Indian Railways has announced a massive recruitment drive for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) under Centralized Employment Notification (CEN) 01/2025. During this year’s recruitment campaign, 9970 positions are available to the candidates who are distributed across the RRB zones. If a future with the Indian Railways is something that interests you as well as stability in a government position is to be your aim, this offering is the golden opportunity that you thought you wouldn’t get. In this article, you will be able to find a detailed bit on eligibility, applying, rules for the exam, some important study strategies and also recommended study materials.
Eligibility, Age Limit, and Important Dates
To apply for the RRB ALP 2025, you must check the eligibility criteria and age limit:
- Educational Qualification:
- You must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) and have an ITI certificate in relevant trades like Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic, etc.
- OR, you can apply if you have a Diploma or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering from a recognized institution.
- Age Limit:
- Minimum age is 18 years and maximum age is 30 years as on 1st July 2025.
- Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per government rules.
- Application Dates:
- Start Date: 12 April 2025
- Last Date: 19 May 2025
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 21 May 2025
- Correction Window: 22 May to 31 May 2025.
- Application Fee:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹500
- SC/ST/PH/Female: ₹250
- Fee refund after appearing in Stage 1 exam: UR/OBC/EWS ₹400, SC/ST/PH/Female ₹250.
- Vacancy Details:
- Total Posts: 9970
- Vacancies are distributed zone-wise. For example, RRB Secunderabad has 967 posts, RRB Ranchi SER has 635 posts, and so on.

Category Wise Vacancy Details | |||||||||
RRB Name | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total | |||
RRB Ahemdabad WR | 223 | 33 | 130 | 74 | 37 | 497 | |||
RRB Ajmer NWR | 162 | 49 | 133 | 262 | 73 | 679 | |||
RRB Ajmer WCR | 109 | 14 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 141 | |||
RRB Bangalore SWR | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | |||
RRB Bhopal WCR | 23 | 0 | 11 | 12 | 0 | 46 | |||
RRB Bhopal WR | 221 | 111 | 130 | 103 | 53 | 618 | |||
RRB Bhubaneswar ECOR | 454 | 29 | 121 | 205 | 119 | 928 | |||
RRB Bilaspur CR | 228 | 56 | 155 | 86 | 43 | 568 | |||
RRB Chandigarh NR | 188 | 44 | 117 | 56 | 28 | 433 | |||
RRB Chennai SR | 155 | 41 | 73 | 56 | 37 | 362 | |||
RRB Gorakhpur NER | 32 | 7 | 21 | 12 | 28 | 100 | |||
RRB Guwahati NFR | 13 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 30 | |||
RRB Jammu and Srinagar NR | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | |||
RRB Kolkata ER | 194 | 51 | 103 | 71 | 39 | 262 | |||
RRB Kolkata SER | 95 | 48 | 61 | 39 | 19 | 458 | |||
RRB Malda ER | 171 | 33 | 103 | 66 | 37 | 410 | |||
RRB Malda SER | 10 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 24 | |||
RRB Mumbai SCR | 9 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 22 | |||
RRB Mumbai CR | 152 | 38 | 102 | 56 | 28 | 376 | |||
RRB Mumbai WR | 138 | 34 | 93 | 51 | 26 | 342 | |||
RRB Muzaffarpur ECR | 36 | 9 | 24 | 13 | 7 | 89 | |||
RRB Patna ECR | 14 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 33 | |||
RRB Prayagraj NR | 33 | 8 | 21 | 12 | 6 | 80 | |||
RRB Prayagraj NCR | 218 | 58 | 110 | 72 | 50 | 508 | |||
RRB Ranchi ECR | 234 | 58 | 156 | 87 | 43 | 578 | |||
RRB Ranchi SER | 255 | 66 | 164 | 105 | 45 | 635 | |||
RRB Secunderabad SCR | 435 | 110 | 216 | 136 | 70 | 967 | |||
RRB Secunderabad ECOR | 216 | 53 | 144 | 80 | 40 | 533 | |||
RRB Siliuguri NFR | 39 | 10 | 26 | 14 | 6 | 95 | |||
RRB Thiruvanathapuram SR | 55 | 21 | 32 | 25 | 15 | 148 |
How to Apply RRB ALP:
- Visit the official RRB website (like www.rrbapply.gov.in).
- Register with your details and fill the online application form.
- Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, certificates).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Double-check all information before submitting.
- Take a printout of the final submitted form for future reference.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The selection process for RRB ALP 2025 is multi-stage. It includes two Computer-Based Tests (CBT 1 and CBT 2), a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), followed by Document Verification and Medical Test.
CBT 1 (First Stage)
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Questions: 75 (all multiple choice)
- Subjects:
- Mathematics (20 questions)
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions)
- General Science (20 questions)
- General Awareness & Current Affairs (10 questions)
- Marking: 1 mark per question, 1/3 negative marking for wrong answers.

