Exciting opportunity! Indian Railways is hiring 9,970 Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP) across all Railway Recruitment Boards. Apply now through CEN 01/2025. Complete recruitment details, eligibility, and application process below.
Job Details
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruitment Organization | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Notification Number | CEN 01/2025 |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Department | Railways |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Regular |
| Total Vacancies | 9,970 |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level-2 |
| Initial Salary | ₹19,900 per month |
| Medical Standard | A-1 |
| Suitable for PwBD | Not Suitable |
| Eligible States | All India |
Advertisement No.
CEN 01/2025
Post and Vacancy Details
| Category | Unreserved (UR) | SC | ST | OBC-NCL | EWS | Total |
| Assistant Loco Pilot | 4,116 | 1,716 | 858 | 2,289 | 991 | 9,970 |
| Ex-Servicemen (ExSM) | Horizontal Reservation Applicable | 1,004 |
Note: RRB-wise and Railway Zone-wise vacancy distribution available as per Annexure B.
Salary Details
- Pay Level (7th CPC): Level-2
- Initial Monthly Salary: ₹19,900
- Note: Selected candidates will undergo training where prescribed, during which only stipend will be paid.
Educational Qualification
Minimum Essential Qualifications
Candidates must possess ANY ONE of the following:
Option A:
- Matriculation/SSLC + ITI from recognized NCVT/SCVT institutions in trades:
- Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder
- Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV), Electronics Mechanic
- Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, Heat Engine
- Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic
Option B:
- Matriculation/SSLC + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in trades mentioned above
Option C:
- Matriculation/SSLC + 3-year Diploma in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
- (Or combination of streams)
- Note: Degree in above engineering disciplines also acceptable in lieu of Diploma
Important Note:
- Candidates must possess prescribed qualifications as on the closing date of application
- Candidates awaiting results of final examination are NOT eligible
Age Limit
Age as on 01-07-2025: 18 to 30 years
Age Relaxation (Upper Limit)
| Category/Community | Age Relaxation |
| SC & ST candidates | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR/EWS) | 3 years (after deduction of service) |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC-NCL) | 6 years (after deduction of service) |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 years (after deduction of service) |
| Railway Staff (3+ years service) – UR/EWS | 40 years |
| Railway Staff (3+ years service) – OBC-NCL | 43 years |
| Railway Staff (3+ years service) – SC/ST | 45 years |
| Female candidates (widow/separated) – UR/EWS | 35 years |
| Female candidates (widow/separated) – OBC-NCL | 38 years |
| Female candidates (widow/separated) – SC/ST | 40 years |
| Course Completed Act Apprentices | Relaxation as per apprenticeship undergone |
Date of Birth Range (Both dates inclusive):
| Category | Not Before | Not After |
| UR, OBC-CL, EWS | 02-07-1995 | 01-07-2007 |
| OBC (NCL) | 02-07-1992 | 01-07-2007 |
| SC/ST | 02-07-1990 | 01-07-2007 |
Selection Process
Recruitment Process Stages (in sequence):
- First Stage CBT (CBT-1) – Screening examination
- Second Stage CBT (CBT-2) – Main examination
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) – Psychometric assessment
- Document Verification (DV) – Credential verification
- Medical Examination (ME) – Health fitness test
CBT-1 (First Stage):
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Questions: 75
- Total Marks: 75 (1 mark per question)
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer
- Medium: English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages
- Minimum Pass Percentage:
- UR & EWS: 40%
- OBC (NCL): 30%
- SC: 30%
- ST: 25%
Syllabus:
- Mathematics (Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio, Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time & Work, Distance, Simple/Compound Interest, Profit/Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, etc.)
- Mental Ability (Analogies, Series, Coding/Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation, Reasoning, etc.)
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences – 10th standard level)
- General Awareness (Current Affairs, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, Technology)
CBT-2 (Second Stage):
- Total Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Questions: 175
- Structure: Part-A and Part-B
Part-A:
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: 100
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark for each wrong answer
- Minimum Pass Percentage: UR & EWS – 40%; OBC (NCL) – 30%; SC – 30%; ST – 25%
Syllabus:
- Mathematics (Similar to CBT-1)
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (Analogies, Series, Coding, Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, etc.)
