RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot Posts, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Latest Updates

nuvellozaPublished 19 Jul 20268 min read

Last updated: 19 July 2026

RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot Posts, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Latest Updates

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The Railway Recruitment Boards released CEN No. 01/2026 for recruitment to 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot posts across participating Railway Recruitment Boards and railway zones.

The online application process opened on May 15, 2026 and closed on June 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM. The last date to pay the application fee was June 16, 2026, while the application-correction window remained available from June 17 to June 26, 2026. The application process is now closed.

Candidates who successfully submitted their applications should now monitor only official RRB websites for application-status notices, CBT dates, city-intimation slips and admit cards.

Important: Nuvelloza.com is an independent informational website. We do not recruit candidates, accept railway applications or guarantee selection. Candidates should trust only official Railway Recruitment Board websites.

RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 Overview

Details	Information
Recruitment notice	CEN No. 01/2026
Recruiting authority	Railway Recruitment Boards
Post name	Assistant Loco Pilot
Total vacancies	11,127
Pay level	Level 2 under 7th CPC
Initial basic pay	₹19,900
Medical standard	A-1
Age limit	18 to 30 years as of July 1, 2026
Application start date	May 15, 2026
Application closing date	June 14, 2026
Fee-payment deadline	June 16, 2026
Correction window	June 17–26, 2026
Application mode	Online only
Official application portal	RRB Apply
Current status	Application process closed

The official notice confirms 11,127 vacancies, Level-2 pay, an initial basic salary of ₹19,900 and an age range of 18–30 years.

What Does an Assistant Loco Pilot Do?

An Assistant Loco Pilot assists the Loco Pilot in the safe operation of trains.

Typical responsibilities may include:

Monitoring signals and railway instructions
Assisting with locomotive checks
Watching track and operating conditions
Reporting technical problems
Supporting troubleshooting during train operation
Checking locomotive equipment
Following railway safety procedures
Assisting during coupling, uncoupling or shunting duties
Maintaining communication with railway staff

The work involves significant responsibility, irregular shifts and strict safety standards.

RRB ALP Vacancy Details

A total of 11,127 vacancies were notified across participating RRBs and railway zones.

The category-wise national total is:

Category	Vacancies
Unreserved	4,611
Scheduled Caste	1,767
Scheduled Tribe	913
OBC	2,828
EWS	1,008
Total	11,127

The notice also includes 1,114 Ex-Servicemen vacancies within the applicable reservation framework. Vacancy numbers are provisional and may increase or decrease according to railway requirements.

Educational Qualification

Candidates were required to possess the prescribed qualification on or before the closing date of June 14, 2026.

Eligible qualification routes included:

Option 1: Class 10 With ITI

Matriculation or SSLC plus ITI from an NCVT- or SCVT-recognised institution in an approved trade such as:

Fitter
Electrician
Instrument Mechanic
Millwright or Maintenance Mechanic
Electronics Mechanic
Mechanic Motor Vehicle
Wireman
Tractor Mechanic
Armature and Coil Winder
Mechanic Diesel
Turner
Machinist
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic
Other trades listed in the official notification

Option 2: Act Apprenticeship

Matriculation or SSLC plus a completed Act Apprenticeship in one of the approved trades.

Option 3: Diploma or Engineering Degree

Matriculation or SSLC plus a three-year diploma in:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Automobile Engineering
An approved combination of these disciplines

A degree in the relevant engineering disciplines was also accepted in place of the diploma.

Candidates awaiting final qualification results after the closing date were not eligible.

Age Limit

The prescribed age limit was:

Minimum age: 18 years
Maximum age: 30 years

Age was calculated as of July 1, 2026.

Age relaxations applied according to the detailed notification for eligible categories such as:

SC/ST
OBC-NCL
Ex-Servicemen
Course Completed Act Apprentices
Railway employees
Other eligible categories

Applicants should not rely only on a simplified age-relaxation chart because exact conditions vary by category.

Medical Standard

The ALP post requires the strict A-1 medical standard.

The official notice states that candidates must generally have:

Distant vision of 6/6 and 6/6 without glasses
Near vision of Sn 0.6 and 0.6 without glasses
Required colour vision
Binocular vision
Field of vision
Night vision
Mesopic vision
General physical fitness

Candidates who have undergone LASIK or another surgery to correct refractive error are not eligible for this ALP recruitment.

PwBD candidates are also not eligible for this post under the notified medical and suitability conditions.

Application Fee

The application fee was:

Candidate category	Fee
General and other candidates	₹500
SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, Female, Transgender, Minorities and EBC	₹250

Candidates who attend CBT-1 are eligible for a partial or applicable fee refund after deduction of bank charges.

For the ₹500 category, ₹400 is refundable after appearing in CBT-1. The ₹250 concessional fee is refundable after appearing in CBT-1, subject to applicable bank charges.

Selection Process

The RRB ALP selection process consists of:

First Stage Computer-Based Test
Second Stage Computer-Based Test
Computer-Based Aptitude Test
Document Verification
Medical Examination

The official FAQ confirms all five recruitment stages.

CBT-1 Exam Pattern

CBT-1 is a screening examination.

