Railway Recruitment Boards

CENTRALISED EMPLOYMENT NOTICE (CEN) No. 01/2026

Recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) 2026

Exam Dates, Exam Pattern, Cut-offs, Salary etc.

RRB ALP is a national-level recruitment exam conducted for the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) & Technicians in Indian Railways. This recruitment exam is generally organized and managed by any one of the Regional Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) for all the regions.  

The official RRB ALP notification 2026 is released on 14 th may 2026 by the Railway Recruitment Board

 RRB ALP 2026 Exam: Overview

Recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) 2026 PDF

Websites of RRBs Participating in CEN 01/2026

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026

The recruitment process shall comprise of the following stages:

(i) First Stage CBT (CBT-1)

(ii) Second Stage CBT (CBT-2)

(iii) Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

(iv) Document Verification (DV) and

(v) Medical Examination (ME)

• Information on examination schedule and venues will be given in due course through official RRB websites, SMS and email.
• Request for postponement of any of the stages or for change of venue, date and shift will not be entertained under any circumstances.
• Minimum pass percentage for eligibility: UR & EWS - 40%, OBC (NCL) - 30%, SC - 30%, ST - 25% This is also applicable to Ex Service men category candidates, as per their community.
• The standard of questions for CBT-1 will generally be in conformity with the educational standards and/or minimum technical qualifications
• Normalization of marks will be done for CBTs held in multiple shifts.

FIRST STAGE CBT (CBT-1):

Stage I CBT 

 As per the last notification, the test will be of qualifying in nature & will be of 60 minutes duration having 75 questions asked from subjects viz., Mathematics, General Science, General Intelligence & Reasoning, & General awareness.

 Note:  For every incorrect answer marked, there will be a negative marking of the 1/3 marks of the total mark allocated for that question.

SECOND STAGE CBT (CBT-2):

(a) Shortlisting of candidates for CBT-2 shall be done RRB-wise and community-wise as per their normalized marks and merit in CBT-1 among the candidates who have chosen the same RRB only.

(b) Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS will be shortlisted for CBT-2 against UR category provided that, they are NOT availed any relaxation / concession in age, qualification or marks, etc.

(c) Candidates who are shortlisted availing reservation benefits of a community / Category (Ex-servicemen/EWS) shall continue to be consider only against that community /category for all subsequent stages (CBT-2/CBAT/DV) of recruitment process

(d) Total number of candidates to be shortlisted for CBT-2 shall be limited to 15 (fifteen) times the number of vacancies notified against each RRB.

(e) However, Railways reserve the right to increase / decrease the above limit as required, to ensure availability of adequate number of candidates for the notified post.

 Stage II CBT
 Candidates qualifying the Stage I CBT will be allowed to appear in Stage II CBT which will be conducted in two parts- Part A & Part B as tabulated below:

Note:  For every incorrect answer marked, there will be a negative marking of the 1/3 marks of the total mark allocated for that question.

• Normalization of marks will be done for CBTs held in multiple shifts.
• In Part -A, Minimum pass percentage for eligibility: UR & EWS - 40%, OBC (NCL) - 30%, SC - 30%, ST - 25%. This is also applicable to Ex Service men category candidates, as per their community.
• Only the marks scored in Part-A shall be counted for shortlisting of candidates for further stages of this recruitment process provided the candidate irrespective of community is able to secure qualifying marks (35%) in Part-B.

Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT):

a) Candidates equal to 8 (eight) times the number of ALP vacancies for each notified community / category viz., UR (includes OBC-CL), OBC(NCL), SC, ST and EWS (including ExSM), shall be shortlisted for CBAT on the basis of their marks in Part-A of CBT-2 among the candidates who have chosen the same RRB only with the application of reservation rules, provided they qualify in Part-B of CBT-2. In case more than one candidate obtain marks equal to cut-off point, they all will be shortlisted for CBAT

(b) Such shortlisted candidates should produce their Self Screening Medical Declaration Report in the prescribed format (as per Annexure- VIII A & VIII B) in original, during the CBAT, failing which they will not be permitted to appear.

(c) It is mandatory to clear each test battery / section of CBAT separately, to qualify.

(d) The CBAT shall be only in English and Hindi and there shall be no negative marking.

(e) For information on CBAT, candidates are advised to check the following website links of RDSO –

(i) rdso.indianrailways.gov.in -> Verticals -> Traffic and Psychology -> Psychology-Candidate’s Corner, and

(ii) https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0Gid=0,2,456,5821,611G.

(f) Ǫualifying Marks: All candidates (irrespective of community) must secure a minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery separately to qualify in the CBAT.

