The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Recruitment 2025 under Centralized Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2025 for 9,970 vacancies across various railway zones in India. Below are the key details for applying online:
Key Details
- Post: Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)
- Total Vacancies: 9,970 (provisional, subject to change)
- Organization: Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Government of India
- Pay Scale: Level-2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) with an initial pay of ₹19,900 plus allowances (DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, etc.)
- Job Location: Across various Railway Zones (candidates must select one RRB)
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: 18 to 30 years as of July 1, 2025.
- Age relaxation: 3 years due to COVID-19 (upper age limit revised to 30 years). Additional relaxations for reserved categories apply as per railway norms.
- Educational Qualification:
- Matriculation/SSLC plus ITI from recognized institutions of NCVT/SCVT in trades like 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 a three-year Diploma in Engineering, OR
- Degree in Engineering (acceptable in lieu of Diploma).
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee settled before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with the intent to permanently settle in India (subject to eligibility certificate).
- Medical Standard: Candidates must meet the A-1 medical fitness test conducted by the Railway Administration.
Application Process
- Application Period: April 12, 2025, to May 19, 2025 (extended deadline, 11:59 PM).
- Application Correction Window: May 22 to May 31, 2025.
- Application Fee:
- General/OBC (except specified categories): ₹500 (refundable after deducting bank charges on appearing for 1st Stage CBT).
- SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/Female/Transgender/Minorities/Economically Backward Class (EBC): ₹250 (refundable after deducting bank charges on appearing for 1st Stage CBT).
- Payment Mode: Online via Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
- How to Apply:
- Visit the official RRB website: rrbapply.gov.in.
- Click on the link for “Recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) – CEN No. 01/2025.”
- If you have an existing account (created for any RRB CEN in 2024 before April 2025), log in with those credentials. Otherwise, select “Create an Account.”
- Fill in personal details (Name, DOB, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Mobile Number, Email ID, Aadhaar verification, etc.).
- Create a password (must include capital letters, small letters, special characters, and numbers).
- Upload scanned documents:
- Recent color passport-size photograph (plain white background, no dark glasses/cap, size as specified).
- Signature (black ink, running handwriting).
- SC/ST certificate (PDF, <400 KB, if applicable for free travel pass).
- PWD certificate (if applicable).
- Select preferred Railway Zone under the chosen RRB.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Review and submit the application. Take a printout for future reference.
- Important Notes:
- Apply to only one RRB; multiple applications will lead to rejection and debarment.
- Submit applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- For technical queries, contact the helpline (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days).
Selection Process
The recruitment process includes the following stages:
- First Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-1):
- Screening test with 75 questions, 60 minutes, 1/3rd negative marking.
- Minimum pass percentage: UR & EWS – 40%, OBC (NCL) – 30%, SC – 30%, ST – 25%.
- Marks normalized for multiple shifts. Shortlisting for CBT-2 is RRB-wise, 15 times the vacancies based on CBT-1 merit.
- Second Stage Computer-Based Test (CBT-2):
- Two parts (Part A and Part B), 175 marks total, 1/3rd negative marking.
- Part A: 100 questions, 90 minutes.
- Part B: 75 questions, 60 minutes (trade-specific, qualifying in nature).
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT):
- For ALP candidates who qualify CBT-2.
- No negative marking, minimum 42 marks required in each test battery.
- Final merit list: 70% weightage from CBT-2 Part A + 30% from CBAT.
- Document Verification (DV):
- Based on CBT-2 and CBAT performance.
- Medical Examination:
Important Dates
- Notification Release: April 11, 2025.
- Application Start: April 12, 2025.
- Application Deadline: May 19, 2025 (extended).
- Fee Payment Deadline: May 21, 2025.
- Application Correction Window: May 22–31, 2025.
- Admit Card: Issued ~4 days before the exam date. City intimation provided ~10 days prior.
- Exam Dates: To be announced (CBT-1 likely in 2025).
Additional Information
- Admit Card: Download from regional RRB websites using registration number and date of birth. Carry a printed copy and valid ID to the exam center.
- Result: Announced after each stage (CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT) on regional RRB websites. Final results include scores and ranks based on CBT-2 and CBAT performance.
- Training: Selected candidates undergo mandatory training with a stipend.
- Free Travel Facility: SC/ST candidates can opt for a free Sleeper Class Railway Pass for attending CBTs, CBAT, DV, and medical exams.
- Helpline: For technical issues, contact the RRB helpline (details on rrbapply.gov.in).
- Official Websites: Apply only through rrbapply.gov.in or regional RRB websites. Beware of fake websites or social media notices.
Recommended Resources
- Previous Year Question Papers: Essential for understanding exam difficulty and question types.
- Books:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Science for Everyone (for technical sections).
Important Notes
- Always verify details from the official RRB notification or rrbapply.gov.in.
- Some sources mention an upper age limit of 35 years, which conflicts with the 30-year limit (post-COVID relaxation). The 30-year limit aligns with most official sources.
- The vacancy count is provisional and may vary.
- For updates, follow official RRB websites or trusted job portals like sarkariresult.com or adda247.com.
Action Steps
- Apply online at rrbapply.gov.in before May 19, 2025 (11:59 PM).
- Prepare required documents (photo, signature, certificates) in the specified formats.
- Check eligibility and select one RRB carefully.
- Stay updated via official RRB websites for exam dates and admit cards.
If you need specific guidance (e.g., document preparation, exam tips, or regional RRB details), let me know!