The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially released the RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 Notification (CEN 01/2026) for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) vacancies across various Railway zones in India. This is one of the biggest Railway recruitment drives in recent years and a major opportunity for candidates with ITI, Diploma, or Engineering qualifications who want a stable government job with Indian Railways.
Online applications for RRB ALP 2026 are open from May 15 to June 14, 2026 through the official portal rrbapply.gov.in. Selected candidates will be placed at Pay Level-2 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix with a starting salary of ₹19,900 per month.
If you have been waiting for a Railway government job opening, this is the notification you should not miss.
RRB ALP 2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Advertisement No. | CEN 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Starting Salary | ₹19,900 per month |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Application Start | May 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 14, 2026 |
| Notification Type | Central Employment Notification |
Important Dates for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
Do not miss any of these deadlines. Mark them in your calendar right now.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notification Released | March 16, 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Released | May 14, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 14, 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 11:59 PM |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | 4 days before exam |
What is the Role of an Assistant Loco Pilot?
Before applying, it is important to understand what the job actually involves. An Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) works alongside a senior Loco Pilot to operate and manage trains across Indian Railways. The responsibilities include:
- Assisting the Loco Pilot in operating and controlling trains safely
- Monitoring train equipment, gauges, and safety systems during the journey
- Reporting any technical faults or abnormalities to the Loco Pilot immediately
- Carrying out basic technical checks before and after train runs
- Maintaining logbooks and operational records as required
- Following all Railway safety protocols and operational guidelines at all times
It is a technically skilled, responsible government role with a clear career progression path from ALP to Loco Pilot and beyond.
RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2026
Make sure you meet every requirement below before submitting your application. Applications that do not meet eligibility will be rejected at any stage of the selection process.
Nationality
- Indian citizens can apply
- Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee communities settled in India before January 1, 1962 are also eligible (with required certificates)
Age Limit (as on July 1, 2026)
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 30 Years |
| SC / ST | 35 Years (5 years relaxation) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 Years (3 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR/EWS) | 33 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 36 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 38 Years |
| Railway Employees (minimum 3 years service) | 40 Years (UR/EWS), 43 Years (OBC), 45 Years (SC/ST) |
| Widowed / Divorced Women (not remarried) — UR | 35 Years |
| Widowed / Divorced Women — OBC | 38 Years |
| Widowed / Divorced Women — SC/ST | 40 Years |
Educational Qualification
You must have Matriculation (Class 10 / SSLC) PLUS any one of the following:
Option 1 — ITI Route: ITI certificate from a recognised institution (NCVT/SCVT) in any of these trades: Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic, Machinist, Turner, Wireman, Heat Engine, Tractor Mechanic, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Millwright Maintenance Mechanic, Armature & Coil Winder, Mechanic Radio & TV
Option 2 — Apprenticeship Route: Matriculation + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in any of the trades listed above
Option 3 — Diploma Route: Matriculation + 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering from a recognised institution
Option 4 — Degree Route: Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering (or combination of these streams)
RRB ALP Zone-Wise Vacancy 2026
The 11,127 vacancies are distributed across 17 Railway zones and units. Check your zone-wise vacancies below:
| S.No. | Railway Zone / Unit | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Railway | 1,400 |
| 2 | East Central Railway | 700 |
| 3 | East Coast Railway | 1,625 |
| 4 | Eastern Railway | 608 |
| 5 | North Central Railway | 457 |
| 6 | North Eastern Railway | 105 |
| 7 | Northeast Frontier Railway | 1,276 |
| 8 | Northern Railway | 740 |
| 9 | North Western Railway | 600 |
| 10 | South Central Railway | 674 |
| 11 | South East Central Railway | 200 |
| 12 | South Eastern Railway | 1,531 |
| 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 |
Highest Vacancies: East Coast Railway (1,625) and South Eastern Railway (1,531) Lowest Vacancies: Chittaranjan Locomotive Works — CLW (06)
RRB ALP Salary 2026 — Complete Breakdown
One of the biggest advantages of this role is the structured pay scale with guaranteed increments and benefits.
| Post | Pay Scale (7th CPC) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | ₹19,900 — ₹35,000/month |
| Senior Assistant Loco Pilot | Higher pay on promotion |
| Shunting Loco Pilot | ₹28,000 — ₹38,000/month |
| Loco Pilot (Goods) | ₹40,000 — ₹56,000/month |
| Loco Pilot (Passenger) | ₹50,000 — ₹66,000/month |
| Loco Pilot (Mail/Express) | ₹60,000 — ₹78,000/month |
| Loco Pilot (High Speed) | ₹77,000 — ₹88,000/month |
Additional perks and allowances:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Medical benefits for self and family
- Free Railway passes for travel across India
- Pension under the National Pension Scheme (NPS)
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
Selection for Assistant Loco Pilot is done in four stages. You must clear each stage to move to the next.
Stage 1 — Computer Based Test 1 (CBT 1) This is a qualifying test. Marks from CBT 1 are not counted in the final merit list but you must clear it to appear for CBT 2.
Stage 2 — Computer Based Test 2 (CBT 2) CBT 2 has two parts — Part A (technical and aptitude) and Part B (trade-specific). Part A marks carry 70% weightage in the final merit list.
