RRB ALP 2026 – Assistant Loco Pilot
Complete Guide
One of the largest railway technical recruitments — 27,943 vacancies for Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician posts across all 21 RRB zones. CBT 1 done in Feb 2026; CBT 2 expected mid-2026.
What is RRB ALP?
RRB ALP stands for Railway Recruitment Board – Assistant Loco Pilot. It is a Central Government technical recruitment conducted by the 21 Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways. The exam recruits candidates for two posts — Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), who operate locomotives, and Technician Grade III, who maintain rolling stock and railway equipment.
ALP is one of the most sought-after railway jobs for ITI and Diploma holders because it offers a permanent Central Government job with job security, free rail travel for the entire family, railway housing, and a clear promotion path to Loco Pilot (LP) and eventually Senior Loco Pilot (SLP).
💡 Key Update for 2026 (CEN 01/2024):
RRB released CEN 01/2024 in January 2024 for 27,943 vacancies (18,799 ALP + 9,144 Technicians). CBT 1 was successfully conducted on 16–18 February 2026. Results and CBT 2 dates are yet to be announced. Stay updated at your regional RRB website.
Latest Update 2026
✅ CBT 1 Conducted (Feb 2026)
RRB ALP CBT 1 for CEN 01/2024 was held on 16, 17, and 18 February 2026 across all RRB zones. Approximately 25+ lakh candidates appeared. The answer key and result are awaited.
⚠️ CBT 2 Expected Mid-2026
Based on the CBT 1 timeline, CBT 2 (Part A + Part B) is expected to be conducted around June–July 2026. No official date has been announced yet. Candidates who cleared CBT 1 should begin CBT 2 preparation immediately.
📋 CBAT Preparation Tip
CBAT (for ALP post) is a psychological aptitude battery — very different from standard MCQ tests. Practise Memory, Depth Perception, Concentration, and Direction-Following tests specifically. Start now while CBT 2 prep is ongoing.
📅 RRB ALP Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 01/2024 Notification Released | 20 January 2024 | ✅ Done |
| CEN 01/2024 Online Application Window | 20 Jan – 19 Feb 2024 | ✅ Done |
| CBT 1 Exam (CEN 01/2024) | 16 – 18 February 2026 | ✅ Done |
| CBT 1 Answer Key & Objection Window | To be notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| CBT 1 Result Declared | To be notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| CBT 2 – Part A (Technical Ability) | June 2026 (Tentative) | 🔵 Upcoming |
| CBT 2 – Part B (Trade Syllabus) | To be notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) | To be notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| Document Verification (DV) | To be notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| Medical Examination | To be notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
⚠️ TBN = To Be Notified. Always verify latest dates at your regional RRB website (e.g. rrbcdg.gov.in, rrbchennai.gov.in).
Eligibility Criteria
Indian Citizen
Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and certain categories of Tibetan refugees / persons of Indian origin are also eligible as per GoI norms.
18 – 30 Years
Age calculated as on 01.07.2024. OBC: +3 yrs | SC/ST: +5 yrs | PwBD: +10 yrs. Ex-Servicemen relaxation as per GoI norms.
10th Pass + ITI / Diploma / Degree (Engineering)
Matriculation (10th) PLUS ITI from NCVT/SCVT in a relevant trade. OR Diploma/Degree in Engineering in a relevant discipline. Trade must match the post applied for.
A-1 Vision (Very Strict)
ALP requires A-1 vision standard — no glasses allowed. Distant vision 6/6 both eyes. Colour blindness, squint, or night blindness will disqualify. Check medical standards before applying.
Vacancies & Posts 2026
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | 18,799 | Level 2 | ₹19,900 |
| Technician Gr. III | 9,144 | Level 2 | ₹19,900 |
| Total | 27,943 |
Vacancies are distributed across all 21 Railway Recruitment Board zones. Zone-wise and category-wise breakdown is available in the official CEN 01/2024 notification.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2024
Stage 1 – CBT 1 (Screening)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
Duration: 60 minutes | Negative Marking: 1/3 per wrong answer | CBT 1 is only a screening test; marks are NOT counted in final merit.
Stage 2 – CBT 2 (Merit-Based)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 15 | 15 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Part B – Relevant Trade Syllabus | 75 | 75 |
| Total | 175 | 175 |
⚠️ Part A vs Part B: Part A (100 marks) determines merit ranking. Part B (75 marks – trade-specific) is qualifying only — you must pass but marks are not added to merit. Final selection is based solely on CBT 2 Part A score.
Stage 3 – CBAT (ALP Post Only)
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test is conducted only for candidates who qualify CBT 2 and opt for the ALP post. It is a battery of 5 psychological tests:
- Memory Test
- Following Directions Test
- Depth Perception Test
- Concentration Test
- Perceptual Speed Test
Minimum T-score must be achieved in each test. If you fail CBAT, you are considered only for Technician posts (if opted). Technician candidates do NOT appear for CBAT.
