RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot Posts

Published: 2:24 pm | 14 May 2026

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have officially released the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2026 for the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) across all Railway zones in India.

This is one of the most anticipated railway recruitment drives of the year, offering a permanent government job to ITI/Diploma/Degree holders in technical trades. A total of 11,127 vacancies have been announced across 20 RRBs and multiple Railway Zones pan-India. Online applications open on 15 May 2026 (00:00 Hrs) and close on 14 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs). Read this article carefully to understand everything about eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern, salary, and how to apply.

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) — Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India

RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 — CEN 01/2026 — Apply Online for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot Posts

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Important Dates

⇒ Indicative Notice in Employment News: 21 March 2026
⇒ Application Start Date & Time: 15 May 2026 (00:00 Hrs)
⇒ Last Date to Apply: 14 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs)
⇒ Last Date for Fee Payment: 16 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs)
⇒ Application Modification Window: 17 June 2026 to 26 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs)
⇒ Age Reference Date: 01 July 2026
⇒ Note: Candidates must regularly check their chosen RRB’s official website (listed below) for all updates. Beware of fake websites — rely only on official RRB portals.
⇒ Helpline: Email: rrb.help@csc.gov.in | Phone: 0172-565-3333 / 9592001188 (10 AM–5 PM on working days)

Application Fee

⇒ General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹500/- (₹400/- refunded after appearing in CBT-1, deducting bank charges)
⇒ SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Transgender / Minorities / EBC: ₹250/- (full ₹250/- refunded after appearing in CBT-1, deducting bank charges)
⇒ Modification Fee: ₹250/- per occasion (non-refundable)
⇒ Payment Mode: Online only — Internet Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI
⇒ Refund: Credited to Aadhaar-seeded bank account only. Candidates must ensure valid Aadhaar–bank linkage.
⇒ Note: Applications without fee will be summarily rejected. Fee is non-refundable for rejected/incomplete applications.

Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026)

⇒ Minimum Age: 18 years
⇒ Maximum Age (UR / EWS): 30 years (DOB not before 02.07.1996)
⇒ Maximum Age (OBC-NCL): 33 years (+3 years relaxation, DOB not before 02.07.1993)
⇒ Maximum Age (SC / ST): 35 years (+5 years relaxation, DOB not before 02.07.1991)
⇒ Lower Limit of DOB (All candidates): Not after 01 July 2008
⇒ Ex-Servicemen (UR/EWS): 3 years after deduction of service length
⇒ Ex-Servicemen (OBC-NCL): 6 years after deduction of service length
⇒ Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST): 8 years after deduction of service length
⇒ Serving Railway Group C/D Staff (min. 3 yrs service): Max 40 years (UR/EWS), 43 years (OBC-NCL), 45 years (SC/ST)
⇒ Widowed / Divorced / Judicially Separated Women: Max 35 years (UR/EWS), 38 years (OBC-NCL), 40 years (SC/ST)
⇒ Note: Only Matriculation/SSLC/10th Class certificate DOB is accepted. No relaxation is cumulative.

Total Posts & Selection Process

⇒ Post Name: Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)
⇒ Total Vacancies: 11,127
⇒ Pay Level: Level-2 (7th CPC) — Initial Pay ₹19,900/-
⇒ Medical Standard: A-1 (Stringent — No Lasik surgery permitted)
⇒ PwBD Suitability: Not Suitable
⇒ Selection Process:

  1. First Stage CBT (CBT-1) — Screening only
  2. Second Stage CBT (CBT-2 — Part A + Part B)
  3. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
  4. Document Verification (DV)
  5. Medical Examination (ME)

Total Vacancies — Category-wise Summary

CategoryURSCSTOBC (NCL)EWSTotalEx-SM (Horizontal)
ALP (All RRBs)4,8601,7469192,5981,00411,1271,115

Note: Vacancies are provisional and may increase, decrease, or become NIL depending on the actual requirement of Railway Administrations. Ex-Serviceman (ExSM) vacancies are horizontal and are included within the total, not separate. PwBD candidates are NOT suitable for the post of ALP.


