RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2026 mandates that candidates must have completed their 10th grade and possess an ITI certification. For general category applicants, the maximum age limit is 30 years, as per the updated age guidelines. Age relaxation is provided for OBC, SC, ST, and Ex-servicemen. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for candidates. As RRB application process 2026 starts from April 12 to May 11, 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria before applying online. RRB ALP recruitment is done in four stages, which are as follows: CBT Stage I, CBT Stage II, Computer-Based Aptitude Test, Document Verification and Medical Examination.
Table of Contents
There are prescribed eligibility criteria for the post of ALP established by RRB. The standards of RRB ALP Eligibility criteria are measured along the following factors:
RRB ALP age limit criteria (as on 01-07-2026) are as follows:
| Details | Age Limit (Years) |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 18 |
| Maximum | 30 |
There are prescribed age criteria for the RRB ALP. However, there is certain relaxation in some of the categories which are as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation | |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years | |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years | |
| Ex-servicemen candidates who have put in more than six months 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 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) |
|
| Candidates who are working in Quasi-Administrative offices of the Railway organization 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 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) |
|
Date of birth of candidates should be between the dates given below: (Both dates inclusive)

You need to fulfill the following educational qualifications to give the exam of RRB ALP 2026. RRB ALP Educational qualification for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot is as follows:
A) Matriculation/ SSLC plus ITI from recognised institutions of NCVT/ SCVT in the trades of 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 plus Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the trades mentioned above.
(OR)
B) Matriculation / SSLC plus three years Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering.
(OR)
A combination of various streams of these Engineering disciplines from a recognised Institution instead of ITI.
Note: A degree in the Engineering disciplines as above will also be acceptable in place of a Diploma in Engineering.
C) Candidates must already have the prescribed Educational/Technical qualifications from a recognised Institute/ University as on the last date for submission of Online application.
D) Those awaiting results of their final examination of the prescribed educational/ technical qualification should not apply.
Note: The Educational/Technical Qualification certificates, viz. Provisional or Regular Certificates should contain the date of issue. In case the date of issue of these certificates is after the closing date of the notification, then the consolidated marks sheet withthe date of declaration of the final qualifying exam or individual mark sheets of all the semesters/ years with date of declaration of each semester /year result should be submitted. In case of non-availability of date in any of these certificates, then a certificate indicating the date of declaration of result from the Board/ University to this effect should be produced at the time of DV.
If you are applying for the RRB ALP, you need to know the nationality rules and regulation,s which are as mentioned below:
NOTE - A candidate who falls under categories (2), (3), (4), and (5) above must be someone in whose favor the Indian government has issued a certificate of eligibility.
Before appointing an Assistant Loco Pilot, the Railway Administration will conduct the necessary medical fitness test(s) to determine if you are medically fit to perform the duties of the position. You must make sure you are medically healthy because you will not be offered another position if you are not.
For positions with Medical Standards A1, B1, and B2, candidates who have undergone Lasik surgery or any other surgical technique to correct a refractive defect are ineligible. The detailed visual standards for the RRB ALP are as follows:
| Medical Standard | General Fitness | Visual Acuity |
|---|---|---|
| A-1 | Physically fit in all respect |
|
You must be eligible for the RRB ALP exam in order to sit for it. Therefore, we have highlighted a few important factors for the RRB ALP exam that applicants should have in mind.
You should keep in mind that the date of birth entered in this application must match the date of birth on your Matriculation/SSLC or an equivalent certificate. No further requests for changes will be considered. It is clearly mentioned in the notification that you need to fill out the application form correctly as you will not get the chance to get the applications corrected and you may be rejected. The list of eligible and ineligible candidates will be posted on the RRC's website. In due course, eligible candidates will be able to download their admit cards from the RRC website. You are encouraged to visit the RRC website for more information on the stages of selection.
Ques: Can I apply for ALP after completing high school?
Ans. An applicant from any stream who has passed the 10th grade or an equivalent exam is able to become a loco pilot. Candidates must pass an entrance exam for a diploma in engineering in one of the following fields: Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical, or Automobile in order to be eligible for the Loco Pilot post after Matriculation.
Ques: Can I apply for RRB ALP without an ITI?
Ans. Anyone can apply, but it will be ineffective because the document verification will disqualify the candidate's application. However, if one has a Polytechnic degree or diploma in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechanical engineering, one will be considered qualified.
Ques: Is being a loco pilot a good job?
Ans. Given that it is a government position, being a loco pilot for the Indian Railways looks to be an exciting career choice. The position has excellent working conditions, good compensation, and extra benefits. It is thought to be a challenging profession nevertheless, requiring a lot of endurance, excellent agility, and keen observational skills.
Ques: Can commerce students work as loco pilots?
Ans. If you chose the Commerce Stream, you could not take the Loco Pilot Aptitude test. To qualify for it, you must hold a PCM or Engineering degree with at least a 12th-grade education. Performance on the written test and fitness are used to make the decision.
Ques: What does an Assistant Loco Pilot make at RRB?
Ans. An Assistant Loco Pilot at RRB makes a base salary of Rs. 19,900. The total salary, including the benefits and allowances, comes to about Rs. 35,000. With time and service, the salary may increase.
Ques: What is the maximum age for applicants to the RRB ALP exam?
Ans. The lowest age requirement for applicants for RRB ALB is 18, while the maximum age limit is 33. For applicants who fall under certain categories, such as SC, ST, OBC, physically impaired, etc., there is an age relaxation.
Download the PREPP App and attempt FREE RRB ALP Mock Tests and get complete study material!
Comments