Detailed Syllabus
📖📐 Mathematics (CBT 1 & 2)
- Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF
- Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Square Root
- Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work, Time & Distance, Pipes & Cisterns
- Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry
- Elementary Statistics, Data Interpretation
📖🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning (CBT 1 & 2)
- Analogies, Alphabetical & Number Series
- Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations
- Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency
- Conclusions & Decision Making
- Similarities & Differences, Analytical Reasoning
- Statement-Conclusion, Non-verbal reasoning
- Blood Relations, Direction Test, Syllogisms
📖🔬 General Science (CBT 1)
- Physics – Motion, Force, Energy, Electricity, Magnetism, Sound, Light (up to Class 10)
- Chemistry – Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Chemical Reactions, Acids & Bases
- Life Sciences – Cell biology, Human body systems, Diseases, Nutrition, Heredity
📖⚙️ Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2 Part A)
- Engineering Drawing – Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments
- Units & Measurements, Mass, Weight, Density, Speed, Velocity, Acceleration
- Work, Power, Energy; Heat & Temperature; Basic Electricity
- Levers & Simple Machines, Occupational Safety & Health, Environment Education
- IT Literacy – basic computer concepts
📖🌍 General Awareness & Current Affairs
- Science & Technology Milestones, Sports & Games
- Culture & Personalities, Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian Economy, Indian History – Freedom Struggle
- Geography – India & World
- Current Affairs – National & International (last 12 months)
- Indian Railways – zones, headquarters, history, important firsts
📖🔧 Part B – Trade Syllabus (CBT 2, Qualifying)
- Fitter, Electrician, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder, Electronics Mechanic
- Mechanic Radio & TV, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Tractor Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic
- Heat Engine, Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic
- Welder (Gas & Electric), Carpenter, Plumber, Pipe Fitter, and 40+ other ITI trades
- Diploma/Degree holders (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automobile Engineering) also eligible
- Exact trade-wise syllabus is published in the official notification – check indianrailways.gov.in
💰 Salary & Benefits
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Gross Salary | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ~₹30,000–₹40,000 | + DA, HRA, TA, free rail pass |
| Technician Gr. III | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ~₹30,000–₹38,000 | + DA, HRA, TA, free rail pass |
Gross salary includes DA (~53% of basic as of 2025), HRA (based on city tier), and Transport Allowance. In-hand salary varies by posting location and city classification.
6-Month Study Plan
Start with NCERT Class 8–10 Mathematics (covers most of the CBT 1 syllabus). Cover all basic arithmetic — percentages, ratios, time-work, profit-loss. Begin General Science with NCERT Class 9 and 10 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Target: 4–5 hours daily.
Master Reasoning — series, analogies, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction test, Venn diagrams. Complete NCERT Science revision. Begin daily current affairs from a single reliable source. Solve 30–40 topic-wise practice questions daily per subject.
Start CBT 2 Part B — your trade-specific syllabus. This section is qualifying but a strong Part B score often separates toppers from average scorers in cut-offs. Use your ITI notes, NCVT question banks, and trade-specific PDFs. Do not neglect Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2 Part A).
Attempt 1 full CBT 1 mock test daily. Review every wrong answer. Maintain an error notebook. Target 80%+ accuracy in Mathematics and Reasoning. Start Railway-specific current affairs — 18 zones, HQs, important milestones, minister names.
Shift primary focus to CBT 2 Part A (Basic Science & Engineering). Solve previous years' ALP CBT 2 papers. For CBAT — practice battery of tests: Memory Test, Following Directions Test, Depth Perception, Concentration Test, and Perceptual Speed Test. These are NOT a standard aptitude test; practice specifically.
Take 2 CBT mocks per day (one CBT 1, one CBT 2). Pure revision — no new topics. Start medical fitness prep: eyesight is strictly tested for ALP (A-1 vision standard). Consult an eye specialist early if you wear glasses — many candidates are screened out at medical.
📚 Best Books for RRB ALP
| Book Title | Author / Publisher | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma (Arihant)Buy | Mathematics |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. AggarwalBuy | Reasoning |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent PublicationsBuy | General Awareness |
| NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10) | NCERT | General Science |
| RRB ALP/Technician Exam Guide | Arihant Experts | All-in-One |
| Objective General Science | S. Chand Publications | General Science |
| Basic Electrical Engineering | V.K. Mehta | CBT 2 Part A |
| RRB ALP Previous Year Papers | Multiple Publishers | Practice |
Free Online Resources
Expert Preparation Tips
CBT 1 is just a gateway — but don't underestimate it. Roughly 3 candidates are called per vacancy for CBT 2. For popular zones like Central, Northern, and Western Railways, competition is intense. Score as high as possible in CBT 1 even though marks don't count in merit.
Master your ITI trade for Part B. This section is qualifying but candidates often fail Part B while excelling in Part A — and lose their chance. Solve 5 years of trade-specific ALP question papers available on RRB zone websites.
Start CBAT preparation NOW, not after CBT 2 results. The aptitude battery requires specific practice — it is unlike any standard exam. Free CBAT simulators are available online. Practice 20 minutes daily alongside your regular prep.
Get your eyes checked early. A-1 vision standard for ALP is non-negotiable. Many candidates discover vision issues only at the medical stage. Visit a Railway Medical Officer or ophthalmologist before applying so you can plan accordingly — including whether to opt for Technician posts instead.
Use region-specific previous papers. Each RRB zone sets its own question papers. If you're applying in RRB Mumbai, solve papers from RRB Mumbai. Zone-specific papers often have local railway GK questions about that zone's headquarters, zone name, and local milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational qualification for RRB ALP 2026?
How many stages are there in RRB ALP selection process?
What is the CBAT and who has to appear for it?
What is the salary of RRB ALP in 2026?
How strict is the medical standard for RRB ALP?
Disclaimer: All information on this page is sourced from official Railway Recruitment Board notifications (CEN 01/2024) and Indian Railways announcements. Exam dates, vacancies, and eligibility criteria may change via official corrigenda. Always verify the latest details at indianrailways.gov.in and your regional RRB website before applying.