The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB ALP Notification 2026 under CEN 01/2026, inviting applications for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) vacancies across India's railway zones. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online via the official RRB portal from 15 May to 14 June 2026. View the full recruitment notification and essential guidelines below.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: Overview Table
| RRB ALP 2026- Key Highlights | |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Advt No. | CEN 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Online Application Dates | 15th May to 14th June 2026 |
| Education Qualification | Education- 10th pass + SSLC /ITI |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Initial Pay | Rs. 19900 |
| Selection process | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, DV, DME |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official website | https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in/ |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
Important Update: The RRB ALP online application portal is now active at www.rrbapply.gov.in. The deadline for submission is 14 June 2026, 11:59 PM. Please note that candidates must apply to only one railway zone; applying to multiple RRBs will result in automatic disqualification.
RRB ALP 2026 Important Dates
| Events | Important Dates |
| Detailed Notification | 14th May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 15th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14th June 2026 (11:59 pm) |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 16th June 2026 |
| Application Modification Window | To be notified |
| Application Status | July 2026 |
| CBT 1 City Intimation | 10 days before exam |
| CBT 1 Admit Card | 4 days before exam |
| CBT 1 Exam Date | To be notified |
| CBT 2 Exam Date | To be notified |
| CBAT Date | To be notified |
| Document Verification | To be notified |
Check RRB ALP Result 2026 (CEN 01/2025) - View Scorecards Here
RRB ALP 2026 Vacancy Details
The Railway Recruitment Board has confirmed 11,127 vacancies for Assistant Loco Pilots across 21 RRBs and 17 railway zones for the 2026 recruitment cycle. Before applying, candidates should thoroughly review the specific railway zone requirements, eligibility criteria, medical fitness standards, and trade specifications.
RRB Centralized Recruitment Portal: Official Guidelines & Updates
The comprehensive category-wise and zone-wise vacancy distribution is provided below.
RRB ALP Vacancy (Category-wise)
| Category | Vacancies |
| UR | 4860 |
| SC | 1746 |
| ST | 919 |
| OBC | 2598 |
| EWS | 1004 |
| Total | 11127 |
| ExSM | 1115 |
RRB ALP Vacancy (Zone-wise)
| RRB | Zones | Total | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | EsSM |
| Ahmedabad | WR | 147 | 62 | 22 | 11 | 38 | 14 | 15 |
| Ajmer | NWR | 600 | 262 | 97 | 59 | 142 | 40 | 60 |
| WCR | 118 | 56 | 18 | 0 | 32 | 12 | 12 | |
| Prayagraj | NCR | 457 | 284 | 37 | 27 | 65 | 44 | 46 |
| NR | 153 | 62 | 23 | 11 | 42 | 15 | 15 | |
| Bengaluru | SWR | 200 | 80 | 31 | 15 | 54 | 20 | 20 |
| Bhopal | WCR | 423 | 194 | 74 | 23 | 117 | 15 | 42 |
| WR | 30 | 15 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 3 | |
| Bhubaneshwar | ECoR | 801 | 548 | 70 | 36 | 48 | 99 | 80 |
| Bilaspur | CR | 322 | 187 | 77 | 52 | 0 | 6 | 32 |
| SECR | 200 | 84 | 29 | 14 | 53 | 20 | 20 | |
| Chandigarh | NR | 187 | 56 | 39 | 23 | 49 | 20 | 19 |
| Chennai | SR | 186 | 93 | 24 | 14 | 41 | 14 | 19 |
| Gorakhpur | NER | 105 | 28 | 11 | 37 | 17 | 12 | 10 |
| Guwahati | NFR | 676 | 272 | 109 | 63 | 164 | 68 | 68 |
| Jammu | NR | 400 | 158 | 58 | 30 | 110 | 44 | 40 |
| Kolkata | ER | 344 | 135 | 53 | 35 | 89 | 32 | 34 |
| SER | 497 | 280 | 101 | 52 | 40 | 24 | 50 | |
| Malda | ER | 270 | 109 | 41 | 20 | 73 | 27 | 27 |
| SER | 289 | 117 | 43 | 22 | 78 | 29 | 29 | |
| Mumbai | CR | 1078 | 290 | 207 | 99 | 344 | 138 | 108 |
| SCR | 78 | 32 | 7 | 4 | 26 | 9 | 8 | |
| WR | 37 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 4 | |
| Muzaffarpur | ECR | 42 | 18 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 4 | 4 |
| Patna | ECR | 103 | 41 | 16 | 8 | 28 | 10 | 10 |
| Ranchi | ECR | 555 | 224 | 83 | 42 | 150 | 56 | 56 |
| SER | 745 | 248 | 150 | 63 | 213 | 71 | 74 | |
| Secunderabad | ECoR | 824 | 387 | 119 | 57 | 228 | 33 | 82 |
| SCR | 596 | 238 | 90 | 45 | 162 | 61 | 61 | |
| Siliguri | NFR | 600 | 243 | 90 | 46 | 161 | 60 | 60 |
| Trivandrum | SR | 64 | 43 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Total | 11127 | 4860 | 1746 | 919 | 2598 | 1004 | 1115 | |
Related Notification: RRB Technician Notification 2026: 6,565 Vacancies Announced
RRB ALP Vacancy Trend (Last 4 years)
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2026 | 11.127 |
| 2025 | 10,970 |
| 2024 | 18,799 |
| 2018 | 27,795 |
Key Changes in RRB ALP 2026 Exam
Feature RRB ALP 2025 RRB ALP 2026 Final Merit Weightage CBT 2 - 70%
CBAT - 30%CBT 2 - 50%
CBAT - 50%General Awareness in CBT 1 Included Removed Total Vacancies 10,970 11,127
RRB ALP 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the RRB ALP 2026 recruitment must meet specific educational qualifications and age requirements set by the Board. Review the eligibility details below to ensure you qualify.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must satisfy at least one of the prescribed technical or educational criteria for the Assistant Loco Pilot role.
