The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially released the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2026 for the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts. This is one of the biggest opportunities in Indian Railways in 2026, with 11,127 vacancies announced across various railway zones.
If you have Matriculation + ITI or a Diploma/Degree in Engineering and are between 18-30 years old, this is your chance to secure a stable government job with a good salary and allowances.
Apply online from 15 May 2026 to 14 June 2026 through the official portal.
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RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Advertisement No. | CEN 01/2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Pay Scale | Level-2 (7th CPC) – Initial Pay ₹19,900 |
| Medical Standard | A-1 (Very Strict – No Lasik Surgery) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Application Dates | 15 May 2026 to 14 June 2026 |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in & Regional RRB Sites |
Important Dates for RRB ALP 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 15 May 2026 (00:00 hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 June 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 June 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | 17 June to 26 June 2026 |
| Age Calculation Date | 01 July 2026 |
| Exam Dates (CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT) | To be announced |
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 4,860 |
| SC | 1,746 |
| ST | 919 |
| OBC (NCL) | 2,598 |
| EWS | 1,004 |
| Total | 11,127 |
| Ex-Servicemen (included) | 1,115 |
Note: Complete RRB-wise and Zone-wise breakup is available in the official notification (e.g., Secunderabad has high vacancies).
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Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed Matriculation/SSLC plus one of the following:
Option A: ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in trades like Fitter, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, etc. Option B: 3-year Diploma/Degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering (or combination).
Important: Final year students awaiting results are not eligible.
Age Limit (as on 01.07.2026)
- General/EWS: 18–30 years
- OBC (NCL): Up to 33 years
- SC/ST: Up to 35 years
- Additional relaxations for Ex-Servicemen, Serving Railway Staff, and Widows/Divorced Women.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund on Appearing in CBT-1 |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 |
| SC/ST/ExSM/Female/Minorities/EBC | ₹250 | Full ₹250 |
Selection Process for RRB ALP 2026
The selection involves multiple stages:
- CBT-1 (Screening) — 75 marks, 60 minutes
- CBT-2 — Part A (100 marks) + Part B (Trade-specific, qualifying)
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — Qualifying with T-score ≥42
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination (A-1 Standard)
Final Merit: 50% weightage to CBT-2 Part A + 50% to CBAT.
Negative Marking: 1/3rd in CBT-1 and CBT-2 (No negative marking in CBAT).
Medical Standards (Very Important)
ALP requires A-1 Medical Standard — the strictest in Railways.
- Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses
- Candidates who have undergone Lasik or any corrective eye surgery are NOT eligible.
- Full physical fitness required.
How to Apply Online for RRB ALP 2026
- Visit the official portal: https://www.rrbapply.gov.in
- Create a new account (or login with previous credentials).
- Fill the application form carefully.
- Pay the fee and submit.
- Take a printout for future reference.
Key Rule: Only one application per candidate. Multiple applications lead to rejection and debarment.
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Salary and Benefits of Assistant Loco Pilot
- Basic Pay: ₹19,900 (Level-2)
- Gross Salary (approx.): ₹35,000 – ₹45,000+ in hand (depending on allowances, DA, HRA, etc.)
- Additional benefits: Medical facilities, Passes, Pension, Job security, and promotions.
Preparation Tips for RRB ALP Exam
- Focus on Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, and Basic Engineering.
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests.
- CBAT requires good psychomotor and cognitive skills — practice reaction-based tests.
- Stay updated with official RRB websites for exam dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in RRB ALP 2026? A: 11,127 posts.
Q2. Can 12th pass candidates apply? A: No. Minimum qualification is Matric + ITI or Diploma.
Q3. Is there any relaxation in medical standards? A: No. A-1 is mandatory and very strict.
Q4. When will the exams be conducted? A: Dates will be announced later on regional RRB websites.
Q5. Can I apply for multiple RRBs? A: No. Choose only one RRB.
Final Words & Advice
This is a golden opportunity for technical trade candidates to join Indian Railways in a prestigious and high-responsibility role. Don’t wait till the last date — complete your application early to avoid server issues.
Download Official Notification PDF from your regional RRB website or the centralized portal.
Apply Now: rrbapply.gov.in
Stay tuned to official RRB websites for updates on admit cards, exam dates, and results. Bookmark this page for latest updates.
All the best to all aspirants!
