A good fit if you...
- Have an ITI or diploma in a mechanical or electrical trade.
- Like machines and want an active, responsible job.
- Can handle irregular hours, night runs and time away from home.
Railways · ITI / Diploma
RRB ALP — Assistant Loco Pilot
Railway Recruitment Board – Assistant Loco Pilot (RRB ALP) recruits ALP — the second driver on Indian Railways trains. It is one of the best government careers for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and diploma holders, with good pay through running allowance and a clear path to Loco Pilot.
Qualification10th + ITI / Diploma
Age Limit18–30 years
Starting PayLevel 2 + running allowance
StagesCBT 1 → CBT 2 → CBAT → DV & Medical
Overview
What is RRB ALP?
An ALP assists the Loco Pilot in running trains — checking the locomotive, watching signals and handling the engine under supervision. After experience and training, ALPs are promoted to Loco Pilot (Shunting), Goods and then Passenger and Mail/Express.
Because loco running staff earn a running allowance based on kilometres travelled, actual earnings are much higher than the Level 2 basic pay suggests.
Assistant Loco PilotITI TradesCBATA-1 MedicalRunning Allowance
Fit check
Who should choose RRB ALP
Think twice if you...
- Wear glasses or have eyesight issues — A-1 medical needs 6/6 vision without glasses.
- Want a fixed 9-to-5 routine.
- Do not have an eligible ITI trade or engineering diploma.
What gives you an edge
ITI trades
Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, Electronics Mechanic, Wireman, Turner, Machinist, Instrument Mechanic, Refrigeration & AC, Motor Vehicle and others.
Engineering diploma or degree
Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Automobile engineering in place of ITI.
Science basics
Computer-Based Test (CBT) 2 has basic science and engineering questions.
Step-by-step plan for your background
Arts / Humanities
If you're from Arts
- A Class 12 Arts stream does not make you eligible — you need Class 10 + ITI in an eligible trade (or an engineering diploma).
- If you are still choosing, an ITI in Electrician, Fitter or Mechanic Diesel is a direct route.
- Learn basic science and engineering concepts for CBT 2 Part A.
Commerce
If you're from Commerce
- Commerce in Class 12 does not count — eligibility comes from ITI or an engineering diploma.
- Pick an eligible ITI trade after Class 10, or a diploma in Mechanical/Electrical.
- Use your arithmetic strength in the maths sections.
Science
If you're from Science
- Science students can take a 3-year engineering diploma (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automobile) instead of ITI.
- Your science background helps in Basic Science & Engineering.
- Practise CBAT-style aptitude tests early.
Eligibility
RRB ALP eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen (and certain other categories) |
| Qualification (Option 1) | Class 10 + ITI from NCVT/SCVT in a notified trade (e.g. Armature & Coil Winder, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Fitter, Heat Engine, Instrument Mechanic, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Millwright Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic Radio & TV, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Tractor Mechanic, Turner, Wireman) |
| Qualification (Option 2) | Class 10 + course-completed Act Apprenticeship in the above trades |
| Qualification (Option 3) | 3-year diploma (or degree) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Automobile engineering, in place of ITI |
| Age limit | 18–30 years |
| Medical standard | A-1 — distant vision 6/6, 6/6 without glasses; near vision Sn 0.6 each eye; must pass colour vision and other tests |
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | As per government rules (military service deducted from age, plus 3 years) |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | No age relaxation |
The Railways has given one-time additional age relaxation in some recent notifications. Always check the CEN.
Step-by-step
RRB ALP selection process
Stage 1
Apply online
To one RRB.
Stage 2
CBT 1
Screening test — 75 questions in 60 minutes.
Stage 3
CBT 2
Part A (merit) and Part B (trade test, qualifying).
Stage 4
CBAT
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (psycho test) — minimum T-score in each test.
Stage 5
Document verification & medical
A-1 medical standard.
Marks & timing
RRB ALP exam pattern
Stage 1
CBT 1
Questions75Marks75Duration60 minutes
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science, General Awareness | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
Stage 2
CBT 2
Part A (merit)100 Qs · 90 minPart B (qualifying)75 Qs · 60 min
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A — Maths, Basic Science & Engineering, Reasoning, General Awareness | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Part B — Relevant trade (qualifying) | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
Part B needs at least 35% to qualify; it does not count in merit.
