RRB ALP Recruitment 2026

1. Important Dates and Schedule

Candidates are strictly advised to complete their online application prior to the final deadline to avoid network congestion.

2. Post and Vacancy Details

The vacancies are distributed across all participating Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) zones in India.

3. Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess specific technical qualifications from a recognized institution or board to be eligible for the ALP post.

• Matriculation + ITI: 10th Pass (SSLC) along with an ITI certificate from NCVT/SCVT in specified trades (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic Radio/TV, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Wireman, Tractor Mechanic, Armature & Coil Winder, Mechanic Diesel, Heat Engine, Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic).
• Act Apprenticeship: Matriculation / SSLC plus Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the trades mentioned above.
• Diploma / Degree: A 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering. Candidates with an Engineering Degree in these specific disciplines are also eligible to apply.

4. Age Limit Criteria

The age boundaries are calculated strictly as of 01/07/2026. Standard upper age relaxations apply per government directives.

• Minimum Age: 18 Years.
• Maximum Age: 30 Years (for UR/EWS candidates).
• Age Relaxations: The upper age limit is relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST candidates, and by 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates. Ex-Servicemen receive specific relaxations as well.

5. Medical Standards (A-1)

The ALP post demands the highest level of medical fitness, particularly concerning vision. Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery are strictly ineligible.

• General Fitness: Candidates must be physically fit in all respects.
• Visual Acuity: Distant Vision must be 6/6, 6/6 without glasses (with fogging test, must not accept +2D). Near Vision must be Sn 0.6, 0.6 without glasses.
• Specific Tests: Must pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision.

6. Application Fee Details

Fees must be remitted exclusively via the integrated online payment gateway. The RRB initiates a partial refund to candidates who successfully appear for the CBT-1 examination.

7. Selection Process and Exam Pattern

The selection framework for the Assistant Loco Pilot post is highly competitive and involves multiple stages.

• CBT-1 (Screening Test): The first stage consists of an objective Computer Based Test (75 marks). It is purely qualifying in nature to shortlist candidates for the next stage.
• CBT-2 (Part-A & Part-B): Part-A determines merit and consists of core subjects (100 marks). Part-B is a qualifying technical trade test (75 marks).
• Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Candidates must secure a minimum T-Score of 42 marks in each of the test batteries to qualify. There is no negative marking in the CBAT.
• Final Stages: The process concludes with rigorous Document Verification and the A-1 Medical Examination.

8. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

Candidates must ensure they apply to only one RRB zone. Duplicate applications will lead to absolute disqualification.

1. Portal Access: Visit the official centralized RRB Application portal.
2. Registration: Create a new account using an active email ID and mobile number, or log in with existing credentials.
3. Form Completion: Input your personal data, educational history, category details, and RRB zone preferences carefully.
4. Uploads: Upload a running handwriting signature and capture a Live Photograph as per the exact portal instructions.
5. Fee Payment: Pay the applicable fee using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
6. Confirmation: Submit the form and immediately download the system-generated application printout. Keep the Registration Number safe for admit card downloads.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)