RRB ALP Notification 2026 PDF Out: 11,127 New Vacancies, CBT 1 Exam Dates

RRB ALP Notification 2026 has been released through Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2026 for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies in Indian Railways. The Railway Recruitment Board has released the RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date 2026 Notice on 21st September at the official website https://rrb.indianrailways.gov.in/. As per notice, the RRB ALP (CEN 01/2026) Exam will be conducted on 3rd, 4th and 5th November 2026. Candidates who have applied under the CEN 01/2026 Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment, can appear for the examination. 

The application window is already closed, so registered candidates should now focus on CBT 1 preparation and upcoming exam-related updates. The recruitment process includes CBT 1, CBT 2, Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification and Medical Examination. A major change in the 2026 recruitment is that CBT 2 Part A and CBAT carry equal 50% weightage in the final merit.

RRB ALP Notification 2026 (CEN 01/2026): Overview

The RRB ALP Notification 2026 is for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot under Pay Level 2. The recruitment is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards, with vacancies distributed across participating RRBs and railway zones.

Candidates can choose only one RRB and submit only one application for CEN 01/2026. The chosen RRB cannot be changed after submission.

Latest Updates on RRB ALP Recruitment 2026

• The RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date 2026 has been announced. The examination is tentatively scheduled for 3, 4 and 5 November 2026.
• The latest CBT 1 schedule notice was released on 21 September 2026.
• The RRB ALP Application Status 2026 was released on 22 August 2026 for candidates who applied under CEN 01/2026.
• The last date to submit the application form was 14 June 2026, so the application window is now closed.
• The revised CBT 1 syllabus does not include General Awareness and Current Affairs. CBT 1 now covers Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science.
• The Exam City and Date information will be made available about 10 days before the candidate’s exam date, while the e-call letter will start becoming available about 4 days before the exam date mentioned in the city intimation.

RRB ALP Notification 2026 PDF

The detailed RRB ALP Notification 2026 PDF was released under CEN 01/2026 on 14 May 2026. It contains the complete recruitment rules related to vacancies, eligibility, educational qualifications, medical standards, application fee, selection process, examination pattern, documents and other instructions.

Candidates should refer to the detailed CEN for any eligibility or document-related requirement because the information provided in the notification is used during the recruitment process. The notification also contains Annexure A for post parameters and Annexure B for RRB and zone-wise vacancy distribution.

RRB ALP Exam Date 2026

The RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date 2026 has been announced for 3, 4 and 5 November 2026. The Railway Recruitment Boards released the tentative CBT 1 schedule notice on 21 September 2026 for candidates who applied under CEN 01/2026. The individual exam date, shift and centre details will be available through the Exam City and Date Intimation and e-call letter.

The schedule for CBT 1 is tentative. Candidates should check the official RRB website and their e-call letter for their individual examination date, shift, centre and reporting instructions.

RRB ALP City Intimation Slip 2026

The RRB ALP Exam City and Date Intimation 2026 will be released before the CBT 1 examination. As per the RRB exam-schedule instructions, the link for checking the exam city and date will generally become active about 10 days before the candidate’s respective exam date. SC/ST candidates eligible for free travel can also access the applicable Travel Authority through this facility.

For the announced CBT 1 dates, the city and date information is expected to become available from around 25 October 2026 onwards, depending on the candidate’s allotted examination date.

RRB ALP Admit Card 2026

The RRB ALP Admit Card 2026, also referred to as the e-call letter, will be available about 4 days before the candidate’s examination date mentioned in the Exam City and Date Intimation. The e-call letter contains important information such as the examination centre, reporting time, shift and exam-day instructions.

Candidates should download the e-call letter from the official RRB website and carefully check all the details before leaving for the examination centre.

RRB ALP Apply Online 2026

The RRB ALP Apply Online 2026 process was conducted from 15 May to 14 June 2026 through the official application portal. The application window is now closed. The fee-payment facility remained available until 16 June 2026, while the modification window was open from 17 June to 26 June 2026.

Click Here to Apply Online for RRB ALP 2026 – Inactive

Candidates who submitted the application should keep their registration details, application confirmation and recruitment-related records safely for future stages.

RRB ALP Application Status 2026

The RRB ALP Application Status 2026 was released on 22 August 2026 for candidates who submitted applications under CEN 01/2026. Candidates can check whether their application was Provisionally Accepted, Provisionally Accepted with Conditions (Partially Accepted), or Rejected by logging into the application portal.

