The RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 is a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Railways as Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs). Conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), this recruitment drive offers thousands of vacancies across various zones, promising a stable and rewarding career.
Whether you’re a fresh candidate or preparing for the exam, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—age limits, eligibility, syllabus, salary, and more. Let’s dive in with a beginner-friendly approach to help you navigate the process confidently.
What is RRB ALP Recruitment 2025?
RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 seeks to fill Assistant Loco Pilot positions, a critical role in ensuring safe train operations. With lakhs of applicants, the exam is highly competitive, but its multi-stage selection process ensures fairness. This article answers all your queries—from age limits to study tips—making it your one-stop resource for 2025 preparation.
Key Highlights Points
- Notification
- Vacancies
- Application
- Eligibility
- Selection Stages
- Exam
- Syllabus
- Salary
- Application Fee
- Medical Standards
- Preparation
- Cut-Offs
- Selection Chances
Key Highlights of RRB ALP Recruitment 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 10, 2025 (tentative) |
| Vacancies | 9,900–18,799 (subject to revision) |
| Application Window | April 12–May 11, 2025 (tentative) |
| Exam Stages | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | rrbapply.gov.in |
The official notification PDF will be available on regional RRB websites post-release.
RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 – Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 Short Notice | Notice |
| RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 Official Notification | Notification |
| RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 Official Website | RRB Website |
Eligibility Criteria for RRB ALP 2025
Meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial for a successful application. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Age Limit (as of July 1, 2025)
- Minimum Age: 18 years (born on or before July 1, 2007)
- Maximum Age: 33 years (born on or after July 2, 1992)
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service + 3 years |
Verify eligibility with valid documents to avoid disqualification.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have:
- Matriculation/SSLC (10th pass) plus:
- ITI certificate in trades like Fitter, Electrician, or Mechanic from NCVT/SCVT.
- Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Automobile, or Electronics Engineering.
- Degree in Engineering (optional, for higher preference).
Are Final Year Students Eligible?
- Final year students awaiting results are not eligible unless they possess the required ITI/Diploma certificate by the application deadline.
Nationality
Eligible candidates include:
- Citizens of India.
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan.
- Tibetan refugees settled in India before January 1, 1962.
- Persons of Indian origin from specified countries intending permanent settlement.
Selection Process for RRB ALP 2025
The selection process comprises five stages, each testing different skills:
| Stage | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | Screening | 75 MCQs, 60 minutes, qualifying marks: 40% (General), 30% (OBC/SC), 25% (ST) |
| CBT 2 | Technical & General Assessment | Part A: 100 questions, 90 minutes; Part B: 75 questions, 60 minutes (qualifying) |
| CBAT | Aptitude for Locomotive Operations | Multiple test batteries, 42 marks minimum per battery |
| Document Verification | Credential Check | Verify educational, caste, and identity documents |
| Medical Examination | Physical & Medical Fitness | A-1 medical standard, conducted by railway medical board |
Medical Standards and Physical Fitness
RRB ALP requires stringent medical fitness, especially for eyesight and general health:
Eyesight Requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 6/6 without glasses |
| Near Vision | 0.6/0.6 without glasses |
| Other Tests | Color vision, binocular vision, night vision, field of vision |
| Medical Standard | A-1 (highest) |
- Note: Corrective surgeries like LASIK may face restrictions; check guidelines.
Physical Fitness
- No Physical Efficiency Test (PET), but candidates must be free from chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- Conditions like flat feet, severe hearing loss, or knock knees may lead to disqualification.
Salary and Benefits for RRB ALP 2025
The ALP role offers a competitive salary and perks:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 (Level 2, 7th Pay Commission) |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹30,000–₹35,000/month (with allowances) |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, Transport, Running, Night Duty |
| Benefits | Medical facilities, pension, job security |
Career growth includes promotions to Loco Pilot, Senior ALP, or supervisory roles.
Zone-Wise Vacancy Details
Vacancies vary by zone (indicative, based on 2024 trends):
| S. No. | Zonal Railway | Vacancies approved for notification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Railway | 376 |
| 2 | East Central Railway | 700 |
| 3 | East Coast Railway | 1461 |
| 4 | Eastern Railway | 768 * |
| 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 | 796 * |
| 13 | Southern Railway | 510 |
| 14 | West Central Railway | 759 |
| 15 | Western Railway | 885 |
| 16 | Metro Railway Kolkata | 225 * |
| Total | 9970 |
Exact numbers will be confirmed in the 2025 notification.
