RRB ALP 2025 recruitment begins for 9970 posts: No more 3-year age relaxation, here are the top 10 things to know – The Times of India
RRB ALP 2025: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially started the online application process for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment 2025. A total of 9970 vacancies have been released across various trades. Eligible candidates can submit their applications on the official website, rrbapply.gov.in, from April 12 to May 11.
One major update this year is the removal of the three-year age relaxation that was granted in the 2024 recruitment. That relaxation was offered as a one-time benefit due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the recruitment process happening after six years. This year, the standard age limit criteria will apply without that concession.
Top 10 things to know about RRB ALP 2025 recruitment
1. Trades under which ALP recruitment will be done
RRB will recruit Assistant Loco Pilots in the following trades: Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio TV), Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Wire Man, Tractor Mechanic, Armature Coil Winder, Mechanic Diesel, Heat Engine, Turner, Machinist, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
2. Vision standards for eligibility
Candidates with poor eyesight are not eligible to apply. Applicants must have 6/6 distant vision and 0.6, 0.6 near vision without glasses.
3. Required educational qualifications
Candidates must have passed Class 10 along with an ITI in the relevant trade or possess a Class 10 certificate with a three-year engineering diploma in the same trade.
4. Engineering degree is also acceptable
A degree in engineering in the related trade is also valid in place of a diploma or ITI.
5. Age limit and relaxation details
The age limit is 18 to 30 years, calculated as on July 1, 2025. SC/ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation and OBC candidates get a 3-year relaxation. The additional 3-year age relaxation provided in 2024 is not applicable this year.
6. Stages of the recruitment process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
• First Stage CBT
• Second Stage CBT
• Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination
7. Negative marking scheme
There will be a penalty of one-third marks for each wrong answer in both CBT stages. However, there will be no negative marking in the CBAT.
8. First Stage CBT exam pattern
The First Stage CBT is a one-hour paper consisting of 75 questions. Minimum qualifying marks are:
• UR: 40%
• OBC/SC: 30%
• ST: 25%
Subjects include Maths, Reasoning, General Science, and General Knowledge/Current Affairs.
9. Second Stage CBT format
The Second Stage CBT lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and is split into:
Part A: 90 minutes, 100 questions, same qualifying percentages as CBT 1.
Part B: 60 minutes, 75 questions from the trade syllabus, qualifying mark is 35% for all categories.
Read the official notification here
Direct link to apply online
10. Final stage and application fee refund
Candidates clearing Part B will proceed to the CBAT, where they must score a minimum of 42 marks, with no relaxation for any category. After CBAT, document verification and medical examination will follow.
Application fee is Rs 500, out of which Rs 400 will be refunded after appearing in CBT 1. For SC, ST, women, EBC, and Divyang candidates, the fee is Rs 250, which will be fully refunded after appearing in CBT 1.