- Matriculation / SSLC + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in trades: Armature & Coil Winder, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Fitter, Heat Engine, Instrument Mechanic, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Millwright Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic Radio & TV, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Tractor Mechanic, Turner, Wireman
- Matriculation / SSLC + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the trades above
- Three-year Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile
- Engineering from a recognised institution
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026)
- Minimum Age- 18 years
- Maximum Age- 30 years
Review Age Relaxation and Detailed Eligibility Criteria
RRB ALP Application Form
The application portal for RRB ALP is open at www.rrbapply.gov.in. Eligible candidates should submit their forms well before the 14th June 2026 deadline to avoid technical issues during the final days.
Click Here to Apply Online for RRB ALP 2026
Caution: Only one RRB can be selected. Applying to more than one zone will lead to strict disqualification.
RRB ALP 2026 Application Fee
Candidates must complete the payment process within the specified timeframe to finalize their RRB ALP 2026 application. Incomplete fee payments will result in summary rejection of your application.
- Fee Payment Modes: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or E-Challan (offline mode).
| Category | Application Fee |
| Rs. 250 |
| For All Other Candidates | Rs. 500 |
Application Fee Refund Policy:
Yes, the fee is refundable upon appearing for the CBT:
- General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 400/-
- SC/ST/EBC/Female/Transgender: Rs. 250/-
- Payment methods: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or offline E-Challan.
RRB ALP 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for the 2026 cycle follows the multi-stage format defined in CEN 01/2026. Remember, you may only select one RRB for your application.
| Stages | Test | Nature |
| Stage 1 | CBT 1 (First Stage Computer-Based Test) | Screening — marks not counted in final merit |
| Stage 2 | CBT 2 (Second Stage CBT) | Merit-based — 50% weightage in final merit |
| Stage 3 | CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) | Merit-based — 50% weightage in final merit |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification (DV) | Qualifying |
| Stage 5 | Medical Examination (DME) | Qualifying |
Final Merit Calculation: The final merit is determined by a 50:50 weightage of CBT-2 (Part A) scores and CBAT scores. CBT-1 is purely for shortlisting and does not contribute to the final ranking.
CBT 2 Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted at 15 times the total vacancies per RRB, based on their performance in CBT 1.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The RRB ALP recruitment process consists of three main stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), followed by mandatory document verification and a comprehensive medical examination.
CBT 1 Exam Pattern (Updated 2026)
The exam pattern has been updated for 2026. CBT 1 now features 75 questions focusing on Mathematics, Reasoning, and Science (General Awareness has been removed). CBT 1 serves strictly as a screening round.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Qualifying Marks |
| 75 | 75 | 1 hour | UR & EWS - 40%, OBC (NCL) - 30% SC - 30% ST - 25% |
Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer and -1/3 for each incorrect response.
CBT 1 marks are exclusively for screening purposes and are excluded from the final merit calculation.
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
CBT 2 is an online exam with a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, consisting of Part A (merit-based) and Part B (trade-specific, qualifying only).
