Job opportunities in Rail Transport – Assistant Loco Pilot
Assistant Loco Pilot is the most important Group C category of staff, of which 80% vacancies are filled up directly through Railway Recruitment Board. This group of staff consisting of Loco Pilot and Guard is called Running staff. Loco Pilots are also the forefront staff of the Railways. The average salary of running staff is much more as compared to non-running category of staff.
The average salary earned by a Railway employee of group C and D category based on the Indian Railway Book published by Ministry of Railways during the year has been as given in the table. It may be seen that the average salary is more than the supervisory category, and therefore, certainly attracts everyone towards this profession.
| Category of staff | Year 2012-13 |
| Group D | 3,85,254 |
| Group C Artisan | 4,83,057 |
| Group C Supervisor | 5,18,996 |
| Group C Running | 7,19,001 |
| Source Indian Railway Year Book |
There are about 15000 vacancies per year for which RRB conducts examination every year. There is no ban for creation of Loco Running staff, which depends in direct relation to the average number of passenger and freight trains run in the Railways. The number of trains is always on the rise and therefore, it is certain that the number of posts in all grades will certainly increase. Recruitment for such a large number of vacancies provides a big chance for the job aspirant to choose the profession of Loco Pilot. There is no doubt that about 5-6 lakhs aspirants appear in the examination every year. It is likewise significant to mention that even the ladies are finding the job attractive and good number joining the profession. The job of guard is also called in Running staff with duties of travelling with the train from one station to another. There was a news the other day the a lady guard joined Central Railway.
“A 22-year-old, Ms. Shweta Gone, has become the first female to be appointed as a train guard on the Central Railway’s Mumbai division (CRMD). A commerce graduate with more than 80% marks, Ghone stood first in the training conducted for guards. According to the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) representative, Mr. Vijay Nair, “Gone has been appointed as the guard for a goods’ train, thereafter she will be absorbed in suburban services and later on long-distance passenger trains”.
Ladies ALP is joining the profession and undergoing training
While deciding to join the profession of Loco Pilot, very few know the job profile. It is, thus, important to bring in why one should join this profession and why one should not.
Job Profile is evaluated on following points
- Attractive salary and benefits offered
- Educational qualification
- Professional Risk
- Duty Booking system of Loco Pilot
- Training Program
- Social Status
- Medical and Psychological Test
- Running Rooms
- Stability
- Prospects of attaining high positions
Salary and other Benefits
Average salary of Group C running staff as mentioned above was Rs. 5,83,000 during 2010-11 clearly indicating the better off status of running staff as compared to other category of staff.
There are two grades in ALP namely ALP 1 and 2.
- ALP 2 Rs.5200-20,200/- GP Rs 1900/-
- ALP 1 Rs. 5200-20,200/- GP Rs. 2400/- (After two years and ALP1 and ALP2 are in the ratio of 20:80)
- Loco Pilot Goods Rs. 9300-34800/- GP 4200/-B
- Beside one gets DA which 100% of DA, Kilometerage (part of the salary is in-built in Kilometerage), Over time, NDA
- Newly recruited ALP gets Rs. 25000/- and about 35000-40000/- after two years.
- Salary of LPG and LP (Pass) is around Rs. 60,000-80,000/- per month
- Another important thing observed that promotion to the post of LPG taking just 5-6 years for the last many years but may not last forever.