Stage 3 — Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) Only for ALP posts. Tests cognitive and psycho-motor abilities. Carries 30% weightage in the final merit list. Minimum qualifying marks: 42 in each test battery.
Stage 4 — Document Verification & Medical Examination Final shortlisted candidates must submit original documents and clear a medical fitness test as per Railway medical standards.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer
- Minimum Qualifying %: UR/EWS — 40%, OBC — 30%, SC — 30%, ST — 25%
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
| Part | Subject | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Part B | Relevant Trade Syllabus | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 175 | 150 minutes |
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer (Part A only)
- Note: Part B marks are qualifying only — not counted in merit
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
CBT 1 Syllabus
Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cisterns
General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Number & Alphabetical Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement-Arguments
General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences up to Class 10 CBSE level
General Awareness & Current Affairs: Current events in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Politics, Economics, and Indian Railways
CBT 2 Part A Additional Syllabus
Basic Science & Engineering: Engineering Drawing, Units & Measurements, Work-Power-Energy, Speed & Velocity, Heat & Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers & Simple Machines, Occupational Safety, IT Literacy
Part B: Based on trade-specific syllabus prescribed by DGET (Director General of Employment & Training)
Previous Year RRB ALP Cutoff
Use these cutoff marks from the last recruitment cycle (2018) as a benchmark while preparing:
| Category | CBT 1 Cutoff (General) |
|---|---|
| UR / General | 62.07 |
| OBC | 55.42 |
| SC | 44.21 |
| ST | 32.32 |
| EWS | 40.17 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 56.10 |
Note: Cutoffs vary zone-wise. The table above shows the general national average. Expect higher cutoffs for 2026 due to increased number of applicants.
How to Apply for RRB ALP 2026 — Step by Step
Follow these steps carefully to complete your application without errors:
- Visit the official website — rrbapply.gov.in
- Click on CEN 01/2026 — Assistant Loco Pilot Recruitment
- Register with your name, mobile number, email ID, and date of birth
- Log in with your registration credentials
- Fill in all personal, educational, and contact details in the application form
- Upload your photograph and signature in the required format and size
- Complete Aadhaar verification — your name and date of birth in Aadhaar must exactly match your Class 10 certificate
- Pay the application fee online (details in the official notification)
- Review your complete application form carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page — keep it safe for future reference
Important: Submit only one application. Multiple applications from the same candidate will result in immediate rejection of candidature.
Aadhaar Verification — Important Notice from RRB
Railway Recruitment Boards have specifically advised all candidates to verify their Aadhaar details before starting the application process. Ensure the following:
- Your name in Aadhaar exactly matches your Class 10 / SSLC certificate
- Your date of birth in Aadhaar exactly matches your Class 10 certificate
- Your latest photograph and biometric details are updated in Aadhaar
Mismatches in Aadhaar details can lead to rejection of your application even after submission.
RRB ALP Career Growth Path
One of the best things about starting as an ALP is the clearly defined career progression within Indian Railways:
Assistant Loco Pilot → Senior Assistant Loco Pilot → Shunting Loco Pilot → Loco Pilot (Goods) → Loco Pilot (Passenger) → Loco Pilot (Mail/Express) → Loco Pilot (High Speed) → Loco Supervisor
Each promotion comes with a substantial salary increase and additional benefits — making the ALP role one of the most rewarding entry-level positions in Indian Railways.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official RRB Application Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Detailed Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Short Notification PDF | Download PDF |
⚠️ Disclaimer: TheJobHunters.in shares this recruitment notification for awareness and information purposes only. We are not affiliated with Indian Railways or the Railway Recruitment Boards. All information has been sourced from the official RRB notification. Always verify details at the official website before applying. We do not charge any fee for job information.
Frequently Asked Questions — RRB ALP 2026
Q: What is the last date to apply for RRB ALP 2026? The last date to apply online for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 is June 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM through rrbapply.gov.in.
Q: How many vacancies are there in RRB ALP 2026? A total of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies have been announced under CEN 01/2026 across 17 Railway zones.
Q: What is the salary of RRB ALP 2026? The starting salary for Assistant Loco Pilot is ₹19,900 per month at Pay Level-2 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, plus applicable allowances.
Q: Can ITI pass candidates apply for RRB ALP 2026? Yes. Candidates with Matriculation (Class 10) and ITI in relevant trades like Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, and others are eligible to apply.
Q: What is the age limit for RRB ALP 2026? The minimum age is 18 years and maximum age is 30 years as on July 1, 2026. Age relaxation applies for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and other reserved categories.
Q: Is there negative marking in RRB ALP exam? Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part A. There is no negative marking in CBAT.
Q: Which zone has the highest ALP vacancies in 2026? East Coast Railway has the highest vacancies with 1,625 posts, followed by South Eastern Railway with 1,531 posts.
Q: What documents are needed for RRB ALP application? You need: Class 10 mark sheet and certificate, ITI/Diploma/Degree certificate, Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, and signature in digital format.
Apply Now
Eligible candidates should apply as early as possible. The last date is June 14, 2026 — do not wait for the final days as server load on the official site increases near the deadline.
➤ APPLY ONLINE — rrbapply.gov.in (Official Portal)
Last Updated: May 2026 | Source: Official RRB Notification CEN 01/2026