB Group D recruit for?

Seven: Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Signal & Telecommunication, Stores, Medical and Traffic — covering posts like Track Maintainer, technical Helpers/Assistants, and Pointsman.

See our RRB NTPC vs RRB Group D comparison if you're weighing Group D against NTPC specifically.

In Summary

RRB Group D is a practical, accessible entry point into Indian Railways for Class 10th/ITI candidates, but it demands more than exam preparation — the Physical Efficiency Test is a hard pass/fail gate that candidates should train for from the start, not as an afterthought once the CBT is cleared. Confirm the current cycle's exact vacancy count, age limit and PET schedule from the official RRB notification before applying.

Sources

• Pay levels and entry pay: 7th Central Pay Commission report, Pay Matrix