The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially issued the short notification for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Recruitment 2026 under Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) No. 01/2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 11,127 vacancies for the ALP post across various railway zones in India. Candidates aspiring to join Indian Railways as Assistant Loco Pilots can submit their applications through the centralized application portal (RRB Apply).
The Ministry of Railways has clarified that the current announcement is an indicative notice meant to inform prospective applicants in advance, allowing them to prepare necessary documents before the detailed notification is released on official RRB websites. The detailed CEN 01/2026 notification containing complete terms, eligibility criteria, procedures, and other requirements will be published on the official websites of participating RRBs.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Advertisement Number | CEN 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Initial Basic Pay | ₹19,900 per month |
| Application Mode | Online (Only through rrbapply.gov.in) |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date (Short Notice) | March 21, 2026 / March 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | May 15, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 14, 2026 (by 11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | June 14, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | To be notified soon |
Note: The detailed CEN 01/2026 notification with zone-wise vacancies, exam syllabus, application fee, reservation details, and medical standards will be released soon on the official website.
Vacancy Details
The Railway Recruitment Boards have announced a total of 11,127 vacancies for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) post across all railway zones. This represents a significant recruitment drive, with 11,127 fresh ALP vacancies notified in 2026 as per the Annual Calendar. The detailed zone-wise vacancy distribution will be published in the full CEN 01/2026 notification on official RRB websites.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 must possess one of the following qualifications from a recognized institution:
| Qualification Path | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Path 1 | 10th pass (Matriculation) along with ITI certification in a relevant trade |
| Path 2 | Diploma in Engineering from a recognized institution |
| Path 3 | B.E./B.Tech Degree in a relevant engineering discipline |
According to the indicative notification, candidates must have passed Class 10 along with an ITI certificate OR a Diploma/Degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
Age Limit
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 18 years | 30 years |
| SC / ST | 18 years | 35 years (5 years relaxation) |
| OBC (NCL) | 18 years | 33 years (3 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 18 years | 40 years (10 years relaxation for UR) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 18 years | As per applicable relaxation |
Important: The age of candidates will be calculated as on July 1, 2026. Relaxation in the upper age limit for SC/ST, OBC, Ex-servicemen, PwBD, and other eligible categories will be provided according to Railway rules as specified in the detailed CEN 01/2026 notification.
Application Fee (Expected)
The application fee is payable online through the centralized recruitment portal rrbapply.gov.in. While the exact fee for the 2026 cycle will be confirmed in the detailed notification, the fee structure from previous RRB recruitment cycles serves as a reference:
| Category | Application Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 (refundable after appearing in CBT 1, minus bank charges) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Women | ₹250 (fully refundable after appearing in CBT 1, minus bank charges) |
Note: The detailed fee structure and refund policy will be specified in the full CEN 01/2026 notification.
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
The selection process for Assistant Loco Pilot posts is a multi-stage evaluation designed to test candidates’ technical knowledge, aptitude, and physical fitness. The recruitment process includes the following stages:
| Stage | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Computer-Based Test – First Stage (CBT 1) | Screening / Qualifying |
| Stage 2 | Computer-Based Test – Second Stage (CBT 2) | Merit-based (Part A: 100 marks) |
| Stage 3 | Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) | Mandatory qualifying for ALP |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification (DV) | Verification of original documents |
| Stage 5 | Medical Examination (ME) | Medical fitness assessment |
Only candidates qualifying at each stage will move to the next round of selection.
First Stage CBT (CBT 1) – Exam Pattern
CBT 1 serves as the initial screening stage. It is qualifying in nature, and the marks obtained in this stage are not counted for final merit list preparation.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 60 minutes |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
1 mark awarded for each correct answer; 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer
Second Stage CBT (CBT 2) – Exam Pattern
CBT 2 is divided into two parts. Only marks obtained in Part A are considered for shortlisting candidates for further stages. Part B is qualifying in nature.
| Part | Subject / Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | ||||
| Basic Science and Engineering | ||||
| Part B | Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Minimum qualifying percentages for CBT 2 Part A: UR & EWS: 40%; OBC (NCL): 30%; SC: 30%; ST: 25%
Part B is of qualifying nature with 35% minimum marks for all categories
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) – Key Details
Candidates clearing CBT 2 are shortlisted for CBAT based on their Part A marks. This stage is mandatory to qualify for ALP positions.