Document Verification (DV):

(a) The merit list shall be prepared RRB-wise only from amongst the candidates qualifying in the CBAT. The marks obtained in Part-A of CBT-2 and the scores obtained in the CBAT shall be given weightage in the ratio of 50:50. Based 16 on the combined merit derived from Part-A of CBT-2 (50% weightage) and CBAT scores (50% weightage), and taking into account the candidates‟ preferences for Zones & posts, candidates equal to the number of vacancies shall be shortlisted for Document Verification and Medical Examination.

(b) In case two or more candidates secure equal marks, their merit position shall be determined by age criteria i.e., the older candidate shall be given higher merit than the younger candidate and in case age being same, then alphabetical order (A to Z) of the given name (not surname) shall be taken into account to break the tie.

(c) Appointment of selected candidates is subject to their passing the requisite Medical Fitness Test to be conducted by the Railway Administration and final verification of all essential documents and verification of antecedents / character of the candidates.

(d) On completion of allstages of recruitment process, RRB will allot Railway zone/Production unit as per the option of eligible candidates, subject to merit, medical standard and vacancy position. Once candidates are empanelled, as per their merit and choice,they will forfeitthe right to be considered fortheir preference in the next priority zone/unit.However, RRBs are also reserve the right to Railway zone/unit, which is/are not opted by the candidate, if considered in administrative interest, subject to the candidates’ meeting eligibility requirements.

(e) In case of any shortfall in empanelment or other exigencies, RRBs reserve the right to utilise the candidates down in the merit list if required, as per merit and options of such candidates. This however, will not confer any vested right on such candidates to be considered for appointment.

(f) Candidates may please note that RRBs only recommend names of empanelled candidatesto the Railway Zone concerned. The offer of appointment is issued only by the respective Railway Zones.

(g) During Document Verification, candidates will have to produce their original certificates. No additional time will be given and the candidature of the candidate not producing their original certificates on the date of verification is liable to be forfeited

How To Apply:

Candidates must read all the information and instructions given the detailed CEN carefully before filling the ONLINE application to prevent mistakes.

Create an Account with RRBs:

• Candidate must first create an account for this CEN by using the link provided on the official RRB websites listed in introduction section. Candidates who have already created an account for previous RRB CENs should use the same login credentials to apply for this CEN as well using the link provided on the official websites of RRBs.
• A valid personal mobile number and active email ID are mandatory for receiving OTPs required during account creation.
• No changes will be allowed to the details entered in the “Create an Account” form later, including the mobile number and email ID.
• Therefore, candidates are strongly advised to enter all information carefully and accurately, as no corrections or modifications will be permitted after account creation

General Guidelines for submission of Online applications

a) Candidates must use only the link provided on the official RRB websites for applying against this CEN. Please read all the information and instructions given in the detailed CEN carefully before filling up the ONLINE application.

b) Candidates must fill the ONLINE application form with correct information and re-check before submission.

c) Applicant will not be able to make any correction in the ONLINE application after submission of the application. (Except during application modification window on payment of extra fee)

d) Candidate must fill self-declaration questionnaire before the actual application form and declare conformity with minimum prescribed physical and mental fitness standards related to speech, hearing, eyesight (including no LASIK surgery), mental fitness, pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) and use of psychoactive substances.

e) Medium of Examination: Questions for CBTs will be available in English, Hindi and 13 regional Indian languages (viz., Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu). Accordingly, candidates must choose their medium of examination from any one amongst those listed in the ONLINE application form. CBTs questions will be displayed in the language opted and in English. No change shall be allowed in the language option once selected at the application stage.

f) Order of Zone Preferences under chosen RRB: The candidate must provide order of Zone/Railway unit preference for the notified posts as applicable.

g) Multiple applications to different RRBs or same RRB, will lead to rejection of all the applications. Any attempt to submit more than one application by a candidate against this CEN shall result in disqualification and debarment from the recruitment process.

h) After submission of application, candidate will be directed to opt for the mode of payment of examination fee as explained below and complete the payment process.

IMPORTANT: Please be cautious about the genuineness of the mode of payment as well as Last Date for payment of Application fee payment for the submitted applications against this CEN. While making payment avoid unauthorized websites.

i) Finally, acceptance of ONLINE application will happen only after receiving confirmation of fee payment. The applicant will receive a confirmation on successful payment ONLINE through email & SMS.

j) Self-Screening Medical Declaration has been introduced at application stage wherein Candidate has to declare conformity with minimum prescribed physical and mental fitness standards related to speech hearing, eyesight (including no LASIK surgery), mental fitness, pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), and use of psychoactive substances. The online application will include built-in validation for self-screening to enable candidates to assess their eligibility/ineligibility to apply for the post. Based on the submitted responses, a downloadable medical report is generated which must be submitted by the candidate on CBAT day, duly signed by General Physician and Eye Specialist. The Certificate shall be accepted only if issued by any Central/State Government Hospital or Medical College.

