RRB Recruitment Update: Assistant Loco Pilot Vacancies Revised

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a significant update regarding the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilots, revealing a reduction in overall vacancies but an increase in specific railway zones. The application process is currently open, allowing candidates to apply until June 14, 2026. This article provides essential details on eligibility criteria, the selection process, and the revised number of vacancies across various railway zones. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to stay informed and complete their applications within the stipulated timeframe.

By Ambika Singh May 22, 2026, 14:52 IST

Exciting News for Aspiring Assistant Loco Pilots

Young candidates aiming to become Assistant Loco Pilots in the Railways have some important news. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has initiated a significant recruitment campaign for these positions, with the application process currently in progress. However, a notable adjustment has been made regarding the number of available vacancies, as the RRB has decreased the total count. A revised notice has been issued, indicating that while the overall vacancies have been reduced, certain railway zones have actually seen an increase in available posts. This change could be advantageous for candidates who have been preparing for a government role in the Railways.

Details of the Recruitment Notification

The RRB initially announced the recruitment for Assistant Loco Pilots on April 12, 2025, with a total of 11,127 positions available. According to the latest update, the number of posts has now been adjusted to 10,970. The RRB confirmed that 17 railway zones will maintain their original number of vacancies.

Increased Vacancies in Specific Railway Zones

Which Railway Zones Have More Vacancies?

The railway zones experiencing an increase in vacancies include RRB Bhubaneswar, RRB Bilaspur, and RRB Secunderabad. RRB Bhubaneswar's vacancies have risen from 928 to 1,355, while RRB Bilaspur's count has increased from 568 to 1,068. Additionally, RRB Secunderabad has seen its posts grow from 533 to 606.

Application Process Timeline

Current Application Period

The application window for the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment opened on May 15 and will remain open until June 14, 2026. Candidates must submit their application fees by June 16, 2026, and are encouraged to complete their applications promptly.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for the Assistant Loco Pilot roles, candidates must hold an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certificate or an Engineering Diploma in a relevant field. The age requirements stipulate that applicants must be at least 18 years old and not exceed 30 years as of July 1, 2026. However, age relaxation is available for candidates from reserved categories as per government regulations.

Understanding the Selection Process

What Does the Selection Process Entail?

The selection procedure consists of multiple stages, including Computer-Based Test (CBT)-1, CBT-2, a Computer-Based Aptitude Test, Document Verification, and a Medical Examination. CBT-1 will feature 75 objective-type questions covering Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness, with a duration of 60 minutes. Notably, there will be negative marking, deducting one-third of a mark for each incorrect answer.

CBT-2 is divided into two sections: the first part includes 100 questions, while the second part contains 75 questions specific to the technical trade. A minimum score of 35 percent is required in the second part. Following CBT-2, candidates must take the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), where achieving a minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery is essential. The final merit list will be compiled by giving equal weightage (50:50) to the scores from Part A of CBT-2 and the CBAT performance.