Indian Railways has officially released the short notification for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 under Centralised Employment Notification CEN No. 01/2026 on 16th March 2026. This is one of the biggest railway recruitment drives of the year, with a total of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies announced across various Railway zones in India. Candidates with 10th pass and ITI or Diploma qualification between 18 and 30 years of age are eligible to apply. Read on to know all the complete details including vacancy, eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, and application process.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 Overview
Organisation: Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Indian Railways
Post Name: Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)
CEN Number: CEN No. 01/2026
Total Vacancies: 11,127
Notification Type: Short Notice released on 16 March 2026
Detailed Notification: To be released soon
Application Mode: Online only
Official Portal: rrbapply.gov.in
What is RRB ALP?
RRB ALP stands for Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot. It is a key technical post in Indian Railways. The Assistant Loco Pilot assists the Loco Pilot in operating and managing the train, monitors locomotive systems including the engine, brakes, and signaling equipment, and ensures the safety of passengers throughout the journey. It is a Gazetted government post under Pay Level 2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
RRB ALP 2026 Important Dates
Short Notification Released: 16 March 2026
Detailed Notification: To be released soon
Online Application Start Date: 15 May 2026
Last Date to Apply: 14 June 2026
Age Calculation Date: 01 July 2026
Exam Date: To be announced after application process
RRB ALP 2026 Total Vacancy and Zone Wise Distribution
A total of 11,127 Asistant Loco Pilot posts have been approved by the Railway Board vide letter No. 2026(E/MPP)/25/13/ALP dated 19 February 2026. These posts are distributed across 17 Zonal Railways and Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW). The zone wise distribution is as follows.
Central Railway: 1,400 posts
East Central Railway: 700 posts
East Coast Railway: 1,625 posts
Eastern Railway: 608 posts
North Central Railway: 457 posts
Northeast Frontier Railway: 1,276 posts
Northern Railway: 740 posts
North Western Railway: 600 posts
South Central Railway: 674 posts
South East Central Railway: 200 posts
South Western Railway: 200 posts
Southern Railway: 1,531 posts
West Central Railway: 541 posts
Western Railway: 214 posts
Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW): 66 posts
Other Zones: Remaining posts as per detailed notification
Category wise vacancy distribution will be available in the detailed notification.
RRB ALP 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed Matriculation or SSLC and must possess one of the following qualifications. ITI certificate from NCVT or SCVT in relevant trades such as Fitter, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Armature and Coil Winder, Heat Engine, Instrument Mechanic, Machinist, Millwright Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic Radio and TV, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic, Tractor Mechanic, Turner, or Wireman. Alternatively, a 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering from a recognised institution is also accepted.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026)
Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: 30 years
Age relaxation is provided as per Indian Railways rules. OBC NCL candidates get 3 years relaxation, SC and ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, PwBD candidates get 10 years relaxation, and Ex-Servicemen get relaxation as per Government of India norms.
Nationality
Candidates must be Indian citizens. Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugee communities who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement are also eligible to apply.
RRB ALP 2026 Application Fee
General, EWS, and OBC candidates: Rs. 500
SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates: Rs. 250
Payment must be made through online mode only including Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, and UPI.
RRB ALP 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 consists of the following stages.
Stage 1 is CBT 1 which is the First Stage Computer Based Test. This is a screening test and marks obtained in CBT 1 are not counted for final merit. Only candidates clearing CBT 1 with the minimum qualifying marks will be called for CBT 2.
Stage 2 is CBT 2 which is the Second Stage Computer Based Test. This is divided into Part A and Part B. Part A is merit-based and Part B is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score minimum 35% in Part B to proceed to CBAT.
Stage 3 is CBAT which is the Computer Based Aptitude Test. This is also known as the Psycho Test and is conducted exclusively for ALP posts. Candidates equal to 8 times the number of ALP vacancies are shortlisted for CBAT based on their CBT 2 Part A score.
Stage 4 is Document Verification where original educational and category certificates are verified.
Stage 5 is Medical Examination where candidates must clear strict A-1 Medical Standards as prescribed by Indian Railways.
Final Merit List Formula
The final merit list for ALP posts is prepared based on a combined score giving 70% weightage to Part A of CBT 2 and 30% weightage to CBAT score.
RRB ALP 2026 Exam Pattern
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
Total Questions: 75
Total Marks: 75
Duration: 60 minutes
Type: Objective Multiple Choice
Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
Nature: Qualifying or Screening only
Subject wise distribution for CBT 1 is as follows. Mathematics carries 20 questions, General Intelligence and Reasoning carries 25 questions, General Science carries 20 questions, and General Awareness and Current Affairs carries 10 questions.
