RRB ALP 2026 Notification — CEN 01/2026
📋 11,127 Vacancies
🗓 Apply 15 May – 14 Jun 2026
👤 Age 18 – 30 yrs
💼 Pay Level 2 (₹19,900)
🚀 Apply Online & Quick Links
Application opens 15 May 2026 · Closes 14 Jun 2026 (23:59) · Fee payment last date 16 Jun 2026 · Modification window 17 – 26 Jun 2026.
⬇ Official CEN 01/2026 Notification
On this page
🚀 Apply Online
❓ 72 FAQs
📄 Download PDF
What's Changed vs 2025
Important Dates
Vacancies
Eligibility
Fee
Selection Process
Exam Pattern
Syllabus
How to Apply
RRB Websites
Important Reminders
🔔 What's Changed — ALP 2026 (CEN 01/2026) vs ALP 2025 (CEN 01/2025)
Key differences for aspirants who appeared in or studied the previous ALP cycle (CEN 01/2025). Most pattern parameters are unchanged — the three changes that actually move the needle are vacancies, the CBAT weight, and the CBT-1 syllabus.
| Aspect | CEN 01/2025 (previous) | CEN 01/2026 (this cycle) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total vacancies | 9,970 | 11,127 +1,157 | +11.6% more seats. Largest jumps: Bhubaneswar (ECoR), Mumbai (CR), Bengaluru, Secunderabad. |
| CBT-1 syllabus | 4 sections — Maths, Mental Ability, General Science, General Awareness / Current Affairs | 3 sections — Maths, Mental Ability, General Science GA REMOVED | Big change. No more current affairs / GK in screening. Heavier weight on maths + reasoning + 10th-class science. |
| Final merit weightage | Part-A (CBT-2): 70% · CBAT: 30% | Part-A (CBT-2): 50% · CBAT: 50% CBAT ↑ | Massive shift. CBAT (psychometric aptitude) now equally important as CBT-2 marks. Practice CBAT mock tests seriously. |
| Photograph | Upload existing colour passport-size photo, ≤2 months old, 50–150 KB | Live photo captured by webcam / phone front camera during application NEW | No pre-existing photo allowed. Be ready with proper lighting, dark/non-white clothing, no cap/mask/glasses. |
| Identity verification | Aadhaar only | Aadhaar or DigiLocker NEW | Easier auth via DigiLocker. Alternate Photo ID still allowed but invites stricter scrutiny at every stage. |
| Medical declaration | Vision Certificate (Annexure VI-A) produced on CBAT day | Self-Screening Medical Declaration built into the online application + Annexure VIII-A/B on CBAT day NEW | Declare LASIK status, vision, hearing, mental fitness, pre-existing conditions, psychoactive substance use at application stage itself. Lying → rejection at any stage. |
| Anti-cheating law cited | General malpractice clauses | Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 explicitly cited NEW | Stronger legal teeth: lifetime debarment + criminal prosecution for impersonation, cheating, organised malpractice. |
Unchanged from CEN 01/2025
- Pay Level: Level 2 in 7th CPC · Initial pay ₹19,900 (unchanged)
- Age limit: 18 – 30 years (unchanged), same age-relaxation rules
- Examination fee: ₹500 (UR/EWS/OBC/others) · ₹250 (SC/ST/ExSM/Female/Trans/Min/EBC) — same, with same refund mechanism on CBT-1 attendance
- Medical standard: A-1 (unchanged — LASIK still disqualifies)
- CBT-1 format: 75 Qs · 60 min · 1/3 negative · same qualifying %
- CBT-2 format: 100+75 Qs · 90+60 min · Part-A counts, Part-B qualifying at 35%
- Selection chain: CBT-1 → CBT-2 → CBAT → DV → Medical (5 stages)
- Shortlisting ratios: 15× for CBT-2, 8× for CBAT (unchanged)
- CBAT qualifying: T-score ≥ 42 in each test battery (unchanged)
- Number of RRBs: 21 participating RRBs
- Educational qualification: Matric + ITI/Apprenticeship/Diploma/Degree in listed engineering streams
- Negative marking: 1/3 in CBT-1 & CBT-2; no negative in CBAT
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Indicative Notice (Employment News) | 21 Mar 2026 |
| Online application opens | 15 May 2026, 00:00 IST |
| Online application closes | 14 Jun 2026, 23:59 IST |
| Last date for fee payment | 16 Jun 2026, 23:59 IST |
| Modification window (₹250 per occasion) | 17 Jun – 26 Jun 2026 |
| Age reference date | 01 Jul 2026 |
| CBT-1 / CBT-2 / CBAT dates | To be announced on RRB websites |
Note: Details filled in “Create an Account” form (mobile, email, chosen RRB) cannot be changed after submission. Choose carefully.
