RRB Assistant Loco Pilot
Recruitment 2026 (CEN 01/2026)
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India have released the much-awaited Centralised Employment Notification for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts across all Indian Railway zones. This is one of the biggest Railway recruitment drives of 2026 — a permanent Central Government job with career growth, running allowance, and Railway pass benefits.
Important Dates
Vacancy Details — Zone-wise & Category-wise
A total of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) vacancies have been notified under CEN No. 01/2026 across all 21 Railway Recruitment Boards. Zone-wise and category-wise detailed distribution will be published in the full CEN. The table below provides an indicative zone-wise breakdown based on the notification overview and typical RRB vacancy patterns.
| # | RRB Zone | Headquarter | States Covered | Indicative Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern & Central India | ||||
| 1 | RRB Prayagraj | Prayagraj, UP | UP (partial), MP (partial) | ~680 |
| 2 | RRB Lucknow | Lucknow, UP | UP (partial) | ~520 |
| 3 | RRB Gorakhpur | Gorakhpur, UP | UP (partial), Bihar (partial) | ~460 |
| 4 | RRB Bhopal | Bhopal, MP | Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan (partial) | ~490 |
| 5 | RRB Ajmer | Ajmer, Rajasthan | Rajasthan, Gujarat (partial) | ~420 |
| 6 | RRB Chandigarh | Chandigarh | Punjab, Haryana, HP, J&K (partial) | ~480 |
| Eastern India | ||||
| 7 | RRB Kolkata | Kolkata, WB | West Bengal, Odisha (partial) | ~560 |
| 8 | RRB Patna | Patna, Bihar | Bihar, Jharkhand (partial) | ~490 |
| 9 | RRB Ranchi | Ranchi, Jharkhand | Jharkhand, Odisha (partial) | ~390 |
| 10 | RRB Malda | Malda, WB | West Bengal (partial) | ~280 |
| 11 | RRB Guwahati | Guwahati, Assam | Assam, NE States | ~350 |
| 12 | RRB Siliguri | Siliguri, WB | West Bengal (N), Sikkim | ~240 |
| Western India | ||||
| 13 | RRB Mumbai | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Maharashtra (partial), Goa | ~640 |
| 14 | RRB Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Gujarat, Dadra & NH, DD | ~480 |
| 15 | RRB Bilaspur | Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh, MP (partial) | ~320 |
| Southern India | ||||
| 16 | RRB Secunderabad | Secunderabad, Telangana | Telangana, Andhra Pradesh (partial) | ~580 |
| 17 | RRB Chennai | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu, Puducherry | ~490 |
| 18 | RRB Bengaluru | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Karnataka, Goa (partial) | ~440 |
| 19 | RRB Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Kerala, Lakshadweep | ~310 |
| Northern Border & Other | ||||
| 20 | RRB Jammu-Srinagar | Jammu, J&K | J&K, Ladakh | ~230 |
| 21 | RRB Muzaffarpur | Muzaffarpur, Bihar | Bihar (partial), UP (partial) | ~273 |
| Total — All 21 RRBs Combined | 11,127 | |||
Category-wise Reservation Breakdown
| Category | Abbreviation | Reservation % | Approx. Posts (of 11,127) | Key Certificate Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved / General | UR | 40% | ~4,451 | No caste certificate needed |
| Other Backward Classes (NCL) | OBC-NCL | 27% | ~3,004 | OBC-NCL certificate (GoI format, current year) |
| Scheduled Caste | SC | 15% | ~1,669 | SC certificate from competent authority |
| Scheduled Tribe | ST | 7.5% | ~835 | ST certificate from competent authority |
| Economically Weaker Sections | EWS | 10% | ~1,113 | EWS income & asset certificate (FY 2025-26) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | PwBD | 4% (horizontal) | ~445 | Disability certificate from CMO/competent authority |
| Ex-Servicemen | ExSM | As per Railway rules | Horizontal reservation | Discharge Book + Service certificate |
| Total Notified Vacancies | 11,127 | — | ||
Eligibility Criteria
PLUS any one of the following technical qualifications:
- ITI Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in a relevant designated trade — Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic MV, Wireman, Turner, Machinist, etc.
- Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile) from a Govt-recognised polytechnic or institute
- Degree (B.E. / B.Tech) in Engineering in a relevant discipline
- Apprenticeship Certificate under the Apprentices Act, 1961 in a relevant trade
OBC-NCL: +3 years → Max 33 years
SC / ST: +5 years → Max 35 years
PwBD – UR: +10 years → Max 40 years
PwBD – OBC: +13 years → Max 43 years
PwBD – SC/ST: +15 years → Max 45 years
Ex-Servicemen: Relaxation as per Railway / Central Government rules
J&K Domicile (1980–89 period): +5 years for UR; +8 years for OBC
Minorities/EBC (UR): +5 years (for Central Govt scheme candidates)
- Distant Vision: 6/9 in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye (no worse than 6/12 in either). Should be achievable with or without correction
- Colour Vision: Must be able to distinguish railway signals. Colour blindness is DISQUALIFYING
- Near Vision: Sn 0.6 both eyes (with or without glasses)
- Night blindness, squint, manifest squint: Disqualifying
- Hearing: Must be able to hear a forced whisper at 610 cm (20 feet) with each ear separately
- Only ONE RRB application allowed — applying to more than one RRB results in disqualification.
- Colour blindness is a disqualifying condition for the ALP post — do not apply if colour blind.
- Aadhaar name and DOB must exactly match 10th certificate — get corrections done before applying.
- OBC-NCL certificate must be in the Central Government format with Non-Creamy Layer clause; state-format certificates are not accepted.
- EWS certificate must be for the current financial year (2025-26) — certificates from previous years are not valid.
- Candidates already in Railway service applying through proper channel only; others are ineligible if currently holding a Railway post.
Category-wise Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026)
Application Fee
Net cost = ₹100 only
Online payment — rrbapply.gov.in
Net cost = ₹0 (zero)
Minorities / EBC also eligible for refund
Selection Process — 5 Stages
Final Merit Formula: 70% weightage of CBT Stage 2 Part A marks + 30% weightage of CBAT marks. CBT Stage 1 and CBT Stage 2 Part B are qualifying only — their marks do not count in the final merit list.
CBT Stage 1 — First Computer Based Test (Qualifying / Screening)
75 questions | 75 marks | 60 minutes | Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer.
CBT-1 is a screening test only. Marks scored here are NOT counted in the final merit list. Its sole purpose is to shortlist candidates for CBT Stage 2. Shortlisting ratio: 15 times the vacancies for each RRB are called for CBT Stage 2. Minimum qualifying marks: UR/EWS — 40%; OBC-NCL — 30%; SC — 30%; ST — 25%.
CBT Stage 2 — Second CBT (Part A counts for Merit; Part B is Qualifying)
Part A: 100 questions | 90 minutes | Negative marking: 1/3. Questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, and General Awareness & Current Affairs. Part A marks are used for CBAT shortlisting — counted at 70% weightage in final merit.
Part B: 75 questions | 60 minutes | Negative marking: 1/3 (Qualifying only). Trade-specific technical questions based on the candidate's ITI trade or engineering discipline. Candidates must score at least minimum qualifying marks in Part B to be considered for CBAT shortlisting, but Part B marks are NOT added to the merit list. Shortlisting for CBAT: 8 times the vacancies based on CBT-2 Part A merit.
CBAT — Computer Based Aptitude Test (Qualifying, 30% weightage in Final Merit)
The CBAT (also called Psycho Test) is conducted only for the ALP post — not for other Railway categories. It assesses mental aptitude required for safe locomotive operation. Contains 5 test batteries:
1. Memory Test — Map/building memorisation and figure matching
2. Following Directions Test — Comprehension of directional patterns
3. Depth Perception Test — Counting hidden/visible blocks, distance judging
4. Concentration & Attention Test — Response speed and focus under stimulus
5. Perceptual Speed Test — Pattern recognition and matching speed
No negative marking in CBAT. Minimum qualifying marks: 42 marks in each test battery, regardless of category. Candidates must qualify in every test battery individually. CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi. CBAT score contributes 30% weightage to the final merit.
Document Verification (DV)
Candidates shortlisted based on the final merit list (CBT-2 Part A + CBAT) are called for document verification at the respective RRB. All original documents must be produced — 10th Marksheet & Certificate, ITI/Diploma/Degree certificate, Aadhaar card, caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS, if applicable), PwBD certificate, Ex-Servicemen certificate, discharge book, DOB proof, 2 recent passport photographs. Candidates failing to produce originals or found ineligible are rejected.
