RRB ALP 2026 Notification Out – 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot Vacancies
Last Updated: 13 May 2026 | The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB ALP 2026 notification (CEN No. 01/2026) for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies across Indian Railways. The detailed notification was published on 14 May 2026 and the online application window opens on 15 May 2026 at rrbapply.gov.in. With over 22 lakh candidates expected to apply, RRB ALP 2026 is one of the most competitive Railway exams of the year. If you have a 10th pass qualification with ITI or a Diploma/Degree in Engineering, this is your chance to land a permanent central government job with job security, free railway passes, and a salary that grows with every promotion.
📌 RRB ALP 2026 Key Highlights: Total Posts: 11,127 | Apply Online: 15 May – 14 June 2026 | CBT 1 Exam: August 2026 | Pay Level: Level-2 | Starting Salary: ₹19,900/month | In-Hand: ₹28,000–35,000 | Medical Standard: A1
RRB ALP 2026 – Complete Overview (CEN 01/2026)
| Detail | Information |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Advertisement No. | CEN 01/2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level-2 |
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹28,000 – ₹35,000/month |
| Medical Standard | A1 (Highest – Vision critical) |
| Detailed Notification Released | 14 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 June 2026 |
| CBT 1 Exam Date | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
RRB ALP 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Short Notification Released | 16 March 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Released | 14 May 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 15 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 June 2026 ⚠️ |
| CBT 1 Admit Card | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| CBT 1 Exam | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| CBT 1 Result | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| CBT 2 Exam | October – November 2026 (Tentative) |
| CBAT (Aptitude Test) | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| Document Verification & Medical | January – February 2027 (Tentative) |
RRB ALP 2026 Vacancy Details – Zone-Wise Breakdown
The 11,127 RRB ALP 2026 vacancies are distributed across all Railway Recruitment Board zones. The official zone-wise breakdown for CEN 01/2026 will be published in the detailed notification. Based on the previous cycle (CEN 01/2025 — 9,970 vacancies), here is the zone-wise reference distribution:
| RRB Zone | Railway | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
| Ahmedabad | WR | 223 | 130 | 74 | 37 | 33 | 497 |
| Ajmer | NWR/WCR | 271 | 147 | 66 | 73 | 63 | 820 |
| Bhubaneswar | ECR | 454 | 121 | 205 | 119 | 29 | 928 |
| Secunderabad | SCR/ECoR | 651 | 254 | 216 | 110 | 269 | 1,500 |
| Bilaspur | SECR | 228 | 155 | 86 | 43 | 56 | 568 |
| Mumbai | CR/WR | 290 | 195 | 107 | 54 | 72 | 718 |
| Ranchi | ECR/SER | 489 | 320 | 192 | 88 | 124 | 1,213 |
| Chandigarh | NR | 188 | 117 | 56 | 28 | 44 | 433 |
| Kolkata | SER/ER | 470 | 325 | 179 | 97 | 82 | 1,153 |
| Chennai | SR | 155 | 73 | 56 | 37 | 41 | 362 |
| Bhopal | WR/WCR | 244 | 141 | 115 | 53 | 111 | 664 |
| Others | NER/NFR/NR | 453 | 311 | 189 | 107 | 100 | 1,270 |
| Total (2025 reference) | 4,116 | 2,289 | 1,716 | 858 | 991 | 9,970 |
Note: Above figures are from CEN 01/2025 for reference. Official zone-wise breakdown for CEN 01/2026 (11,127 posts) will be published in the detailed notification at rrbapply.gov.in.
RRB ALP 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Qualification | Details |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th Standard (Matric / SSLC) pass from a recognised board |
| Option 1 – ITI | ITI Certificate in relevant trade from a recognised institute (NCVT/SCVT) |
| Option 2 – Diploma | Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering |
| Option 3 – Degree | B.E. / B.Tech in relevant Engineering discipline |
Important: Class 12 pass alone is NOT sufficient. You must have 10th pass + ITI / Diploma / Degree in a relevant technical trade.
Age Limit for RRB ALP 2026
| Category | Age Limit |
| General (UR) | 18 – 30 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 – 33 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 18 – 35 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (General) | 18 – 40 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government rules |
Age is calculated as on 1 July 2026.
RRB ALP 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund on Appearing in CBT 1 |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded |
| SC / ST / Female / PwD / Ex-SM / Minorities / EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 fully refunded |
Payment can be made via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Fee refund is processed after appearing in CBT 1.