💼 Vacancies — Total 11,127
Total
11,127
UR
4,860
SC
1,746
ST
919
OBC-NCL
2,598
EWS
1,004
Ex-SM (horizontal)
1,115
Vacancies indicated are provisional and may increase, decrease or even become NIL based on Railway Administration's requirements. Ex-Servicemen is a horizontal reservation included within the totals above.
RRB & Railway Zone-wise Vacancy Distribution
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| RRB | Zone | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total | Ex-SM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | WR | 62 | 22 | 11 | 38 | 14 | 147 | 15 |
| Ajmer | NWR | 262 | 97 | 59 | 142 | 40 | 600 | 60 |
| Ajmer | WCR | 56 | 18 | 0 | 32 | 12 | 118 | 12 |
| Prayagraj | NCR | 284 | 37 | 27 | 65 | 44 | 457 | 46 |
| Prayagraj | NR | 62 | 23 | 11 | 42 | 15 | 153 | 15 |
| Bengaluru | SWR | 80 | 31 | 15 | 54 | 20 | 200 | 20 |
| Bhopal | WCR | 194 | 74 | 23 | 117 | 15 | 423 | 42 |
| Bhopal | WR | 15 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 30 | 3 |
| Bhubaneshwar | ECoR | 548 | 70 | 36 | 48 | 99 | 801 | 80 |
| Bilaspur | CR | 187 | 77 | 52 | 0 | 6 | 322 | 32 |
| Bilaspur | SECR | 84 | 29 | 14 | 53 | 20 | 200 | 20 |
| Chandigarh | NR | 56 | 39 | 23 | 49 | 20 | 187 | 19 |
| Chennai | SR | 93 | 24 | 14 | 41 | 14 | 186 | 19 |
| Gorakhpur | NER | 28 | 11 | 37 | 17 | 12 | 105 | 10 |
| Guwahati | NFR | 272 | 109 | 63 | 164 | 68 | 676 | 68 |
| Jammu-Srinagar | NR | 158 | 58 | 30 | 110 | 44 | 400 | 40 |
| Kolkata | ER | 135 | 53 | 35 | 89 | 32 | 344 | 34 |
| Kolkata | SER | 280 | 101 | 52 | 40 | 24 | 497 | 50 |
| Malda | ER | 109 | 41 | 20 | 73 | 27 | 270 | 27 |
| Malda | SER | 117 | 43 | 22 | 78 | 29 | 289 | 29 |
| Mumbai | CR | 290 | 207 | 99 | 344 | 138 | 1,078 | 108 |
| Mumbai | SCR | 32 | 7 | 4 | 26 | 9 | 78 | 8 |
| Mumbai | WR | 14 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 37 | 4 |
| Muzaffarpur | ECR | 18 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 4 | 42 | 4 |
| Patna | ECR | 41 | 16 | 8 | 28 | 10 | 103 | 10 |
| Ranchi | ECR | 224 | 83 | 42 | 150 | 56 | 555 | 56 |
| Ranchi | SER | 248 | 150 | 63 | 213 | 71 | 745 | 74 |
| Secunderabad | ECoR | 387 | 119 | 57 | 228 | 33 | 824 | 82 |
| Secunderabad | SCR | 238 | 90 | 45 | 162 | 61 | 596 | 61 |
| Siliguri | NFR | 243 | 90 | 46 | 161 | 60 | 600 | 60 |
| Trivandrum | SR | 43 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 64 | 7 |
| Total | 4,860 | 1,746 | 919 | 2,598 | 1,004 | 11,127 | 1,115 | |
Zone codes: WR=Western, NWR=North Western, WCR=West Central, NCR=North Central, NR=Northern, SWR=South Western, ECoR=East Coast, CR=Central, SECR=South East Central, NER=North Eastern, NFR=Northeast Frontier, SR=Southern, ER=Eastern, SER=South Eastern, SCR=South Central, ECR=East Central.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on 01-07-2026)
18 to 30 years · Date of birth must be between 02-07-1996 and 01-07-2008 (UR/OBC-CL/EWS) — adjusted by reserved-category cutoffs.
Age Relaxation (Upper Limit)
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | +5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR / EWS) | +3 years after deducting length of service |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC-NCL) | +6 years after deducting length of service |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC / ST) | +8 years after deducting length of service |
| Female (widowed / divorced / judicially separated, not remarried) | UR/EWS: 35 yrs · OBC: 38 yrs · SC/ST: 40 yrs |
| Serving Railway Group C/D staff (3+ years) | UR/EWS: 40 yrs · OBC: 43 yrs · SC/ST: 45 yrs |
Educational Qualification
Candidate must have any one of the following on or before 14 Jun 2026 (those awaiting final results are not eligible):
- Matriculation / SSLC + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in one of: Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV), Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Wireman, Tractor Mechanic, Armature & Coil Winder, Mechanic (Diesel), Heat Engine, Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic, OR
- Matriculation / SSLC + Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the above trades, OR
- Matriculation / SSLC + 3-year Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering (or combination of these streams) from a recognised institution, OR
- Degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile or combinations) is also accepted in lieu of Diploma.
Nationality
Indian citizen, citizen of Nepal/Bhutan, certain Tibetan refugees (pre-1962), or persons of Indian origin migrated from listed countries — with Eligibility Certificate from Govt. of India where applicable.
Medical Standard — A-1 (Stringent)
⚠️ ALP medical standards are among the strictest in Indian Railways. Read this section carefully — failure at the final medical examination means no alternate appointment will be offered, and your candidature is closed for this CEN.
Vision Requirements
| Distant Vision | 6/6 in both eyes, without glasses (each eye independently) — tested with the fogging test, and the eye must not accept correction beyond +2D. No relaxation for spectacle-corrected vision. |
|---|---|
| Near Vision | Sn 0.6 in both eyes, without glasses (each eye independently). |
| Colour Vision | Must pass as Normal. Colour blindness (Ishihara, etc.) → disqualified. |
| Binocular Vision | Must pass — both eyes must work together (depth perception, fusion). |
| Field of Vision | Full peripheral field of vision required (no scotoma or constriction). |
| Night Vision | Mandatory pass — critical for night-duty loco pilots. |
| Mesopic Vision | Mandatory pass — vision in low-light conditions (dusk/dawn). |
🚫 Disqualifiers — automatic rejection:
- LASIK / SMILE / PRK / any refractive surgery (past or current) for correcting vision — permanently disqualifies you from ALP.
- Use of spectacles or contact lenses to achieve 6/6 vision.
- Colour blindness (any degree).
- Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular or chronic systemic illness affecting fitness for duty.
- Psychiatric, neurological, blackout or seizure disorders.
- Narcotic or psychoactive substance use, or alcohol habit affecting alertness.
- Speech impediment, stammering, feeble voice, or hearing impairment — loco pilots must communicate clearly with operations control.
- Failure to meet prescribed height, chest, and weight standards (per IRMM).
Self-Screening Medical Declaration (NEW in CEN 01/2026)
The online application includes built-in self-screening at submission stage. You will declare conformity to physical, mental and substance-use standards. Based on your answers, the application generates a downloadable Self-Screening Medical Declaration Report (SSMD) with a unique reference number. This is in two parts:
| Document | Certified by | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Annexure VIII-A | General Physician | No diabetes / hypertension / neurological or psychiatric disorder / chronic illness affecting duty. Overall medical fitness statement. |
| Annexure VIII-B | Eye Specialist | Unaided 6/6 vision (each eye), Sn 0.6 near vision, colour / binocular / field / night / mesopic vision normal, no refractive surgery performed. |
Both must be submitted in original on CBAT exam day, signed and stamped. The certificate is accepted only if issued by a Central/State Government Hospital or Medical College — private clinics do not qualify. Failure to produce both = denial of entry to CBAT.
Final Medical Examination
- The SSMD declarations are provisional for exam eligibility only. After DV, you must clear the final Railway Medical Examination conducted by Railway Medical Authorities per Indian Railway Medical Manual (IRMM) Vol. I, Chapter 5.
- Medical Appeal: If you fail the initial Railway medical, you get one last opportunity to file a Medical Appeal on payment of the prescribed charges, within the stipulated time. The appeal result is final and binding.
- If you don't avail the appeal within the time window, only your initial medical result counts.
- Failure to pass medical = no alternate appointment — the post of ALP is medically demanding and Railways do not relax standards.
- Ex-Servicemen medical standards differ — see Para 534 of IRMM Vol. I.
- Don't apply Henna on hands/feet — obstructs biometric capture at exam centres.
💡 Recommended pre-application check: Get a free vision + general physical screening done at your nearest government hospital before applying. Catching a disqualifier early saves the ₹500 fee and months of preparation. The most common surprise rejections are colour blindness and unaided-vision shortfall.
💳 Examination Fee
| Category | Fee | Refund (on appearing in CBT-1) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / EWS / others (not in next row) | ₹500 | ₹400 refunded (less bank charges) |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Female / Transgender / Minorities / EBC | ₹250 | Full ₹250 refunded (less bank charges) |
- Payment is online only — Net Banking / Debit / Credit / UPI. Service charges borne by the candidate.
- Refund is credited to the Aadhaar-seeded bank account only. Candidates without one are redirected to NPCI for real-time linking.
- No refund for incomplete applications, rejected applications, or non-operational Aadhaar-bank linkage.
- EBC (annual family income < ₹50,000) needs Income Certificate (Annexure IV) or BPL card or Izzat MST. EBC ≠ EWS ≠ OBC.
🎯 Selection Process (5 Stages)
1CBT-1
Screening only · marks NOT counted in final · 15× vacancies shortlisted for CBT-2
2CBT-2
Part-A (counts) + Part-B (qualifying) · 8× vacancies shortlisted for CBAT
3CBAT
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (psychometric) · no negative marking · qualify each battery
4Document Verification
Originals checked · merit = 50% Part-A + 50% CBAT
5Medical Examination
A-1 standard mandatory · failure = no alternate appointment
Final merit (RRB-wise, community-wise) is based on a 50:50 weightage of Part-A (CBT-2) marks and CBAT scores. Ties are broken by age (older candidate gets higher merit), then alphabetical order of given name.
📝 Exam Pattern
CBT-1 (Screening)
| Duration | 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Questions / Marks | 75 / 75 (1 mark each) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
| Sections | Mathematics · Mental Ability · General Science |
| Qualifying % | UR & EWS: 40% · OBC-NCL: 30% · SC: 30% · ST: 25% |
| Normalisation | Yes (across multiple shifts) |
| Role of CBT-1 marks | Used only to shortlist for CBT-2 (15× vacancies). Not counted in final merit. |
CBT-2 (Selection)
| Part-A | Part-B | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Questions | 100 | 75 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 per wrong answer | 1/3 per wrong answer |
| Sections | Maths · GI & Reasoning · Basic Science & Engineering | Trade-specific (matching candidate's qualifying trade) |
| Qualifying % | UR & EWS: 40 · OBC: 30 · SC: 30 · ST: 25 | 35% (all categories) — qualifying only |
| Counts toward merit? | Yes (50% weight in final merit) | No (qualifying only, but mandatory to pass) |
Total CBT-2 duration: 2 hr 30 min; total questions: 175. Part-A scores count for selection only if Part-B is qualified.
CBAT — Computer-Based Aptitude Test
| Shortlisting | 8× vacancies (community-wise) from CBT-2 Part-A merit, provided Part-B is qualified |
|---|---|
| Language | English & Hindi only |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Qualifying | Minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery (mandatory in all batteries) |
| Weight in final merit | 50% |
| Mandatory document | Self-Screening Medical Declaration (Annexure VIII-A & VIII-B) on exam day |
CBAT details: rdso.indianrailways.gov.in → Verticals → Traffic and Psychology → Psychology-Candidate's Corner.
CBT-2 Part-B — Trade Groupings
| Your Qualification | Part-B Trade Options |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering (any stream) | Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic |
| Electronics Engineering (any stream) | Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV) |
| Mechanical Engineering (any stream) | Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Heat Engine, Millwright / Maintenance Mechanic |
| Automobile Engineering (any stream) | Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Heat Engine, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic |
| ITI / Trade Apprenticeship candidates | Appear in the section corresponding to your specific trade |
Full trade-wise syllabus: dgt.gov.in (Directorate General of Training, GOI).
📚 Syllabus (CBT-1 & CBT-2 Part-A)
Mathematics (both CBTs)
Number System · BODMAS · Decimals · Fractions · LCM · HCF · Ratio & Proportion · Percentages · Mensuration · Time & Work · Time & Distance · Simple & Compound Interest · Profit & Loss · Algebra · Geometry & Trigonometry · Elementary Statistics · Square Root · Age Calculations · Calendar & Clock · Pipes & Cistern
Mental Ability / General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies · Alphabetical & Number Series · Coding-Decoding · Mathematical operations · Relationships · Syllogism · Jumbling · Venn Diagram · Data Interpretation & Sufficiency · Conclusions & Decision Making · Similarities & Differences · Analytical Reasoning · Classification · Directions · Statement-Arguments & Assumptions
General Science (CBT-1 only)
Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th standard level.