The running staffs are eligible for running allowance which depends upon the kilometer of train worked by him. However, you don’t have to spend any expenditure on the following account:
- Free Medical at Railway Hospital for you and your family
- Free Travel for you and your family ( 3 set of all Indian Passes)
- Reimbursement of tuition fees of children
- Railway accommodation
You cannot refrain yourself of making a career in this profession, if you know the average salary of loco pilot is more than the average salary of IT professional. http://topyaps.com/indian-railways?fb_action_ids=10153112995754292&fb_action_types=og.comments
Educational Qualification
This is the best job option for a matriculate, ITI and most importantly even for Diploma Holders
Matriculation or its equivalent under 10+2 system and course completed Act Apprentice
(OR) ITI in any of the following specific trades recognized by SCVT/NCVT. Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Mill Wright/Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic Radio & TV, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Wiremen, Tractor Mechanic, Armature & Coil Winder, Mechanic Diesel, Heat Engine, Turner, Machinist and Refrigerator & AC Mechanic (Basically Electrical/Mechanical Trade)
(OR) Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile Engineering recognized by AICTE in lieu of ITI
Professional Risk
- Loss of life and injury is the most concerned professional risk. But with time, the introduction of technology has improved safety standards considerably. If one looks at the statistics, the chance of losing life or injury is very remote.
- Loco pilot has to face the brunt of lawlessness and getting injured while working in militant infested areas, dacoits etc.
- Losing a business for any mistake committed, which is related to safety is certain. Keeping oneself healthy and alert can help you to take care of such risk.
Comments: These professional risks do exist in every job and not more than the risk in every one’s daily life. One need not get scared of such risk but it is important to know before deciding the profession.
Duty Booking System of Loco Pilot
- There are two types of train operation, namely passenger and freight. Passenger trains run to time-table whereas there is no time-table for freight trains.
- In the passenger segment also, there are two types of train namely Passenger and Electrical Multiple Unit or Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit. Passenger trains are operated by a Loco Pilot and Assistant Loco Pilot whereas EMU/MEMUs are worked by a Motorman (only one staff on board). Passenger Trains work to a time-table. Coaching links are prepared and LP/ALP is aware of their booking time. Passenger Trains are worked by Senior LPs who has been promoted from Goods Driver to passenger. Similarly Senior ALPs are deputed to work passenger trains. The advantage of working a passenger train is fixed working hours, knowing in advance the duty time to begin and finish.
- A train is worked by a crew consisting of a Loco Pilot (LP), Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) and Guard. Booking of LP and ALP is done by the technical department, namely Electrical and Mechanical whereas Guard are booked by the Traffic Department. There is system of combined crew booking lobby where the guard and loco pilot are booked at the same place. For this the crew reports to a Crew booking Lobby located near the Crew changing point. Look at the photograph of one of the crew lobbies.
Inside of Crew Lobby
Crew Lobby
- LP and ALP sign on at this lobby and goes through different circulars issued by the management related to safety, technical, speed restrictions etc.A software called Crew Management System is installed at all the crew booking pointswhere all activities are of sign in and off are logged through this console. The crew also undergoes Breathalyzer test before being permitted to sign on and if found having taken liquor, means very likely to be charged with a major penalty and losing your job. Crew reports about half an hour before the schedule time of the train and completes basic functions. Some personality traits that help the loco pilot in his duty.
- Calm and compose
- Say big ‘NO’ to liquor
- Go through the instruction carefully, particularly about any change of the signalling system, latest speed restriction, major work going in the section etc.
- Dressed comfortably and in full uniform. Always wear shoes that will help while moving over the ballast
- Know your crew members and talked to them before the start of the journey
- Go through your Line box that it has all items essential and important for the journey
- In case of freight train, there is no time-table. A train ordering is given by central control depending upon the expected arrival time, about two hours in advance. The crew lobby finds out the name of the LP/ALP/Guard who are in turn as per the last crew signed off, and sends him Train ordering advise. Now-a-days call is also served through mobile messages.
- The crew waits in the lobby for the train for which rest facilities are provided.
- The crew takes charge of the locomotive and works the train up to destination observing signalling, speed restriction, alert and exchanging signal. The duty hours for the passenger train is known in advance whereas freight train is worked up to identify next crew change lobby about 110-150 Km, a distance generally covered within 10 hours duty hour from signing on to signing off.
- The crew goes to rest place at the destination called Running Room. Now-a-days running room is well equipped for a comfortable stay with facilities for sleeping, dining, bathing, recreation etc. A slide show below gives an idea of the facilities.
