Official Notification Summary: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially declared the examination schedule for the First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1) under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2026 for the recruitment of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts. The nationwide online test is scheduled to take place from 3rd November to 5th November 2026 across designated centers in 3 daily shifts. The Exam City and Date Intimation Slip along with the travel pass for eligible SC/ST candidates will be activated 10 days prior to the exam (24th October 2026). Candidates can download their official e-Call Letter (Admit Card) exactly 4 days before their exam date directly from rrbapply.gov.in and respective regional RRB portals. Read on for the full schedule, shift timings, exam pattern, and Aadhaar biometric instructions.
| RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Recruitment 2026: Key Overview | |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India |
| Employment Notice Number | CEN No. 01/2026 (Assistant Loco Pilot) |
| Post Name & Pay Scale | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) – Level 2 (7th CPC), Basic Pay ₹19,900/- |
| Total Announced Vacancies | 11,127 Posts across 21 Regional RRBs |
| Current Examination Stage | Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT-1) – Objective Multiple Choice |
| CBT-1 Exam Dates | 3rd November 2026 to 5th November 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip Release | 24th October 2026 (10 Days Before Exam) |
| e-Call Letter (Admit Card) Download | 30th October 2026 onwards (4 Days Prior to Candidate's Exam Date) |
| Daily Exam Shifts | 3 Shifts per day (Morning, Mid-day, Afternoon) |
| Number of Questions & Marks | 75 Questions – 75 Marks (1 Mark each) |
| Test Duration | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) [80 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates using scribes] |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd (0.33 Mark) deducted for every wrong answer |
| Mandatory Biometrics | Aadhaar-Linked Biometric Authentication at Exam Venue |
| Official Application & Notice Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
| Indian Railways Official Portal | rrb.indianrailways.gov.in |
1. RRB ALP CBT-1 Exam Pattern 2026 & Section-Wise Marks Distribution
As outlined in the official notification CEN 01/2026, the First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1) is a screening test intended to shortlist eligible applicants for CBT-2. The examination consists of 75 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 75 marks with a test window of 60 minutes. The question paper covers four core subjects designed to test general awareness, basic scientific concepts, and logical competence:
- Mathematics (20 Questions – 20 Marks): Focuses on Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, and Calendar & Clock.
- Mental Ability / Reasoning (25 Questions – 25 Marks): Tests Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, and Statement – Arguments and Assumptions.
- General Science (20 Questions – 20 Marks): Covers fundamental concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences up to the 10th standard CBSE/State Board syllabus.
- General Awareness on Current Affairs (10 Questions – 10 Marks): Focuses on Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, and other events of national and international significance.
| Section / Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Marking Rule & Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| Mental Ability (General Intelligence & Reasoning) | 25 | 25 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences) | 20 | 20 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | +1 Mark for correct | -1/3rd (0.33) for wrong |
| Total (CBT-1 Screening Paper) | 75 Questions | 75 Marks | Duration: 60 Minutes |
2. RRB ALP CBT-1 Shift Timings & Reporting Schedule (3 Nov to 5 Nov 2026)
The CBT-1 examination is organized across 3 daily shifts throughout India. Because biometric registration and document checks take time, examinees must reach the venue well before the gate closure time. Under no circumstances will entry be permitted after the gates are locked:
| Exam Shift | Candidate Reporting Time | Strict Gate Closing Time | Exam Timing & Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning Shift) | 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM (60 Mins) |
| Shift 2 (Mid-Day Shift) | 11:15 AM | 12:15 PM | 12:45 PM – 01:45 PM (60 Mins) |
| Shift 3 (Afternoon Shift) | 03:00 PM | 04:00 PM | 04:30 PM – 05:30 PM (60 Mins) |
3. RRB ALP Exam City Intimation Slip & SC/ST Travel Pass Details
As per official RRB instructions, candidates are given advance notice to arrange their travel and accommodation without stress:
- Release Timeline: The online window to view the Exam City and Date will be activated on 24th October 2026 (strictly 10 days prior to the test date).
