Updated on 03.06.2026
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 notification for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts.
Candidates preparing for railway jobs can check important details such as vacancy, eligibility, age limit, selection process, salary, exam pattern, medical standards, and application dates in this article.
The online application process for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 has started through the official RRB websites.
Candidates are advised to carefully check the eligibility criteria and official notification before submitting the application form.
Key Highlights OF RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
The following data comes straight from the official RRB framework, providing you with the essential facts before you dive in.
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Qualification | Matriculation (10th) + ITI / Diploma / Degree in Engg. |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 Years (Subject to official CEN updates) |
| Selection Process | CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT, Document Verification, Medical |
| Salary | Level 2 of 7th CPC (Basic ₹19,900 + Applicable Allowances) |
| Medical Standard | A-1 Medical Standard |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Notification | CEN 01/2026 |
Important Dates of RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
Here are the key dates of RRB ALP recruitment 2026 which all candidates should know well.
| Event | Date |
| Indicative Notice | 21 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 June 2026 (23:59 hrs ) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 June 2026 (23:59 hrs ) |
| Correction Window | 17 June to 26 June 2026 (23:59 hrs ) |
| CBT 1 Exam Date | To Be Announced |
Vacancy Details of RRB ALP Recruitment
Candidates should carefully check the zone-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution before selecting an RRB zone.
Competition levels and cutoffs may vary across different regions depending on the number of applicants and available vacancies.
Candidates can apply to only one RRB zone for the ALP recruitment process. Once the application form is submitted, the selected RRB zone cannot be changed later.
Before applying, candidates are advised to review the official zone-wise vacancy table provided in the notification and choose their preferred zone carefully based on eligibility, vacancy distribution, and posting preferences.
| Overall vacancy comparison (all RRBs) | ||
| Recruitment year | CEN No | Total ALP vacancies |
| 2025 cycle | CEN 01/2025 | 9,970 |
| 2026 cycle | CEN 01/2026 | 11,127 |
Eligibility
Candidates applying for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 must fulfill the educational qualification, age limit, and medical standards mentioned in the official notification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 10th along with ITI from NCVT/SCVT in relevant trades. Candidates with Diploma or Engineering Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering are also eligible.
Age Limit
The age limit for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 is 18 to 30 years as on 01 July 2026. Age relaxation for reserved categories is applicable as per government rules.
Medical Standards
Candidates applying for the ALP post must meet the A-1 medical standard prescribed by RRB.
The medical requirements include 6/6 vision without glasses along with color vision and related medical tests. Candidates who have undergone Lasik surgery are not eligible for the ALP post.
Candidates can check the detailed eligibility criteria, ITI trades, medical standards, and category-wise age relaxation in the official notification and detailed eligibility article.
RRB ALP Admit Cards
RRB ALP Admit Cards, also known as E-Call Letters, are released online by the Railway Recruitment Boards.
For detailed information on release dates, download steps, login credentials, and important instructions, check out our guide on RRB ALP Admit Card 2026: How to Download E-Call Letter & Important Details.
Selection Process
The RRB doesn’t just test your knowledge; they test your endurance.
CBT 1 This is purely a screening test. It’s a 60-minute paper with 75 questions covering Maths, Mental Ability, General Science.
You get 1/3rd negative marking for wrong answers. The marks here do not decide your final merit; you just need to survive and make the cut-off to reach CBT 2.
CBT 2 It’s split into two parts on the same day: (As per the official notification, shortlisting for the Second Stage CBT is done RRB-wise at approximately 15 times the notified vacancies.)
- Part A: 100 questions in 90 minutes (Math, Basic Science and Engineering, Reasoning). This score dictates your final merit list.
- Part B: 75 questions in 60 minutes based entirely on your chosen technical trade syllabus (prescribed by DGT). Part B is qualifying in nature, but you must score 35% regardless of whether you are UR, SC, ST, or OBC.
CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) Only candidates who clear CBT 2 get called for this. Also known as the psycho test, it measures your reaction time, spatial reasoning, and memory.
You have to score a minimum T-Score of 42 in each of the test batteries. There is no negative marking, but you cannot skip any battery.
The final merit is calculated by taking 50% of your CBT-2 Part A score and 50% of your CBAT score.
In some previous RRB ALP recruitment cycles, the final merit calculation used a 70:30 weightage ratio between CBT 2 Part A and CBAT.
However, candidates should follow the latest 50:50 weightage mentioned in the RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 notification.
