About the Organization:
Indian Railways, under the Ministry of Railways, is one of the world’s largest rail networks, operating thousands of trains daily. It plays a vital role in passenger and freight transportation across the country, offering diverse career opportunities in technical and non-technical fields.
Job Title: Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)
Location: Multiple locations across 16 Zonal Railways (See vacancy table below)
Vacancies: 9,970 (Category-wise reservations apply)
Employment Type: Regular (Government Job)
Application Mode: Online (Notification to be issued)
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Recruitment 2025
Total Vacancies: 9,970
Distribution Across Zonal Railways:
S.No |
Zonal Railway |
Vacancies |
1 |
Central Railway |
376 |
2 |
East Central Railway |
700 |
3 |
East Coast Railway |
1,461 |
4 |
Eastern Railway* |
868 |
5 |
North Central Railway |
508 |
6 |
North Eastern Railway |
100 |
7 |
Northeast Frontier Railway |
125 |
8 |
Northern Railway |
521 |
9 |
North Western Railway |
679 |
10 |
South Central Railway |
989 |
11 |
South East Central Railway |
568 |
12 |
South Eastern Railway* |
921 |
13 |
Southern Railway |
510 |
14 |
West Central Railway |
759 |
15 |
Western Railway |
885 |
16 |
Metro Railway Kolkata |
225 |
Notes:
- *Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER) will include 225 vacancies of Metro Railway Kolkata (100 in ER and 125 in SER).
- Vacancies account for backlog and current requirements with reserved quotas for SC/ST/OBC/EWS.
Job Purpose
The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) is responsible for assisting the Loco Pilot in operating and maintaining electric/diesel locomotives, ensuring safe and efficient train operations across the Indian Railways network.
Key Responsibilities
- Train Operation:
- Assist in driving and controlling locomotives under the supervision of the Loco Pilot.
- Monitor speed, signals, and track conditions to ensure safe movement.
- Adhere to railway rules, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
- Pre-Departure Checks:
- Inspect locomotives for mechanical/electrical faults before departure.
- Verify brake systems, fuel levels, and other critical components.
- In-Transit Duties:
- Monitor instrument panels and respond to alarms/emergencies.
- Communicate with control rooms and station staff via radio/electronic devices.
- Maintenance Support:
- Report defects and assist in minor troubleshooting.
- Ensure cleanliness and basic upkeep of the locomotive cabin.
- Documentation:
- Maintain logbooks of running hours, fuel consumption, and incidents.
Eligibility Criteria
A. Educational Qualification:
- Option 1: ITI (NCVT/SCVT) certificate in any of these trades:
- Fitter
- Electrician
- Instrument Mechanic
- Mechanic (Diesel/MT)
- Tractor Mechanic
- Option 2: Diploma/Degree in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
B. Age Limit (as on CEN date):
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 30 years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
C. Medical Standards:
- Vision:
- Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 (corrected vision permitted)
- Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6
- Physical Fitness: No serious cardiovascular, hearing, or musculoskeletal disorders.
Selection Process
- Computer-Based Tests (CBT):
- Stage 1:
- General Awareness (10%)
- Mathematics (25%)
- General Science (25%)
- Reasoning (40%)
- Stage 2:
- Technical subjects (locomotive systems, electrical/mechanical principles).
- Aptitude Test (if applicable).
- Document Verification.
- Medical Examination.
Training & Probation
- Selected candidates undergo 6-12 months of rigorous training at zonal training centers.
- Topics include:
- Locomotive handling
- Safety protocols
- Emergency response
- Railway rules & signaling
Career Growth
- Promotional Path:
ALP → Loco Pilot (Goods) → Loco Pilot (Passenger) → Loco Pilot (Mail/Express)
- Additional Benefits:
- Free/reimbursed travel privileges
- Healthcare for family
- Pension under NPS
Important Notes
- Reservation: As per government norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD).
- Posting: Candidates may be posted to any location within the allotted zonal railway.
- Duty Hours: Shift-based (including nights/weekends).
How to Apply
- Notification: Await Centralized Employment Notification (CEN) on RRB website.
- Application Fee: ~₹500 (General/OBC), ~₹250 (SC/ST/PwBD/Women).
For Updates:
Note: This is a high-responsibility role critical to railway safety. Candidates must be prepared for irregular hours and strict adherence to protocols.
Note: Always cross check with the official websites for the accurate and detailed information.