Marking Scheme: +1 per correct answer, -1/3 for incorrect answers in Part A. Part B is a qualifying section requiring a minimum of 35% to pass.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Part A | |||
| Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | |||
| General Science | |||
| Part B | |||
| Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
Candidates successful in CBT 2 will progress to the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). There is no negative marking applicable during the CBAT round.
| Detail | Information |
| Applicable For | ALP posts only |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Language | Bilingual (English & Hindi) |
| Weightage in Final Merit | 50% (increased from 30% in 2025) |
| What It Tests | Memory, Following Directions, Concentration, Perceptual Speed, Information Ordering |
| Minimum Score to Qualify | 42 out of 70 in each test battery |
CBAT Preparation Strategy: With CBAT accounting for 50% of the final merit, candidates are advised to practice psychometric test batteries consistently.
Q. Is there a limit on the number of attempts for the RRB ALP exam?
Ans: There is no limit on attempts, provided the candidate remains within the prescribed age bracket of 18 to 30 years, inclusive of age relaxations for specific categories.
Download Detailed RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 (CBT 1 & 2)
RRB ALP 2026 Salary & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive a competitive salary package under Pay Level 2, inclusive of various allowances such as HRA, DA, and running allowances, reflecting the crucial nature of the role.
| Component | Details |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Initial Basic Pay | Rs. 19.900 |
| In-hand Salary (approx.) | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 35,000/month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8% – 24% of basic pay (varies by city) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As revised by the Government |
| Running Allowance | Based on km travelled |
| Transport Allowance | 10% deduction from basic + DA |
| New Pension Scheme (NPS) | 10% deduction from basic + DA |
RRB ALP Career Growth Path
The role of Assistant Loco Pilot provides a clear pathway for professional growth within Indian Railways:
Assistant Loco Pilot (Entry) → Loco Pilot (Goods) (~2 yrs) → Loco Pilot (Mail/Express) (~5 yrs) → Senior Loco Pilot (~10 yrs) → Loco Supervisor/Inspector (15+ yrs).
RRB ALP Previous Year Cut-Off Marks
The Railway Recruitment Board will publish category-wise cut-off marks alongside the final results. Candidates are encouraged to analyze previous years' cut-offs to gauge the expected competition level for 2026.
| RRB ALP CBT 1 Cut Off 2024-25 | ||||||
| Zone | Category | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Ajmer | Open | 54.33 | 36.19 | 27.99 | 39.27 | 40.18 |
| EXSM | 40.56 | 55.46 | -- | 31.53 | -- | |
| Chandigarh | Open | 40.09 | 30.01 | 25.02 | 30.01 | -- |
| EXSM | 41.97 | 40.71 | -- | 36.11 | -- | |
| Mumbai | Open | 57.17 | 36.68 | 30.48 | 44.08 | 40.17 |
| EXSM | 40.21 | 40.26 | -- | 31.25 | -- | |
| Malda | Open | 63.06 | 41.57 | 39.81 | 55.98 | 49.80 |
| EXSM | 42.99 | 37.46 | -- | 32.85 | -- | |
| Ranchi | 61.61 | 39.67 | 31.05 | 48.47 | 40.44 | |
| 41.03 | -- | 46.23 | 31.03 | -- | ||
| Guwahati | Open | 59.91 | 37.48 | 26.24 | 49.18 | 40.11 |
| EXSM | 42.56 | 38.41 | -- | 46.84 | -- | |
| Bilaspur | Open | 58.41 | 40.68 | 30.39 | 46.14 | 40.00 |
| EXSM | 40.24 | 31.37 | -- | 30.08 | 41.17 | |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Open | 48.93 | 30.06 | 31.49 | 48.90 | 40.09 |
| EXSM | 41.36 | -- | -- | 30.49 | -- | |
| Chennai | Open | 49.51 | 34.42 | 25.07 | 39.35 | 40.15 |
| EXSM | 41.41 | 31.47 | -- | 30.06 | -- | |
| Kolkata | Open | 63.44 | 45.73 | 34.71 | 46.82 | 40.05 |
| EXSM | 41.20 | 34.70 | -- | 31.09 | -- | |
| Gorakhpur | Open | 63.90 | 44.13 | 25.24 | 51.37 | 40.09 |
| EXSM | 49.03 | 35.65 | -- | 35.62 | -- | |
| Ahmedabad | Open | 54.54 | 36.01 | 28.67 | 41.38 | 40.01 |
| EXSM | 42.67 | -- | 32.76 | 32.56 | -- | |
| Patna | Open | 67.59 | 49.65 | 25.23 | 62.71 | 55.43 |
| EXSM | 45.88 | 62.48 | -- | 30.65 | 41.28 | |
| Bengaluru | Open | 58.49 | 42.11 | 32.24 | 47.16 | 40.07 |
| EXSM | 40.25 | 45.24 | 43.64 | 31.96 | -- | |
| Prayagraj | Open | 59.58 | 48.81 | 25 | 54.51 | 40.09 |
| EXSM | 40.24 | 31.07 | -- | 31.05 | 49.52 | |
| Bhubaneswar | Open | 60.98 | 42.46 | 44.08 | 50.83 | 40.13 |
| EXSM | 40.02 | 34.24 | -- | 31.46 | -- | |
| Jammu-Srinagar | Open | 52.53 | 35.49 | 25.03 | 38.15 | 41.68 |
| EXSM | 52.54 | 51.37 | -- | -- | -- | |
| Bhopal | Open | 45.53 | 31.53 | 27.59 | 38.90 | 40.02 |
| EXSM | 40.84 | -- | -- | 30.59 | -- | |
| Secunderabad | Open | 56.20 | 38.27 | 32.32 | 43.81 | 40.09 |
| EXSM | 30.42 | 30.42 | 30.42 | 30.42 | 30.42 | |
| Muzzafapur | Open | 72.08653 | 50.45285 | 32.10956 | 66.25954 | 56.30216 |
| EXSM | 43.18830 | -- | -- | 33.60804 | -- | |
Understand the RRB Normalization Method & Formula for 2026
Participating RRBs for RRB ALP 2026 Exam
The RRB ALP 2026 recruitment covers all 21 regional Railway Recruitment Boards as outlined in the official CEN 01/2026 documentation.