Candidates whose applications were rejected can check the reason displayed in their candidate login. Those whose applications have been accepted should keep their registration details safe for accessing future recruitment updates and examination-related information.

RRB ALP Vacancy 2026

The RRB ALP Vacancy 2026 stands at 11,127 posts across participating RRBs and railway zones. The category-wise distribution includes 4,860 UR, 2,598 OBC, 1,746 SC, 1,004 EWS and 919 ST vacancies.

The vacancies are provisional and are distributed among railway zones under participating RRBs. Candidates should therefore refer to the vacancy corresponding to the RRB and railway zone selected in their application.

RRB ALP Vacancy 2026: RRB and Zone-Wise

The detailed RRB ALP Vacancy 2026 distribution is provided in Annexure B of CEN 01/2026. Some RRBs have vacancies in more than one railway zone, so the table below provides the zone-wise distribution.

RRB ALP Vacancy Trend

The RRB ALP notification 2026 has seen substantial variation in vacancy numbers over different recruitment cycles. The 2026 cycle offers 11,127 vacancies, compared with 9,970 vacancies announced for the 2025 cycle and 18,799 vacancies in 2024.

Major Changes in RRB ALP Recruitment 2026

The RRB ALP Notification 2026 introduces important changes in the examination pattern and final merit calculation. Candidates preparing with older RRB ALP study material should pay particular attention to the revised CBT 1 syllabus and the new final-merit structure.

50:50 Weightage in Final Merit

For RRB ALP 2026, CBT 2 Part A carries 50% weightage and CBAT carries 50% weightage in the final merit. CBT 2 Part B remains qualifying in nature, while CBT 1 is only a screening stage.

General Awareness Removed from CBT 1

General Awareness and Current Affairs are not included in RRB ALP CBT 1 under the revised 2026 pattern. CBT 1 covers Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science.

RRB ALP CBT 1 Remains a Screening Stage

RRB ALP CBT 1 is only a screening test used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. Its marks are not added to the final merit. Candidates are shortlisted RRB-wise based on their performance in CBT 1, with the number of candidates generally limited to 15 times the vacancies notified for the respective RRB.

RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B Is Qualifying

RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B is a trade-specific qualifying test. Candidates must secure at least 35% marks in Part B, and these marks are not counted in the final merit. CBT 2 Part A is used for further selection and merit.

RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2026

The RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2026 include age, educational or technical qualification, nationality and medical requirements. Candidates were required to possess the prescribed educational qualification by the closing date of the online application. Candidates waiting for their final result of the prescribed qualification were not eligible to apply.

RRB ALP Educational Qualification 2026

Candidates must fulfil any one of the prescribed qualification routes:

The eligible technical trades include Electrician, Fitter, Wireman, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic and other trades prescribed in the notification.

Candidates must possess the prescribed qualification by 14 June 2026, the closing date of the application process.

RRB ALP Age Limit 2026

The age limit for RRB ALP 2026 is 18 to 30 years as on 1 July 2026, subject to applicable upper-age relaxation.

Special age-relaxation provisions apply to eligible Ex-Servicemen, serving Railway staff, certain women candidates, Act Apprentices and other categories specified in CEN 01/2026.

RRB ALP Nationality 2026

Candidates applying for RRB ALP 2026 must satisfy the nationality or citizenship conditions prescribed in CEN 01/2026. Eligible categories include citizens of India and certain specified categories such as citizens of Nepal, subjects of Bhutan, specified Tibetan refugees and persons of Indian origin, subject to the conditions and eligibility certificate requirements prescribed by the Government of India.

PwBD Eligibility

PwBD candidates are not eligible for the Assistant Loco Pilot post under CEN 01/2026 because the post is not identified as suitable for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.

RRB ALP Medical Standards 2026

Candidates selected for RRB Assistant Loco Pilot must meet the prescribed A-1 medical standard. Medical fitness is mandatory for appointment, and candidates who do not meet the prescribed medical requirements are not considered for the ALP post.

Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or another surgical procedure to correct refractive error are not eligible for the ALP post. The recruitment also includes a self-screening medical process at the application stage.

RRB ALP Self-Screening Medical Declaration

The Self-Screening Medical Declaration was introduced at the RRB ALP application stage to help candidates assess their eligibility against important medical requirements. A downloadable medical report is generated based on the submitted responses, and shortlisted candidates must submit the prescribed report on the CBAT day, duly signed by a General Physician and Eye Specialist. The certificate is accepted only when issued by a Central or State Government Hospital or Medical College.

