Railway Loco Pilot (ALP) Career Guide
Your complete guide to becoming an Assistant Loco Pilot and advancing to Loco Pilot in Indian Railways
What is Railway ALP & Loco Pilot?
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) is a technical post in Indian Railways responsible for assisting the Loco Pilot in operating trains safely. After gaining experience, ALPs can be promoted to Loco Pilot, who is the primary operator responsible for driving locomotives and ensuring passenger and freight safety.
This is a prestigious technical job with excellent career growth opportunities, good salary, and the responsibility of operating one of the world's largest railway networks.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in train operations
- Monitor safety protocols
- Technical maintenance support
- Signal recognition
- Emergency response
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Indian Citizenship required
Education
10th + ITI or 12th Pass from recognized board
Age Limit
18-28 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
Medical Fitness
Medical fitness including vision test
Educational Qualification Options
Eligible Technical Trades
Fitter
Mechanical fitting, assembly and maintenance work
Electrician
Electrical installation and maintenance
Machinist
Machine operation and precision work
Electronics Mechanic
Electronic equipment repair and maintenance
Welder
Welding and fabrication work
Carpenter
Carpentry and woodwork
Selection Process
Computer Based Test - Stage I
Multiple Choice Questions60 minutes
75 questions
Multiple Choice Questions
Mathematics, General Intelligence, General Science, General Awareness on current affairs
Computer Based Test - Stage II
Technical Test90 minutes
100 questions
Technical Test
Technical abilities related to the trade (Part A - 70 questions, Part B - 30 questions)
Computer Assisted Aptitude Test
Aptitude Test71 minutes
Various tests
Aptitude Test
Psycho test, concentration test, following directions test, depth perception test
Document Verification & Medical
VerificationAs per schedule
Documents & Medical Tests
Verification
Document verification and comprehensive medical examination
Computer Assisted Aptitude Test (CAAT)
Concentration Test
20 minutesTest of sustained attention and concentration abilities
Following Directions Test
15 minutesAbility to follow complex instructions accurately
Depth Perception Test
10 minutesSpatial awareness and depth perception abilities
Personality Test
20 minutesPsychological assessment for job suitability
Medical Requirements
| Medical Test | Requirement | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Vision Test | Distance vision: 6/9, 6/12 (with or without glasses) | Good eyesight for safe operations |
| Color Vision | Normal color vision | Ability to distinguish signal colors |
| Hearing Test | Normal hearing ability | Clear communication during operations |
| Physical Fitness | Medically fit A-1 | Overall physical and mental fitness |
Job Profiles & Salary
| Post | Department | Salary Range | Main Duties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | Mechanical | ₹35,000-40,000 | Assisting loco pilot in train operations |
| Loco Pilot | Mechanical | ₹40,000-50,000 | Operating locomotives and ensuring safe train movement |
| Senior Loco Pilot | Mechanical | ₹45,000-55,000 | Senior locomotive operations and training juniors |
| Technician (Various) | Mechanical/Electrical | ₹35,000-45,000 | Technical maintenance and repair work |
| Station Master | Operating | ₹40,000-50,000 | Station operations and train management |
| Traffic Assistant | Commercial | ₹35,000-45,000 | Traffic management and commercial operations |
Complete Syllabus
Mathematics (Stage I)
General Intelligence & Reasoning (Stage I)
General Science (Stage I)
Technical Abilities (Stage II)
Preparation Strategy
Focus on 10th and 12th standard NCERT books for basic concepts
Practice technical subjects based on your trade qualification
Take psychometric tests regularly for CAAT preparation
Practice concentration and attention tests daily
Solve previous year question papers of ALP recruitment
Join coaching for technical subjects if needed
Maintain good eyesight and overall physical fitness
Keep all educational and trade certificates ready
Career Progression
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)
0-3 years
₹35,000-40,000
Loco Pilot
3-8 years
₹40,000-50,000
Senior Loco Pilot
8-15 years
₹45,000-55,000
Loco Inspector
15-20 years
₹50,000-65,000
Assistant Station Master
Through exam
₹45,000-55,000
Station Master
20+ years
₹55,000-75,000
Ready to Drive India's Railways?
Start your Railway ALP preparation today and become a professional locomotive operator!