| RRB ALP 2026 Participating RRBs | |
| RRB Regions | Official website |
| Ahmedabad | www.rrbahmedabad.gov.in |
| Ajmer | www.rrbajmer.gov.in |
| Bengaluru | www.rrbbhopal.gov.in |
| Bhopal | www.rrbbhopal.gov.in |
| Bhubaneshwar | www.rrbbbs.gov.in |
| Bilaspur | www.rrbbilashpur.gov.in |
| Chandigarh | www.rrbccdg.gov.in |
| Chennai | www.rrbchenna.gov.in |
| Gorakhpur | www.rrbgkp.gov.in |
| Guwahati | www.rrbguwahati.gov.in |
| Jammu Srinagar | www.rrbjammu.nic.in |
| Kolkata | www.rrbkolkata.gov.in |
| Malda | www.rrbmalda.gov.in |
| Mumbai | www.rrbmumbai.gov.in |
| Muzaffarpur | www.rrbmuzaffarpur.gov.in |
| Patna | www.rrbpatna.gov.in |
| Prayagraj | www.rrbald.gov.in |
| Ranchi | www.rrbranchi.gov.in |
| Secunderabad | www.rrbsecunderabad.gov.in |
| Siliguri | www.rrbsiliguri.gov.in |
| Thiruvananthapuram | www.rrbthiruvanthapuram.gov.in |
FAQs
Yes, the RRB ALP Notification 2026 (CEN 01/2026) was officially released on 14th May 2026 for 11,127 vacancies across various regional RRB portals.
The career progression is: Assistant Loco Pilot → Loco Pilot (Goods) → Loco Pilot (Mail/Express) → Senior Loco Pilot → Loco Supervisor/Inspector.
The age limit is 18 to 30 years as of 1st July 2026, with standard relaxations for SC/ST, OBC-NCL, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen according to government regulations.
A total of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot posts have been announced, distributed across 17 railway zones and 21 participating RRBs.
The application process began on 15th May 2026 and concludes on 14th June 2026 (11:59 PM). Applications must be submitted via rrbapply.gov.in.
A major shift for 2026 is the final merit weighting: 50% from CBT-2 (Part A) and 50% from CBAT, replacing the previous 70:30 split.
CBT 1 features 75 questions in 60 minutes covering Math, Reasoning, and Science. It includes 1/3 negative marking and requires a minimum of 40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC/SC, and 25% for ST.
The Assistant Loco Pilot assists the train driver in safe operations, including signal observation, monitoring locomotive instruments (speedometers/gauges), performing pre-departure brake tests, and checking engine vitals.
The final date for submission of the online application is 14th June 2026, while the deadline for fee payment is 16th June 2026.
Also Read:
- RRB ALP 2026 Notification: 11,127 Vacancies, Exam Dates & Complete Recruitment Guide
- RRB Section Controller Salary 2026: Pay Scale, In-hand Benefits & Job Profile
- RRB ALP CBT 2 City Intimation Slip 2025 Released: Check Exam City & Shift Timings
- RRB ALP CBAT Exam Date 2025 Announced: Psycho Test Scheduled for 31 August
- RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Date 2025 Revised: Check New Schedule and Admit Card Details
- RRB NTPC Undergraduate Admit Card 2026: Direct Download Link (CEN 07/2025)