Railway Recruitment Boards have released the detailed notification for RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Recruitment 2026 under CEN No. 01/2026. Through this recruitment drive, Indian Railways aims to fill 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies across various railway zones. The online application process will begin on May 15, 2026, and continue till June 14, 2026, through the official RRB websites. Candidates interested in railway jobs are advised to check the eligibility criteria, selection process, and required documents carefully before applying online for the ALP posts.
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Download RRB ALP 2026 Detailed Notification PDF
What is RRB ALP Recruitment?
RRB ALP stands for Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot and is a key technical post in the Indian Railways. The Assistant Loco Pilot helps the Loco Pilot in operating and managing the train, while also monitoring equipment and ensuring safety throughout the journey. The role includes handling minor technical tasks and supporting smooth train operations. RRB conducts a national-level examination to recruit candidates for this position.
RRB ALP Notification 2026
RRB ALP Notification 2026 has been released on RRB official website. The notification includes important details such as eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, selection stages, and key dates. Candidates must ensure they meet the educational and age requirements before applying.
Download RRB ALP 2026 Detailed Notification PDF
RRB ALP Exam Date 2026
| Category |
Details |
| Organization |
Indian Railways |
| Recruitment Board |
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Notification Number |
CEN 01/2026 |
| Post Name |
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies |
11,127 |
| Pay Level |
Level-2 |
| Initial Salary |
₹19,900 |
| Application Mode |
Online |
| Official Website |
rrbapply.gov.in |
| Short Notice Date |
March 16, 2026 |
| Application Start Date |
May 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply |
June 14, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date |
To be announced |
RRB ALP 2026 Eligibility Criteria
RRB ALP 2026 requires you to meet certain eligibility criteria before applying for the exam.
RRB ALP Nationality 2026
You should be an Indian citizen to apply for Railway ALP. But if you are from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee communities, you can apply.
RRB ALP Age Limit 2026
RRB ALP age limit criteria (as on 01-07-2026) are as follows:
| Requirement |
Age in Years |
| Minimum age |
18 |
| Maximum age |
30 |
RRB ALP Age Relaxation 2026
| Category |
Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST |
5 years |
| OBC (NCL) |
3 years |
| Ex-servicemen candidates who have put in more than six months of service after attestation |
Ex-servicemen (UR & EWS) |
3 years (after deduction of length of service from age) |
| Ex-servicemen (OBC-NCL) |
6 years (after deduction of length of service from age) |
| Ex-servicemen (SC & ST) |
8 years (after deduction of the length of
service from age) |
| Candidates who are serving Group 'C' and Erstwhile Group 'D' Railway Staff, Casual Labour, and Substitutes in Railways who have put in a minimum of 3 years of service (continuous or in broken spells) |
40 years of age (UR & EWS)
43 years of age (OBC-NCL)
45 years of age (SC/ST)
|
| Candidates who are working in Quasi-Administrative offices of the Railway organisation, such as Railway Canteens, Co-operative Societies, and Institutes |
Up to the length of service rendered (or) 5 Years, whichever is lower |
| Women candidates who are widowed, divorced or judicially separated from husbands but not remarried. |
35 years of age (UR & EWS)
38 years of age (OBC-NCL)
40 years of age (SC/ST) |
| Course Completed Act Apprentices applying for the post for which the minimum qualification is ITI/Course Completed Act Apprenticeship. |
Shall be relaxed to the extent of Apprentice Training undergone by them under the Apprentice Act 1961. |
| Candidates who are Course Completed Act Apprentice under the Apprenticeship Act before attaining the age of 25 years |
35 years of age (UR & EWS)
38 years of age (OBC-NCL)
40 years of age (SC/ST) |
RRB ALP Educational Qualification 2026
- Matriculation / SSLC
- ITI from recognised institutions of NCVT/SCVT in the trades of Armature and Coil Winder / Electrician / Electronics Mechanic / Fitter / Heat Engine / Instrument Mechanic / Machinist / Mechanic Diesel / Mechanic Motor Vehicle / Millwright Maintenance Mechanic / Mechanic Radio & TV / Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic / Tractor Mechanic / Turner / Wireman
OR
- Matriculation / SSLC
- Course Completed Apprenticeship in the trades mentioned above
OR
- Matriculation / SSLC
- 3 years Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering
OR
- A combination of various streams of these Engineering disciplines from a recognized Institution instead of ITI.
- Candidates with Degrees in the Engineering disciplines mentioned above can also apply.
RRB ALP Application Process 2026
RRB ALP 2026 application process wiill begin from May 15, 2026. Your personal, educational, and other relevant details will be asked along with scanned copies of a photograph and a signature. After filling in all the details and uploading your documents, you need to pay the application fee based on your category. It must be paid online. You must submit only one application because in case of multiple applications, your candidature will be rejected.
