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RRB ALP 2026: Complete Guide to Assistant Loco Pilot Recruitment
RRB ALP is a railway recruitment exam conducted for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot in the Indian Railways. It is open to candidates with relevant technical qualifications and offers a stable government career in railway operations and locomotive management.
| Detail | Information |
| Exam Name | RRB ALP — Assistant Loco Pilot Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducted By | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Notification No. | CEN 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 posts |
| Apply Online | May 15 – June 14, 2026 |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 10 + ITI / Diploma / Degree (Engineering) |
| Age Limit | 18 – 33 years (with category relaxations) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 500 (General/OBC) | Rs. 250 (SC/ST/Female/others) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1 → CBT 2 → CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Exam |
| Final Merit Formula | 50% CBT 2 Part A + 50% CBAT |
| Starting Salary | Rs. 19,900 (Basic) | Rs. 25,000–35,000 in-hand |
RRB ALP stands for Railway Recruitment Board — Assistant Loco Pilot. It is a national-level recruitment exam conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board to hire candidates for the position of Assistant Loco Pilot in Indian Railways.
An Assistant Loco Pilot is essentially the co-pilot of a train. You work alongside a senior Loco Pilot, assist in driving and controlling the locomotive, monitor all onboard instruments, observe signals, and ensure that every journey is safe and on schedule. Over time, with experience and departmental exams, you become the Loco Pilot — the person actually driving the train.
Think of it this way: becoming an ALP is Step 1 in a career that can take you all the way to driving high-speed express trains and Vande Bharat Express locomotives.
Selected candidates are posted to one of the 21 railway zones across India, including:
Let us be honest about what this job involves, because it is very different from a typical desk job. As an ALP, you will be:
The ALP role is demanding, safety-critical, and requires constant alertness. But for those who love trains and want a dynamic career, it is incredibly rewarding.
This is where RRB ALP is different from most SSC exams. You need more than just a Class 10 pass. You must have a technical qualification as well:
The trade of your ITI or stream of your Diploma/Degree must match the trade specified for ALP in the official CEN 01/2026 notification. Always verify this before applying.
RRB ALP follows the A-1 Medical Standard — the highest fitness category in Railways. This is because the role is safety-critical.
If you wear glasses or have colour blindness, you may be disqualified at the Medical stage even if you clear all written stages. Get your eyes tested early.
The RRB ALP 2026 selection process has 5 stages. You must clear all of them to get the final appointment:
Important: CBT 1 is only a screening test — its marks do NOT count in your final merit. Your ranking is decided by CBT 2 Part A (50%) + CBAT (50%).
| Stage | Weightage | Nature |
| CBT 1 | 0% | Screening only — not counted |
| CBT 2 Part A | 50% | Counted in final merit |
| CBT 2 Part B | 0% | Qualifying only — 35% min. |
| CBAT (Aptitude Test) | 50% | Counted in final merit |
This is a major change from 2025 where CBT 2 had 70% weightage and CBAT had 30%. Now both are equal at 50% each. This means the Aptitude Test (CBAT) is just as important as your written exam. Do not neglect it.
CBT 1 is the first gate you need to cross. It is a 75-question, 75-mark exam to be completed in 60 minutes. It tests you at Class 10 level and is available in Hindi, English, and regional languages.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
CBT 2 is the decisive written stage. It has two parts — Part A which counts for merit, and Part B which is qualifying only. Total duration is 2 hours 30 minutes for 175 questions.
| Part | Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
| Part A (Merit-based) | Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 50% of final merit |
| Part A (Merit-based) | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 50% of final merit |
| Part A (Merit-based) | Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 | 50% of final merit |
| Part A (Merit-based) | General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | 50% of final merit |
| Part B (Qualifying only) | Trade-Specific Subjects (ITI/Diploma) | 75 | 75 | Qualifying — 35% min. |
CBAT is unique to the ALP post and tests your psychological fitness for operating trains safely. It is conducted in computer-based mode and consists of multiple test batteries.
CBAT now carries 50% of the final merit — making it equally important as CBT 2 Part A.
Let us talk numbers. The RRB ALP salary is governed by the 7th Pay Commission and includes several allowances that significantly boost your take-home pay — especially the Running Allowance, which is unique to loco staff.
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Pay (Pay Level 2) | Rs. 19,900/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~50% of Basic Pay |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8–27% of Basic Pay (city-based) |
| Running Allowance | Per km traveled (exclusive to loco staff) |
| Night Duty Allowance | For night shifts |
| Estimated In-Hand Salary | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 35,000/month |
| After 5 Years (with DA revision) | Rs. 33,000 – Rs. 43,000/month |
After 5 years of service and DA revisions, an ALP’s monthly salary can reach Rs. 33,000–43,000. With promotions, senior loco pilots earn upwards of Rs. 78,000 per month.
One of the biggest advantages of becoming an ALP is the clear and rewarding promotion path. You are not stuck at entry level forever. Here is how the career ladder looks:
| Stage | Designation | Pay Level |
| Entry | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | Level 2 — Rs. 19,900 |
| Promotion 1 | Senior Assistant Loco Pilot | Level 4 — Rs. 25,500 |
| Promotion 2 | Loco Pilot (Mail/Express/Goods) | Level 5–6 — Rs. 29,200+ |
| Promotion 3 | Loco Pilot (High Speed) | Level 8 — Rs. 47,600 |
| Senior Level | Loco Foreman / Supervisor | Level 7–8 — Rs. 78,000+ |
Absolutely. 11,127 vacancies, a starting in-hand salary of Rs 25,000–35,000, free railway travel passes, railway accommodation, and a clear promotion path to Loco Pilot and beyond — RRB ALP is one of the most complete government career packages available for technical candidates.
Yes. Candidates with a 3-year Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automobile, Instrumentation, IT, or equivalent) are eligible to apply. Degree holders (B.E./B.Tech) are also eligible.
CBT 1 is a screening test — its marks do not count in your final merit. It only shortlists you for CBT 2. CBT 2 is the main merit-based exam and its Part A carries 50% weightage in your final rank. Always prepare CBT 2 more seriously than CBT 1.
CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) is a psychological fitness test for ALP candidates. It tests memory, attention, depth perception, vigilance, and concentration. In 2026, RRB has increased its weightage from 30% to 50% — making it equally important as your written exam score. Many candidates who score high in CBT 2 lose their rank due to poor CBAT performance.
Newly selected ALPs undergo approximately 151 days of induction and on-the-job training covering locomotive systems, safety procedures, and operational protocols. During this training period, a stipend equivalent to your basic pay (Rs. 19,900) is provided.
Disclaimer
This document is an unofficial educational resource created for exam aspirants. All information should be verified on the official recruitment website before applying. Vacancy numbers, age limits, and eligibility criteria are subject to change with each notification.
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