Application Process for RRB ALP 2025
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit rrbapply.gov.in or your regional RRB website.
- Register with personal details (name, DOB, Aadhaar).
- Fill the form with educational qualifications and preferences.
- Upload documents:
- Passport-size photo (JPEG, 50–100 KB).
- Signature (JPEG, 50–100 KB).
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹500 (₹400 refunded) |
| SC/ST/OBC/Women/PwBD/Ex-S | ₹250 (fully refunded) |
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
Syllabus for RRB ALP 2025
CBT 1 Syllabus
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Number System, BODMAS, Fractions, LCM/HCF, Percentages, Algebra, Geometry |
| General Intelligence | Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Series |
| General Science | Physics (Motion, Light), Chemistry (Elements), Biology (Human Body) |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Indian Railways, History, Geography, Sports |
CBT 2 Syllabus
- Part A: Same as CBT 1 + Basic Science & Engineering (Engineering Drawing, Units, Work, Power, Electricity).
- Part B: Trade-specific (e.g., Fitter, Electrician), per DGT syllabus.
- CBAT: Tests reaction time, memory, and locomotive operation skills.
Exam Pattern for RRB ALP 2025
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Marks | 75 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Sections | Math (~20), Reasoning (~25), Science (~20), Awareness (~10) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
| Part | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes | 1/3 mark |
| Part B (Qualifying) | 75 | Qualifying | 60 minutes | None |
CBAT Exam Pattern
- Multiple test batteries.
- Minimum 42 marks per battery.
- No negative marking.
Study Tips for RRB ALP 2025
- Plan Your Study: Allocate 4–6 hours daily, covering all subjects.
- Mock Tests: Practice one full-length test weekly for speed.
- Revise: Use notes for formulas and current affairs.
- Stay Informed: Read newspapers for General Awareness.
- Fitness: Maintain health for medical tests.
Best Books for RRB ALP Preparation
| Subject | Book |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Science | Lucent’s General Science, NCERT (Class 9–10) |
| General Awareness | Manorama Yearbook, Lucent’s GK |
| Trade-Specific | ITI trade books, RRB ALP Heat Engine |
| CBAT | RRB ALP Psycho Test Book |
Is Coaching Necessary?
- Self-Study: Feasible with books, apps, and mock tests.
- Coaching: Offers structure and expert guidance but isn’t mandatory.
- Tip: Online platforms like Unacademy or Gradeup are cost-effective alternatives.
Previous Year Cut-Offs and Qualifying Marks
| Stage | Category | Cut-Off (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 (out of 75) | General | 45–50 |
| OBC | 40–45 | |
| SC | 35–40 | |
| ST | 30–35 | |
| CBT 2 Part A (out of 100) | General | 65–70 |
| OBC | 60–65 | |
| SC | 50–55 | |
| ST | 45–50 |
- CBAT: 42 marks per battery (mandatory).
Chances of Selection with 70 Marks in CBT 2
- 70/100 in CBT 2 Part A: Competitive, especially for SC/ST/OBC.
- With CBAT (42+): Strong chance for reserved categories; General candidates may need 75+ for high-vacancy zones like Secunderabad.
- Factors: Zone, category, and normalization.
FAQs About RRB ALP Recruitment 2025
A: Expected on April 10, 2025, on RRB websites.
A: No, you need the ITI/Diploma certificate by the deadline.
A: ₹500 (₹400 refunded post-CBT 1).
A: No.
A: Around 250–300 (tentative).
A: No, A-1 standard requires 6/6 vision without glasses.
Suggested Internal Links
- Karnataka 2nd PUC Supplementary Time Table 2025: Exam Dates, How to Download, and Key Details for Students
- DRDO GTRE 2025 Jobs Out! Apply Now for a Career in Defence – Check Eligibility & Vacancy Details
- KCET 2025 Admit Card (cetonline.karnataka.gov.in) here check out
- NCRTC Notification 2025 Recruitment: Apply, Eligibility, Syllabus and Notification all Details
Final Thoughts
The RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 offers a prestigious career with Indian Railways. With clear eligibility, a structured selection process, and focused preparation, you can excel. Start early, practice consistently, and stay updated via rrbapply.gov.in. Best of luck! 🚂
