RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 Detailed Syllabus & Selection Process

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment examination to select candidates for the technical post of Assistant Loco Pilot in Indian Railways across all zones. ALPs are responsible for assisting Loco Pilots in operating and maintaining locomotives, ensuring safe train operations. This is an All-India examination conducted by various RRBs (RRB Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Ajmer, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Bilaspur, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Jammu, Kolkata, Malda, Mumbai, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Ranchi, Secunderabad, Siliguri, Thiruvananthapuram). The selection process is highly competitive with lakhs of candidates appearing for limited vacancies. Selected candidates join Indian Railways in Level 2 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix and have excellent career growth opportunities to become Loco Pilots and senior-grade positions.

Note: Specific dates for RRB ALP 2026 will be announced. Below are typical timelines based on previous recruitment cycles.

Typical / Indicative: The exact vacancy count for RRB ALP 2026 has not been specified. Below is an indicative distribution based on previous RRB ALP recruitments.

Educational Qualification

For Assistant Loco Pilot:

• Matriculation/SSLC plus ITI in relevant trades (Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic, Welder, Machinist, Electronic Mechanic, etc.) from recognized institute affiliated to NCVT/SCVT
• OR 10+2/Intermediate with Physics and Mathematics
• OR Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile Engineering (3 years course) from recognized board
• OR Graduate degree in Engineering (B.E/B.Tech) in relevant disciplines
• OR Section A of Institute of Engineers Examination (Mechanical/Electrical)

Note: Candidates must have completed the Act Apprenticeship as prescribed for the trade from the recognized institution.

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative age criteria:

Age is calculated as on the closing date of application (notified date).

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

Candidates must be:

• A citizen of India, OR
• A subject of Nepal, OR
• A subject of Bhutan, OR
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, OR
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India

1. Visit the Official RRB Website: Go to any of the RRB zonal websites (indianrailways.gov.in or specific RRB websites like rrbcdg.gov.in)

1. One-Time Registration: First-time applicants must complete one-time registration by providing basic details (Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name, Date of Birth, Aadhaar Number, Mobile Number, Email ID)

1. Fill Application Form: Login using registration credentials and fill the detailed application form with personal details, educational qualification, experience, upload photograph and signature (JPEG format, specific size limits)

1. Select RRB Zone: Choose your preferred RRB zone and exam city carefully as it cannot be changed later

1. Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI) or offline mode (SBI Bank Challan/Post Office Challan)

1. Submit Application: Review all details carefully and submit the application form

1. Download Registration Receipt: After successful submission, download and save the registration slip for future reference

1. Note Application Number: Keep the registration number and password safe for future login

Application Fees:

Note: Fee once paid is non-refundable. However, examination fee paid by candidates (less bank charges) who actually appear in CBT shall be refunded after deduction of ₹50 as processing charges.

1. Computer Based Test (CBT) - Stage 1: First stage screening test covering Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness on Current Affairs. This is a qualifying test with normalized scoring. Candidates are shortlisted in the ratio of 15 times the number of vacancies for CBT 2.

1. Computer Based Test (CBT) - Stage 2: Second stage test comprising two parts - Part A (Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, General Awareness) and Part B (Trade-specific subjects based on the educational qualification). This test determines merit ranking for further stages.

1. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Candidates who qualify CBT Stage 2 are called for CBAT which assesses aptitude for the post of ALP. This test evaluates mental ability, concentration, perception, psychomotor abilities, and ability to follow instructions.

1. Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates after CBAT are called for document verification where original certificates of age proof, educational qualification, caste certificate, PwBD certificate, and other relevant documents are verified.

1. Medical Examination: Candidates who successfully complete document verification undergo comprehensive medical examination as per Indian Railway Medical Standards (Vision A-2, Vision Distant 6/9, 6/12 with glasses, Near vision 0.6/0.6, Color Vision Normal). Fitness certificate is mandatory.

1. Final Merit List: Final selection is based on the normalized marks obtained in CBT Stage 2 only. In case of tie, inter-se seniority is determined by date of birth (older candidate gets preference) and alphabetical order of names if date of birth is also same.

Computer Based Test (CBT) - Stage 1

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

Note: For PwBD candidates with scribe, additional 20 minutes (total 80 minutes) is provided

Computer Based Test (CBT) - Stage 2

Part A (Common for all candidates):

Part B (Trade-specific, relevant to qualification):

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

Note: For PwBD candidates with scribe, additional 30 minutes (total 120 minutes) is provided

CBT Stage 1 Syllabus

Mathematics

• Number Systems (HCF, LCM, Simplification, Decimal Fractions, Surds and Indices)
• BODMAS
• Percentages
• Ratio and Proportion
• Average
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Mensuration (Area, Volume of geometrical figures)
• Algebra (Basic algebraic identities)
• Geometry and Trigonometry (Lines, Angles, Triangles, Pythagoras theorem, Basic trigonometric ratios)
• Elementary Statistics and Probability

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies
• Alphabetical and Number Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Mathematical Operations
• Similarities and Differences
• Relationships
• Analytical Reasoning
• Syllogism
• Jumbling
• Venn Diagram
• Puzzle
• Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
• Statement-Conclusion, Statement-Action
• Decision Making
• Maps
• Interpretation of graphs

