Overview
Big news for railway job aspirants! The Railway Board, New Delhi has officially approved 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) vacancies for the 2026–27 recruitment cycle. This is one of the largest upcoming railway technical recruitments, spread across 17 railway zones all over India. A Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) will be issued soon — so now is the right time to start preparing!
📋 Reference Letter No.: 2026(E/MPP)/25/13/ALP | Dated: 19 February 2026
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) — Ministry of Railways |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Post Type | Permanent Government Job |
| Job Type | Technical / Railway Operations |
| Application Mode | Online (via Centralised Employment Notification — coming soon) |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Approval Date | 19 February 2026 |
| CEN / Online Application | To be announced soon |
⚠️ Note: This is a vacancy approval, not yet the final official CEN. The detailed online application notification with dates will be released shortly. Keep an eye on the official RRB websites.
📍 Vacancy Details — Zone-Wise Breakup
| S.No. | Railway Zone | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Railway | 1,400 |
| 2 | East Central Railway | 700 |
| 3 | East Coast Railway | 1,625 |
| 4 | Eastern Railway | 608 |
| 5 | North Central Railway | 457 |
| 6 | North Eastern Railway | 105 |
| 7 | Northeast Frontier Railway | 1,276 |
| 8 | Northern Railway | 740 |
| 9 | North Western Railway | 600 |
| 10 | South Central Railway | 674 |
| 11 | South East Central Railway | 200 |
| 12 | South Eastern Railway | 1,531 |
| 13 | Southern Railway | 250 |
| 14 | South Western Railway | 200 |
| 15 | West Central Railway | 541 |
| 16 | Western Railway | 214 |
| 17 | Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) | 06 |
| Total | 11,127 |
Candidates can choose their preferred railway zone while applying once the CEN is released.
🎓 Educational Qualifications
The detailed trade-wise eligibility will be specified in the official CEN. Based on previous RRB ALP recruitments, the expected qualification is:
- 10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognized board, plus
- ITI Certificate in a relevant trade (such as Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Electronics, etc.) OR
- Diploma / Degree in Engineering in a relevant discipline
✅ This is primarily a 10th + ITI level recruitment — ideal for candidates from technical trades!
💰 Salary Details (per month)
| Pay Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-2 as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix |
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900/- per month |
| Gross Salary | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000/- approx. (including allowances like HRA, DA, TA) |
Railway employees also enjoy additional perks like free/subsidized rail travel, medical facilities, and job security.
🎯 Selection Process
The RRB ALP selection will happen in multiple stages — you need to clear each one to move forward:
- CBT 1 (Computer Based Test – Stage 1): Screening test with objective-type questions. Qualifying in nature.
- CBT 2 (Computer Based Test – Stage 2): Domain-specific and technical knowledge test. Marks count in final merit.
- CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test): Mandatory only for the ALP post. Tests spatial, speed, and memory aptitude. Marks are included in the final merit list.
- Document Verification (DV): Original documents are verified for eligibility, category, and identity.
- Medical Examination (ME): A fitness test as per railway medical standards. Must be cleared before final appointment.
⏳ Age Limit
Age limit details will be officially confirmed in the CEN. Based on previous RRB ALP notifications, the expected age criteria are:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years (as on the closing date of application)
- Age Relaxation: SC/ST – 5 years | OBC – 3 years | PWD – 10 years (as per Government rules)
📑 How to Apply
The application will be 100% Online through the official RRB websites once the Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) is published. Here’s what you need to do when it’s out:
- Visit your regional RRB’s official website (e.g., rrbchennai.gov.in, rrbmumbai.gov.in, etc.)
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for RRB ALP CEN 2026.
- Register with your mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in personal, educational, and trade details carefully.
- Upload your photograph, signature, and relevant documents.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit and save the application confirmation for future reference.
📌 Don’t wait — start getting your documents ready now so you can apply quickly once the CEN drops!
⚙️ Key Documents Required
- 10th Marksheet & Certificate
- ITI / Diploma / Degree Certificate (trade-wise)
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Date of Birth proof (Birth Certificate / 10th Certificate)
- Passport-size photograph
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID)
- Signature (for upload)
- PWD Certificate (if applicable)
📘 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Vacancy Approval Letter (Image) | View Here |
| Indian Railways Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
🔔 Stay Alert! The official CEN with online application link, exam dates, and syllabus is expected very soon. Bookmark the official RRB website of your zone and check regularly so you don’t miss the notification!



