RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date 2026 Out - Check CEN 01/2026 Schedule PDF at indianrailways.gov.in

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment examination under CEN 01/2026 for selection to the post of Assistant Loco Pilot in Indian Railways across all zones. The ALP is responsible for assisting the Loco Pilot in operating and maintaining locomotives, ensuring safe train operations. This is an All India recruitment conducted by various RRBs including RRB Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Allahabad, and others. The selection process involves Computer Based Tests (CBT Stage 1 and Stage 2), followed by Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Successful candidates are appointed in Level 2 of 7th CPC pay matrix with excellent career growth opportunities in Indian Railways.

Important Dates

Vacancy Breakdown (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Actual vacancy numbers will be specified in the official notification. Above figures are indicative based on previous recruitment patterns.

Educational Qualification

• Minimum: Matriculation/SSC/10th class pass or ITI certificate in relevant trades
• Preferred Trades for ITI: Mechanic Diesel, Electrician, Fitter, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, or equivalent
• Alternative: National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT in relevant trades
• Candidates with higher qualifications like Diploma/Degree in Engineering are also eligible

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative age limits as per railway recruitment norms:

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Nepalese and Bhutanese subjects are also eligible
• Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962
• Persons of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries with intention of permanent settlement in India

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official RRB website (www.indianrailways.gov.in) or specific RRB zonal websites
2. Click on the "Apply Online" link for CEN 01/2026 ALP recruitment
3. Register as a new user by providing basic details (name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID)
4. Verify mobile number and email through OTP
5. Login using registration number and password
6. Fill the application form with personal, educational, and other required details
7. Upload scanned documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates as per specifications)
8. Select preferred exam city/centres
9. Pay application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI)
10. Submit the application form and save the acknowledgement
11. Take printout of the application form for future reference

Application Fees

Fee is refundable after deducting bank charges if candidate appears for CBT Stage 1

Selection Process Stages

1. Computer Based Test (CBT) Stage 1: Screening test covering Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness. Candidates are shortlisted for CBT Stage 2 based on normalized marks and category-wise merit.

1. Computer Based Test (CBT) Stage 2: Advanced test for Part A (Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, General Awareness) and Part B (Trade-specific questions based on educational qualification). Performance in this stage is considered for final merit.

1. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Psychometric test to assess candidate's aptitude for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot. This is qualifying in nature and tests mental ability, concentration, and situational judgement.

1. Document Verification (DV): Candidates shortlisted after CBAT are called for verification of original certificates including educational qualifications, age proof, category certificates, and other relevant documents.

1. Medical Examination: Comprehensive medical fitness test as per Railway standards including vision test (A3/A4 category), hearing test, and general physical fitness. Only medically fit candidates are recommended for appointment.

1. Final Merit List: Prepared based on normalized marks of CBT Stage 2, subject to qualifying CBAT and DV, and being medically fit.

CBT Stage 1 Exam Pattern

Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer

CBT Stage 2 Exam Pattern

Part A (Common for All)

Part B (Trade Specific)

Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer in both Part A and Part B

Mathematics

• Number Systems (integers, fractions, decimals, LCM, HCF)
• Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
• Time and Work, Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Algebra (basic equations, polynomials)
• Geometry (triangles, circles, polygons)
• Trigonometry (basic ratios, heights and distances)
• Mensuration (area, volume, surface area)
• Statistics and Probability

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies and Similarities
• Differences and Classification
• Relationships and Pattern Completion
• Series Completion (number, alphabet, figure)
• Coding and Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense and Distance
• Venn Diagrams
• Syllogisms and Statements
• Jumbling of Words and Sentences
• Puzzles and Seating Arrangements

General Science

• Physics: Motion, Force, Energy, Work, Power, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism
• Chemistry: Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Acids, Bases, Salts, Metals, Non-metals, Chemical Reactions
• Biology: Cell structure, Human body systems, Nutrition, Diseases, Plants, Ecology, Environment
• Scientific observations and everyday applications

General Awareness & Current Affairs

• Current events of national and international importance
• Indian History (freedom struggle, major events)
• Indian Geography (physical, economic, social)
• Indian Polity and Constitution
• Indian Economy (budget, planning, banking)
• Science and Technology developments
• Sports and Games
• Awards and Honours
• Important Days and Dates
• Books and Authors

Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2)

• Engineering Drawing
• Basic concepts of Engineering Mechanics
• Strength of Materials
• Theory of Machines
• Engineering Thermodynamics
• Heat Transfer
• Manufacturing Processes
• Workshop Technology
• Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Material Science

Trade Specific Syllabus (CBT 2 Part B)

• Questions based on ITI/Diploma syllabus of the relevant trade
• Mechanic Diesel: Diesel engines, fuel systems, cooling, lubrication
• Fitter: Fitting operations, tools, measurements, materials
• Electrician: Electrical circuits, motors, transformers, wiring
• Electronics Mechanic: Electronic devices, circuits, instruments
• Mechanic Motor Vehicle: Vehicle systems, transmission, brakes, steering

Salary & Allowances (Typical / Indicative)

Other Benefits:

• Running Allowance for train operations
• Free/Concessional railway passes for self and family
• Medical facilities for self and dependents
• Pension and Gratuity benefits
• LTC (Leave Travel Concession)
• Increment: Annual increment of 3% of basic pay
• Provident Fund and contributory benefits

Assistant Loco Pilots in Indian Railways have excellent career progression opportunities. After gaining experience and clearing departmental examinations, ALPs can be promoted to Loco Pilot (Driver) position in Level 5 (₹29,200-₹92,300), and subsequently to Senior Loco Pilot, followed by supervisory and managerial positions in the Transportation Department. The promotion path includes positions like Chief Loco Inspector, Assistant Divisional Transportation Officer, and higher administrative roles with proper training and examinations.

Admit cards for CBT Stage 1 will be released approximately 10-15 days before the examination date on the official websites of respective RRBs. Candidates need to login to their registered account using registration number and date of birth to download the e-call letter. The admit card contains important details like exam date, time, venue, reporting time, and important instructions. Candidates must carry a printout of the admit card along with original photo ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License) to the examination centre.

CBT Stage 1 results are typically declared within 4-6 weeks after completion of the examination. Results are published on the official RRB websites and candidates can check their scorecard by logging into their account. The result displays normalized marks, cutoff marks, and qualification status. Shortlisted candidates for CBT Stage 2 are notified through registered email and SMS. Similarly, results for subsequent stages (CBT 2, CBAT) are declared progressively, and the final merit list is published after completion of document verification and medical examination.

CBT Stage 1 cutoff marks vary based on total number of candidates, difficulty level, and category. Typical indicative cutoff percentages range from 40-45% for UR category, 35-40% for OBC, 30-35% for SC, and 28-32% for ST candidates. CBT Stage 2 cutoffs are generally higher, ranging from 50-55% for UR and proportionately lower for reserved categories. Actual cutoffs are determined by normalizing scores across different shifts and are published along with the result. Category-wise and RRB-wise cutoffs may vary based on regional vacancy distribution.

Exam Centres (City-wise)

North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Ranchi, Jaipur, Ajmer

South: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Secunderabad, Hubli, Mysore, Tirupati

East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Siliguri, Malda, Sambalpur, Danapur

West: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Bilaspur, Indore, Pune, Gorakhpur

Northeast: Guwahati, Agartala, Silchar

Candidates can choose preferred exam city while filling application form. Final exam centre address is mentioned on the admit card.