The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the highly anticipated Centralised Employment Notice (CEN 01/2026) for the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP) across various railway zones. For the year 2026, the board has announced a massive total of 11,127 vacancies, presenting a golden opportunity for engineering degree/diploma holders and ITI candidates seeking a career in the Indian Railways.
The online registration portal has officially opened on May 15, 2026, and eligible aspirants can submit their applications until June 14, 2026. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of all critical notification details, including educational criteria, selection patterns, medical standards, and zone-wise highlights.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Recruitment Factor | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Notification Number | CEN 01/2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 Posts |
| Pay Scale / Salary | Level 2 (7th CPC) – Initial Basic Pay: ₹19,900/month + Allowances |
| Application Window | May 15, 2026, to June 14, 2026 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Official Portal | www.rrbapply.gov.in |
Important Dates to Remember
- Release of Detailed Notification: May 14, 2026
- Opening Date for Online Applications: May 15, 2026
- Closing Date for Submission: June 14, 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: June 16, 2026
- Application Correction Window: June 17, 2026, to June 26, 2026
- Tentative CBT 1 Exam Date: August 2026 (Expected)
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification
Candidates must ensure they fulfill the following strict educational and technical qualifications before applying:
Passed 10th standard along with an ITI certificate from a recognized NCVT/SCVT institution in relevant trades (including Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Millwright Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic Radio & TV, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Diesel Mechanic, Turner, Machinist, etc.).
Passed a 3-year Engineering Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering from a recognized polytechnic institution.
B.E. or B.Tech graduates in the specified disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering) are completely eligible to apply in lieu of a Diploma.
Age Limit (As of July 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 30 Years *(Note: The general upper age limit has been stabilized at 30 years for this cycle).*
Upper Age Relaxation
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
- SC / ST Candidates: 5 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: Service period rendered + 3 Years
Mandatory A-1 Medical Standards
Since the profile demands high operational precision, candidates must fulfill the rigid A-1 Medical Standards. Eye checkups are mandatory prior to the final processing:
- General Fitness: Physically fit in all structural and internal health respects.
- Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses (Candidates using spectacles are strictly ineligible; +2D fogging test must be passed).
- Near Vision: Sn 0.6, 0.6 without glasses.
- Diagnostic Tests: Must pass specialized testing for Color Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision.
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process features a comprehensive multi-layered framework to evaluate technical and analytical aptitude. The selection will be cleared across 5 consecutive stages:
- First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1): 75 Questions | 60 Minutes duration. Covers Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science, and General Awareness. This phase serves as a qualifying test.
- Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2): Divided into two distinct subdivisions:
- Part-A (100 Questions | 90 Mins): Focuses on Mathematics, Reasoning, and Basic Engineering Sciences. This score carries 50% weightage toward final merit.
- Part-B (75 Questions | 60 Mins): Fully technical trade-related syllabus. Candidates must secure a baseline minimum qualifying mark of 35%.
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Psycho-aptitude testing. Candidates must secure a minimum T-score of 42 in each distinct test battery. Carries 50% weightage toward final merit.
- Document Verification (DV)
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
⚠️ Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer in both CBT-1 and CBT-2 rounds. No negative marking applies to CBAT.
Application Processing Fee
- General / OBC / EWS Category: ₹500/-
- SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Transgender / EBC: ₹250/-
Exam Point of View (GK Bytes): For structural planning, note that the final merit score will be drawn proportionally with a 50:50 combination ratio between your performance in CBT-2 Part-A and the CBAT (Aptitude Test) scores. This makes command over non-technical subjects in Part-A an absolute dealbreaker for final selection!
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