RRB ALP 2026 Salary – Complete In-Hand Breakdown
| Salary Component | Amount (Per Month) |
| Basic Pay (Level-2) | ₹19,900 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) – ~50% | ₹9,950 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA – X city 24%) | ₹4,776 |
| Transport Allowance | ₹1,800 + DA on TA |
| Running Allowance (unique to ALP) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 (based on km run) |
| Gross Salary (approx.) | ₹39,000 – ₹42,000 |
| NPS Deduction (10% of Basic + DA) | ~₹2,985 |
| In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ₹28,000 – ₹35,000 |
Key perk unique to RRB ALP: The Running Allowance is paid based on the kilometres run on duty. The more kilometres you cover, the higher this allowance — making ALP one of the better-paying Level-2 posts in railways in terms of total take-home.
Additional Benefits
- Free Railway Pass: Self + family (spouse, dependent children, dependent parents) — travel anywhere on Indian Railways
- Railway Quarters: Government accommodation at subsidised licence fee (subject to availability)
- CGHS / Railway Hospital: Free medical treatment for employee and family at Railway hospitals
- NPS Pension: Government contributes 14% of Basic + DA every month
- Running Allowance: Additional pay based on km covered on duty — unique to loco pilot cadre
- Uniform Allowance: Annual allowance for official uniform
- Leave: 30 days Earned Leave + Casual Leave + medical leave per year
RRB ALP 2026 Selection Process – All 5 Stages Explained
Stage 1 – CBT 1 (Computer Based Test 1)
| Detail | Information |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Total Marks | 75 (1 mark per question) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
| Nature | Screening test only — marks NOT counted in final merit |
| Subject | Questions |
| Mathematics | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 |
| General Science | 20 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 |
| Total | 75 |
Stage 2 – CBT 2 (Computer Based Test 2)
CBT 2 is the main exam — marks here count in the final merit list. It has two parts:
| Part | Questions | Marks | Duration | Weightage in Merit |
| Part A – General subjects (Maths, Reasoning, Science, GK) | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | 70% |
| Part B – Technical Trade subjects (ITI/Diploma-based) | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes | Qualifying only (min. 35%) |
Stage 3 – CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test)
The CBAT is a psychometric aptitude test specifically designed for the Loco Pilot role. It tests attention, memory, following instructions, depth perception, and perceptual speed — all critical skills for safely operating a locomotive. It is qualifying in nature. Minimum qualifying marks: 42 out of 70 for all categories.
Stage 4 – Document Verification (DV)
Candidates shortlisted after CBAT must bring original certificates for verification — educational qualification, age proof, caste/category certificate, and ITI/Diploma certificates. Any discrepancy leads to disqualification.
Stage 5 – Medical Examination (DME)
RRB ALP requires Medical Standard A1 — the highest medical fitness standard in Indian Railways. Vision requirements are strict: distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (without glasses), with no colour blindness. Hearing must be normal without aid. This is the stage where candidates with spectacles or colour vision issues are most commonly rejected.
RRB ALP 2026 Previous Year Cutoff – CBT 1
| Year / Cycle | UR Cutoff (out of 75) | OBC Cutoff | SC Cutoff | ST Cutoff |
| CEN 01/2024 (2025 exam) | ~72 | ~50 | ~32 | ~28 |
| CEN 01/2023 | ~70 | ~48 | ~30 | ~25 |
| CEN 01/2018 | ~56 | ~40 | ~30 | ~25 |
| Expected CEN 01/2026 | ~59–63 | ~43–47 | ~30–34 | ~25–28 |
CBT 1 Safe Target: Aim for 65+ out of 75 for General category. This gives you a comfortable buffer and improves your chances of being shortlisted even if the cutoff rises slightly.
RRB ALP 2026 Vacancy Trend – Why This Cycle Matters
| Recruitment Cycle | Vacancies |
| CEN 01/2014 | 18,663 |
| CEN 01/2018 | 26,502 |
| CEN 01/2024 | 5,696 |
| CEN 01/2025 | 9,970 |
| CEN 01/2026 | 11,127 ↑ |
After a sharp dip in 2024 (only 5,696 posts), vacancies have been rising again — from 9,970 in 2025 to 11,127 in 2026. This upward trend is positive for aspirants.
How to Apply for RRB ALP 2026 – Step-by-Step
- Visit the official application portal: Go to www.rrbapply.gov.in
- Create your account: Register with a valid mobile number and email ID. Verify via OTP.
- Fill the application form: Enter personal details, educational qualification, ITI/Diploma details, and category.
- Upload documents: Recent passport photo (20–50 KB), signature (10–40 KB), and other required documents in the specified format.
