RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: Recruitment for 11,127 Posts in Railways Begins; Several Major Changes Introduced—From Syllabus to Merit..
RRB ALP Recruitment 2026: Major news has emerged for young aspirants preparing for jobs within Indian Railways. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has initiated the online application process for the recruitment of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts. Candidates may submit their applications until June 14, 2026. Furthermore, several significant changes have been introduced to the recruitment process this time around. New regulations have been implemented across various stages, ranging from the syllabus to the final merit list and the medical examination procedure. Consequently, it has become imperative for candidates to thoroughly understand these changes.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for the RRB ALP recruitment, candidates must have passed their High School (10th grade) examinations. Additionally, an ITI qualification is a mandatory requirement. Candidates holding an Engineering Degree or Diploma are also eligible to apply. Applicants must fall within the age bracket of 18 to 30 years.
Selection Process to be Conducted in Three Stages
The selection process for this recruitment drive will be completed in three distinct stages. The first stage will consist of the CBT-1 examination. This will be followed by the administration of CBT-2. In the final stage, candidates will be required to appear for a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).
Major Changes to the CBT-1 Syllabus
The Railway Recruitment Board has introduced significant modifications to the CBT-1 syllabus this time. Previously, questions related to 'General Awareness' were included in the examination; however, this subject has now been completely removed. Consequently, questions in CBT-1 will now be drawn from only three specific subjects:
– Mathematics
– General Science
The General Science section will feature questions based on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the 10th-grade level.
Number of Questions and Time Allotment?
In the CBT-1 examination, candidates will be required to attempt 75 questions within a duration of 60 minutes. This examination will serve solely as a qualifying test. Meanwhile, CBT-2 will be conducted in two distinct parts:
Part B: 75 questions to be attempted in 60 minutes.
The total duration of the entire examination will be 2 hours and 30 minutes. **Negative Marking Rules**
In both CBT-1 and CBT-2, 1/3rd of a mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. However, there will be no negative marking in the CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)—also known as the Psycho Test.
**Revised Method for Preparing the Final Merit List**
This time, the Railways has also introduced a significant change in the rules for preparing the final merit list. Now, equal weightage will be assigned to both CBT-2 (Part-A) and CBAT in the final merit calculation. Under this new system:
CBT-2 Marks = 50% Weightage
CBAT Marks = 50% Weightage
Previously, CBT-2 was given a weightage of 70%, while CBAT received only 30%.
**Changes in the Medical Examination Process**
Until 2025, candidates were required to submit a Vision Certificate at the time of the CBAT. However, for the 2026 recruitment cycle, it has now been made mandatory to fill out a 'Self-Screening Medical Declaration' during the online application process itself. A medical report will be prepared based on this declaration; this report must be signed by a General Physician and an Eye Specialist (Ophthalmologist) and submitted on the day of the CBAT.
**How is Merit Determined in Case of a Tie?**
If two candidates secure identical scores, priority will be given to the candidate who is older. If the candidates are of the same age, the merit order will now be determined based on the alphabetical order of their names (from A to Z).
**Psycho Test for Section Controller Recruitment Postponed**
Meanwhile, the Railway Recruitment Board has postponed the CBAT (Psycho Test) scheduled under the Section Controller recruitment drive until further notice. This examination was originally scheduled to be held on May 24, 2026. A total of 368 Level-6 posts are to be filled through this recruitment process. The Railways have stated that the new examination date will be announced shortly.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.