RRB ALP Complete Guide: Eligibility, Pattern & Salary

RRB ALP recruits Assistant Loco Pilots — the cadre that assists in operating train locomotives in Indian Railways. It is a major route for ITI and diploma holders into a secure, well-regarded railway job.

This guide covers eligibility, the multi-stage exam (including the ALP-specific aptitude test), salary and selection. Numbers and dates change with each CEN, so confirm against the official RRB notification.

What is RRB ALP?

RRB ALP is the Railway Recruitment Boards' recruitment for the Assistant Loco Pilot post — the entry cadre that supports the operation of train locomotives, with a clear path to becoming a Loco Pilot.

Eligibility and age

• Education: a 10th pass plus an ITI in a relevant trade, or a relevant diploma/engineering qualification.
• Age: generally 18–30 years, with standard category relaxations.
• Medical: a high medical fitness standard (A-1) including 6/6 vision and normal colour vision.

Exam pattern

ALP selection has multiple stages. The CBTs carry one-third negative marking; the aptitude test does not.

• CBT 1 (screening): Mathematics, Mental Ability & Reasoning, General Science and General Awareness.
• CBT 2: Part A (Maths, Reasoning, Science, Awareness) and Part B (a relevant trade/technical section, qualifying).
• Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): the ALP-specific psychometric/aptitude test.
• Document verification and a medical examination.

How final selection works

The final merit is based on CBT 2 Part A (around 70% weight) and the CBAT (around 30%), so the aptitude test matters a lot for ALP — you must also clear the trade part of CBT 2 and the medical.

Salary

RRB ALP is a Pay Level 2 post (basic pay around ₹19,900). With Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and running/night-duty allowances, in-hand pay is commonly around ₹24,000–₹34,000 a month, plus railway perks like travel passes and medical facilities.