CBT 2 (Second Stage)
- Mode: Online
- Parts: Two (Part A and Part B)
- Part A:
- 100 questions, 90 minutes
- Subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, General Awareness
- Part B:
- 75 questions, 60 minutes
- Questions from your chosen trade (as per ITI/Diploma/Engineering discipline)
- Qualifying in nature (you must pass this, but marks are not counted for merit).
CBAT (Aptitude Test)
- Only for ALP (not Technician).
- Tests your mental ability, attention, and decision-making.
- No negative marking.
Final Steps
- Document Verification
- Medical Fitness Test
RRB ALP Syllabus Highlights:
- Mathematics: Number system, decimals, ratio, time & work, profit & loss, etc.
- Reasoning: Series, analogies, coding-decoding, syllogism, direction, etc.
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics (up to 10th standard).
- General Awareness: Current affairs, Indian Railways, sports, awards, etc.
- Technical (CBT 2 Part B): Questions from your ITI trade or engineering discipline.
Preparation Strategy for RRB ALP 2025
To crack the RRB ALP exam, you need a smart and focused study plan. Here is a simple step-by-step strategy:
Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Download the latest syllabus from the official RRB website or trusted portals.
- Make a list of all topics in each subject.
Make a Daily Study Routine
- Divide your day into slots for Mathematics, Reasoning, Science, and General Awareness.
- Give extra time to your weak subjects.
- Set daily and weekly targets.
Collect Good Study Materials
- Use NCERT books (Class 8-10) for Science and Mathematics.
- For Reasoning and General Awareness, use books like “Lucent’s General Knowledge” and “R.S. Aggarwal Reasoning”.
- For trade-specific (technical) subjects, refer to your ITI/Diploma/Engineering textbooks and practice manuals.
Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests
- Download previous years’ question papers from RRB websites or educational portals.
- Attempt online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Analyze your mistakes and focus on weak areas.

Revise Regularly
- Make short notes for quick revision.
- Revise formulas, important facts, and current affairs every week.
Stay Updated
- Read newspapers or current affairs magazines daily.
- Watch YouTube channels for quick revision and tips.
Stay Healthy and Motivated
- Take small breaks, eat healthy food, and sleep well.
- Stay positive and keep your goal in mind.
Remember: Consistency and practice are the keys to success in RRB ALP.
Where to Find Study Materials and Final Tips
Official RRB Websites: Download syllabus, previous year papers, and notifications.
- Books:
- “Lucent’s General Knowledge” for GK
- “R.S. Aggarwal” for Reasoning
- Arihant/NCERT books for Science and Mathematics
- ITI/Diploma textbooks for technical subjects
- Online Platforms:
- Websites like Gradeup, Adda247, Bankersadda, and Career Power provide free quizzes, mock tests, and study notes.
- YouTube channels for video lectures and quick revision.
- Mobile Apps: Many educational apps offer free and paid mock tests for RRB exams.
How to Use the Materials
- Start with basic books and clear your concepts.
- Move to practice books and solve as many questions as possible.
- Attempt at least one mock test every week and analyze your performance.
- Use online quizzes for daily practice and time management.
Final Checklist Before Exam
- Download and print your admit card from the RRB website.
- Keep your ID proof and other documents ready.
- Visit the exam center once before the exam day if possible.
- Read all instructions on the admit card carefully.
Last-Minute Tips
- Revise short notes and formulas.
- Do not start any new topic just before the exam.
- Stay calm and confident.
Best of luck for your exam! If you have any more questions or need help with books or online resources, feel free to ask.
Also Read: Recruitment 2025 for Bihar State Health Society (SHS) Community Health Officer (CHO)
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