RRB ALP (Railway Recruitment Board – Assistant Loco Pilot)

The RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) is a recruitment process conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. The recruitment is for the position of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) in the Indian Railways. This role is responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of trains, ensuring safety, and handling day-to-day operations in the rail network.

Key Details of RRB ALP:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Age Limit:
     • Minimum age: 18 years.
     • Maximum age: 28 years (may vary slightly based on the category and government rules).
     • Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories like SC/ST, OBC, etc.
   • Educational Qualification:
     • Candidates must have passed Matriculation (10th grade) or an equivalent from a recognized board.
     • Additionally, candidates should have ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certification in relevant trades such as Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, or other relevant fields.
     • Candidates holding a diploma in engineering (in relevant branches like Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.) may also be eligible.
   • Physical Standards:
     • The RRB may have physical fitness standards that candidates need to meet, including visual acuity, height, weight, and other physical requirements.
2. Selection Process: The RRB ALP selection process is divided into multiple stages:
   • Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT 1):
     • It consists of objective-type questions that assess candidates’ general awareness, arithmetic, general intelligence, and reasoning ability.
   • Stage 2: Computer-Based Test (CBT 2):
     • This stage is focused on technical subjects, which relate directly to the candidate’s specific trade (e.g., electrical, mechanical).
   • Stage 3: Computer-Based Aptitude Test (for ALP):
     • This stage is applicable only for Assistant Loco Pilot posts and includes questions assessing the aptitude required for the role.
   • Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Examination:
     • Candidates who qualify all the above stages will be called for document verification and a medical examination to check their physical fitness.
3. Exam Pattern:
   • CBT 1:
     • Total Questions: 75
     • Duration: 60 minutes
     • Topics: General Knowledge, Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning.
     • Negative Marking: 1/3 marks for each wrong answer.
   • CBT 2:
     • Total Questions: 100
     • Duration: 90 minutes
     • Topics: Technical subjects based on the trade and profession, including general knowledge and reasoning.
     • Negative Marking: 1/3 marks for each wrong answer.
   • Computer-Based Aptitude Test:
     • This section evaluates the candidate’s response time and decision-making ability through aptitude tasks.
4. Syllabus:
   • CBT 1:
     • General Awareness: Current affairs, railway knowledge, sports, geography, etc.
     • Mathematics: Number systems, fractions, percentages, time and work, algebra, etc.
     • General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, logical reasoning, puzzles, pattern recognition, etc.
   • CBT 2:
     • Technical Subjects: Knowledge of the candidate’s specific trade (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, etc.).
     • General Awareness: Current affairs and general knowledge.
     • General Intelligence: Logical reasoning, data interpretation, etc.
   • Aptitude Test:
     • Tasks related to decision-making, reaction time, logical sequencing, etc.
5. Salary and Benefits:
   • The salary for an Assistant Loco Pilot in India typically starts around ₹19,900 per month (Level 2 of the 7th Pay Commission).
   • The salary package may include additional allowances like DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), medical benefits, and more, which will vary depending on the city and railway zone.
6. Application Process:
   • Candidates can apply for the RRB ALP exam through the official RRB website of their respective zones.
   • The process usually includes:
     1. Online Registration.
     2. Filling out the application form.
     3. Uploading required documents (photograph, signature, etc.).
     4. Payment of application fee.
   • Application Fee:
     • General/OBC candidates: ₹500 (which may include the exam fee and processing fee).
     • SC/ST/PWD and women candidates: ₹250 (processing fee only).
7. RRB ALP Exam Dates:
   • The RRB ALP exam is held periodically, usually once a year. However, the exact dates depend on the notification issued by the respective Railway Recruitment Boards.
8. Job Responsibilities of an Assistant Loco Pilot:
   • Train Operations: Assist in driving the train, monitoring the speed, and controlling the operations.
   • Train Safety: Ensure the safe and smooth running of trains by checking equipment and performing minor troubleshooting.
   • Assisting in Engine Handling: Along with the Loco Pilot, ensure the safe operation of locomotives.
   • Routine Checks: Perform daily checks on engines, lights, signals, and other necessary train equipment.
   • Emergency Procedures: Respond to emergencies, conduct minor repairs, and ensure that train systems operate properly.
9. Job Locations:
   • The job of an Assistant Loco Pilot can be posted anywhere in India, as it is based on the needs of the Indian Railways. The posting location is determined during the recruitment process, and candidates can be posted in various zones across the country.

RRB ALP 2024 Updates

• For the most recent details such as exam dates, syllabus, and notifications for 2024, you should regularly check the official website of the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) or the specific RRB zone’s site. Each zone may have its own recruitment schedule.