How to Apply for RRB ALP Recruitment 2026?

The RRB ALP online application 2026 process started on 15 May 2026 through the official application portal and closed on 14 June 2026. Candidates were required to complete registration, enter their details, upload the necessary documents, and pay the prescribed application fee within the given timeline. Candidates who had already created an account for earlier RRB recruitments could use their existing login credentials for RRB ALP CEN 01/2026.

Step 1: Registration

• Visit the official RRB application portal.
• Select the RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 application option.
• Register using a valid mobile number, email ID and Aadhaar details.
• Candidates with an existing RRB account can log in using their previous credentials.

Step 2: Start Application

• Enter your personal and contact information.
• Fill in your educational qualification and details of ITI, Diploma or Engineering qualification.
• Select the preferred RRB, railway zone and examination language as applicable.

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Upload a recent passport-size photograph.
• Upload your signature in the prescribed format.
• Upload the SC/ST certificate, wherever applicable.
• Upload the PwBD certificate and provide scribe-related details, if applicable.

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

• Pay the applicable application fee through the available online payment options.
• Confirm that the payment has been successfully processed before proceeding.

Step 5: Final Submission

• Review all the information entered in the application form carefully.
• Submit the completed application form.
• Save or download the final submitted application for future reference.

RRB ALP Application Fee 2026

The RRB ALP Application Fee 2026 was divided into two categories, with a refund linked to appearing in CBT 1.

Candidates who did not appear in RRB ALP CBT 1 were not eligible for the examination-fee refund. RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 specifies the applicable conditions.

RRB ALP Selection Process 2026

The RRB ALP Selection Process 2026 consists of five stages:

CBT 1 → CBT 2 → CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Examination

Each stage serves a different purpose, and qualifying one stage does not automatically guarantee appointment.

Stage 1: CBT 1

RRB ALP CBT 1 is a screening examination used to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. Its marks are not counted in the final merit.

Stage 2: CBT 2

CBT 2 is divided into Part A and Part B.

• Part A contains Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and Basic Science and Engineering.
• Part B contains trade-specific questions.
• Part B is qualifying in nature.
• Candidates must secure at least 35% marks in Part B.
• Only Part A marks are counted for further selection and final merit.

Stage 3: CBAT

The Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is conducted for eligible ALP candidates after CBT 2. Candidates are shortlisted for CBAT based on CBT 2 Part A performance and the applicable shortlisting rules.

Stage 4: Document Verification

Candidates qualifying the applicable examination stages are called for Document Verification (DV). Original educational, technical, category and other required documents are checked during this stage.

Stage 5: Medical Examination

The final appointment is subject to meeting the prescribed A-1 medical standard applicable to the Assistant Loco Pilot post.

RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 75 questions for 75 marks with a total duration of 60 minutes. The revised paper covers Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science.

There is 1/3 negative marking for every incorrect answer in CBT 1.

The minimum pass percentage for eligibility is 40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC-NCL, 30% for SC and 25% for ST candidates. These are minimum qualifying requirements and do not represent the final shortlisting cutoff.

RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026

The revised RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026 includes Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. General Awareness and Current Affairs have been removed from CBT 1 for the 2026 recruitment.

RRB ALP Mathematics Syllabus

Important topics include:

• Number System
• BODMAS
• Decimals
• Fractions
• LCM and HCF
• Ratio and Proportion
• Percentages
• Mensuration
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Elementary Statistics
• Square Root
• Age Calculations
• Calendar and Clock
• Pipes and Cisterns

RRB ALP Mental Ability Syllabus

Important topics include:

• Analogies
• Alphabetical and Number Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Mathematical Operations
• Relationships
• Syllogism
• Jumbling
• Venn Diagram
• Data Interpretation
• Data Sufficiency
• Conclusions
• Decision Making
• Similarities and Differences
• Analytical Reasoning
• Classification
• Directions
• Statement, Arguments and Assumptions

RRB ALP General Science Syllabus

General Science covers Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at the 10th-standard level. Candidates should focus on basic concepts, formulas, common scientific principles and their everyday applications.

RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026 consists of Part A and Part B, with a total of 175 questions to be attempted in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Part A contains 100 questions for 90 minutes, while Part B contains 75 trade-specific questions for 60 minutes.

CBT 2 carries 1/3 negative marking for incorrect answers. Part B requires a minimum 35% qualifying score for all candidates, while only Part A marks are counted for further selection.

RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026

The RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026 combines Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering, and trade-specific technical knowledge.