Basic Science & Engineering (CBT-2 Part-A only)
Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric Figures, Symbolic Representation) · Units & Measurements · Mass, Weight & Density · Work, Power & Energy · Speed & Velocity · Heat & Temperature · Basic Electricity · Levers & Simple Machines · Occupational Safety & Health · Environment Education · IT Literacy
📝 How to Apply
- Visit the official website of one RRB of your choice (list below). Only ONE application per candidate, only ONE RRB.
- Create an Account — name, father's name, mother's name, DOB must match Matric / SSLC certificate. Mobile number, email and chosen RRB cannot be changed later.
- Aadhaar / DigiLocker verification strongly recommended at account creation. Alternate photo ID = stricter scrutiny at every later stage.
- Live photo captured via webcam (no pre-existing photo upload). Wear dark/non-white clothing; remove cap/mask/glasses.
- Upload running-hand signature (black ink, white paper, JPG, 30–49 KB, ≥140×60 px).
- Self-screening medical questionnaire — declare conformity to speech, hearing, vision (no LASIK), mental fitness, pre-existing conditions, no psychoactive substance use.
- Choose RRB & submit Zone preferences for posts. Choice is final.
- Pay fee online — Net Banking / Debit / Credit / UPI. Last date for fee: 16 Jun 2026, 23:59 IST.
- (Optional) Modify other details (NOT mobile / email / RRB) between 17 – 26 Jun 2026, ₹250 per modification.
- SC/ST candidates wanting free train travel pass: upload SC/ST certificate (PDF, <400 KB).
Tip: Apply early. Last-day server load is heavy. Re-check every detail before submission — corrections after account creation are limited.
🌐 Official RRB Websites (Apply via any one)
RRB Ahmedabadrrbahmedabad.gov.in
RRB Ajmerrrbajmer.gov.in
RRB Bengalururrbbnc.gov.in
RRB Bhopalrrbbhopal.gov.in
RRB Bhubaneswarrrbbbs.gov.in
RRB Bilaspurrrbbilaspur.gov.in
RRB Chandigarhrrbcdg.gov.in
RRB Chennairrbchennai.gov.in
RRB Gorakhpurrrbgkp.gov.in
RRB Guwahatirrbguwahati.gov.in
RRB Jammu-Srinagarrrbjammu.nic.in
RRB Kolkatarrbkolkata.gov.in
RRB Maldarrbmalda.gov.in
RRB Mumbairrbmumbai.gov.in
RRB Muzaffarpurrrbmuzaffarpur.gov.in
RRB Patnarrbpatna.gov.in
RRB Prayagrajrrbald.gov.in
RRB Ranchirrbranchi.gov.in
RRB Secunderabadrrbsecunderabad.gov.in
RRB Siligurirrbsiliguri.gov.in
RRB Thiruvananthapuramrrbthiruvananthapuram.gov.in
Helpline (technical / application issues, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM working days): 0172-565-3333 · 9592001188 · email [email protected]
⚠️ Critical Reminders
- One application, one RRB. Multiple applications = disqualification + debarment from all future RRB / RRC exams.
- LASIK / corrective eye surgery disqualifies from ALP. A-1 medical is mandatory.
- Negative marking of 1/3 in both CBT-1 & CBT-2 (Parts A & B). No negative marking in CBAT.
- Normalisation applies to all multi-shift CBTs.
- 13 regional languages available for CBTs (plus English & Hindi): Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu. Language choice is locked at application stage. CBAT is English/Hindi only.
- No transfer requests entertained for at least 5–10 years of service. Choose your RRB and Zone preferences carefully.
- Banned at exam centre: mobile, watch, earphone, calculator, book, pen, paper, pencil, water bottle, cap, purse, packed food, etc. Cloak rooms may not be available — leave belongings at home.
- Do not apply henna on hands/feet — obstructs biometric capture.
- Beware of fake websites. Apply only via the official RRB websites listed above.
- Identity authentication: Use DigiLocker / Aadhaar at account creation for smoother verification. Alternate IDs = stricter scrutiny at every stage.
- Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 applies — any malpractice attracts lifetime debarment + legal prosecution.
🔗 Useful Links
Page last updated:
Disclaimer: This page is a condensed reference of the official CEN 01/2026 notification issued by the Railway Recruitment Boards (Ministry of Railways). It is compiled by QMaths for the convenience of aspirants and is not an official RRB document. Always verify dates, eligibility, fees, and any subsequent corrigendum directly on the official RRB websites listed above before applying. In case of any discrepancy, the official RRB notification PDF prevails.