RRB & Zone-wise Vacancy Breakdown

RRBRailway ZoneURSCSTOBCEWSTotalExSM
AhmedabadWR622211381414715
AjmerNWR26297591424060060
AjmerWCR56180321211812
PrayagrajNCR2843727654445746
PrayagrajNR622311421515315
BengaluruSWR803115542020020
BhopalWCR19474231171542342
BhopalWR158061303
BhubaneswarECoR5487036489980180
BilaspurCR18777520632232
BilaspurSECR842914532020020
ChandigarhNR563923492018719
ChennaiSR932414411418619
GorakhpurNER281137171210510
GuwahatiNFR272109631646867668
Jammu-SrinagarNR15858301104440040
KolkataER1355335893234434
KolkataSER28010152402449750
MaldaER1094120732727027
MaldaSER1174322782928929
MumbaiCR290207993441381078108
MumbaiSCR3274269788
MumbaiWR1453105374
MuzaffarpurECR1863114424
PatnaECR41168281010310
RanchiECR22483421505655556
RanchiSER248150632137174574
SecunderabadECoR387119572283382482
SecunderabadSCR23890451626159661
SiliguriNFR24390461616060060
ThiruvananthapuramSR438571647
TOTAL4,8601,7469192,5981,00411,1271,115

Eligibility Criteria — RRB ALP 2026

⇒ Nationality: Indian citizen / Citizen of Nepal / Subject of Bhutan / Tibetan refugee settled before 01.01.1962 / Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries — as per standard Government of India norms.

⇒ Educational Qualification (must be completed as on closing date 14.06.2026):

Option A (ITI Route)Matriculation / SSLC + ITI from NCVT/SCVT recognized institution in: Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV), Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Wireman, Tractor Mechanic, Armature & Coil Winder, Mechanic (Diesel), Heat Engine, Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic
OR
Matriculation / SSLC + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the trades mentioned above
Option B (Diploma/Degree Route)Matriculation / SSLC + 3-year Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering (or combination of these) from a recognized institution
Note: Engineering Degree (B.E./B.Tech) in the above disciplines is also acceptable in lieu of Diploma

⇒ Important Note on Qualification:

  • Candidates must already possess the required qualification as on the closing date — 14.06.2026
  • Candidates awaiting final results of their qualifying exam should NOT apply
  • Educational certificates must contain the date of issue; if not, mark sheets or board/university certificate showing date of result declaration must be produced at DV

Medical Standards — A-1 (Stringent)

Medical StandardVision RequirementsOther Tests
A-1 (Physically fit in all respects)Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses (with fogging test; must not accept +2D)
Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses
Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, Mesopic Vision, etc.
  • Candidates who have undergone LASIK or any other corrective eye surgery are NOT eligible for the post of ALP.
  • A Self-Screening Medical Declaration Report (Annexure VIII A & VIII B) — signed by an Eye Specialist and General Physician from any Central/State Government Hospital or Medical College — must be submitted on CBAT day.
  • Medical Board proceedings are confidential and final. In case of failure, no alternative appointment will be provided by Railways.
  • One last and final Medical Appeal opportunity may be available on payment of prescribed charges; the appeal result is final and binding.
  • PwBD candidates: This post is NOT suitable for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.

Selection Process — Detailed Exam Pattern

Stage 1: First Stage CBT (CBT-1) — Screening Only

DurationQuestionsMarksNegative MarkingMin. Pass %
60 Minutes75 (Objective MCQ)75 (1 mark per question)1/3 mark per wrong answerUR/EWS: 40% | OBC-NCL/SC: 30% | ST: 25%

CBT-1 Syllabus: Mathematics (Number System, BODMAS, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, etc.) | Mental Ability (Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams, Analytical Reasoning, etc.) | General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences — 10th standard level)
Note: CBT-1 is a screening exam only — its marks are NOT counted in the final merit list. Candidates equal to 15 times the vacancies per RRB will be shortlisted for CBT-2.

Stage 2: Second Stage CBT (CBT-2) — Part A + Part B

SectionDurationQuestionsNegative MarkingMin. Pass %
Part A (Counted for merit)90 Minutes1001/3 mark per wrong answerUR/EWS: 40% | OBC-NCL/SC: 30% | ST: 25%
Part B (Qualifying only)60 Minutes751/3 mark per wrong answer35% for all categories

Part A Syllabus: Mathematics | General Intelligence & Reasoning | Basic Science & Engineering (Engineering Drawing, Units & Measurements, Basic Electricity, Levers & Simple Machines, Occupational Safety, IT Literacy, etc.)
Part B Syllabus: Questions from the trade/subject as per DGT prescribed syllabi. Degree/Diploma candidates must choose one trade from the applicable list below:

