The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released a notification for the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP) under the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2025. A total of 9970 vacancies have been announced across all RRBs. The online application process will begin on 12th April 2025, and candidates interested in applying are advised to submit their applications before the closing date of 11th May 2025. This article covers all the important details related to the recruitment notification.
Table of Contents:-
The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) is an entry-level position within the train operating crew of Indian Railways. Primarily responsible for assisting the Loco Pilot (train driver), the ALP acts as a vital second member, continuously observing signals and track conditions, aiding in communication, monitoring instruments, and helping with minor troubleshooting and brake applications. This role serves as a crucial training ground, where individuals gain the necessary experience and knowledge of train operations and safety procedures to eventually become independent Loco Pilots.
Overview of RRB ALP 2025
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilots |
| Vacancies | 9970 |
| Educational Qualification | 10th + ITI/ Diploma |
| Age | Between 18 and 30 years |
| Category | Railway Job |
| Salary | Rs.19,900/- |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Release Date | 11-04-2025 |
| Apply Online Start Date | 12-04-2025 |
| Apply Online Last Date | 11-05-2025 |
| Selection Process | CBT I, CBT II, CBAT, Document Verification |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Questions Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Links | Apply Online |
| Notification (PDF) | |
| Official Website |
Vacancy Information
The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment, as announced by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), has released a total of 9970 vacancies across the country. These vacancies are distributed RRB-wise and Railway Zone-wise throughout India. A detailed notification with the breakdown of vacancies by each RRB and zone is provided below.
Application Fee
| Category of Candidates | Examination Fee | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates (except those mentioned in S.No. 2) | Rs. 500/- | Rs. 400/- |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, Female, Transgender, Minorities, Economically Backward Class (EBC) | Rs. 250/- | Rs. 250/- |
| Refund is applicable only to candidates who appear in the 1st Stage CBT. | ||
Salary Details
As per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the pay level for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) is Level-2, with an initial basic pay of Rs. 19,900.
| Pay Level in 7th CPC | Initial pay (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Level-2 | 19900 |
Educational Qualifications
| Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|
|
A) Matriculation / SSLC plus ITI from recognised institutions of NCVT/SCVT in the trades of 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 & Air-Conditioning Mechanic. (OR) Matriculation / SSLC plus Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the trades mentioned above. (OR) B) Matriculation / SSLC plus three years Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering OR combination of various streams of these Engineering disciplines from a recognised Institution in lieu of ITI. |
Age Requirement
As on 01st July 2025, the age limit for applying to the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) post is 18 to 30 years. However, there is relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government rules. Candidates must ensure that the date of birth entered in the application matches exactly with the one recorded in their Matriculation/SSLC/10th Class or equivalent certificate.
| Age Limit (as on 01-07-2025) |
Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Years | 30 Years |
Recruitment Process:
The selection process for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) will consist of the following stages:
- First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
- Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2)
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME)
(1) First Stage CBT (CBT-1):
The First Stage CBT (CBT-1) is a screening test conducted to shortlist eligible candidates for the Second Stage CBT (CBT-2) based on their normalized marks and merit. Shortlisting will be done among candidates who have selected the same RRB. It is important to note that the marks obtained in CBT-1 will not be considered while preparing the final selection panel.
| Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 75 | 75 | 60 min |
| Mental Ability | |||
| General Science | |||
| General Awareness |
(2) Second Stage CBT (CBT-2):
The Second Stage CBT (CBT-2) will be conducted for all candidates who qualify in CBT-1. It will consist of two parts: Part-A and Part-B. There will be a negative marking of 1/3rd marks for each wrong answer. Candidates must carefully answer the questions to avoid losing marks due to incorrect responses.
| Part | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 90 min |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | ||||
| Basic Science and Engineering | ||||
| B | – | 75 | 75 | 60 min |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 2 hours and 30 minutes | |
Note:
- Part-B of CBT-2 is only qualifying in nature. It will include questions based on the trade syllabus relevant to the post.
- To move to the next stage, candidates must score at least 35% marks in Part-B, regardless of their category.
- Only the marks obtained in Part-A will be considered for shortlisting candidates for the further stages of the recruitment process.
(3) Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT):
- Candidates will be shortlisted for CBAT based on their marks in Part-A of CBT-2, provided they qualify Part-B.
- If multiple candidates score equal to the cut-off, all such candidates will be shortlisted for CBAT.
- Shortlisted candidates must produce their Vision Certificate (in the prescribed format – Annexure VIA) in original at the time of CBAT. Without it, they will not be allowed to appear.
- Candidates must qualify each test battery/section separately to pass CBAT.
- CBAT will be conducted only in English and Hindi.
- There is no negative marking in CBAT.
- All candidates must secure a minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery to qualify, irrespective of their category.
- The final merit list will include only those who qualify CBAT, with 70% weightage from Part-A of CBT-2 and 30% from CBAT.
(4) Document Verification (DV)
- Candidates will be shortlisted for DV based on their performance in Part-A of CBT-2, qualification in Part-B of CBT-2, and scores in CBAT.
- The number of candidates shortlisted will be equal to the number of vacancies.
- In case of a tie in marks, the older candidate (by age) will be given higher merit.
- Appointment is subject to passing the Medical Fitness Test conducted by the Railway Administration.
- Final selection also depends on verification of all essential documents.
- Verification of the candidate’s character and antecedents is also mandatory for appointment.
In conclusion, this recruitment provides a great opportunity for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Loco Pilots, with detailed information about eligibility, exam stages, fees, and other important guidelines discussed above. For complete and accurate details, candidates are advised to read the official notification thoroughly. It is crucial to carefully go through all instructions before submitting the ONLINE application to avoid any errors or disqualification.
FAQs:
What is the total number of vacancies for RRB ALP 2025?
The Railway Recruitment Board has announced a total of 9970 vacancies for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) across various RRBs and Railway Zones in India.
What is the starting and last date to apply online?
The online application process for RRB ALP 2025 begins on 12th April 2025 and the last date for submission of applications is 11th May 2025. Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
What is the minimum educational qualification required?
Candidates must have completed Matriculation/SSLC along with ITI from NCVT/SCVT in the relevant trade, or completed an Act Apprenticeship in specified trades, or possess a 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering, or a combination of these disciplines from a recognized institution.
What is the age limit for applying?
The minimum age to apply is 18 years and the maximum age is 30 years as on 1st July 2025. Relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the selection process for ALP posts?
The recruitment process consists of five stages: First Stage CBT (CBT-1), Second Stage CBT (CBT-2), Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination (ME), with candidates required to qualify each stage as per the criteria.
Is there negative marking in the exams?
Yes, in CBT-1 & 2, there is a penalty of 1/3rd marks for each incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking in the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).
What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹500 for general and OBC candidates, out of which ₹400 will be refunded after appearing in CBT-1. For SC, ST, Female, Ex-Servicemen, Transgender, Minorities, and Economically Backward Class candidates, the fee is ₹250, which is fully refundable upon appearing in CBT-1.
Where can I apply for the RRB ALP 2025 recruitment?
Candidates can apply online through the official website of their respective RRB (Railway Recruitment Board). It is important to read the instructions carefully before submitting the application form.