DV and Medical Document Verification happens first.
Candidates must carry valid original documents in the prescribed format during Document Verification.
After DV, you are sent straight to the Railway Hospital for the A-1 medical examination.
Salary
Basic Pay According to the 7th CPC, the starting basic pay for an ALP is ₹19,900 (Level 2).
Running Allowance Here is the real secret of the ALP job. You get paid for every single kilometer you drive. This is called the Running Allowance.
If you are piloting long-haul freight trains across zones, your mileage allowance alone will often exceed your basic pay.
Night Duty Allowance The RRB compensates with Night Duty Allowances for Night Duties.
In-Hand Salary Once you add the Basic Pay,
Dearness Allowance (DA),
House Rent Allowance (HRA),
Transport Allowance,
Running Allowance,
and Night Duty Allowance,
Your actual in-hand salary right after training usually hits anywhere between ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 depending on your running kilometers that month.
The approximate in-hand salary of an ALP may vary depending on allowances, duty hours, and posting location. For more details about salary, career progression of an RRB ALP, check our detailed article on RRB ALP Salary.
How to Apply for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 through the official RRB websites.
The application process includes account creation, filling personal and educational details, uploading documents, fee payment, and final submission of the form.
Candidates are advised to carefully check the official notification before applying online.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit the official RRB website
- Create an account or log in
- Fill the application form
- Upload photo and signature
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and download the confirmation page
Candidates can check the detailed step-by-step application process in the complete RRB ALP Apply Online guide.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 Application Fees
The details of application fees for different categories are given in below sheet.
| Category | Application Fee | Refund After CBT 1 |
| General (UR) | ₹500 | ₹400 Refund |
| OBC | ₹500 | ₹400 Refund |
| EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 Refund |
| SC | ₹250 | Full Refund |
| ST | ₹250 | Full Refund |
| Ex-Servicemen | ₹250 | Full Refund |
| Female Candidates | ₹250 | Full Refund |
| Transgender Candidates | ₹250 | Full Refund |
| Minority Candidates | ₹250 | Full Refund |
| Economically Backward Class (EBC) | ₹250 | Full Refund |
Refund will be provided only to candidates who appear in CBT 1. Applicable bank charges may be deducted during the refund process.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern & Syllabus Overview
The RRB ALP selection process includes CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
CBT 1
CBT 1 includes questions from:
- Mathematics
- Mental Ability
- General Science
CBT 2
CBT 2 is divided into Part A and Part B.
Part A
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Basic Science and Engineering
Part B
Part B is qualifying in nature and based on the candidate’s relevant ITI or technical trade syllabus prescribed by DGT.
CBAT
Candidates shortlisted after CBT 2 are called for CBAT.
- Shortlisting is done up to 8 times the ALP vacancies.
- No negative marking.
- Conducted in English and Hindi only.
- Minimum T-score of 42 marks is required in each test battery.
Detailed exam pattern and syllabus can be checked in the dedicated RRB ALP Syllabus article.
FAQ on RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
What is RRB ALP?
It stands for Assistant Loco Pilot.
Is ITI mandatory?
If you do not have a 3-year Diploma or an Engineering Degree in the specified streams (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automobile), then yes, an ITI certificate from an NCVT or SCVT recognized institute is strictly mandatory. A 12th pass certificate or a normal B.Sc degree will not qualify you for this post.
What is CBAT?
The Computer Based Aptitude Test is a psychological evaluation required only for the ALP post. It checks your memory, concentration, depth perception, and reaction speed. You must score a T-Score of at least 42 in all test batteries to pass.
What is ALP salary?
While the base pay is ₹19,900 (Level 2), the actual take-home salary is much higher due to the Running Allowance (mileage pay), DA, and Night Duty Allowances.
What is vision requirement?
The RRB demands A-1 medical standards. This means your distant vision must be strictly 6/6 and 6/6 without glasses.
What is the application fee for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is ₹500 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and ₹250 for SC/ST/Female/Ex-Servicemen/Minority/EBC candidates.
Is there negative marking in RRB ALP exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for every incorrect answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
What is the selection process for RRB ALP?
The RRB ALP selection process includes CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
How many vacancies are announced in RRB ALP Recruitment 2026?
A total of 11,127 vacancies have been announced under RRB ALP Recruitment 2026.
What is the age limit for RRB ALP 2026?
The age limit for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 is 18 to 30 years as on 01 July 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.