- Upkeep of running rooms is one of the priority areas of management and inspected at regular intervals. During Annual inspection by GM, one of the running room in each division is inspected by him. There is a system of awarding the best maintained running room even at Railway Board Level. Amla Running room in Nagpur Division of Central Railway is well maintained running room and this is what Sr.DEE/ TRO/NGP proudly says about this
-
The beautiful lawn is waiting for the winter in which various flowers enhance the look further. The quiet and calm scintillating atmosphere in chilling winter with fog will not be less than a hill station. Behind the running room there are several banana trees and pomegranate orchids and a teak wood plantation places you in the thick of the woods.
- The author was working as Sr.Divisional Engineer Operation in-charge of running staff in Chakradharpur Division of South Eastern Railway. A photograph taken during the inspection of running room at Rourkela in the year 1985 is given below
Inspection of Running room at Rourkela during 1985
- After a rest, LP and ALP are again ready to work back a train back to home station within about 6-8 hrs of rest. Food served and permitted to carry for the journey back is highly subsidized. Earlier, LP/ALP was buying grocery and the food was cooked to their taste. Now with the consent of all it has been changed to standard food, as it provides ample time for rest. Earlier waiting time was much higher.
- He gets 16 hrs rest at Home station and again available in the roster to work next train.
- Learning of the road i.e. a route where a LP/ALP has to work is given to familiarize him with section, stations, signalling system, gradient, level crossings etc.
- One Loco Inspector (LI) for 25 numbers of LP to guide, counsel him and assess him at intervals about his performance. LI grades him as A, B and C category.
Training Program
There is a rigorous training program for newly recruited ALPs as well continuous training program at different stages of the career with examinations. It is compulsory to pass the examination. The training program includes classroom lectures, simulators, in field training etc. Few photographs to give an idea of the training environment are given below:
A loco pilot working on a simulator with automatic assessment of performance
A class room lecture with latest facilities
Picture of a Training Center for Running Staff
Monitoring Training program
Social Status
Till 90’s, running staff were called Driver and Assistant Driver. This designation was giving similarities to truck driver and a feeling of lower status in the society even though earning is better. During British period, Loco driver, Guard etc. were a prestigious position in the society with big houses in Railway colony. See the status of Film Actor Om Prakash in film Julie. Based on the strong representation by Running staff, the designation was changed to Loco pilot to bring similarity with Air Pilot. It was but natural also, because the similarity of disciplinary standards. With good conduct, one can build a good social status and respect.
Medical and Psychological Test
The highest Medical standard is required for running category. One should be sure of his medical fitness before planning for the competitive examination. In case you have a slightest doubt of your vision of even (-)0.25, you are not likely to clear the medical examination. The medical examination is done by the Medical team of Indian Railway and never underestimate them that one can dodge them.
Similarly is the examination for Psychological testing. Logical thinking, positive attitude, calmness in behavior are some of the attributes one should possess.
During the service, a Loco pilot undergoes medical examination once in three years compulsorily and if does not pass the prescribed medical test, he is withdrawn from running duties and an alternative posting is given. It has a brighter side also, that one undergoes a medical examination which otherwise many takes very lightly.
Prospects of attaining High position
The earning of a running staff is significantly high and generally satisfied with the job profession and does not aspire to supervisory post. A loco pilot can come out of running duties and join stationary supervisory jobs such as
- Loco Inspector
- Crew and Loco Controller
- Instructor in Training School
Beside this he is also entitled for appearing in a competitive examination for the post of Assistant Electrical or Mechanical Engineer depending on the cadre he has joined i.e. (Electric or Diesel Loco Pilot). If he succeeds, he may rise to the level of JA grade officer depending on the age he prefers to appear and qualify in the competitive examination.