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Shortlisted candidates must produce their vision certificate in the prescribed format
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It is mandatory to clear each battery test/section of CBAT separately to qualify
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CBAT is conducted only in Hindi & English
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No negative marking for CBAT; candidates must secure a minimum T‑score of 42 marks in each test battery separately to qualify
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Merit list weightage: 70% from marks obtained in Part A of CBT 2 + 30% from CBAT score
Document Verification & Medical Examination
After qualifying CBAT, candidates undergo document verification followed by a medical examination, which assesses physical and medical standards as prescribed for Assistant Loco Pilots. The final selection is based on the combined scores in Part A of CBT 2 and CBAT, subject to successful completion of these stages.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
The RRB ALP Syllabus covers key subjects across all stages, including General Intelligence and Reasoning, Mathematics, Basic Science and Engineering, General Science (up to Class 10 level), and General Awareness.
Syllabus for CBT 1:
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Art & Culture, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs, Science & Technology, Awards & Honors, Sports, Static GK |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Classification, Direction Sense, Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Blood Relation, Arguments and Assumptions, Figure Completion, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Coding-Decoding, Series, Mathematical Operations |
| Mathematics | Simplification (BODMAS), Number System, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Distance, Time & Work, LCM-HCF, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Life Sciences) |
Syllabus for CBT 2:
| Part | Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Mathematics | Advanced mathematical concepts, data interpretation, and problem-solving |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Logical reasoning, analytical ability, verbal and non-verbal reasoning | |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Applied science and engineering fundamentals relevant to ALP role | |
| Part B | Relevant Trade | Technical trade-specific subjects (detailed list to be released with the full notification) |
RRB ALP Salary 2026
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Initial Basic Pay | ₹19,900 per month |
| Grade Pay | ₹1,900 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Applicable as per government norms |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As applicable based on posting city |
| Travel Allowance (TA) | As per Railway rules |
| Approximate In-hand Salary | ₹30,000 – ₹35,000 per month (including allowances) |
In addition to the basic salary, selected candidates are entitled to various Railway allowances and benefits.
How to Apply Online for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the following steps:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the Official Portal | Go to the centralized RRB application portal: rrbapply.gov.in |
| Step 2 | New Registration | Click on “New Registration” and enter basic details (name, mobile number, email ID) |
| Step 3 | Log In with Credentials | Use the generated Registration ID and password to login |
| Step 4 | Fill the Application Form | Enter personal details, educational qualification, ITI/Diploma/Degree details, and select your preferred RRB zone |
| Step 5 | Upload Documents | Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and relevant educational certificates |
| Step 6 | Pay Application Fee | Pay the applicable fee online through net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI |
| Step 7 | Review and Submit | Double-check all details for accuracy and click “Final Submit” |
| Step 8 | Print Confirmation | Download the final application form and take a printout for future reference |
Aadhaar Verification: RRBs have advised candidates to verify their Aadhaar details before submitting the application form. The name and date of birth in Aadhaar must exactly match the details mentioned in the Class 10 certificate.
Important Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application process:
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✅ Class 10 Mark Sheet & Certificate
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✅ ITI / Diploma / Engineering Degree Certificate (as applicable)
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✅ Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport)
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✅ Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates)
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✅ PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
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✅ Ex-Serviceman Certificate (if applicable)
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✅ Recent Passport-size Photographs
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✅ Signature (scanned copy)
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Centralized Application Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Indian Railways Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
| Detailed CEN 01/2026 Notification | To be released on official RRB websites |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies have been announced for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026?
A total of 11,127 vacancies for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts have been announced.
Q2. When will the online application process begin?
The online application will begin on May 15, 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for RRB ALP 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is June 14, 2026 (by 11:59 PM).
Q4. What is the age limit for the General category?
The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 30 years as of July 1, 2026.
Q5. What is the selection process for Assistant Loco Pilot?
The selection process includes CBT 1, CBT 2, Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
Q6. What is the salary of an Assistant Loco Pilot in Indian Railways?
The initial basic pay is ₹19,900 per month under Pay Level-2 (7th CPC), plus applicable allowances.
Q7. Is there negative marking in the RRB ALP exam?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Q8. What is the official website to apply for RRB ALP 2026?
The official centralized application portal is rrbapply.gov.in.
Q9. Is Aadhaar verification mandatory for RRB ALP 2026?
RRBs have advised candidates to verify their Aadhaar details before submitting the application form. The name and date of birth in Aadhaar must exactly match those in the Class 10 certificate.
Q10. When will the detailed CEN 01/2026 notification be released?
The detailed notification containing complete eligibility criteria, zone-wise vacancies, exam syllabus, application fee, and medical standards will be released soon on the official RRB websites.
