Railway ALP Notification 2026 Finally Released
Hello everyone, welcome back with a new job recruitment update. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has finally released the much-awaited RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 notification. Many students were waiting for this vacancy from a long time, and now the official notification is out with more than 11,000 vacancies.
This time, many important changes have also been made in the notification, especially for EWS category candidates and ex-servicemen. Along with that, the Railway Board has also increased the total number of seats compared to the previous recruitment.
In this article, we will discuss everything in simple language including vacancy details, salary, eligibility, medical standards, exam pattern, application fees, and selection process.
RRB ALP 2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment is for the post of:
Post Name
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)
Total Vacancies
- 11,127 Posts
Compared to the previous ALP recruitment, around 12% more seats have been added this time.
Pay Level
- Level 2 under 7th Pay Commission
Job Type
- Permanent Central Government Railway Job
RRB ALP Salary 2026
The basic salary for ALP posts is:
- ₹19,900 per month
However, after including allowances like DA, HRA, and travel benefits, the starting in-hand salary becomes approximately:
- ₹36,000 per month
Railway jobs also provide:
- Medical facilities
- Travel passes
- Pension-related benefits
- Job security
- Promotion opportunities
Important Dates For RRB ALP 2026
Application Starting Date
- 15 May 2026
Last Date To Apply
- 14 June 2026 (11:59 PM)
Last Date For Fee Payment
- 16 June 2026
Application Correction Window
- 17 June to 26 June 2026
Candidates can make corrections in their application forms during this period.
Age Limit For RRB ALP Recruitment 2026
The age calculation will be done as on:
- 1 July 2026
Minimum Age
- 18 Years
Maximum Age
- 30 Years
Category-Wise Age Relaxation
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General | 30 Years |
| OBC | 33 Years |
| SC/ST | 35 Years |
Additional age relaxation is also available for:
- Ex-servicemen
- Railway staff
- Widowed women
- Divorced women
- Judicially separated women
Educational Qualification For ALP 2026
There is no major change in qualification this time.
Required Qualification
Candidates must have:
- Matriculation / SSLC
- ITI from a recognized institution
OR
- Apprenticeship training in relevant trade
OR
- Diploma in engineering disciplines like Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Automobile, etc.
B.Tech Candidates Eligible
Candidates having engineering degrees such as B.Tech are also eligible for this recruitment.
Medical Standard For RRB ALP
One of the most important parts of ALP recruitment is the medical test.
Medical Category
- A1 Medical Standard
Candidates must be physically fit in all respects.
Vision Requirements
Distant Vision
- 6/6 without glasses
Near Vision
- Must meet required standards without spectacles
Other Important Tests
Candidates must pass:
- Color vision test
- Night vision test
- Binocular vision test
- Fogging test
Candidates with serious color blindness may face difficulties in qualifying the medical stage.
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of multiple stages.
Stage 1 – CBT 1
This is the preliminary examination.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 |
| Reasoning | 25 |
| General Science | 20 |
| General Awareness | 10 |
Total
- 75 Questions
- 75 Marks
- 60 Minutes
Negative Marking
- 1/3 marks deducted for every wrong answer
Stage 2 – CBT 2
This is the main examination and has two parts.
Part A
This section is used for merit preparation.
Subjects Included
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
- General Science
- General Awareness
Marks from Part A are important for final selection.
Part B
This is qualifying in nature.
It is related to the candidate’s trade or technical qualification.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
- 35%
Without qualifying Part B, candidates cannot move further in the recruitment process.
CBAT – Computer Based Aptitude Test
After CBT 2, shortlisted candidates will appear for:
- CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test)
Railway has clarified that:
- 50% weightage will come from CBT 2 Part A
- 50% weightage will come from CBAT
Final merit will be prepared based on both scores combined.
Document Verification & Medical Test
After clearing all exams, candidates will go through:
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Final selection will happen only after successfully clearing these stages.
Application Fees For RRB ALP 2026
General & OBC Candidates
- ₹500 Application Fee
Out of this:
- ₹400 will be refunded after appearing in CBT 1
SC/ST/Female/Ex-Servicemen/Minority Candidates
- ₹250 Application Fee
This full amount will be refunded after appearing in CBT 1.
This refund policy is helpful for many students preparing seriously for the exam.
Important Changes In EWS Rules
This time, Railway has added more detailed rules for EWS candidates.
For example, candidates may not qualify for EWS reservation if they have:
- Agricultural land above the specified limit
- Large residential property
- Bigger residential plots
Students should carefully read all EWS conditions before applying.
Zone-Wise Vacancy Update
Different railway zones have different vacancy numbers.
According to the notification:
- Mumbai region has the highest number of vacancies
Students should carefully choose their zone because cutoff marks differ from one zone to another.
Preparation Tips For RRB ALP 2026
Competition will be very high because of the large number of applicants and the popularity of railway jobs.
Focus On These Subjects
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
- General Science
- Current Affairs
Practice Regularly
- Solve mock tests daily
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Practice previous year papers
Consistency and regular revision are very important for success.
Final Words
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026 is a great opportunity for students looking for a stable government job in Indian Railways. With more than 11,000 vacancies, decent salary, and permanent job benefits, this recruitment is attracting huge attention across the country.
Students should carefully read the notification, check eligibility, and start preparation seriously without wasting time. With proper planning and regular practice, clearing the ALP exam is definitely possible.
Do not hurry while filling the application form. Choose your railway zone carefully and prepare with full dedication.