Stability
Once you join the allotted Division, one can be posted or transferred to any crew booking lobby. But in practice, one can enjoy the stability with maximum of 2 to 3 transfers in his total career. Thus, one can enjoy reasonable stability of working at a place in the profession.
Why one should join Assistant Loco Pilot
- Respectable job with responsibility of highest order
- Good salary
- Educational qualification of Matriculation, ITI, Graduation (B.Sc., B.A.) or Diploma is enough to join the cadre. This educational standard is not enough in any other post to earn you this much of money.
Why one should not join the cadre of Assistant Loco Pilot
- If you have high educational qualification i.e. post graduation, engineering etc. You may find it below your standard when called upon to feel the temperature of axle box or coupling of locomotive with train.
ALP touching axle box of locomotive for high temperature
- If you have any health issues, minor vision problem, poor control on sleep, lack of alertness etc.
- If you have any psychological issues such high temperament, indiscipline, erratic behavior etc. and may undertake psychological test before aspiring this job.
- If you are addicted to any drug, alcohol etc.
Read more on how to plan your preparation for the competition to be held in 2015
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Sir i am fully interested in loco pilot job, but i am B.com Gratuated. tell me what should i do…??
ITI is a necessity as per today’s qualification criteria. You may choose NTPC for which you possess the qualification. The next examination is not likely in the next two years as the last examination held last year, the result not yet out.
Respected sir I am persuing
Polytechnic diploma in electrical branch so can I apply for Loco pilot or not in railway…
Yes and shall wait for the next RRB notification and will only be coming earlier than 2017.
Sir I am pursuing BE CSE . is it eligible for loco pilot or not????
Yes you are eligible.There are many quarries from graduate engineers on the subject. My reply is always that as graduate engineer you will not love the post for which the minimum educational qualification is matric with ITI. The competition is very tough with about 10 lakhs applicant for about 1000 post. It will be better to look for SSE job.
Yes u are eligible but check my other replies to quarries from engineering graduate before looking for this option. This is highly competitive exam with minimum educational qualification of ITI, very stringent medical test etc.
sir i have done by Diploma in mechnical engianeering 6th sem student.
i can apply loco pilot.
yes you can. Pl be careful of your medical standard which is very important
Next locopilot (alp)post apple
SIR/MADAM,
I have done DIPLOMA + ENGINEERING if i got job as ALP in railways, in the future my graduation(engineering) is useful or not for my future growth. if it is useful how it is useful.
No. However, because of your higher knowledge (but not because of degree holding) you may qualify easily for Loco Inspector or also Group B post through competitive LDCE examination.
my education qualification is 10th +inter+engineering am i eligible for rrb ALP.
Yes you are eligible for ALP. But are you serious to apply for a job for which the minimum educational qualification prescribed is only Matric+ITI.?
What are the promotion levels for an assistant loco pilot and how much time does one spend for each level?at what age will become Rajdhani polit ,is possible or not
About 10 years to become a goods loco pilot, 15 years for passenger driver and 25 years for Rajdhani loco pilot.
thanks for the information . i am interested in the loco pilot job now i am doing b.e mechanical can i joined
I am unable to understand why you are interested in loco pilot job with educational qualification of BE? The minimum educational standard for ALP is only Matric+ITI.
sir my qualification is 10th +inter+b.tech in mechanical engineering am i eligible for rrb alp
yes you are eligible but why opt for alp job where the minimum educational qualification prescribed is matric+ITI. It is a very tough examination involving preliminary exam, personality test and medical examination and total time taken is around 2 years. The ratio of candidates applying is around 1000 per vacancy.
hiiii sir my name is Imran iam studies in iti electrishon cors campleet so I want aprantiship so pleeees help my life
sir pls tell me which is the best training institute for JE mech in rrb
i am frm karnatak
There is no training institute undertaking such training. Self study is sufficient. Read the syllabus carefully from the last advertisement and start preparing as per the details given in one of the webpage of this website.
