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 operating and maintaining locomotives across Indian Railways. RRBs under the Ministry of Railways conduct this All India examination for various Railway zones including Northern Railway, Southern Railway, Eastern Railway, Western Railway, and others. The ALP position is a Group C technical post responsible for assisting the Loco Pilot in operating trains, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining locomotive equipment. Selected candidates undergo extensive training at Railway Training Centers before being posted to various divisions. This is one of the most sought-after technical positions in Indian Railways, offering job security, excellent benefits, and career progression opportunities within the Railway service.

Typical / Indicative Timeline

Typical / Indicative Vacancy Distribution

Note: These are indicative figures. Actual vacancies vary by notification and Railway zone. Some posts may be reserved for Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates as per government norms.

Educational Qualification

• Minimum Qualification: Matriculation/SSLC plus ITI (National Council for Vocational Training approved) in relevant trades OR
• Matriculation/SSLC plus Course Completed Act Apprenticeship (NCVT/SCVT) in relevant trades OR
• 10+2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics OR
• Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile)
• Relevant ITI Trades: Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic, Welder, Machinist, Electronics Mechanic, and other notified trades

Age Limit

Age as on 01.01.2026 (typical cut-off date)

Age Relaxation

Nationality

• Candidate 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 01.01.1962 OR
• A person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with intention of permanent settlement

1. Visit the official RRB website of your zone (e.g., rrbcdg.gov.in, rrbkolkata.gov.in, rrbmumbai.gov.in, etc.)
2. Click on "RRB ALP Recruitment 2026" notification link on the homepage
3. Read the detailed notification carefully and check eligibility criteria
4. Click on "Apply Online" or "New Registration" link
5. Register with basic details (Name, Father's Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, Email ID) to generate Registration Number
6. Login using Registration Number and Password sent to registered email/mobile
7. Fill the online application form with personal details, educational qualifications, upload photograph and signature (JPG format, specified size)
8. Select preferred exam city/centre from available options
9. Review all filled information carefully before final submission
10. Pay application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI) or offline mode (SBI Challan)
11. Submit the application form and take printout of application for future reference
12. Note down Registration Number and Password for tracking application status

Application Fees

Fee includes examination fee and refundable amount subject to appearing in CBT 1. Refund of ₹400/- (for UR/OBC/EWS) and ₹250/- (for concession categories) after appearing in exam.

1. Computer Based Test - Stage 1 (CBT 1): Screening exam covering Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness. Objective multiple-choice questions. Qualifying in nature.

1. Computer Based Test - Stage 2 (CBT 2): Main examination for candidates shortlisted from CBT 1. Consists of Part A (Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, General Awareness) and Part B (Relevant Trade subjects). More detailed and technical than CBT 1.

1. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Psychological aptitude test for ALP posts to assess mental ability, concentration, and decision-making skills required for locomotive operations. Only for ALP candidates, not for Technician posts.

1. Document Verification (DV): Original certificates verification including educational qualifications, caste certificate, age proof, ID proof, and other relevant documents. Candidates must bring all originals along with self-attested photocopies.

1. Medical Examination: Comprehensive medical fitness test conducted by Railway Medical Board to check vision standards (6/9, 6/12 correctable to 6/6), color vision (CP-III), hearing standards, and overall physical fitness as per Railway norms.

1. Final Merit List: Based on normalized marks of CBT 2 + CBAT (for ALP) performance, subject to qualifying in medical examination and document verification. Candidates are allocated to various Railway zones based on merit and preference.

CBT - Stage 1 (Preliminary)

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

Additional Time: PwBD candidates (40% and above disability) get 20 minutes extra time (80 minutes total).

CBT - Stage 2 (Main)

Part B: Trade-specific questions based on Physics, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, IT, etc.

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

Additional Time: PwBD candidates get 30 minutes extra (120 minutes total).

CBAT Pattern: Approximately 150 questions in 60 minutes covering concentration, memory, visual discrimination, spatial relations, reaction time, and alertness tests. No negative marking in CBAT.

Mathematics (CBT 1 & CBT 2)

• Number Systems: HCF, LCM, Prime Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, Rational Numbers
• BODMAS
• Decimals and Fractions
• Percentage, Ratio and Proportion
• Average, Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss, Discount
• Time and Work, Time and Distance
• Mensuration (Area, Volume, Perimeter of basic geometric shapes)
• Elementary Algebra: Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations
• Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Polygons, Circles
• Trigonometry: Basic trigonometric ratios, Heights and Distances
• Elementary Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies and Similarities
• Differences and Odd one out
• Spatial Visualization and Spatial Orientation
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Decision Making and Judgment
• Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation
• Relationship Concepts
• Arithmetical Reasoning and Figural Classification
• Arithmetic Number Series, Non-verbal Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Statement Conclusions, Syllogistic Reasoning
• Blood Relations, Direction Sense Test
• Venn Diagrams, Calendars, Clocks
• Jumbling, Ranking, Sitting Arrangements
• Mathematical Operations, Puzzle Tests

General Science (CBT 1)

• Physics: Motion, Force, Energy, Work, Power, Sound, Light, Reflection, Refraction, Heat, Electricity, Magnetism, Current, Units of Measurement
• Chemistry: Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Acids, Bases, Salts, Chemical Reactions, Oxidation-Reduction, Metals and Non-metals, Periodic Table basics
• Biology: Cell structure, Human Body (Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Nervous Systems), Nutrition, Diseases and their causes, Vitamins, Plant Structure, Photosynthesis, Reproduction
• Environmental Science: Ecology, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Conservation

Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2 - Part A)

• Engineering Drawing: Projections, Views, Lines, Dimensioning, Scales, Symbols
• Units and Measurements: SI Units, Conversion, Measuring Instruments
• Mass, Weight, Density, Specific Gravity
• Work, Power, Energy: Conservation of energy, Potential and Kinetic energy
• Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Motion Laws
• Heat and Temperature: Thermal expansion, Heat transfer, Specific heat
• Basic Electricity: Current, Voltage, Resistance, Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, Series-Parallel circuits, Power, Energy
• Levers, Pulleys, Simple Machines, Mechanical Advantage
• Occupational Safety and Health: Fire safety, First aid, Hazards
• Environment and Pollution Control
• Basic workshop practices, tools and their uses
• Materials: Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, properties

Relevant Trade/Discipline (CBT 2 - Part B)

For Fitter Trade:

• Fitting hand tools, measuring instruments, gauges
• Bench work, drilling, filing, grinding, chipping
• Metal joining processes, riveting, soldering, brazing

For Electrician Trade:

• AC/DC fundamentals, single and three-phase systems
• Transformers, motors, generators
• Electrical wiring, protective devices, earthing
• Electrical measuring instruments

For Electronics Mechanic:

• Semiconductors, diodes, transistors, rectifiers
• Amplifiers, oscillators, basic digital electronics
• Communication systems basics

For Welder Trade:

• Welding processes (arc, gas, TIG, MIG)
• Welding symbols, joints, electrodes
• Welding defects and inspection

Syllabus for Part B varies based on ITI trade selected during application

General Awareness on Current Affairs

• National and International Current Events
• Sports and Games
• Art and Culture of India
• Indian Literature, Awards and Honors
• Indian Economy and Budget
• Government Schemes and Policies
• Science and Technology developments
• Indian Geography, Rivers, Mountains, States and Capitals
• Indian History: Freedom Movement, Major events
• Indian Polity and Constitution
• Environmental Issues
• Abbreviations and Important Days

Typical / Indicative Salary Structure (7th Pay Commission)

Additional Benefits:

• Free Passes/PTOs: Concessional/free rail travel for self and family members across Indian Railways network
• Medical Facilities: Free medical treatment for self and dependents at Railway hospitals
• Pension & Gratuity: New Pension Scheme (NPS) contribution, Gratuity after retirement
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Once in 2 years
• Quarters/Accommodation: Railway accommodation at nominal rent or HRA
• Overtime Allowance: Additional payment for extra duty hours
• Night Duty Allowance: For night shift duties
• Washing Allowance, Uniform Allowance: For maintenance of official dress

DA rates are revised twice a year based on inflation. HRA varies by city classification (X: 27%, Y: 18%, Z: 9%). Running allowance depends on duty hours and kilometres covered.

Assistant Loco Pilot can get promoted to Loco Pilot (LP) after gaining 3-5 years of experience and passing departmental examinations. Further progression includes Senior Loco Pilot, Goods Train Driver, Passenger Train Driver, and ultimately to supervisory positions like Loco Inspector, Assistant Divisional Mechanical Engineer (ADME), and Divisional Mechanical Engineer (DME). Internal departmental exams and seniority-cum-merit basis determine promotions, with opportunities to reach Group B and eventually Group A officer cadre through dedicated career progression pathways in Indian Railways.

Admit cards for CBT 1 are typically released 4-7 days before the examination date on respective RRB zonal websites. Candidates must login with their registration number and date of birth to download their e-admit card (no physical admit card is sent by post). The admit card contains exam date, time, venue address, reporting time, instructions, and candidate details. Candidates must carry the printed admit card along with original valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, PAN, Driving License, or Passport) to the examination centre for entry.

RRB declares CBT 1 results within 30-45 days of exam completion on official zonal websites. Results show normalized marks, cut-off marks, and list of shortlisted candidates for CBT 2. CBT 2 results are declared similarly 30-45 days post-examination, followed by CBAT and medical examination schedules. Final merit list is published after completion of all selection stages including document verification and medical fitness certification. Candidates can check their results by entering registration number and date of birth on the respective RRB portal.

Typical / Indicative Cutoff Marks for CBT 1 (normalized out of 75 marks): UR category 50-55 marks, OBC 45-50 marks, SC 40-45 marks, ST 35-40 marks, EWS 48-52 marks. Cutoffs vary significantly based on total number of applicants, vacancy count, difficulty level of examination, and zone-wise competition. CBT 2 cutoffs are typically higher ranging from 60-70 marks for UR category out of 125 marks. Female candidates and ex-servicemen may have slightly different cutoff ranges. Zone-wise cutoffs also differ with popular zones having higher competition and cutoffs.

North: Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna, Jammu, Dehradun, Agra, Meerut

South: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Secunderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Mysore, Coimbatore, Madurai, Kochi

East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Malda, Asansol, Danapur, Dhanbad, Muzaffarpur, Sambalpur

West: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Ajmer, Bhopal, Bilaspur, Indore, Nagpur, Surat, Nashik, Vadodara, Rajkot

Northeast: Guwahati, Agartala, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Imphal, Shillong

Candidates can select 3-4 preferred exam cities during application. Final allotment is subject to availability and RRB discretion. Exam cities are spread across all states and Union Territories for candidate convenience.