Mathematics

The Mathematics syllabus includes:

• Number System
• BODMAS
• Decimals
• Fractions
• LCM and HCF
• Ratio and Proportion
• Percentages
• Mensuration
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Elementary Statistics
• Square Root
• Age Calculations
• Calendar and Clock
• Pipes and Cisterns

General Intelligence and Reasoning

The reasoning syllabus includes:

• Analogies
• Alphabetical and Number Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Mathematical Operations
• Relationships
• Syllogism
• Jumbling
• Venn Diagram
• Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
• Conclusions and Decision Making
• Similarities and Differences
• Analytical Reasoning
• Classification
• Directions
• Statement, Arguments and Assumptions

Basic Science and Engineering

This section includes:

• Engineering Drawing
• Projections
• Views
• Drawing Instruments
• Lines
• Geometric Figures
• Symbolic Representation
• Units and Measurements
• Mass, Weight and Density
• Work, Power and Energy
• Speed and Velocity
• Heat and Temperature
• Basic Electricity
• Levers and Simple Machines
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Environment Education
• IT Literacy

Trade-Specific Part B

Part B is a qualifying test based on the candidate’s relevant technical trade. ITI and apprenticeship candidates appear for the trade linked to their qualification, while Diploma and Degree candidates select the applicable trade according to the engineering discipline prescribed in the RRB ALP notification 2026. The syllabus is based on the trade syllabi prescribed by the Directorate General of Training.

RRB ALP CBAT 2026

The RRB ALP CBAT 2026 is a Computer Based Aptitude Test conducted for eligible ALP candidates after CBT 2. Candidates are shortlisted for CBAT on the basis of CBT 2 Part A performance and the applicable RRB-wise and category-wise shortlisting rules.

Important CBAT provisions include:

• Candidates can be shortlisted up to 8 times the number of ALP vacancies for the applicable RRB and category.
• CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi.
• There is no negative marking in CBAT.
• Candidates must qualify each prescribed test battery separately.
• A minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery is required for all candidates.
• Shortlisted candidates must produce the prescribed Self-Screening Medical Declaration Report in original on the CBAT day.

RRB ALP Final Merit 2026

The final merit calculation for RRB ALP 2026 gives equal weightage to CBT 2 Part A and CBAT.

Thus, both CBT 2 Part A and CBAT are important for final merit, while candidates must first satisfy the qualifying requirement of CBT 2 Part B and CBAT.

RRB ALP Exam Language 2026

The RRB ALP CBT examinations are available in English, Hindi and 13 regional Indian languages. Candidates select their preferred examination language during the application process, and the selected language cannot be changed after submission.

The CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi, as specified separately for the aptitude test.

RRB ALP Salary 2026

An Assistant Loco Pilot is recruited at Pay Level 2 under the 7th Central Pay Commission, with an initial basic pay of Rs. 19,900. In addition to basic pay, eligible employees receive allowances applicable under Railway rules, such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and Running Allowance.

The actual RRB ALP salary can vary depending on allowances, posting and other applicable service conditions. Therefore, candidates should not rely on a single fixed in-hand salary figure.

RRB ALP Preparation Strategy 2026

With RRB ALP CBT 1 scheduled from 3 to 5 November 2026, candidates should now focus on the revised CBT 1 syllabus while gradually preparing the subjects required for CBT 2. Since CBT 1 is a screening stage, preparation should focus on accuracy, speed, question selection and regular mock-test practice.

Prioritize the Revised RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus

General Awareness has been removed from RRB ALP CBT 1 for the 2026 cycle. Candidates should therefore concentrate on Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science and avoid spending preparation time on topics that are not part of the revised CBT 1 syllabus.

Start RRB ALP CBT 2 Preparation Alongside CBT 1

Do not wait for the RRB ALP CBT 1 result to begin CBT 2 preparation. CBT 2 includes Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering in Part A and trade-specific questions in Part B. Starting technical preparation early can help candidates avoid a heavy technical backlog after CBT 1.

Practise Full-Length RRB ALP CBT 1 Mock Tests

A 75-question paper has to be attempted in 60 minutes, along with 1/3 negative marking. Regular mock tests can help candidates improve time management, question selection and accuracy while identifying topics that take more time to solve.

Revise Technical Trade Concepts

Candidates should revise topics related to their ITI, apprenticeship, diploma or engineering qualification systematically. Focus on formulas, definitions, basic concepts, diagrams and important technical principles instead of studying the technical syllabus in an unstructured way.