- What It Contains: The city slip informs you about your designated exam city, state, date of examination, and assigned shift. Note that this slip is not an admit card and does not grant entry to the exam hall.
- Free Travel Authority for SC/ST Candidates: Eligible SC/ST candidates who opted for free rail travel during online registration can download their Sleeper Class Railway Travel Pass alongside the city intimation slip. You must carry the printed pass and original caste certificate during your journey.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Download RRB ALP CBT-1 Admit Card 2026
The e-Call Letters for CEN 01/2026 will be available for download starting 4 days prior to your specific exam date (from 30th October 2026 onwards). Follow these direct steps:
Step 1: Open the Official Application Portal
Visit the centralized RRB recruitment portal at www.rrbapply.gov.in or open your regional RRB website (such as RRB Allahabad, RRB Mumbai, RRB Kolkata, RRB Bhopal, etc.).
Step 2: Access Candidate Login
Click on the "Already Have an Account? / Login" link located at the top-right corner of the page.
Step 3: Enter Registered Credentials
Enter your Mobile Number / Email Address and registered Password, then enter the visual Captcha code displayed on the screen and click "Login".
Step 4: Download and Print e-Call Letter
In your candidate dashboard, click on "View / Download e-Call Letter for CBT-1 (CEN 01/2026)". Save the PDF file to your device and print at least two clean copies on standard A4 paper.
5. Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Verification & Exam Hall Guidelines
The Railway Recruitment Boards enforce strict digital identity verification at every test center to eliminate impersonation. Pay careful attention to the following mandatory guidelines:
Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication will be performed prior to hall entry. If you have locked your biometrics through the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app, you must unlock your biometrics at least 24 to 48 hours before the exam day. Locked biometrics will cause authentication failure at the venue, leading to cancellation of entry.
- Printed copy of the official RRB ALP CBT-1 e-Call Letter.
- Original Valid Photo Identity Card (Aadhaar Card, e-Aadhaar printout with QR code, Voter Card, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport). Photocopies, scanned images, or mobile screenshots are strictly unacceptable.
- Two recent color passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in the application form).
- Original Caste Certificate and Railway Travel Pass (if availing SC/ST travel concession).
Smartphones, Bluetooth devices, smart watches, digital wristwatches, fitness trackers, calculators, earphones, pens, rough paper, metallic jewelry, belts, and bags are strictly forbidden. RRB exam centers do not provide lockers or baggage custody facilities.
6. RRB ALP Selection Process & Category-Wise Qualifying Marks
The recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilots under CEN 01/2026 is finalized across five distinct stages. Candidates must qualify each stage as per the statutory criteria:
| Recruitment Stage | Evaluation Criteria | Merit Weightage | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: CBT-1 | 75 Questions – 75 Marks (60 Mins) | Screening Only | Shortlisting for CBT-2 (15 times vacancies) |
| Stage 2: CBT-2 (Part A & B) | Part A: 100 Marks (90 Mins) Part B: 75 Marks Trade Test (60 Mins) |
70% Weightage (Part A) | Core merit calculation. Part B is qualifying (35% pass) |
| Stage 3: CBAT (Aptitude Test) | Computer Based Aptitude Battery (T-Score ≥ 42 in each battery) | 30% Weightage | Psychological & reaction testing for locomotive driving |
| Stage 4: Document Verification (DV) | Scrutiny of original educational, caste & identity certificates | Qualifying | Verification based on 70% (CBT-2 Part A) + 30% (CBAT) |
| Stage 5: Medical Examination (DME) | Mandatory Vision Standard A-1 (Distant Vision 6/6 without glasses) | Mandatory Clearance | Final fitness confirmation for train operations |
| Minimum Qualifying Percentage for CBT-1 & CBT-2 Part A: UR & EWS: 40% | OBC (NCL): 30% | SC: 30% | ST: 25% | |||
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – RRB ALP CBT-1 2026
Check RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 Official Portal
Direct access to candidate login, city slip intimation, and e-call letters.
Visit Official RRB Apply Portal