Minimum qualifying marks for CBT 1 are 40% for General and EWS, 30% for OBC NCL, 30% for SC, and 25% for ST candidates.
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
CBT 2 is divided into Part A and Part B.
Part A: Total 100 questions, duration 90 minutes
Subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering, and General Awareness and Current Affairs
Negative Marking: 1/3 mark for each wrong answer
Part B: Total 75 questions, duration 60 minutes
Nature: Qualifying with minimum 35% required
Content: Trade specific questions based on the ITI trade or Diploma stream chosen by the candidate
Negative Marking: 1/3 mark for each wrong answer
CBAT Exam Pattern
Duration: Approximately 71 minutes
Nature: Qualifying — no negative marking
Minimum Qualifying Score: T-Score of 42 in each test battery
Language: English and Hindi
The CBAT consists of 5 test batteries as follows.
Memory Test assesses the ability to remember and recall maps, tracks, and figures. Following Directions Test measures the ability to follow specific instructions including Table Test and Watch Table tests. Depth Perception Test involves the Brick Test which requires counting hidden bricks. Concentration Test involves Yes or No tests and finding specific numbers. Perceptual Speed Test involves finding identical figures.
Candidates must qualify each of the 5 test batteries individually with a minimum T-Score of 42 in each.
RRB ALP 2026 Syllabus
CBT 1 Syllabus
Mathematics topics include Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
General Intelligence and Reasoning topics include Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, Conclusions, Decision Making, Maps, and Interpretation of Graphs.
General Science topics cover Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences at Class 10 CBSE standard level.
General Awareness and Current Affairs topics include Science and Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, and other subjects of importance.
CBT 2 Part A Syllabus
In addition to the CBT 1 subjects at a higher level, Part A also includes Basic Science and Engineering topics such as Engineering Drawing, Units, Measurements, Mass Weight and Density, Work Power and Energy, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers and Simple Machines, Occupational Safety and Health, and Environment Education.
Medical Standards for RRB ALP
Medical Standard Required: A-1 (the strictest category in Indian Railways)
Vision Requirements: Distant Vision of 6/6 in both eyes without glasses. Near Vision of Sn 0.6 in both eyes without glasses. Candidates must pass Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision tests. Failure to meet A-1 medical standards leads to immediate disqualification regardless of exam performance.
RRB ALP 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
Pay Level: Level 2 of 7th Central Pay Commission
Initial Basic Pay: Rs. 19,900 per month
Monthly Gross Salary: Approximately Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month including Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Travel Allowance
Additional Benefits: Pension, Medical facilities, Free Railway passes, Promotions to Loco Pilot and Senior Loco Pilot posts in due course
How to Apply for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Visit the official common application portal rrbapply.gov.in after the application window opens on 15 May 2026.
Step 2: Click on the link for CEN 01/2026 Assistant Loco Pilot Recruitment.
Step 3: Register with basic details including Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, and Mobile Number. Aadhaar verification may be required.
Step 4: Log in using your credentials and fill in the complete application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, educational certificates, ITI or Diploma certificate, and category certificate wherever applicable.
Step 6: Pay the application fee online before the last date. Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Note: Candidates must submit only one application. Multiple applications will lead to rejection of candidature.
Documents Required
SSC or 10th Class Certificate and Marks Memo, ITI Certificate from NCVT or SCVT or Diploma in Engineering Certificate, Date of Birth Certificate, Caste or Community Certificate for reserved category candidates, EWS Certificate wherever applicable, Disability Certificate for PwBD candidates, Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate wherever applicable, and a recent Passport Size Photograph.
Important Instructions for Candidates
The short notice has been released today on 16 March 2026. The detailed notification will be released before the application window opens in May 2026. Candidates should keep checking the official RRB website of their respective zone for updates. The exam will be conducted in multiple languages including English, Hindi, and various regional languages. Marks will be normalised to account for difficulty variations across different shifts. Candidates must ensure their ITI trade or Diploma stream matches the eligible trades listed in the official notification before applying.
Participating RRB Zones
Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Bilaspur, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Jammu, Kolkata, Malda, Mumbai, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Prayagraj, Ranchi, Secunderabad, Siliguri, and Thiruvananthapuram.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates with ITI and Diploma qualifications to secure a prestigious government job in Indian Railways with excellent salary, job security, and growth prospects. With 11,127 vacancies spread across all major railway zones including South Central Railway based at Secunderabad, AP and Telangana candidates have a great chance. Apply online from 15 May 2026 and make sure to prepare well for all stages of the exam including CBT 1, CBT 2, and the CBAT Psycho Test.