Candidate QualificationTrade / Subject Choices for Part B
Electrical Engineering (all streams)Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic
Electronics Engineering (all streams)Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV)
Mechanical Engineering (all streams)Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Heat Engine, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic
Automobile Engineering (all streams)Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Heat Engine, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic

Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

  • Candidates equal to 8 times the ALP vacancies (per community/category per RRB) will be shortlisted for CBAT, based on Part A marks of CBT-2 (provided they qualify Part B).
  • Mandatory: Self Screening Medical Declaration Report (Annexure VIII A & VIII B) must be produced in original on CBAT day — failing which candidate will not be permitted to appear.
  • Minimum qualifying T-score: 42 marks in each test battery separately — all candidates irrespective of category.
  • CBAT is available only in English and Hindi. There is NO negative marking in CBAT.
  • Each test battery/section must be cleared separately to qualify in CBAT.

Stage 4: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Examination (ME)

  • Final merit is prepared based on Part A of CBT-2 (50% weightage) + CBAT scores (50% weightage).
  • Candidates equal to the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for DV and ME.
  • In case of equal marks, the older candidate gets higher merit; if DOB is also same, alphabetical order (A to Z) of given name (not surname) is applied.
  • Final appointment is subject to passing medical fitness test and verification of all documents and antecedents.
  • RRBs only recommend names to Railway Zones — the offer of appointment is issued by the respective Railway Zone.

Salary / Pay Scale & Benefits

PostPay Level (7th CPC)Initial Basic PayOther Benefits
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)Level-2₹19,900/-DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Medical Benefits, and other applicable Railway allowances as per rules
  • Selected candidates will undergo prescribed training — only a stipend will be paid during the training period.
  • After training and appointment, employees are liable for active service in Railway Engineers’ Unit of Territorial Army.
  • Free Sleeper Class Railway Pass is admissible to SC & ST candidates for CBT / CBAT / DV / Medical Examination stages.
  • Transfer to another Railway zone will generally not be allowed for at least 5 to 10 years from the date of first appointment.


How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that you fulfill all eligibility conditions — age (18–30 years as on 01.07.2026), required educational/technical qualification (ITI/Diploma/Degree), and medical fitness standards (including no Lasik surgery) — as on the closing date 14.06.2026.

Step 2: Authenticate Identity (Recommended)
Authenticate your identity using DigiLocker or Aadhaar during the “Create an Account” stage. This ensures smoother verification at all recruitment stages. Candidates verifying through alternate Photo IDs will face stricter scrutiny at every stage.

Step 3: Create Account on RRB Website
Visit the official website of your chosen RRB (listed above). Click the CEN 01/2026 link and create an account. If you already created an account for 2024/2025 CENs, use the same credentials. Enter your name, father’s name, mother’s name, and date of birth exactly as in your Class 10th certificate. No correction is allowed after account creation.

Step 4: Select RRB Carefully
You can apply to only one RRB. Your selection of RRB is final and cannot be changed. Carefully choose your RRB and indicate preference for Railway Zones under that RRB.

Step 5: Fill Self-Screening Medical Declaration
Before the actual application form, fill the self-declaration questionnaire confirming conformity with minimum physical, mental, and medical fitness standards (speech, hearing, eyesight — including no Lasik surgery, no diabetes/hypertension, no psychoactive substance use). A downloadable medical report will be generated for submission on CBAT day.

Step 6: Capture Live Photograph
A live photograph will be captured through webcam or front camera of your mobile during the application process — no pre-existing photograph upload is required. Wear non-white clothing, sit directly in front of the camera, do not wear cap/mask/spectacles, and ensure your face is clearly visible. The photo can be retaken before submission.

Step 7: Upload Signature
Upload a scanned copy of your signature in JPG/JPEG format. Sign in black ink on white paper, in running/cursive handwriting only — NOT in capital/block/disjointed letters. File size: 30–49 KB; dimensions: minimum 140×60 pixels.

Step 8: Upload SC/ST Certificate (If Applicable)
SC/ST candidates requesting free railway travel pass must upload their valid SC/ST certificate in PDF format (less than 400 KB).

Step 9: Select Medium of Examination
Choose your preferred medium from English, Hindi, or 13 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu). This choice is final and cannot be changed later. Note: CBAT is only in English and Hindi.

