RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) 01/2026 for recruitment to 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts in Indian Railways. The online application process opened on 15 May 2026 and closed on 14 June 2026 at 11:59 PM. The post carries Pay Level-2 of the 7th CPC with an initial pay of ₹19,900, while candidates were required to apply online through the official RRB application portal.
The recruitment is particularly important for candidates holding eligible ITI, diploma or engineering qualifications in relevant technical disciplines. However, the ALP post carries stringent medical standards, and applicants should carefully check the detailed CEN before relying on their educational qualification alone. The RRBs have also made it clear that candidates should depend only on official RRB websites for recruitment-related information.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 Overview
Here is a quick summary of the recruitment announced under CEN 01/2026.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) |
| Recruitment | RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 |
| CEN | 01/2026 |
| Post | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Pay Level | Level-2 |
| Initial Pay | ₹19,900 |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 15 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 14 June 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Job Location | Indian Railways |
| Official Application Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
The official indicative notice confirms the 11,127 vacancies, Level-2 pay, ₹19,900 initial pay and the 15 May to 14 June 2026 application window.
RRB ALP Vacancy 2026
The RRB ALP Vacancy 2026 comprises 11,127 posts distributed across participating RRBs and railway zones. The official vacancy statement shows the overall category-wise distribution as 4,860 UR, 1,746 SC, 919 ST, 2,598 OBC and 1,004 EWS vacancies.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 4,860 |
| SC | 1,746 |
| ST | 919 |
| OBC | 2,598 |
| EWS | 1,004 |
| Total | 11,127 |
Some of the largest RRB-wise allocations include Mumbai – 1,078, Secunderabad – 824, Bhubaneswar – 801, Ranchi – 745, Guwahati – 676, Ajmer – 600 and Siliguri – 600. The official vacancy annexure should be treated as the final reference for RRB-wise and category-wise vacancies.
RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates should carefully verify both the prescribed qualification and the medical requirements. Eligibility is determined according to the detailed CEN, not merely on the basis of having a general technical qualification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the prescribed technical qualification from a recognized institution as specified in the notification. The eligible qualification routes include relevant Matriculation/10th with ITI, Diploma in Engineering and specified Degree in Engineering disciplines.
The detailed notification should be checked for the exact trade and discipline combinations prescribed for ALP before considering an application.
Candidates awaiting the final result of the prescribed qualification should not assume that they can apply. The qualification must satisfy the conditions specified in the CEN by the closing date.
Age Limit
The prescribed age for ALP is 18 to 30 years as on 1 July 2026.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| UR/EWS | No relaxation |
| OBC-NCL | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD-UR/EWS | 10 years |
| PwBD-OBC-NCL | 13 years |
| PwBD-SC/ST | 15 years |
Other relaxations applicable to eligible ex-servicemen and specified railway employees/categories are governed by the conditions in the detailed CEN.
RRB ALP Medical Standards 2026
Medical fitness is an important part of ALP recruitment because the post falls under stringent railway medical standards. Candidates should not treat the written examination as the only eligibility hurdle.
The official ALP documentation specifies demanding vision requirements, including unaided vision standards and tests relating to colour, binocular, field, night and mesopic vision. The notification also states that candidates who have undergone LASIK or other refractive surgery are not eligible for posts requiring the prescribed A1 medical standard.
Therefore, candidates with any history of corrective eye surgery should check the medical provisions in the CEN before applying.
RRB ALP Salary 2026
The Assistant Loco Pilot post is placed at Pay Level-2 under the 7th Central Pay Commission, with an initial basic pay of ₹19,900 per month.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Assistant Loco Pilot |
| Pay Level | Level-2 |
| Initial Pay | ₹19,900 |
| Pay Matrix | Level-2 of 7th CPC |
| Other Benefits | Allowances and benefits as admissible under Railway rules |
The actual monthly earnings can vary according to posting, admissible allowances and the nature of duty. Candidates should therefore avoid treating an estimated in-hand figure as a fixed salary.
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
The RRB ALP selection process consists of CBT-1, CBT-2, Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification and Medical Examination.
Stage 1: CBT-1
CBT-1 is a screening examination used to shortlist candidates for the second-stage CBT. Its marks are not counted in preparation of the final panel.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 75 |
| Maximum Marks | 75 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark for each wrong answer |
| Nature | Screening |
The syllabus covers Mathematics, Mental Ability/Reasoning, General Science and General Awareness, with the General Science component based around the prescribed level in the notification.
Stage 2: CBT-2
Candidates shortlisted for CBT-2 are selected RRB-wise and community-wise based on normalized CBT-1 performance. The number shortlisted is generally limited to 15 times the notified vacancies for the respective RRB, subject to the Railway’s provisions.
CBT-2 has two parts:
| Part | Duration | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Part-A | 90 minutes | 100 |
| Part-B | 60 minutes | 75 |
| Total | 2 hours 30 minutes | 175 |
Part-B is based on the candidate’s relevant trade/technical qualification. Only Part-A marks are counted for subsequent shortlisting, provided the candidate qualifies Part-B.
Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test
Candidates shortlisted for the ALP aptitude stage must qualify the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). This stage is designed to assess aptitude relevant to the duties of an Assistant Loco Pilot.
Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify the preceding stages are called for Document Verification and Medical Examination. The final selection is subject to fulfilling the prescribed medical standards and other eligibility conditions.
RRB ALP Application Fee 2026
The official fee structure is different from the simplified category table often circulated on recruitment websites.
| Candidate Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Candidates other than specified exempted categories | ₹500 |
| SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, Female, Transgender, Minorities and EBC candidates | ₹250 |
For candidates paying ₹500, ₹400 is refundable after applicable bank charges if they appear in CBT-1. For candidates paying ₹250, the prescribed fee is refundable after applicable bank charges on appearing in CBT-1. Only candidates who actually appear in CBT-1 are eligible for the applicable refund.
Candidates should not confuse EBC (Economically Backward Class) with OBC or EWS, as the official FAQ specifically cautions applicants on this point.
How to Apply for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
The application process for CEN 01/2026 was conducted online through the official RRB application system.
Candidates were required to:
- Visit the official RRB application portal.
- Create an account if they did not already have one.
- Candidates who had already created an account for eligible earlier CENs were instructed to use the same credentials where applicable.
- Complete the required personal and educational details.
- Complete the prescribed Aadhaar validation process.
- Select only one RRB.
- Upload the required documents and details.
- Pay the applicable examination fee.
- Submit the application.
- Save the submitted application and payment details for future reference.
The RRB FAQ advises candidates to use a desktop or laptop because some application features may not work properly on mobile devices. It also states that account-creation details cannot be modified after the account is created.
Important Dates for RRB ALP 2026
The key dates notified by the Railway Recruitment Boards are as follows.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice | 14 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 15 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 June 2026, 11:59 PM |
| CBT-1 Exam Date | To be notified |
The official RRB page lists the detailed CEN dated 14 May 2026 and confirms the application period from 15 May to 14 June 2026.
Important Instructions for RRB ALP Candidates
Candidates should keep the following points in mind while following CEN 01/2026:
- Only one application to one RRB is permitted. Multiple applications can result in rejection of all applications and debarment from future RRB/RRC examinations.
- Candidates should not submit an application if they are awaiting the final result of the prescribed qualification.
- ALP medical requirements are stringent, particularly regarding eyesight.
- Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery are not eligible for posts requiring the A1 medical standard.
- Aadhaar validation is used to support identity verification and reduce impersonation during the recruitment process.
- Candidates should rely only on official RRB websites for recruitment notices and avoid touts, agents and unofficial job promises.
- The RRB chosen in the application should be selected carefully because multiple applications across RRBs are prohibited.
Important Links
Candidates should use official RRB sources for CEN 01/2026 rather than relying on third-party recruitment portals.
| Particular | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Detailed CEN 01/2026 | Download Official ALP Notification |
| RRB Chandigarh CEN 01/2026 Page | View CEN 01/2026 Notices |
| RRB Application Portal | Visit RRB Apply Portal |
| RRB Recruitment Notices | Check Official RRB Recruitment Notices |
| ALP Application FAQs | Read Official Application FAQs |
Candidates who applied during the notified window should continue checking the official RRB websites for subsequent examination-related notices, city information, e-call letters and other updates. The Railway Recruitment Boards have specifically advised candidates to ignore unofficial information circulating on social media and other platforms.
