The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB ALP Notification 2026 under CEN 01/2026 for the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP) across various railway zones in India. Interested candidates can apply online through the official RRB portal within the prescribed dates.
Recruitment Overview
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Notification Number | CEN 01/2026 |
| Notification Release Date | May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | May 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 14, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | June 16, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | June 17 to June 26, 2026 |
| Tentative CBT 1 Exam Date | August 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 11,127 Posts |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Selection Process | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
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Join Xylem Learning’s RRB ALP 2026 Batch TodayCandidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before submitting the application form.
RRB ALP Vacancy 2026
The RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 has announced approximately 11,127 vacancies across different railway zones and categories. The vacancies are distributed region-wise based on railway requirements. Detailed zone-wise and category-wise vacancy information is available in the official notification PDF.
Before applying, candidates should carefully check:
- Railway zone
- Reservation category
- Eligibility conditions
- Medical standards
- Trade requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess any one of the following qualifications from a recognised institution:
- Matriculation / SSLC plus ITI certificate from NCVT/SCVT
- Diploma in Engineering in relevant disciplines
- Degree in Engineering in relevant branches
Accepted ITI trades include:
- Electrician
- Fitter
- Electronics Mechanic
- Wireman
- Turner
- Machinist
- Mechanic Diesel
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic
- And other notified trades
Candidates must possess the required educational qualification on or before the closing date of application submission.
Age Limit & Relaxation
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 Years, Maximum 30 Years
- Relaxations: SC/ST – 5 Years | OBC – 3 Years | PwBD – 10 Years
Strict Medical Standards (A-1 Category)
The ALP post requires high medical fitness standards due to operational safety:
- Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses
- Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses
Mandatory Checks: Must pass colour vision, binocular vision, field of vision, and night vision tests
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
To secure a post as an Assistant Loco Pilot, candidates must qualify at each stage of the recruitment process conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board.
Stage 1: CBT 1 (60 Minutes)
Tentative Timeline: August 2026
Purpose: Screening Test
An objective examination consisting of 75 MCQs (1 mark each). CBT 1 marks are used only for shortlisting candidates for CBT 2 and are not considered for final merit ranking.
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer
- Subjects: Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science (10th standard level)
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: UR/EWS: 40% | OBC(NCL)/SC: 30% | ST: 25%
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Join Xylem Learning’s RRB ALP 2026 Batch TodayStage 2: CBT 2 (150 Minutes Total)
A two-part examination conducted in a single session with separate scoring rules for each part. The total number of candidates shortlisted for CBT 2 is limited to 15 times the number of notified vacancies per RRB.
- Part A (100 Questions | 90 Minutes): Covers Mathematics, Mental Ability, and Basic Science & Engineering. Marks scored in Part A are strictly used for shortlisting candidates for the next recruitment stage. Minimum qualifying cutoffs apply (UR & EWS – 40%, OBC (NCL) – 30%, SC – 30%, ST – 25%).
- Part B (75 Questions | 60 Minutes): Trade-specific technical questions. It is entirely qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% marks irrespective of community to pass.
Stage 3: Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
Aptitude Assessment
A computer-based aptitude assessment evaluating operational focus and decision-making ability.
- No Negative Marking: Wrong answers do not reduce scores in this stage
- T-Score Requirement: Candidates must secure a minimum T-Score of 42 in each of the five test batteries individually
- No Category Relaxation: The minimum qualifying requirement remains the same for all categories
- Weightage: CBAT contributes the remaining 50% weightage toward the final merit ranking
Stage 4: Document Verification & Medical Examination
Final Verification Stage
Candidates qualifying in CBAT will undergo:
- Verification of educational, identity, and trade-related documents
- A-1 category medical examination as prescribed by RRB
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical and vision standards required for railway operational duties.
Key Subjects in RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
The CBT 1 and CBT 2 examinations include topics from:
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 and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern, etc.
Mental Ability: 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, etc.
General Science & Basic Science Engineering: For CBT 1, this covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of 10th standard level. For CBT 2 Part A, this broadens to engineering-specific fundamentals, including 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, etc.
Candidates are advised to prepare according to the latest syllabus mentioned in the official notification.
Step-by-Step Application Process
these steps:
- Visit the official application portal – rrbapply.gov.in
- Complete registration using an active mobile number and email ID
- Complete Aadhaar-based identity verification during profile setup
- Ensure that your name, gender, and date of birth match your 10th Standard/SSLC certificate
- Fill in personal, educational, and preferred railway zone details
- Upload a recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format
- Pay the application fee online
- Review all details carefully before final submission
- Submit the application form and download a copy for future reference
RRB ALP Salary 2026
Selected candidates will receive a salary under Level 2 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 |
| Approximate Monthly Salary | ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Pay Level | Level 2 |
| Additional Benefits | DA, HRA, TA, Medical Benefits, Railway Pass |
Application Fee & Refund Policy
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹500 (₹400 refunded after appearing in CBT 1)
- SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Ex-Servicemen / EBC: ₹250 (Full ₹250 refunded after appearing in CBT 1)
Important: Aadhaar-based verification is mandatory during registration. Ensure your name, gender, and date of birth match your 10th Standard/SSLC certificate exactly.
FAQs
No. Candidates waiting for the final results of their educational or technical qualifications are not eligible to apply.
Yes. A 1/3 mark penalty applies to wrong answers in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. However, there is no negative marking in the CBAT stage.
The final ranking is calculated using a 70:30 weightage split:
- 70% weightage from CBT 2 Part A marks
- 30% weightage from CBAT scores
Note: CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part B are strictly qualifying stages; their marks are not added to the final merit ranking.
Candidates applying for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) post must satisfy the A-1 medical standard prescribed by RRB, including specific vision requirements, colour vision tests, and overall physical fitness standards.
The final ranking is calculated using a 70:30 weightage split:
- 70% weightage from CBT 2 Part A marks
- 30% weightage from CBAT scores
Note: CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part B are strictly qualifying stages; their marks are not added to the final merit ranking.
No. CBT 2 Part B is qualifying in nature and is conducted to assess trade-related technical knowledge. Its marks are not included in the final merit ranking.