Step 10: Pay Application Fee
After submitting the application, pay the prescribed fee — ₹500/- (UR/OBC/EWS) or ₹250/- (SC/ST/ExSM/Female/Transgender/Minority/EBC) — via online mode only (Internet Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI). Last date for fee payment: 16 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs). Application is accepted only after successful fee payment confirmation.

Step 11: Modification (If Required)
If you need to correct any detail (except “Create an Account” details and chosen RRB), pay a modification fee of ₹250/- per occasion during the modification window: 17 June to 26 June 2026. After 26 June, no changes are permitted.

Step 12: Note Registration Number & Download E-Call Letter
Note your Registration Number carefully. E-call letters for CBT-1/CBT-2/CBAT/DV must be downloaded only from your RRB’s official website — approximately 4 days before the exam. City intimation will be given approximately 10 days in advance. Carry e-call letter + valid original Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence etc.) to the exam hall.


Important Links

Apply Online Click Here – Activate on 15/05/2026
Download Official Notification (CEN 01/2026)Click Here
Official WebsiteClick Here

RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 — FAQs

Q1. What is the last date to apply for RRB ALP 2026?
⇒ The last date for online application submission is 14 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs). The last date for fee payment is 16 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs).

Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in RRB ALP 2026?
⇒ A total of 11,127 vacancies for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) across 20 RRBs and multiple Railway Zones pan-India. These are provisional and may increase or decrease.

Q3. Can I apply to more than one RRB?
No. A candidate can apply to only one RRB and submit only one online application. Candidates submitting multiple applications to one or more RRBs will have all applications rejected and will be debarred from all future RRB/RRC exams.

Q4. What is the application fee for RRB ALP 2026?
⇒ ₹500/- for General/OBC/EWS candidates (₹400/- refunded after attending CBT-1). ₹250/- for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/Female/Transgender/Minority/EBC candidates (full ₹250/- refunded after attending CBT-1). Fee refund is credited to Aadhaar-seeded bank account only.

Q5. Can candidates who have undergone Lasik eye surgery apply for ALP?
No. Candidates who have undergone Lasik or any other corrective eye surgery are NOT eligible for the post of ALP. This will be verified through a self-declaration and medical report on CBAT day.

Q6. Is there negative marking in the RRB ALP exam?
⇒ Yes. There is negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer in both CBT-1 and CBT-2 (Part A & Part B). However, there is NO negative marking in CBAT.

Q7. What is the role of CBT-1 marks in the final merit list?
⇒ CBT-1 is a screening exam only. Its marks are NOT included in the final merit list. Only Part A marks of CBT-2 (50% weightage) and CBAT scores (50% weightage) together determine the final merit.

Q8. What is the CBAT and what is the qualifying T-score?
⇒ CBAT is the Computer Based Aptitude Test. All candidates (irrespective of category) must secure a minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery separately. CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi, and has no negative marking. Candidates who do not clear CBAT will not be considered for final empanelment.

Q9. Can I modify my application after submission?
⇒ Yes — except for details filled in “Create an Account” (including mobile number and Email ID) and chosen RRB, which cannot be changed at any stage. All other details can be modified during the modification window (17 June to 26 June 2026) on payment of ₹250/- per occasion.

Q10. Is a pre-existing photograph required to be uploaded?
⇒ No. The application module captures a live photograph during application filling through webcam or mobile front camera. Pre-existing photographs must NOT be submitted — doing so will result in summary rejection.

Q11. Are PwBD candidates eligible for ALP?
No. The post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) is NOT suitable for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Q12. What language can I use for the exam?
⇒ CBT-1 and CBT-2 are available in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu). CBAT is available only in English and Hindi. Language choice cannot be changed after application submission.


RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 — Conclusion

The RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 (CEN 01/2026) is a golden opportunity for ITI, Diploma, and Engineering graduates in technical trades to join the Indian Railways — one of the world’s largest employers — in a stable, well-paying government job. With 11,127 vacancies spread across 20 RRBs and all major Railway Zones, Level-2 Pay (Initial Pay ₹19,900/-), and comprehensive railway benefits, this recruitment is one of the most sought-after job notifications of 2026.Eligible candidates must apply online at their chosen RRB’s official website before 14 June 2026 (23:59 Hrs). Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues. Beware of fake websites and touts — RRBs never appoint agents or coaching centres. Candidates are selected purely on merit.

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