The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has received official approval for a major recruitment drive in 2026 for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) across the indian Railways. A total of 11,127 vacancies have been sanctioned, marking one of the biggest technical recruitments of the year.
This is a golden opportunity for young aspirants seeking a government job in the railways with strong career growth and attractive pay.
🧑🎓 What Is an Assistant Loco Pilot?
An Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) helps in operating and assisting the main loco pilot (driver) in driving trains safely across India. This role is crucial for train operations and requires both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of rail protocols.
📋 Total Vacancies & Zone‑Wise Breakup
Railway Ministry has approved 11,127 ALP posts for the 2026‑27 recruitment cycle. These vacancies are distributed among the 17 indian Railway zones and Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW).
Here are some highlights of the zone‑wise distribution:
- Central Railway – ~1400
- East Coast Railway – ~1625
- South Eastern Railway – ~1531
- North Eastern & North east Frontier Railway – ~ ~1382
- Eastern Railway – ~608
- Southern Railway – ~250
- Chittaranjan Locomotive Works – ~06
… (Numbers approximate)
Note: The final zone‑wise break up will be available in the detailed RRB notification.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the ALP 2026 recruitment, candidates must meet the following criteria:
🧾 Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
- 10th pass from a recognized board AND
- ITI Certificate from a recognised institution in relevant trades
OR - Diploma / degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automobile)
Both academic and technical qualifications are acceptable depending on discipline.
📅 Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 30 years
(Relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD as per Railway rules)
📑 Selection Process – How You Will Be Selected
The recruitment will involve a multi‑stage selection process as follows:
CBT‑1 (Computer‑Based Test – Prelims)
CBT‑2 (Main Examination)
CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test)
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Each stage must be cleared to move to the next, and final selection will be based on merit and eligibility at every level.
💼 Salary & job Benefits
Assistant Loco Pilot posts are in Pay Level‑2 of the 7th Pay Commission:
- Initial pay: Approx. ₹19,900 per month
- Additional allowances: DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), Travel Allowance & more
- Career growth: Promotion to higher technical and operational roles over time
Government railways jobs also offer secure service benefits such as pension, Provident Fund, medical facilities, and leave.
📝 Application & Important Dates
📌 The Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) and official online application form are expected to be released soon by the RRB regional portals.
Usually, the recruitment process involves:
- Notification release on rrbcdg.gov.in
- Online application start & last date
- Admit card issuance
- CBT exam schedule
Candidates should regularly check the official RRB website and designated regional sites for exact dates.
📌 Key Tips to Prepare
If you’re planning to apply for the ALP 2026 recruitment:
- Start revision of CBT syllabus early
- Practice previous year question papers
- Focus on aptitude, basic maths, reasoning, and technical knowledge
- Keep documents ready (education certificates, ID proof, ITI/Diploma)
🧠 Final Words
The Railway ALP Bharti 2026 is a huge opportunity for technical job seekers across india — with 11,127+ posts, attractive pay, and a structured career path in the indian Railways. Whether you’re a 10th pass with ITI or a diploma/engineering candidate, this recruitment could launch your career on the fast track to success.
📌 Stay updated on official RRB announcements and start preparing to grab this government job opportunity!
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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