- Select RRB preference: Choose up to 3 RRB zones in order of preference based on your preferred posting location.
- Pay application fee: ₹500 (General/OBC) or ₹250 (SC/ST/Female/PwD) via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Review and submit: Double-check all entries — name spelling, date of birth, category. Errors cannot be corrected after submission.
- Download confirmation: Save the application confirmation and fee receipt. Note your registration number for future reference.
RRB ALP 2026 Preparation Strategy – Section-Wise Tips
Mathematics (20 questions in CBT 1)
Focus on: Number System, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Time-Distance-Speed, Area and Volume, Algebra basics. Aim for full marks — Maths in CBT 1 is straightforward and formula-based.
General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 questions)
This is the highest-question section. Cover: Analogies, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams, Syllogism, Directions, Calendars, Puzzles. Previous year papers show strong repetition of question types.
General Science (20 questions)
Physics (Laws of Motion, Electricity, Heat, Light), Chemistry (Periodic Table, Chemical Reactions, Acids/Bases), Biology (Cell, Human Body, Diseases). NCERT Class 9–10 level is sufficient. Do not go beyond NCERT for this section.
General Awareness (10 questions)
Railways-specific GK (history of Indian Railways, zones, major projects), current affairs of last 6 months, Sports, Awards. Only 10 questions — do not over-invest time here.
Technical (CBT 2 Part B)
Study from your ITI/Diploma trade syllabus. Cover theory thoroughly — Electrical or Mechanical principles depending on your trade. This section is qualifying only (35% minimum) but a poor score here can eliminate you from the merit list.
Important Links – RRB ALP 2026
| Resource | Link |
| Apply Online (from 15 May) | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | rrbcdg.gov.in |
| Indian Railways Official | indianrailways.gov.in |
| RRB Helpdesk | 0172-565-3333 / 9592001188 (10 AM – 5 PM, working days) |
Frequently Asked Questions – RRB ALP 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for RRB ALP 2026?
The last date to apply online for RRB ALP 2026 (CEN 01/2026) is 14 June 2026 at rrbapply.gov.in. The application window opens on 15 May 2026.
Q2. What is the RRB ALP 2026 in-hand salary?
The in-hand salary for RRB ALP 2026 is approximately ₹28,000–₹35,000 per month including DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and Running Allowance. Basic pay is ₹19,900 at Pay Level-2 (7th CPC).
Q3. Can 12th pass candidates apply for RRB ALP 2026?
No. Class 12 pass alone is not sufficient. You need 10th pass + ITI Certificate OR Diploma/Degree in Engineering in a relevant trade. Without a technical qualification, you are not eligible.
Q4. How many total stages are there in RRB ALP 2026 selection?
There are 5 stages: CBT 1 (screening) → CBT 2 (main exam) → CBAT (Aptitude Test) → Document Verification → Medical Examination (Standard A1).
Q5. What is the expected RRB ALP 2026 CBT 1 cutoff for General category?
Based on previous year trends, the expected CBT 1 cutoff for General/UR category is 59–63 out of 75 marks. Aim for 65+ to be safe. Remember, CBT 1 is only a screening test — marks are not counted in final merit.
Q6. What medical standard is required for RRB ALP 2026?
RRB ALP requires Medical Standard A1 — the strictest in Indian Railways. Vision must be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other without glasses. No colour blindness is allowed. Candidates with spectacles or colour vision deficiency will be rejected at the medical stage.
Q7. Is there negative marking in RRB ALP 2026?
Yes. There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark (0.33 marks) for every wrong answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Q8. What are the ITI trades eligible for RRB ALP 2026?
The eligible trades include Electrician, Wireman, Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Mechanic (Diesel), Instrument Mechanic, Machinist, Electronic Mechanic, and others as specified in the detailed CEN 01/2026 notification. Check the full list at rrbapply.gov.in before applying.
Also Read: Other Railway Recruitment 2026
🔗 RRB Recruitment 2026 – All Railway Exams Guide — See all RRB exams including NTPC, Group D, Technician, and ALP in one place.
🔗 RRB NTPC 2026 — 8,868 vacancies for graduate and undergraduate candidates.
🔗 RRB Group D 2026 — 22,195 Level-1 vacancies for 10th pass candidates.
🔗 RRB Technician 2026 — 6,565 posts for ITI and Diploma holders.
For the latest RRB ALP 2026 updates — admit card, exam date, result, and cutoff — bookmark RozgarOfficial RRB Guide. We cover every stage of the RRB ALP 2026 selection process.