- Basic Science & Engineering (Drawing, Units, Measurements, Mass, Weight, Density, Work, Power, Energy, Speed, Velocity, Heat, Temperature, Electricity, Levers, Safety, Environment, IT Literacy)
Part-B:
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Questions: 75
- Qualifying Test (No negative marking)
- Minimum Qualifying Percentage: 35% (all candidates)
- Syllabus: Trade-specific technical questions (DGT prescribed syllabi)
- Candidates with ITI/Trade Apprenticeship appear in their respective trade section
- Degree/Diploma holders select one relevant trade
CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test):
- Conducted in English & Hindi only
- No negative marking
- Mandatory to clear each test battery separately
- Minimum T-score: 42 in each test battery
- Shortlisting: 8 times the vacancies per community
- Merit weightage: 70% Part-A CBT-2 + 30% CBAT score
Document Verification & Medical Examination:
- Shortlisted equal to vacant positions
- Verification of all credentials and antecedents
- Medical fitness test as per Railway standards
- Age determined by merit in case of tie (older candidate gets priority)
Medical Fitness Standards
Medical Standard: A-1 (For ALP)
General Fitness: Physically fit in all respects
Vision Standards:
- Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses with fogging test (must not accept +2D)
- Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses
- Color Vision: Must pass color vision tests
- Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, Mesopic Vision: Must pass all tests
Important Medical Notes:
- Candidates with LASIK surgery or corrective eye surgery are NOT eligible
- Medical standards are stringent; candidates must ensure fitness as per Indian Railway Medical Manual (IRMM) Vol. I
- Medical standards for Ex-Servicemen differ as per IRMM Vol. I Para 534
- Failure to meet medical standards results in NO alternative appointment
- Medical appeal option available once on payment of prescribed charges
Refer to:
- Indian Railway Medical Manual (IRMM) Vol. I available at www.indianrailways.gov.in
- Chapter 5 for detailed medical requirements
How to Apply
Application Mode:
- Online Only through official RRB websites
Account Creation:
- Create account on official RRB website (within chosen RRB)
- If already created account for any 2024 CEN before April 2025, use same credentials
- Fill 12 mandatory details carefully (cannot be modified):
- Mobile number, Email ID, Applicant Name, Father Name, Mother Name
- Gender, Nationality, Date of Birth
- Matriculation Roll Number, Certificate Serial Number, Certificate Date, EKYC
Application Filling:
- Read CEN thoroughly before filling form
- Choose ONE RRB only and indicate Railway Zone preferences
- ONE application per candidate only (Multiple applications = disqualification)
- Fill details with utmost care (limited modification window available)
- Upload mandatory documents:
- Photograph: Colored passport size (35mm × 45mm), JPG/JPEG, 150 DPI, 50-150 KB, not older than 2 months
- Signature: Running handwriting on white paper with black ink, JPG/JPEG, 30-49 KB, 100 DPI
- SC/ST Certificate (if applicable): PDF format, below 400 KB
Documents Specifications:
Photograph Requirements:
- Clear front view without sunglasses, dark glasses, cap, hat
- If wearing vision correction glasses, no glare reflection
- Eyes clearly visible, looking straight at camera
- Head occupies at least 50% of photograph area
- No elbow/below elbow/chest portion visible
- Natural facial expression (no grinning, frowning, raised eyebrows)
- Eyes open and looking forward
- Forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose, chin, neck, shoulders clearly visible
- Clear with proper resolution (minimum 240px width × 320px height)
Signature Requirements:
- Running letters handwriting, NOT block/capital/disjointed letters
- White paper with black ink pen only
- Minimum 140px width × 60px height
- Complete signature visible in center
Instructions
Critical Instructions:
- Read CEN Thoroughly: Before filling online application, read complete notification carefully
- Eligibility Confirmation: Ensure you meet ALL prescribed educational, technical, and medical qualifications on closing date
- Online Submission Only: Applications must be submitted ONLINE only through official RRB websites
- Single RRB Selection: Choose one RRB; selection is final and cannot be changed later
- Single Application: Only ONE application accepted per candidate; multiple applications = disqualification and debarment
- Provisional Eligibility: Eligibility accepted provisionally; detailed scrutiny at Document Verification stage