Steps to Apply Online for RRB ALP 2026:
- Visit the official website of your respective RRB zone (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in).
- Click on the link for “CEN 01/2026 – Assistant Loco Pilot Recruitment.”
- Register with basic details like name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Log in using your credentials and fill out the complete application form.
- Upload the required documents, including a photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
- Review the form and submit it.
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
RRB ALP Application Fee 2026
![RRB ALP Application Fee 2025]()
RRB ALP Vacancy 2026 Zone Wise
The Ministry of Railways has approved 11,127 vacancies for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) under RRB ALP Recruitment 2026. The recruitment will be conducted through different Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) across India. Candidates preparing for Railway ALP Vacancy 2026, RRB ALP recruitment, and Assistant Loco Pilot posts can check the zone-wise vacancy distribution released by the Railway Board below.
RRB ALP Vacancy 2026 (Zone Wise)
| S. No. |
Zonal Railway / Unit |
Vacancies |
| 1 |
Central Railway |
1400 |
| 2 |
East Central Railway |
700 |
| 3 |
East Coast Railway |
1625 |
| 4 |
Eastern Railway |
608 |
| 5 |
North Central Railway |
457 |
| 6 |
North Eastern Railway |
105 |
| 7 |
Northeast Frontier Railway |
1276 |
| 8 |
Northern Railway |
740 |
| 9 |
North Western Railway |
600 |
| 10 |
South Central Railway |
674 |
| 11 |
South East Central Railway |
200 |
| 12 |
South Eastern Railway |
1531 |
| 13 |
Southern Railway |
250 |
| 14 |
South Western Railway |
200 |
| 15 |
West Central Railway |
541 |
| 16 |
Western Railway |
214 |
| 17 |
Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) |
06 |
| Total |
|
11,127 |
RRB ALP Admit Card 2026
RRB ALP CBAT 2026 will be released on the official website of RRB. All eligible candidates can download it from the official website 4 days before the CBT 1 exam by logging in with credentials such as the registration number and date of birth.
Steps to Download RRB ALP CBT 2 Admit Card 2026:
- Visit the official RRB website.
- Click on the 'Download Admit Card' link.
- Enter registration number and date of birth.
- Click 'Submit' to view and download the admit card.
Details on RRB ALP Admit Card:
- Candidate’s Name
- Registration Number
- Exam Date and Time
- Exam Centre Details
- Instructions for the Exam
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 consists of three stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT (only for ALP posts). Candidates must qualify each stage to progress further in the selection process. The exam assesses knowledge in Maths, Reasoning, Science, Current Affairs, and relevant trade skills. Below is the detailed breakdown of RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026:
RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Below is the exam pattern for the first qualifying stage of the CBT 1 Exam
| Subjects |
No. of Questions |
Duration |
| Maths |
20 |
60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning |
25 |
| General Science |
20 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs |
10 |
| Total |
75 |
Note: 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
Minimum pass percentage for eligibility: UR & EWS - 40%, OBC (NCL) - 30%, SC - 30%, ST - 25%. This is also applicable to Ex-Servicemen category candidates, as per their community.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
After qualifying for CBT 1 Exam, you need to take CBT 2 exam. Below is the exam pattern for the same.
| Subjects |
No. of Questions |
Duration |
| Maths |
100 (Part A) |
90 minutes
|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning |
| Basic Science & Engineering |
| Relevant Trade |
75 (Part B) |
60 minutes |
| Total |
175 |
2 hours 30 mins |
Note: 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
RRB ALP CBAT Exam Pattern 2026
RRB CBAT Exam is a Computer Aptitude Test and is only conducted for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts.
| Particulars |
Details |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks |
42 marks in each test |
| Language |
English and Hindi |
| Negative Marking |
Not Applicable |
| Merit List |
- 70% weightage for Part A marks in CBT 2
- 30% weightage for CBAT marks
|
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is designed in a way to test the candidates' problem-solving skills and general knowledge.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026
| Subjects |
Syllabus |
| Mathematics |
Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, 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, and Cisterns. |
| 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. |
| General Science |
Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (up to 10th standard CBSE syllabus) |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs |
Current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, and other subjects of importance. |
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026
| Sections |
Syllabus |
| Part A - Mathematics |
Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Time, Work, Time, Distance, Simple, and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar, Clock, Pipes, and Cisterns. |
| Part A - 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. |
| Part A - 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, etc. |
| Part B - Relevant Trade |
Questions from the trade syllabus prescribed by the Director-General of Employment & Training (DGET) |
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
RRB ALP Selection process comprises of four stages. To become an ALP in Indian Railways, you need to appear for the following stages.
- Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT 1)
- Stage 2: Computer Based Test (CBT 2)
- Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Examination
RRB ALP Book 2026
| Book Title |
Author |
| RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) Guide |
RPH Editorial Board |
| Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician (Gr.III) Exam |
Upkar Publication |
| RRB ALP and Technician (Gr.III) Exam |
Kiran Prakashan |
| RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) Exam Guide |
Disha Experts |
| RRB Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician (Gr.III) Exam |
Arihant Experts |
RRB ALP Previous Year Question Papers
RRB ALP Previous Year Question Papers are important resources while preparing for the exam. They not only help with the exam pattern but also with the weightage. You should download and practice RRB ALP question papers to understand the structure of the exam and the important topics. Analysing several years of question papers gives an idea of the repetitive pattern too.
RRB ALP Salary After 7th Pay Commission
| Posts |
Pay |
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) (Level 2) |
INR 19900 to INR 35,000/- |
| Loco Pilot (Mail) |
INR 60,000 to INR 78,000/- |
| Loco Pilot (Goods) |
INR 40,000 to INR 56,000/- |
| Loco Pilot (Passenger) |
INR 50,000 to INR 66,000/- |
| Shunting Loco Pilot |
INR 28,000 to INR 38,000/- |
| Loco Pilot (High Speed) |
INR 77,000 to INR 88,000/- |
| Senior Section Engineer |
INR 17,140/- |
| Traffic Apprentice |
INR 13,500/- |
| Technician Grade 2 |
INR 9,910/- |
| Technician Grade 3 |
INR 7,730/- |
RRB ALP Job Profile
- Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP): ALP helps operate trains and work closely with experienced Loco Pilots. They assist in controlling the train, ensuring it runs smoothly and safely.
- Loco Pilot (Mail): He is responsible for operating mail trains. You ensure the smooth movement of mail-carrying trains, maintaining a schedule and ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo.
- Loco Pilot (Goods): LP operates trains that carry goods and freight. You ensure the proper handling and transportation of goods, making sure they reach their destinations safely and on time.
- Loco Pilot Passenger: LPP operates trains that carry passengers. You ensure the safe and comfortable travel of people on board, maintaining a schedule and following all safety protocols.
- Shunting Loco Pilot: SLPs are responsible for moving train carriages within railway yards or stations. You help rearrange train cars and position them correctly for efficient operations.
- Loco Pilot (High Speed): LP (High Speed) operates high-speed trains, ensuring they travel at fast speeds while maintaining safety. You are trained to handle the technical requirements of high-speed train operations.
- Senior Section Engineers: You are responsible for overseeing and managing the technical aspects of railway infrastructure. You supervise and coordinate maintenance and construction work to ensure smooth train operations.
- Traffic Apprentice: You assist in managing train operations and schedules. You help coordinate the movement of trains, ensuring they run on time and efficiently.
- Technician Grade 2: You assist in maintaining and repairing various technical systems on trains, such as electrical and mechanical equipment. You ensure that trains are in proper working condition.
- Technician Grade 3: You support the maintenance and repair work on trains. You assist in troubleshooting and fixing issues with train systems to ensure smooth operations.
RRB ALP 2026 Career Growth and Promotion
In the Railway ALP career, there are opportunities for growth and promotion. These are based on experience, performance, and qualification. Here is a typical progression path for ALPs.
- Assistant Loco Pilot: After clearing the exam, you start your career as an Assistant Loco Pilot. ALP operates and assists in the control of trains under the guidance of experienced Loco Pilots.
- Senior Assistant Loco Pilot: With experience and satisfactory performance, Assistant Loco Pilots can be promoted to the position of Senior Assistant Loco Pilot and play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of train operations.
- Loco Pilot: After gaining sufficient experience and meeting the required criteria. Senior Assistant Loco Pilots can be further promoted to the position of Loco Pilots. Loco Pilots have the responsibility of independently operating and controlling trains. Ensuring the safety and timely movement of trains.
- Loco Supervisors: As Loco Pilots gain more experience and expertise, they may have the opportunity to advance to the role of Loco Supervisors. Loco Supervisors oversee and manage a team of Loco Pilots, ensuring efficient and safe train operations.
