Assistant Loco Pilot ALP
Job Description
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) invite online applications for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2026.
Total Vacancies: 11,127 (across all RRBs)
Pay Scale (7th CPC): Level 2
Initial Pay: ₹19,900/- per month
Medical Standard: A-1 (stringent vision and physical fitness required)
Job Location: Various Zonal Railways and Production Units across India (candidates must choose one RRB)
Posting: Ordinarily on the chosen Zonal Railway for at least 5-10 years; transfer is not a right.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern At a Glance
| Stage | Exam Name | Duration | Total Questions | Marks | Negative Marking | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Stage CBT (CBT-1) | 60 minutes | 75 | 75 | Yes (1/3 mark) | Screening for CBT-2 |
| 2 | Second Stage CBT (CBT-2) | 2 hours 30 minutes | 175 | 175 (Part A only) | Yes (1/3 mark) | Shortlisting for CBAT |
| 3 | Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) | Varies | Multiple batteries | - | No | Mandatory qualifying |
| 4 | Document Verification (DV) | - | - | - | - | Final selection |
Note: Marks of CBT-1 are not counted in the final merit. Final merit is based on: CBT-2 Part A (50% weightage) + CBAT scores (50% weightage) .
Stage 1: First Stage CBT (CBT-1)
Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes (1 hour) |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Maximum Marks | 75 (1 mark per question) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Normalization | Applied for exams held in multiple shifts |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | UR/EWS: 40%, OBC-NCL: 30%, SC: 30%, ST: 25% |
| Purpose | Screening only. Marks not counted for final merit. |
Syllabus for CBT-1
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern |
| Mental Ability / Reasoning | Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement - Arguments and Assumptions |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of 10th standard level |
Stage 2: Second Stage CBT (CBT-2)
Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 175 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer (in both parts) |
| Normalization | Applied for exams held in multiple shifts |
| Shortlisting for CBAT | 8 times the number of vacancies |
Structure of CBT-2
| Part | Duration | Questions | Marks | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 90 minutes | 100 | 100 | Counted for merit (50% weightage in final) |
| Part B | 60 minutes | 75 | 75 (Qualifying only) | Qualifying test (35% required) |
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Part | UR/EWS | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 40% | 30% | 30% | 25% |
| Part B | 35% (for all categories irrespective of community) | 35% | 35% | 35% |
Critical: Even if a candidate scores high in Part A, they must secure 35% in Part B to qualify for further stages.
Syllabus for CBT-2
Part A Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and decision making, Similarities and differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement - Arguments and Assumptions |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic Representation), Units, Measurements, Mass Weight and Density, Work Power and Energy, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers and Simple Machines, Occupational Safety and Health, Environment Education, IT Literacy |
Part B Syllabus (Qualifying Test)
Source: Questions from various trade syllabi prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) – Website:
https://dgt.gov.inFor ITI / Trade Apprentices: Appear in questions from their specific trade.
For Diploma / Degree candidates: Must choose one trade from the list below based on their engineering discipline.
| Qualification of Candidate | Trade / Subject of Choice for Part-B |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering (and combinations) | Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic |
| Electronics Engineering (and combinations) | Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV) |
| Mechanical Engineering (and combinations) | Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic, Heat Engine, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic |
| Automobile Engineering (and combinations) | Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Heat Engine, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic |
Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Mandatory qualifying test for shortlisted candidates |
| Shortlisting | 8 times the number of vacancies (RRB-wise, community-wise) |
| Languages | English and Hindi only (not available in regional languages) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Qualifying Marks | Minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery separately |
| Requirement | Must clear every test battery to qualify |
Important Notes for CBAT
Candidates must submit Self Screening Medical Declaration Report (Annexure VIII A & VIII B) on CBAT day, signed by a General Physician and Eye Specialist from a Central/State Government Hospital or Medical College.
Failing to produce the medical report = not permitted to appear for CBAT.
For information on CBAT, candidates should check RDSO website:
https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in→ Verticals → Traffic and Psychology → Psychology-Candidate's Corner
Stage 4: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination
Final Merit Calculation
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CBT-2 Part A Marks | 50% |
| CBAT Scores | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Tie-Breaking Rules
If two or more candidates secure equal combined marks:
Older candidate (higher age) gets higher merit.
If age is same, alphabetical order (A to Z) of the candidate's given name (not surname).