General Science

• Physics (Units and Measurements, Force and Motion, Work Energy and Power, Properties of Matter, Sound, Heat, Light, Electricity and Magnetism)
• Chemistry (Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, Physical and Chemical Changes, Acids Bases and Salts, Metals and Non-Metals, Organic Chemistry basics, Environmental Chemistry)
• Life Sciences (Classification of Living Organisms, Cells, Tissues and Organs, Nutrition and Respiration, Diseases and Prevention, Human Body Systems, Genetics and Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology)

General Awareness & Current Affairs

• Current Affairs (National and International importance)
• Indian Polity and Constitution
• Indian Economy
• Geography of India
• Indian History and Culture
• Environmental Issues
• Sports
• Science and Technology developments
• Awards and Honors
• Books and Authors
• Important Days and Events

CBT Stage 2 Part A Syllabus

Mathematics

• All topics from CBT 1 Mathematics at advanced level
• Permutation and Combination
• Matrices and Determinants
• Logarithms
• Coordinate Geometry
• Calculus basics

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• All topics from CBT 1 Reasoning at advanced level
• Statement and Assumptions
• Statement and Arguments
• Passage and Conclusions
• Cause and Effects

Basic Science & Engineering

• Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric Figures, Symbolic Representation)
• Units, Measurements and Measuring Instruments
• Mass, Weight, Volume, Density
• Work, Power and Energy
• Speed and Velocity
• Heat and Temperature
• Basic Electricity (Electrical circuits, Conductors and Insulators, Series and Parallel circuits, Ohm's Law, Heating, Magnetic and Chemical effects of Electric current)
• Levers and Simple Machines
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Environment and Pollution Control
• IT Literacy

General Awareness

• Same as CBT 1 with deeper coverage

CBT Stage 2 Part B Syllabus (Trade-Specific)

For ITI Candidates

• Syllabus based on respective ITI trade (Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic, Welder, Electronic Mechanic, etc.)
• Workshop Calculation and Science
• Engineering Drawing for the specific trade
• Trade Theory covering all modules of ITI curriculum

For Diploma/Degree Candidates

• Basic concepts of Mechanical Engineering (Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, Theory of Machines, Manufacturing Processes)
• Basic concepts of Electrical Engineering (DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Measurements)
• Basic concepts of Electronics Engineering (Semiconductor Devices, Electronic Circuits, Digital Electronics, Microprocessors)
• Automobile Engineering basics (IC Engines, Vehicle Construction, Transmission Systems)

Note: Candidates must study syllabus relevant to their educational qualification category

Typical / Indicative salary structure for Assistant Loco Pilot as per 7th Pay Commission:

Additional Benefits:

• Free railway passes for self and family (after confirmation)
• Medical facilities for self and dependents
• Provident Fund, Gratuity, Pension benefits
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
• Residential quarters (subject to availability) or HRA
• Increment: Annual increment of 3% on basic pay

Note: Actual salary varies based on posting location, city classification, and allowances applicable. Running allowance for ALPs can significantly increase monthly earnings.

Assistant Loco Pilots have excellent career progression opportunities within Indian Railways. After gaining experience and passing departmental examinations, ALPs can get promoted to Loco Pilot (Level 5, ₹29,200-92,300), Senior Loco Pilot (Level 6), Passenger Loco Pilot, and subsequently to supervisory positions like Assistant Loco Pilot Inspector and Loco Pilot Inspector. With continuous service of 15-20 years and good performance, one can reach gazetted officer positions in the Transportation Department with pay scales of Level 7 and above.

Admit cards for CBT Stage 1 are typically released 3-4 days before the examination date on the respective RRB zonal websites. Candidates must login with their registration number and date of birth to download the e-call letter. The admit card contains important details like exam date, time, venue, roll number, reporting time, and instructions. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Driving License/Passport) to the examination center. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam hall without a valid admit card and ID proof.

RRB declares CBT Stage 1 results typically within 30-45 days of the last exam date. Results are published on the official RRB websites in PDF format containing roll numbers of qualified candidates. Score cards showing individual marks, normalized scores, and cut-off marks are made available for download through candidate login. CBT Stage 2 results are announced similarly after 30-45 days, and the final merit list is published after completion of CBAT and document verification. Candidates can check their results by entering their registration number and date of birth on the official website.

Typical / Indicative: RRB ALP cut-off marks vary each year based on exam difficulty level, number of vacancies, and candidates appearing. For CBT Stage 1, the qualifying cut-off (normalized marks out of 75) typically ranges between 40-45 for UR, 35-40 for OBC, 30-35 for SC/ST categories. For CBT Stage 2 (out of 140 marks), the cut-off is generally higher, ranging from 70-85 for UR, 60-75 for OBC, and 55-65 for SC/ST. Final selection cut-off marks are usually 5-10 marks higher than qualifying cut-offs. Cut-off marks also vary zone-wise and post-wise based on competition level in each RRB jurisdiction.

North India: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Jammu, Jaipur, Ajmer, Shimla, Dehradun, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Hisar, Karnal

East India: Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Siliguri, Malda, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Cuttack, Rourkela, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Shillong

West India: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Surat, Vadodara, Nashik, Aurangabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg

South India: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Tirupati, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, Tirunelveli

Northeast India: Guwahati, Agartala, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Itanagar, Kohima, Aizawl, Imphal, Dimapur

Note: Final exam cities are decided by respective RRBs and communicated through admit cards. Candidates can choose up to 3 exam city preferences during application.