RRB ALP 2026 Cutoff
RRB ALP 2026 cutoff is the minimum qualifying score that you need to score to be eligible for further stages of the selection process. They are determined based on various factors, including the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of candidates.
| Category |
Cut-off Marks |
| UR (General) |
62.07384 |
| SC |
44.20719 |
| ST |
32.31988 |
| OBC |
55.41867 |
| EWS |
40.16589 |
| EXSM (Ex-Servicemen) |
56.09925 |
RRB ALP Previous Year Cutoff 2018
The last recruitment cycle was held in 2018. We have provided the cut-off marks for 2018 for your category below.
| RRB |
UR |
OBC |
SC |
ST |
| Ahmedabad |
53.26461 |
41.21651 |
31.13617 |
25.22988 |
| Ajmer |
68.05049 |
58.43736 |
48.599 |
31.26253 |
| Allahabad |
59.59306 |
44.81916 |
33.29067 |
25.04884 |
| Bangalore |
57.52077 |
48.5739 |
30.02874 |
25.00457 |
| Bhopal |
66.57391 |
58.7736 |
49.35859 |
40.85624 |
| Bhubaneswar |
40.03478 |
30.02874 |
30.02874 |
25.21082 |
| Bilaspur |
58.21998 |
50.03109 |
30.04828 |
25.04884 |
| Chandigarh |
60.67084 |
47.01685 |
42.57583 |
25.00457 |
| Chennai |
60.26068 |
55.32646 |
46.24073 |
31.84961 |
| Guwahati |
47.05229 |
35.092 |
30.19228 |
25.00457 |
| Gorakhpur |
48.01359 |
30.02874 |
30.05318 |
25.00457 |
| Jammu |
45.89996 |
36.01416 |
30.40855 |
25.59902 |
| Kolkata |
58.20415 |
38.36308 |
31.97181 |
25.06996 |
| Malda |
51.80819 |
32.20987 |
30.04828 |
25.00457 |
| Mumbai |
57.91174 |
50.94367 |
42.23504 |
25.85981 |
| Muzaffarpur |
40.18716 |
30.02874 |
32.49846 |
25.48476 |
| Patna |
40.03478 |
30.02874 |
30.04828 |
26.08537 |
| Ranchi |
60.92829 |
48.52838 |
30.03843 |
31.12907 |
| Siliguri |
40.09207 |
30.02874 |
30.39789 |
25.14851 |
| Secunderabad |
61.26211 |
53.33785 |
40.85624 |
33.2559 |
| Thiruvananthapuram |
69.39146 |
61.57835 |
37.58301 |
26.70645 |
RRB ALP 2026 FAQs
Ques: How many stages are there in RRB ALP 2026 exam?
Ans: RRB ALP 2026 exam consists of 2 stages:
- Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT) 1, which includes General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and Technical Ability.
- Stage 2: Computer Based Test (CBT) 2, which focuses more on the Technical Ability, and includes subjects related to the specific trade of the candidate.
Ques: How many questions are asked in each section of RRB ALP exam?
Ans: There are 75 questions in CBT 1, divided as follows:
- Mathematics: 25 questions
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: 25 questions
- General Awareness: 15 questions
- Technical Ability: 10 questions
RRB ALP CBT 2 consists of 100 questions, primarily focusing on Technical Ability, with some questions from General Awareness and Reasoning.
Ques: What is the marking scheme for RRB ALP exam?
Ans: For every correct answer, candidates receive 1 mark. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions do not carry any penalty.
Ques: What is the difficulty level of RRB ALP 2026 exam?
Ans: The difficulty level of RRB ALP exam is generally Moderate to Difficult. Candidates may find sections like General Awareness and Technical Ability challenging, while Mathematics and Reasoning sections tend to be more manageable.
Ques: What is the expected cutoff for RRB ALP 2026?
Ans: The expected cutoff varies based on factors like difficulty level and number of vacancies. However, based on previous trends, the cutoff is expected to be around:
- General: 70-75 marks
- OBC: 65-70 marks
- SC/ST: 60-65 marks
Ques: How should I prepare for the General Awareness section in RRB ALP exam?
Ans: To prepare for the General Awareness section, focus on:
- Current Affairs (national and international)
- Static GK (Indian geography, history, polity)
- Indian Railways facts
- Regularly read newspapers, railway-related news, and monthly current affairs magazines.
Ques: Can I change my answers in RRB ALP exam?
Ans: Yes, you can review and change your answers in RRB ALP exam as long as you are within the time limit for each section.
Ques: Is there any sectional cutoff in RRB ALP exam?
Ans: No, there is no sectional cutoff in RRB ALP exam. The cutoff is applied to the overall score. However, candidates must clear the minimum overall score in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 to be eligible for the next stages.
Ques: How is RRB ALP 2026 result calculated?
Ans: The result is based on the total marks obtained across all sections. Candidates must clear the overall cutoff in both CBT 1 and CBT 2 to move on to the next phase of the selection process.
Ques: What are the key topics I should focus on in the Technical Ability section?
Ans: Key topics for the Technical Ability section include:
- Basic Electronics
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- General Science (Physics & Chemistry)
- Information Technology
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