Medical Examination
Candidates must pass the A-1 medical standard conducted by Railway Administration.
Visual acuity is the most critical parameter.
Failing medical test = not empanelled. No alternate appointment provided.
One medical appeal allowed on payment of prescribed charges.
Summary Table: Stages at a Glance
| Stage | What is tested? | Qualifying? | Counts for Merit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT-1 | Math, Reasoning, General Science | Yes (screening) | No |
| CBT-2 Part A | Math, Reasoning, Basic Engg. | Yes | Yes (50%) |
| CBT-2 Part B | Trade-specific technical knowledge | Yes (35% min) | No |
| CBAT | Aptitude (attention, reaction, etc.) | Yes (T-score 42 in each) | Yes (50%) |
| DV + Medical | Document verification + Physical fitness | Yes | Final step |
Language Options
| Exam | Available Languages |
|---|---|
| CBT-1 & CBT-2 | English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
| CBAT | English and Hindi only |
Candidate must choose language in the application form. No change allowed later.
Educational Qualification
Crucial Date: Candidates must possess the required qualification on or before the closing date (14.06.2026). Those awaiting final results are NOT eligible.
Candidates must meet ANY ONE of the following:
| Option | Qualification |
|---|---|
| A | Matriculation / SSLC + ITI (from NCVT/SCVT) in any of these trades: Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV), Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Wireman, Tractor Mechanic, Armature & Coil Winder, Mechanic (Diesel), Heat Engine, Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic. |
| OR | Matriculation / SSLC + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the trades mentioned above. |
| OR | Matriculation / SSLC + 3-year Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering (or combination of streams). |
| OR | Degree in the above Engineering disciplines (accepted in lieu of Diploma). |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality / Citizenship
Candidate must be:
A citizen of India, OR
A citizen of Nepal / subject of Bhutan, OR
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 01.01.1962, OR
A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc., with intention of permanently settling in India.
(Categories ii-v require a Certificate of Eligibility from the Government of India.)
Medical Fitness (Critical Requirements)
General Fitness: Physically fit in all respects.
Vision Standard (A-1):
Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses (with fogging test, must not accept +2D)
Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 without glasses
Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, Mesopic Vision, etc.
IMPORTANT - DISQUALIFICATION: Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or any other corrective eye surgery are NOT eligible for the post of ALP.
Other Conditions
Candidates debarred by any RRB/RRC or dismissed from Central/State Government service are not eligible.
Only one application per candidate. Multiple applications lead to rejection and lifetime debarment.
Category-wise Vacancies
Post-wise Vacancies
Division / Zone-wise Details
Below is the complete break-up of vacancies by Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), further split by Railway Zone within that RRB.
| RRB | Railway Zone(s) | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total | ExSM (Incl. in Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | Western Railway (WR) | 62 | 22 | 11 | 38 | 14 | 147 | 15 |
| Ajmer | North Western Railway (NWR) | 26 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 4 | 60 | 6 |
| West Central Railway (WCR) | 5 | 6 | 1 | - | - | 12 | - | |
| Prayagraj | North Central Railway (NCR) | 28 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 48 | - |
| Northern Railway (NR) | 62 | 23 | 14 | 21 | 5 | 125 | 5 | |
| Bengaluru | South Western Railway (SWR) | 80 | 31 | 15 | 54 | 20 | 200 | 20 |
| Bhopal | West Central Railway (WCR) | 19 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 36 | - |
| Western Railway (WR) | 15 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 29 | - | |
| Bhubaneswar | East Coast Railway (ECoR) | 54 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 78 | 9 |
| Bilaspur | Central Railway (CR) | 18 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 41 | - |
| South East Central Railway (SECR) | 84 | 29 | 14 | 53 | 20 | 200 | 20 | |
| Chandigarh | Northern Railway (NR) | 56 | 39 | 23 | 49 | 20 | 187 | 19 |
| Chennai | Southern Railway (SR) | 93 | 24 | 14 | 41 | 14 | 186 | 19 |
| Gorakhpur | North Eastern Railway (NER) | 28 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 50 | 5 |
| Guwahati | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) | 27 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 56 | 6 |
| Jammu | Northern Railway (NR) | 15 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 40 | 4 |
| Kolkata | Eastern Railway (ER) | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 28 | 3 |
| South Eastern Railway (SER) | 27 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 6 | 66 | 4 | |
| Malda | Eastern Railway (ER) | 10 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 27 | 2 |
| South Eastern Railway (SER) | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 29 | 1 | |
| Mumbai | Central Railway (CR) | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | - |
| South Central Railway (SCR) | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | - | |
| Western Railway (WR) | 14 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 33 | 3 | |
| Muzaffarpur | East Central Railway (ECR) | 18 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 4 | 42 | 4 |
| Patna | East Central Railway (ECR) | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 |
| Ranchi | East Central Railway (ECR) | 22 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 41 | 4 |
| South Eastern Railway (SER) | 24 | 8 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 51 | 2 | |
| Secunderabad | East Coast Railway (ECoR) | 38 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 70 | 7 |
| South Central Railway (SCR) | 23 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 49 | 5 | |
| Siliguri | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) | 24 | 9 | 4 | 16 | 7 | 60 | 6 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Southern Railway (SR) | 43 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 64 | 6 |
| TOTAL | 4,860 | 1,746 | 919 | 2,598 | 1,004 | 11,127 | 1,115 |
Note on Mumbai RRB: The table shows vacancies for CR (29), SCR (32), and WR (33) separately, but the original PDF lists these as part of Mumbai RRB under multiple rows, with some rows showing zeros. The figures above are as transcribed from Annexure B. Candidates applying to Mumbai RRB should refer to the official PDF for exact zone-wise distribution.
Application Fee
| S.No. | Category | Fee | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All candidates except those listed below | ₹500/- | ₹400 refunded (minus bank charges) on appearing in 1st Stage CBT |
| 2 | SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Transgender / Minorities* / Economically Backward Class (EBC)** | ₹250/- | Full refund (minus bank charges) on appearing in 1st Stage CBT |
*Minorities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians (Parsis) – require affidavit at DV.
**EBC: Family income < ₹50,000 per annum (for fee concession only – NOT for job reservation). Requires valid EBC certificate/BPL card/Izzat MST.
Note: EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) is a different category for reservation, with family income < ₹8 lakh per annum + asset criteria.
Payment Mode: ONLINE only (Internet Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI). No other mode accepted.
Age Limit
As on 01.07.2026
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR/EWS) / OBC-Creamy Layer | 18 years | 30 years |
| OBC-Non Creamy Layer (NCL) | 18 years | 33 years |
| SC / ST | 18 years | 35 years |
Date of Birth Range (Both dates inclusive)
| Age Group | Upper Limit (Not before) | Lower Limit (Not after) |
|---|---|---|
| 18-30 years (UR/EWS/OBC-CL) | 02.07.1996 | 01.07.2008 |
| 18-33 years (OBC-NCL) | 02.07.1993 | 01.07.2008 |
| 18-35 years (SC/ST) | 02.07.1991 | 01.07.2008 |
Age Relaxation (Upper Age Limit) for Specific Categories
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC-NCL | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR/EWS) | 3 years (after deduction of service length) |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC-NCL) | 6 years (after deduction of service length) |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 years (after deduction of service length) |
| Railway Staff (Group C/D) with 3+ years service (UR/EWS) | Up to 40 years |
| Railway Staff (Group C/D) with 3+ years service (OBC-NCL) | Up to 43 years |
| Railway Staff (Group C/D) with 3+ years service (SC/ST) | Up to 45 years |
| Course Completed Act Apprentice (CCAA) | Extent of apprenticeship training undergone |
| Widowed/Divorced/Judicially separated women (UR/EWS) | Up to 35 years |
Note: If eligible for multiple relaxations, only the maximum benefit is given (not cumulative).
Important Dates
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Indicative Notice in Employment News | 21.03.2026 | – |
| Opening date & time of online application submission | 15.05.2026 | 00:00 Hrs |
| Closing date & time of online application submission | 14.06.2026 | 23:59 Hrs |
| Last date for application fee payment | 16.06.2026 | 23:59 Hrs |
| Modification window (corrections with fee of ₹250/- per occasion) | 17.06.2026 to 26.06.2026 | 23:59 Hrs |
Note on Modification Window:
Details filled in "Create an Account" form (name, mobile, email, chosen RRB) CANNOT be modified.
Other details can be modified any number of times by paying ₹250/- each time.
Modification window closes on 26.06.2026. No requests entertained after that.