- Document Verification: RRB will verify all claims against original documents; false information = candidature rejection
- Crucial Date: SC/ST/OBC/EWS status crucial date is closing date for online application submission
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must meet prescribed medical standards; unsuitable candidates = NO alternative appointment
- Account Details: Mobile number and Email ID cannot be changed after account creation; keep active throughout process
- Communication: All communication only via SMS/Email on registered mobile and email ID
- Aadhaar Authentication: Advisable to authenticate identity using Aadhaar during account creation (alternative Photo IDs subjected to stricter scrutiny)
- Uniform Signature: Signatures must be uniform and identical at all recruitment stages
- E-call Letter: Issue of e-call letter does NOT confirm candidature; credentials verified before exam
Important Prohibitions:
- Banned Items at Exam:
- Communication devices (mobile phones, Bluetooth, pen drives, laptops)
- Electronic gadgets (calculators, smart watches)
- Bangles, chains, bracelets, hearing aids, wallets, belts, shoes, metallic wears
- Stationery items (pen, pencil)
- Violation = Disqualification + legal action + debarment
- Disqualification Grounds:
- Forgery, impersonation, cheating, misconduct
- Use of banned items
- Misrepresentation, suppression of facts
- False information, false documents
- Multiple applications to different/same RRBs
- Invalid photographs/signatures
- Unfair practices during any recruitment stage
- Debarment Issues:
- Multiple applications to RRBs = Lifetime debarment from RRB/RRC exams
- Already debarred by any RRB/RRC = Do NOT apply
- Dismissed from government service = Ineligible
- Use of unfair means = Debarred + legal action
Postal/Travel:
- Free Train Travel: SC & ST candidates (if opted) eligible for free sleeper class railway pass for CBT/CBAT/DV/Medical stages with valid caste certificate
- Cloakroom: Arrangement may not be available; do NOT bring valuables or banned items
- Exam Center Allocation: Determined by technical/logistical feasibility; candidates may travel to other cities/states; NO request for change entertained
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Government/Railway/PSU employees must produce NOC from employer during DV; failure = candidature cancelled
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Indicative Notice in Employment News | 29-03-2025 |
| Online Application Opening Date | 12-04-2025 |
| Online Application Closing Date | 11-05-2025 (23:59 hours) |
| Application Fee Payment Deadline | 13-05-2025 (23:59 hours) |
| Modification Window (with fee) | 14-05-2025 to 23-05-2025 |
| Age Reference Date | 01-07-2025 |
Examination Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund Details |
| All candidates (except categories below) | ₹500 | ₹400 refund (minus bank charges) on appearing in CBT-1 |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, Female, Transgender, Minorities, EBC | ₹250 | ₹250 refund (minus bank charges) on appearing in CBT-1 |
Fee Payment Mode:
- Online Only (Internet Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, UPI)
- Service charges borne by candidate
- No other payment mode accepted
- No fee refund for rejected applications or no-shows
Fee Refund (For CBT-1 Attendees Only):
- Refund applicable to candidates who attend CBT-1
- Provide correct bank account details in application
- No refund for wrong/incomplete beneficiary details
- RRB not responsible for erroneous account details
Important Links
Notification Link – Click Here
Apply Online Link – Click Here
Official RRB Websites:
| RRB | Website |
| Ahmedabad | www.rrbahmedabad.gov.in |
| Ajmer | www.rrbajmer.gov.in |
| Bhopal | www.rrbbhopal.gov.in |
| Bhubaneswar | www.rrbbbs.gov.in |
| Bilaspur | www.rrbbilaspur.gov.in |
| Chandigarh | www.rrbcdg.gov.in |
| Chennai | www.rrbchennai.gov.in |
| Gorakhpur | www.rrbgkp.gov.in |
| Guwahati | www.rrbguwahati.gov.in |
| Jammu-Srinagar | www.rrbjammu.nic.in |
| Kolkata | www.rrbkolkata.gov.in |
| Malda | www.rrbmalda.gov.in |
| Mumbai | www.rrbmumbai.gov.in |
| Muzaffarpur | www.rrbmuzaffarpur.gov.in |
| Patna | www.rrbpatna.gov.in |
| Prayagraj | www.rrbald.gov.in |
| Ranchi | www.rrbranchi.gov.in |
| Secunderabad | www.rrbsecunderabad.gov.in |
| Siliguri | www.rrbsiliguri.gov.in |
| Thiruvananthapuram | www.rrbthiruvananthapuram.gov.in |
Helpline for Candidates:
- Email: rrbhelp@csc.gov.in
- Phone: 0172-565-3333 and 9592001188
- Helpline Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all working days