EXAMINATION FEE:

Candidates will have to pay the prescribed fee as per their community/category detailed below:

 Note:   Only candidates who attend CBT-1 will get a refund of their examination fee as mentioned above.

RRB ALP Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for Stage I CBT and Stage II CBT are mentioned below.

Please do not consider these topics as the only source of information for this Exam as these are indicative not exhaustive in nature.

 Syllabus of CBT-1:

(A) Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.

(B) Mental Ability: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.

(C) General Science: The syllabus under this shall cover Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th standard level.

Syllabus of CBT-2:

SYLLABUS for Part-A:

(A) Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, 15 Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock,Pipes& Cistern etc.

(B) General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and decision making, Similarities and differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.

(C) Basic Science and Engineering: The broad topics that are covered under this shall be Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic Representation), 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, Environment Education,IT Literacy etc.

SYLLABUS for Part-B:

(A) Part-B is only a qualifying test in nature and shall have questions from the various trade syllabi as prescribed by Directorate General of Training (DGT).

(B) Note: Qualifying Percentage - 35% for all candidates irrespective of category/community.

(C) Syllabus of Various Trades: Please check the website (https://dgt.gov.in.) of Directorate General of Training (GOI) for syllabi of different technical trades.

(D) Candidates with ITI/Trade Apprenticeship qualification will be required to appear in the section having questions from their trade.

(E) Degree, Diploma candidates have to select one trade from the list of trades listed below against their engineering discipline.

PART B (Qualifying Test) of CBT-2 ǪUALIFICATION-WISE GROUPING OF TRADES / SUBJECT

 RRB ALP Previous Year Cut offs

RRB ALP CBT Cut off Percentage:

RRB ALP Cut Off 2024

RRB ALP CBT 1 Cut Off 2024

RRB ALP CBT 2 Cut Off 2024

 RRB ALP Cut Off 2018

 RRB ALP Vacancy 2026

Vacancies : 11127

RRB ALP Salary Structure 2026

 The RRB ALP has a basic pay scale of Rs. 19,900/- as per the second level of 7th pay commission.

• Pay Scale: ₹19,900 - ₹63,200 (Level-2 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix)  

Additional Benefits & Allowances

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Running Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Night Duty Allowance
• Medical Facilities
• Railway Pass & Travel Benefits
• Pension & Retirement Benefits

RRB ALP Job Profile 2026

The candidates selected for the post of RRB ALP 20256 will be required to carry out certain responsibilities as per the instructions of higher authorities such as:

• Attending minor repairs of the locomotive.
• Fine-tuning and monitoring the performance of the locomotive.
• Calling out signals once they are sighted for safe train operations.
• Checking the efficiency and functioning of the locomotive on a regular basis.
• Assisting the Loco Pilot in smooth and safe train operations.
• Monitoring gauges, controls, and technical equipment during the journey.
• Ensuring adherence to railway safety protocols and operational guidelines.
• Reporting technical faults or operational issues to higher authorities.
• Maintaining proper coordination with railway staff during operations.
• Performing duties assigned by higher authorities as per railway rules and regulations.

RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2026

NATIONALITY / CITIZENSHIP:

(a) Acandidate must be either:

(i) a citizen of India, or

(ii) a citizen of Nepal, or

(iii) a subject of Bhutan, or

(iv) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India, before 01.01.1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

(v) 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.

(vi) Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above, shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India. (b) A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary, may be admitted to the examination provisionally. However, the Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India has to be submitted during Document Verification failing which his/her candidature shall be rejected.

 RRB ALP Age Limit 2026 (as on 01-07-2026):

 The applicants must lie under the below age limit in order to apply for the post of RRB ALP 2026
 o Min Age: 18 years
 o Max Age: 30 years

Date of birth of candidatesshould be between the dates given below: (Both dates inclusive)

i) If a candidate is eligible for age relaxation on more than one ground, he/she will get the maximum amongst the relaxations for which he/she is eligible (not cumulative).

ii) SC, ST & OBC (NCL) candidates applying against UR vacancies will not get any age relaxation. 

RRB ALP Age Relaxation 2026:

Age Relaxation in upper age limit / maximum upper age for the following categories / communities in the table below are applicable subject to submission of requisite certificates.

 RRB ALP Education Qualification 2026:

STANDARDS OF MEDICAL FITNESS:

Candidates called for DV will have to pass requisite medical fitness test(s) conducted by the Railway Administration to ensure that they are physically fit to carry out the duties connected with the post. Visual Acuity Standard is an important medical fitness for railway service. The medical requirements for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot of this CEN are outlined below: