✔ Ideal for you if…
- Like machines and want a secure central government job without a degree.
- Stay alert and focused for long hours and follow rules exactly.
- Have the eyesight and health to meet medical standard A-1.
Every train driver in Indian Railways starts as an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP), recruited by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) through a computer-based exam and a psychometric aptitude test. From there, promotions lead to driving goods trains, then passenger and Mail/Express trains. The entry gate is a trade qualification — ITI or an engineering diploma — not a degree.
ITI (CTS trades)Class 8 / Class 10 merit, trade-wise
Polytechnic Diploma (all engineering branches)State polytechnic admission after Class 10 (merit or entrance)
Any board; Maths and Science basics help in the exam.
Pick a trade or branch named in the RRB ALP notification.
Screening test; marks do not count in the final merit.
Part A (maths, reasoning, science, awareness) and qualifying trade Part B.
Psychometric aptitude test, document verification and A-1 medical.
Initial training, then ALP; promotion to Loco Pilot goods, passenger and Mail/Express.
Eligibility, exams and cycles, training and final qualification for Loco Pilot, in order, with official links.
Railway pay follows the 7th Central Pay Commission matrix; running allowances and DA are added on top of basic pay.
Basic pay at Level 2 of the 7th CPC matrix (₹19,900 entry basic), plus DA, HRA and running allowance.
Promotion brings a higher pay level.
The top running grade, reached after years of service.
Eligibility is Class 10 plus a notified ITI trade or engineering diploma.
You must also pass every CBAT battery and the A-1 medical.
*Pay figures are indicative unless they quote an official pay level, and rules change: confirm eligibility, dates and fees on the official websites listed under Sources before you act.
Rules, exams and rankings on this page are taken from the official bodies below. Always confirm dates and fees on the official website before you act.
**Sources — Railway Loco Pilot — Driving Indian Railways Trains (https://emargdarshan.com/loco-pilot.html)**
1. [Indian Railways — Railway Recruitment Boards](https://indianrailways.gov.in/) — ALP recruitment notifications, eligibility, CBT/CBAT pattern, medical standards and pay level
Spotted something out of date? Email margdarshan07support10@gmail.com with the official link and we will update it.