Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has got approval for a big recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) for 2026–27. Total 11,127 vacancies are approved for filling across 17 zones and CLW. The approval is given through Railway Board letter No. 2026(E/MPP)/25/13/ALP dated 19 February 2026. This is only an approval order. The full CEN 2026 notification with online dates and full rules is still expected to come.
RRB ALP 2026–27
Railway Board checked vacancy details through HRMS module for all zones and CLW. After that, approval is given to release a Centralised Employment Notification (CEN) for ALP posts. So candidates should understand one point Vacancies are approved, but the full notification is still pending. RRB ALP 2026–27 vacancy approval for 11,127 posts shows a major recruitment plan by Indian Railways. Right now, it is an approval order, so candidates should not wait for the last moment. Start preparation early and keep checking for the official CEN 2026 notification, because it will give final details like eligibility, age limit, online dates and full exam rules.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Approval Date | 19 February 2026 |
| Railway Board Ref. No. | 2026(E/MPP)/25/13/ALP |
| Recruitment Year | 2026–27 |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Recruiting Body | RRBs (Ministry of Railways) |
| Notification Status | CEN 2026 detailed notice yet to come |
RRB ALP Vacancy 2026–27
| Zonal Railway | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Central Railway | 1400 |
| East Central Railway | 700 |
| East Coast Railway | 1625 |
| Eastern Railway | 608 |
| North Central Railway | 457 |
| North Eastern Railway | 105 |
| Northeast Frontier Railway | 1276 |
| Northern Railway | 740 |
| North Western Railway | 600 |
| South Central Railway | 674 |
| South East Central Railway | 200 |
| South Eastern Railway | 1531 |
| Southern Railway | 250 |
| South Western Railway | 200 |
| West Central Railway | 541 |
| Western Railway | 214 |
| CLW | 06 |
| Total | 11,127 |
In the approved list, Metro Railway Kolkata is not mentioned (as stated in your content).
RRB ALP 2026 Selection Process
ALP selection usually goes in multiple steps:
- CBT 1 – basic screening paper
- CBT 2 – technical and tougher level
- CBAT – aptitude test (must for ALP)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME) – strict railway medical rules
Final appointment comes only after clearing all stages.
What candidates should do now
- Vacancies are confirmed by approval, so preparation can start early.
- Keep focus on CBT 1 basics + CBT 2 technical + CBAT practice.
- Wait for CEN 2026 notification for exact dates, fee, eligibility and online link.
- After notification, candidates can choose zones during application (as mentioned in your details).
Why this is a big opportunity
- Large vacancy count (11,127)
- Level-2 pay under 7th CPC
- Railway job stability and allowances
- Promotion scope in loco category
- Pan-India selection through RRBs
FAQs
Is the RRB ALP notification released now?
No. As per this update, only the approval order is out. The detailed CEN 2026 notification is still expected.
How many ALP vacancies are approved for 2026–27?
A total of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies are approved zone-wise.
What is the selection process for RRB ALP?
Selection is through CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Document Verification and Medical Examination.