Prepare for CBAT Early

RRB ALP CBAT carries 50% weightage in the final merit under CEN 01/2026. Candidates should therefore become familiar with aptitude-test tasks and practise maintaining concentration, accuracy and consistency rather than starting CBAT preparation only after CBT 2.

Important Exam-Day Instructions for RRB ALP 2026

Candidates should read their RRB ALP e-call letter carefully before going to the examination centre because it contains the allotted centre, reporting time, shift and other instructions.

Important points include:

• Carry the e-call letter and the same original photo identity document mentioned in the application.
• Candidates should follow the instructions regarding Aadhaar-based authentication and biometric verification.
• Candidates are advised to keep their Aadhaar in an unlocked condition in the UIDAI system before reaching the examination centre.
• Follow the reporting time mentioned in the e-call letter.
• Do not carry prohibited electronic devices, calculators, books, bags or other banned items inside the examination centre.
• Keep the registered mobile number and email ID active for recruitment-related communication.

The exact exam-centre instructions mentioned in the e-call letter should always be followed over general guidance.

Conclusion

The RRB ALP Notification 2026 has announced 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies under CEN 01/2026, and the CBT 1 examination is tentatively scheduled from 3 to 5 November 2026. Since the application process is already closed, registered candidates should now focus on the revised CBT 1 syllabus and keep checking the official RRB updates for city information and the e-call letter.

The removal of General Awareness from CBT 1, the qualifying nature of CBT 2 Part B and the 50:50 weightage between CBT 2 Part A and CBAT are the major changes candidates should understand. Candidates should also keep the A-1 medical requirements, technical qualification and CBAT requirements in mind while preparing for the upcoming stages. Candidates can start their preparatio fro PracticeMock for free.

FAQs on RRB ALP Notification 2026

Is RRB ALP Notification 2026 released?

Yes. The RRB ALP Notification 2026 has been released under CEN 01/2026 for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies. The detailed notification was issued on 14 May 2026, and the application window ran from 15 May to 14 June 2026.

What is the RRB ALP Exam Date 2026?

The RRB ALP CBT 1 examination is tentatively scheduled for 3, 4 and 5 November 2026. Candidates should check their Exam City and Date Intimation and e-call letter for their individual exam date, shift and centre.

How many vacancies are there in RRB ALP 2026?

There are 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies under CEN 01/2026. These include 4,860 UR, 2,598 OBC, 1,746 SC, 1,004 EWS and 919 ST vacancies.

What is the age limit for RRB ALP 2026?

The prescribed age limit is 18 to 30 years as on 1 July 2026, subject to applicable category-wise age relaxation.

What is the educational qualification for RRB ALP 2026?

Candidates generally need Matriculation/SSLC with ITI in a prescribed trade, Course Completed Act Apprenticeship, a three-year Diploma in the prescribed engineering disciplines, or an Engineering Degree in the prescribed disciplines. The qualification had to be possessed by the application closing date.

Is General Awareness included in RRB ALP CBT 1 2026?

No. General Awareness and Current Affairs are not included in the revised RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus for 2026. CBT 1 covers Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science.

What is the qualifying percentage for CBT 2 Part B?

Candidates must secure at least 35% marks in RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B. Part B is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not counted in the final merit calculation.

What is the weightage of CBAT in RRB ALP 2026?

RRB ALP CBAT carries 50% weightage in the final merit, while CBT 2 Part A carries the remaining 50% weightage.

When will the RRB ALP Admit Card 2026 be released?

The RRB ALP e-call letter is scheduled to become available about 4 days before the candidate’s examination date mentioned in the Exam City and Date Intimation.

Is the RRB ALP application form still open?

No. The RRB ALP 2026 application window closed on 14 June 2026 at 23:59 hours. The fee-payment window closed on 16 June, and the modification window was available from 17 June to 26 June 2026.

What is the RRB ALP Application Status 2026?

The RRB ALP Application Status 2026 was released on 22 August 2026. Candidates can check whether their application was provisionally accepted, accepted with conditions, or rejected by logging into the application portal.

Is LASIK allowed for RRB ALP 2026?

No. Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery or another surgical procedure to correct refractive error are not eligible for the ALP post because it requires the A-1 medical standard.

What should candidates do now for RRB ALP 2026?

Registered candidates should focus on the revised RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus, practise full-length mock tests, revise Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science, and begin CBT 2 technical preparation alongside CBT 1 preparation. They should also keep checking the official RRB updates for the Exam City and Date Intimation and e-call letter.

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