Questions generally cover:

Mathematics
Mental ability and reasoning
General science
General awareness

Candidates should study the detailed syllabus in CEN 01/2026.

There is negative marking of one-third mark for every incorrect answer in CBT-1 and CBT-2. There is no negative marking in CBAT.

CBT-2 Exam Pattern

Candidates shortlisted from CBT-1 appear for CBT-2.

CBT-2 includes:

Part A
Part B

Part A covers general and technical areas specified by RRB.

Part B is a qualifying trade-based section linked to the candidate’s ITI, apprenticeship, diploma or engineering discipline.

Candidates should follow only the detailed official syllabus.

Computer-Based Aptitude Test

Candidates who qualify CBT-2 are shortlisted for CBAT.

CBAT is specifically important for ALP candidates and assesses aptitude relevant to safe train operation.

Candidates must meet the prescribed qualifying conditions. CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi, according to the official notification.

Documents Required During Recruitment

Candidates may need original and valid documents such as:

Class 10 certificate
ITI certificate
NCVT or SCVT certificate
Apprenticeship certificate
Diploma or engineering certificate
Aadhaar Card
Category certificate
EWS certificate
OBC-NCL certificate
Ex-Servicemen documents
Name-change proof, where applicable
No Objection Certificate for government employees
Medical self-screening documents
Other documents listed in the notification

Candidates should keep their registered mobile number and email address active throughout the recruitment process.

Application Process

The application process is now closed, but candidates had to follow these steps:

Visit the official RRB application portal.
Create an account or use an existing RRB account.
Verify identity through Aadhaar or DigiLocker.
Select one RRB.
Enter personal and educational details.
Capture a live photograph.
Upload a valid running-handwriting signature.
Select railway-zone preferences.
Pay the application fee.
Submit and save the registration number.

Candidates were allowed to submit only one application to one RRB. Multiple applications could lead to rejection and debarment from future RRB and RRC examinations.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Indicative notice	March 21, 2026
Application opening	May 15, 2026
Application closing	June 14, 2026
Fee-payment deadline	June 16, 2026
Correction window	June 17–26, 2026
CBT-1 date	To be announced
Admit card	To be announced
Result	To be announced

RRB has not announced the CBT-1 schedule in the sources reviewed for this article. Candidates should ignore unofficial exam dates unless published by an official RRB.

What Applicants Should Do Now

Candidates who applied successfully should:

Keep their registration number safe
Check the selected RRB website regularly
Watch for application-status updates
Monitor their registered email and SMS
Prepare for CBT-1
Avoid fake admit-card websites
Keep Aadhaar details updated
Prepare original certificates
Check the strict A-1 medical requirements

Official Links

Candidates should use:

The official RRB Apply portal for application-related services
Their selected Railway Recruitment Board website
The official CEN 01/2026 page
The detailed CEN 01/2026 notification
Official RRB notices for exam and admit-card updates

RRB Chandigarh’s official page confirms that applications were accepted from May 15 to June 14, 2026 and hosts the detailed notification and official FAQs.

Important Fraud Warning

Candidates should be cautious of anyone who:

Guarantees railway selection
Demands money for an appointment
Offers leaked examination papers
Claims to change exam centres
Sends unofficial admit-card links
Requests OTPs or banking passwords
Promises selection through influence

Railway Recruitment Boards warn candidates to avoid touts, brokers and job racketeers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 real?

Yes. CEN No. 01/2026 officially notified 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies.

Can I apply now?

No. The online application deadline was June 14, 2026, and the correction window closed on June 26, 2026.

What is the starting salary?

The initial basic pay is ₹19,900 under Pay Level 2. Additional allowances apply according to railway rules and posting conditions.

Can 12th-pass candidates apply without ITI?

A general 12th-pass qualification alone does not satisfy the notified technical qualification. Candidates need an approved ITI, apprenticeship, diploma or relevant engineering degree.

Are engineering graduates eligible?

A relevant degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Automobile Engineering is accepted in place of the specified diploma, subject to the detailed notification.

Can candidates with glasses apply?

The A-1 medical standard requires the prescribed unaided vision. Candidates should carefully review the medical section before relying on general advice.

Are candidates with LASIK surgery eligible?

No. Candidates who underwent LASIK or another corrective refractive surgery are not eligible under the notification.

When will CBT-1 be held?

The official examination date has not yet been announced in the reviewed official sources.

Conclusion

RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 offers 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies across India.

The application process has already closed. Candidates who submitted valid applications should now prepare for CBT-1 and monitor only their official RRB website for future announcements.

The ALP role has strict technical, aptitude and medical requirements. Candidates should study the detailed CEN carefully, especially the approved qualifications, A-1 eyesight standard and selection stages.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general recruitment information only.

Nuvelloza.com is not affiliated with Indian Railways, the Railway Recruitment Boards or the Ministry of Railways. We do not accept applications, issue admit cards, conduct examinations or guarantee employment.

Recruitment dates, vacancies and examination schedules may change. Candidates must verify every update through the official RRB website and CEN No. 01/2026.

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Nuvelloza’s editorial team is responsible for researching, reviewing, and maintaining this guide.