Medical Examination (ME)
Candidates who clear Document Verification undergo a medical examination by a Railway Medical Officer. The medical standard for ALP is Vision Standard A2 — one of the strictest in Railway recruitment. Tests include colour vision (Ishihara test), distant and near vision, hearing, general physical fitness, and blood pressure. Candidates with colour blindness, defective vision (beyond A2 limits), or hearing impairment are declared medically unfit. A second opinion through an Appeal Medical Board (AMB) is available if the candidate disagrees with the first opinion.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus — All Stages
| Stage | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Negative Marking | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBT Stage 1 | 75 | 75 | 60 min | 1/3 per wrong | Qualifying only |
| CBT Stage 2 — Part A | 100 | 100 | 90 min | 1/3 per wrong | Merit (70% weightage) |
| CBT Stage 2 — Part B | 75 | 75 | 60 min | 1/3 per wrong | Qualifying only |
| CBAT (Psycho Test) | 5 batteries | 100 each | Variable | No negative marking | Merit (30% weightage) |
| Document Verification | — | — | — | — | Eligibility check |
| Final Merit = 70% CBT-2 Part A + 30% CBAT | Out of 100 | ||||
Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
| Allowance / Benefit | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Pay Level-2) | ₹19,900 (initial) to ₹63,200 (maximum) |
| Running Allowance | ~₹398–₹599 per 100 km run (ALP-specific benefit) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~55% of Basic Pay (revised Jan & Jul every year) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 24% (X city), 16% (Y city), 8% (Z city) of Basic Pay |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,350 + DA per month (TPTA cities); ₹900 + DA (others) |
| Night Duty Allowance | Applicable for duties between 10 PM–6 AM |
| Medical Benefits | Free treatment for self & dependents at Railway hospitals; CGHS equivalent |
| Railway Privilege Pass | Complimentary passes for self, spouse & dependent children for Railway travel |
| National Pension System (NPS) | 10% of (Basic + DA) contributed by employee; 14% by Government |
| Children Education Allowance | ₹2,250/month per child (max 2 children) for school-going children |
| LTC (Leave Travel Concession) | As per Central Government rules — once in 2 years to home town / once in 4 years to any place in India |
| Gratuity | As per Payment of Gratuity Act — applicable after 5 years of service |
Career Growth Path — ALP to Loco Inspector
The ALP post has one of the most structured career progression paths in Indian Railways. After appointment, ALPs can progress to senior Loco Pilot grades through qualifying examinations. Each promotion brings a pay level upgrade. The complete ALP-to-Inspector career path is outlined below.
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
Application window: 15 May 2026 to 14 June 2026. Apply at the common portal rrbapply.gov.in only. Do not visit individual RRB websites to apply — all 21 RRBs use this single portal. Only ONE application per candidate. Multiple applications lead to disqualification of all applications.
Visit the Official Portal — rrbapply.gov.in
Go to www.rrbapply.gov.in. Click on "Apply Online for CEN 01/2026 (Assistant Loco Pilot)". Read all instructions carefully. Download the detailed CEN PDF and read it fully before starting the application. Verify you meet all eligibility criteria including age, qualification, and medical fitness before proceeding.
New Registration
Click "New Registration". Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID. An OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile for verification. After OTP verification, a Registration Number and Password are generated. Note these carefully — they are used for all future logins. Aadhaar name and DOB must match your 10th certificate exactly.
Fill the Application Form
Log in and fill the complete application form: Personal details (name, DOB, gender, nationality, category), Contact details (address, mobile, email), Educational qualification (10th board, pass year, marks; ITI/Diploma trade, institution, pass year, marks), and RRB preference (select your ONE RRB). You will also select your preferred exam centre city from the available options for your chosen RRB.
Upload Documents
Upload the following scanned copies: Photograph (recent, colour, white background, 3.5×4.5 cm, 20–50 KB JPG), Signature (black ink on white paper, 20–50 KB JPG), Thumb impression (if required). Certificates (10th, ITI/Diploma, caste/EWS/PwBD if applicable) as per size guidelines specified in the detailed CEN. Blurry or incorrect uploads cause rejection at later stages.
Pay Application Fee
General/OBC/EWS: Pay ₹500 online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. SC/ST/PwBD/Women/ExSM: Pay ₹250 (fully refunded after CBT-1). Fee is paid via the secure payment gateway on rrbapply.gov.in. Note the transaction ID. The ₹400 refund (for UR/OBC/EWS) and ₹250 refund (for exempt categories) are processed automatically after appearing in CBT-1.
Review, Submit & Download
Preview every field in the application form. Verify all details — especially name spelling, date of birth, category, trade, and RRB choice. These cannot be changed after final submission. Click "Final Submit". Download and print the Application Form / Acknowledgement Page containing your application number. This number is required for all future correspondence, admit card download, and result checking. Apply well before the last date — 14 June 2026.
Why Apply — Benefits of the ALP Post
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many vacancies are there in RRB ALP Recruitment 2026?
+What are the important dates — when does the application open?
+What qualification is required for RRB ALP 2026?
+What is the ALP salary after selection?
+What is the application fee for RRB ALP 2026?
+Can I apply to multiple RRBs in CEN 01/2026?
+What is the CBAT (Psycho Test) in RRB ALP selection?
+What is Vision Standard A2 for ALP?
+How is the final merit list for RRB ALP 2026 prepared?
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