Stage 3
CBAT
| Component | Details | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Aptitude test battery | Memory, attention, reaction time, depth perception and other driving-related aptitudes | 30% of final merit (CBT 2 Part A = 70%) |
Key rules at a glance
Negative marking
One-third mark deducted per wrong answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
CBAT
No negative marking; minimum T-score of 42 in each test (as per recent notifications).
Merit
70% CBT 2 Part A + 30% CBAT.
Language
15 languages including English and Hindi.
What to study
RRB ALP syllabus
Mathematics
Number systemBODMASDecimalsFractionsRatioPercentageMensurationTime and workTime and distanceInterestAlgebraGeometryTrigonometry
Reasoning
AnalogiesSeriesCoding-decodingPuzzlesSyllogismVenn diagramsData sufficiency
General Science
Class 10 physics, chemistry and life science.
Basic Science & Engineering
Engineering drawingUnitsMeasurementsMassWeightWorkPowerEnergyHeatBasic electricityLeversSimple machinesOccupational safety
Trade (Part B)
Syllabus of the relevant ITI trade.
Pay, perks & work
RRB ALP salary, designation & job profile
Basic pay₹19,900/month
Pay Level 2 (₹19,900–63,200).
Running allowanceSignificant addition
Paid per kilometre of running duty; with DA and other allowances, total pay is well above the basic.
PerksFree railway passes, quarters, medical
Plus night duty allowance and pension under applicable rules.
Job role & responsibilities
Locomotive checks
Inspect the loco before and during runs.
Signal watching
Call out signals and assist the Loco Pilot.
Train operation
Operate the loco under supervision after training.
Safety
Follow safety rules and report faults.
Career ladder
1Entry
Assistant Loco Pilot
Entry post.
2Step 2
Loco Pilot (Shunting)
After experience and training.
3Step 3
Loco Pilot (Goods)
Running goods trains.
4Step 4
Loco Pilot (Passenger / Mail-Express)
Senior running posts; Loco Inspector and Crew Controller later.
Preparation strategy
How to prepare for RRB ALP
A practical, phase-by-phase plan. Adjust the timeline to when the next notification is expected.
1Weeks 1–2
Understand the CEN
- Read the Centralised Employment Notice — posts, medical standards and eligibility.
- Pick post preferences you are medically fit for.
2Months 1–3
Build concepts
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Science Class 9–10, arithmetic and reasoning basics.
- Static General Knowledge (GK) and a daily current-affairs habit.
3Months 3–4
Previous papers
- Solve RRB previous papers shift-wise.
- Sectional tests on General Awareness and Maths.
4Final 6 weeks
Mocks and skill tests
- Full CBT mocks with one-third negative marking in mind.
- Typing practice or aptitude-test practice for posts that need it.
RRB ALP-specific tips
Revise your ITI trade
Part B is qualifying but cannot be ignored.
Practise CBAT-style tests
The aptitude battery is unfamiliar to most candidates.
Check your eyesight early
A-1 standard is strict — get tested before investing months of preparation.
Trusted resources
Where to study from
- The CEN on your regional RRB website (apply only via official RRB sites)
- NCERT Science and Maths (Class 6–10)
- RRB previous-year papers (shift-wise)
- PIB (pib.gov.in) for current affairs and railway news
- Online mock tests with normalisation-style scoring
Keep exploring
Related government exams
Student doubts
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A diploma (or degree) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Automobile engineering is accepted in place of ITI.
No. The A-1 medical standard requires 6/6 distant vision without glasses.
No. Many ITI holders clear ALP with self-study and mock tests, especially for CBAT practice.
No. You can apply in every cycle within the age limit.
Common eligible trades include Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, Electronics Mechanic, Wireman, Turner, Machinist, Instrument Mechanic, Motor Vehicle and Refrigeration & AC. Check the full list in the CEN.
No PET, but the A-1 medical standard is strict: 6/6 distant vision without glasses, plus colour vision tests.
Crew lobbies and loco sheds within the allotted zone; you run trains across the division.
ALP → Loco Pilot (Shunting) → Loco Pilot (Goods) → Loco Pilot (Passenger) → Loco Pilot (Mail/Express); Loco Inspector later.
*Eligibility, age limits, exam pattern and pay figures are based on recent official notifications and the 7th Central Pay Commission structure as of 2026. In-hand salary estimates are indicative and vary with city (HRA) and the current Dearness Allowance rate. Every recruitment cycle can change the details — always confirm in the latest official notification before applying.
Official source: Indian Railways (indianrailways.gov.in) — apply only via your regional RRB website