RRB ALP Exam: Assistant Loco Pilot Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Salary, Selection Process
RRB ALP Exam Date 2026: The Railway Recruitment Board has released the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Admit Card 2026 on 9 February 2026 for candidates appearing in the CBT 1 exam. As per the updated schedule, the exam will be conducted on 13, 16, 17, and 18 February 2026. Candidates can download their admit cards from their respective regional RRB websites. The hall ticket includes important details like exam centre, shift timing, reporting time, and essential instructions, and it is compulsory to carry it on the exam day.
Check Out: RRB Books
What is the RRB ALP Exam?
To fill positions for Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician in various railway zones across the nation, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts exams for both ALPs and technicians. There are thousands of applicants for this national exam. The two-stage RRB ALP selection method (first stage CBT and second stage CBT) is the same for ALP and Technician. Also, candidates who choose ALP and pass CBT 2 must take the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) and document verification makes up the final step.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern
This table outlines important information about the RRB ALP 2026 CBT 1, such as the exam pattern, total marks, number of questions, duration, subjects, marking scheme, and negative marking scheme.
| RRB ALP Exam Pattern CBT 1 2026 | |||
| Subjects | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | |||
| General Science | |||
| General Awareness | |||
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern
The RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern comprises two parts: Part A and Part B. The detailed RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern is shown below in the table.
| RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
| Papers | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | ||||
| Basic Science and Engineering | ||||
| Paper 2 | Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Overall Total | 175 | 175 | 150 minutes | |
Check Out: Govt Entrance Exams Books
RRB ALP Exam Eligibility Criteria
The detailed eligibility criteria of the RRB ALP exam consist of the following requirements along with physical fitness, sound mind and body and Indian nationality. The age and educational qualification required are:
Age Requirement:
The minimum age requirement for the position of Assistant Loco Pilot Exam is set between 18 and 33 years.
Education Qualification:
Candidates are eligible for the RRB ALP & Technician exam if they possess the following qualifications:
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Matriculation or SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate).
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Completion of an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) program from recognized institutions accredited by NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) or SCVT (State Council for Vocational Training). The trades eligible for this criterion include but are not limited to:
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Armature and Coil Winder
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Electrician
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Electronics Mechanic
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Fitter
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Heat Engine
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Instrument Mechanic
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Machinist
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Mechanic Diesel
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Mechanic Motor Vehicle
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Millwright Maintenance Mechanic
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Mechanic Radio & TV
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Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic
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Tractor Mechanic
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Turner
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Wireman
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Candidates who have completed an Act Apprenticeship in the trades specified above are eligible to apply.
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Possession of a three-year diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering is also accepted.
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Candidates with a combination of various streams within these engineering disciplines from recognized institutions, as a substitute for ITI, are eligible.
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Candidates holding degrees in the engineering disciplines mentioned above are eligible to apply for the exam.
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RRB ALP Selection Process
Candidates looking to appear for the RRB ALP exam should familiarize themselves with the selection procedure they will undergo. The RRB ALP Selection Process consist of the following stages, all of which are conducted in a computer-based format:
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Stage I Computer Based Test (CBT)
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Stage II Computer Based Test (CBT)
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Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
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Document Verification
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Medical Examination
RRB ALP Salary 2026
Once appointed as Assistant Loco Pilots, successful candidates can expect an appealing remuneration package in accordance with the Government's Pay Level system. Apart from the base salary, candidates will also receive a range of allowances and benefits as per the prescribed guidelines. The selected candidates will receive a salary equivalent to Level 2 of the Pay Matrix, starting at Rs. 19,900. For more details, please see the detailed breakdown of the RRB ALP Salary 2026 provided in the following table.
| RRB ALP 2026 Salary Structure | |
|---|---|
| Parameter | Approximate Amount (₹) |
| Pay Scale | 19,900 |
| Dearness Allowance (Around 50% of Basic) | 10,000 |
| House Rent Allowance (27% in X city) | 5,000 |
| Other Allowance | 5,000 |
| Gross Pay | 30,000-40,000 (City Dependent) |
| Net Deduction | 2000-3000 |
| Net Salary | 25,000-35,000 (City Dependent) |
RRB ALP Exam FAQs
Q1: What is the selection process for the RRB assistant loco pilot?
Ans: The selection process includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT) stage 1, a Computer-Based Test (CBT) stage 2, and then a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). The CBAT is only for the ALP position.
Q2: What is the salary of RRB ALP?
Ans: In Pay Level 2, the starting base salary will be Rs 19,900, and monthly salaries would vary from Rs 24000 to Rs 34,000.
Q4: How many hours do loco pilots work?
Ans: The shift is mostly 12-24 hours, but an average trip could be 36-46 hours. Many loco pilots work at least forty hours per week.
Q5: Is there an offline option for applying for the RRB exam?
Ans: No, candidates can only apply online, and the RRB ALP application form cannot be filled out offline.
