Railway Group D 2026 latest update on answer key release date, expected result timeline, safe score for physical test, and category-wise cut off analysis. Get important official links and detailed guidance here.
The Railway Group D 2026 examination has officially concluded on 10 February, and now thousands of candidates across India are eagerly waiting for two major updates — the answer key and the result date. Naturally, questions about the expected cut off and safe score for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) are also creating confusion.
In this detailed guide, we will clear every doubt regarding Railway Group D 2026, including expected answer key release, result timeline, category-wise safe score, physical test requirements, and important official links. Let’s break it down step by step in a simple and clear manner.
Overview of Railway Group D 2026 Recruitment
Railway Group D recruitment is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) under the authority of Indian Railways. It is one of the largest government recruitment drives in India.
Key Highlights
- Exam Completed: 10 February 2026
- Recruitment Level: Group D
- Selection Process:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Document Verification
Now, let’s talk about what everyone is most concerned about — the answer key and result date.
Railway Group D 2026 Answer Key Release Date
After the completion of the CBT on 10 February 2026, candidates are now waiting for the official answer key.
Expected Answer Key Timeline
Based on previous recruitment patterns:
- Exam End Date: 10 February
- Expected Answer Key Release: Around 20–21 February 2026
Generally, RRB releases the provisional answer key within 10–12 days after the exam concludes. Candidates will also get a chance to raise objections against incorrect answers.
How to Check Railway Group D Answer Key
- Visit the official RRB website.
- Login using your Registration Number and Date of Birth.
- Download the answer key and response sheet.
- Calculate your raw score.
Railway Group D 2026 Result Date Prediction
Now let’s discuss the expected result timeline.
Previous Recruitment Analysis
In the last major recruitment cycle:
- Exam concluded in October.
- Result was declared roughly 2–3 months later.
Following the same pattern:
- Exam End: 10 February 2026
- Expected Result:Â April 2026 (After 10 April)
RRB usually takes 2 months for normalization, evaluation, and result preparation.
So realistically, candidates should expect the Railway Group D 2026 result sometime in mid to late April 2026.
Railway Group D 2026 Safe Score for Physical Test
One major myth that spreads every year is that the cut off will go 80 or 85 marks. However, history shows something very different.
After normalization, the cut off rarely crosses 75 marks in any zone.
Let’s look at category-wise expected safe scores.
General (UR) Category
- Safe Score Range: 55 – 74
- High Competition Zones: Up to 72–74
- Low Cut Off Zones: Even 55–60 can qualify
OBC Category
- Safe Score Range: 52 – 72
SC Category
- Expected Cut Off Range: 48 – 64
ST Category
- Expected Cut Off Range: 43 – 60
EWS Category
- Expected Cut Off Range: 51 – 70
Important: Cut off varies zone-wise. Some zones have significantly lower cut off marks compared to others.
If your score falls within these ranges, you should immediately start preparing for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
Railway Group D Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Criteria
Once you clear the CBT, you will be called for the PET. Let’s understand the exact requirements.
For Male Candidates
- 1000 meters run in 4 minutes 15 seconds
- Carry 35 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes
For Female Candidates
- 400 meters run in 2 minutes 40 seconds
- Carry 20 kg weight for 100 meters in 2 minutes
Important Clarification
There is no height and chest requirement for Railway Group D. Selection is purely based on:
- CBT score
- PET qualification
- Document verification
So if your score is within safe range, focus completely on physical preparation.
Does Railway Group D Cut Off Cross 75 Marks?
This is one of the biggest concerns among aspirants.
Historically:
- Normalized cut off rarely exceeds 75.
- Most zones remain between 55–72.
Every year, rumors circulate about extremely high cut offs. However, data shows that such claims are exaggerated.
The key is normalization. Since exams are conducted in multiple shifts, RRB applies normalization to balance difficulty levels. After normalization, cut offs generally stabilize within reasonable limits.
Zone-Wise Variation in Cut Off
Railway Group D cut off is not uniform across India. It depends on:
- Number of vacancies in the zone
- Number of applicants
- Exam difficulty level
Some zones historically have:
- Lower competition
- Lower cut off (even around 52–55 in UR)
Therefore, do not panic if your score is not 70+. Many candidates get selected with lower marks depending on their zone.
Important Official Links for Railway Group D 2026
Here are the most important official resources:
- Official RRB Website:Â https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in
- Indian Railways Official Portal:Â https://indianrailways.gov.in
- RRB Notification Section: Available on respective regional RRB websites
Always rely on official websites only. Avoid misinformation from unofficial sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Railway Group D 2026 answer key be released?
It is expected around 20–21 February 2026, within 10–12 days after the exam completion.
2. When will Railway Group D 2026 result be declared?
The result is likely to be announced in April 2026, possibly after 10 April.
3. Is 70 marks safe for General category?
Yes, 70 marks is generally considered a safe score in most zones.
4. Does Railway Group D require height or chest measurement?
No, there is no height or chest requirement in Railway Group D recruitment.
5. What is the PET running requirement for males?
Male candidates must run 1000 meters in 4 minutes 15 seconds.
6. Can 55 marks qualify in Railway Group D?
Yes, in certain zones and categories, 55 marks may be enough depending on vacancy and competition.