Sir,
i am from ajmer and joined as a ALP in bikaner in 2017 .sir i am btech in electronics and communication sir plese tell me about departmental exam for higher post .when it is conducted, i want to join higher post as soon as possible
sir am in ba and i like to tc so what i
do
Wait for the next advertisement which is not expected before 2018.
sir i am taking fitter degree can i am eligible for railway loco pilot yes or no
Yes you are fit. It is not called fitter degree but a certificate course and should be a from a recognized institute. It is a very tough examination in which even graduate also applies. If you are interested , start preparing now itself. No vacancy is expected this year but may be 2018 and the whole selection procedure will take around 18 months. Check the medical fitness standard first, if you qualify or not otherwise all effort for this exam will go a waste.
Sir ma it I aotomoveil loko pailt
I sir i am girish kumar .s i complite b.com but very interest railway department in ALP i can apply . please repaly sir
Matriculate with ITI is the minimum thereby Diploma and Engineering candidate only qualifies.
sir, i am electrical and electronics engineering gradute , sir kya mai assistant locopilot exam ke liye elligible hu
There are many quarries on this subject and suggest you go through the reply given there. In case you are unable to find any, submit your question again.
Sir kya electrical and electronics engineering branch eligible h Alp exam ke liye yaa sirf electrical engineering branch hi elligible h Alp exam ke liye.
Both are eligible.
Thanks sir but aap mujhe bataye EEE branch aur ee branch me difference kya h
Hi Sir,
I have completed diploma in CSE. COULD I Apply for ALP..
Yes, you can and wait for the next vacancy advertised which I doubt will be there during 2018.
Sir rrb ntpc ka cutoff kya hoga mine 80 general 19 2nd shift bhuneswer is there any chance or not?
Not possible for any one to comment. Better wait for the result.
Me contact
Hiren devjibhai Makwana
ITI ELECTRONIC
10th +
Plz me contact
I want to join Indian Railways
Ma ak Matriculated complete student ho
mari Papa cancer ki patient ha to muja ak job ki bajet joruri ha please
Sir I am complete 10th and diploma electrical kya ma apply kar sakata hua loco pilot ka vacancy is number par message kar digiyaga 7908800843
Yes you can. For vacancies, wait for next rrb advertisement which is unlikely to be this year.
How to get Loco pilot exam form
How to get Loco pilot exam from
your question is not clear
Can i fill the assistant loco pilot requirement form from two or more different division or zones at same time .
Tell me the best books for its preparation. mostly the part of technical ability and general awareness. please give your answer. my mail id is amitmishra9461@gmail.com
i am waiting for your answer.
you can apply from one RRB only. There is no best book which can meet the challenge of the examination. Read your text book from which you have prepared your technical subject ITI or diploma. Similarly read books upto class X to be aware of simple things. I have written many post about how to prepare for the examination and that should help.
I want to join Indian railway assistant loco pilot
yes you can but the competion is very tough. Question are no difficult but applicants are very large. Check your medical standard, because many fails in that after passing the examination and aptitude test.
Sir I have done BCS (Bachlor of computer science) so can I get Locomotives pilot Job
Yes you can and wait for the next vacancy advertising and confirm the educational qualification prescribed at that time also.
Sir i am fully interested in loco pilot jobs after 10th tell me what should i do ….?
Have ITI and than apply when vacancies are advertised. It is a very tough competition and be sure you qualify medical which is also very important.
sir,i have completed my plus two education(science).what is the next step that i should do to become, will i would be able to become a locopilot in indian railway. kindly please reply
I AM 10TH STD MATRIC I HAVE STUDIED I AM QUALIFIED FOR RRB ALP OR NOT
no u should have minimum iti
hello sir,My name is Abhishek
Now i am pursuing diploma with electrical branch i want to ask you that necessary to do Aprinties for the post of ALP in Railways . Please Reply sir……….
There is no provision of apprentice for ALP.
Thank you so much sir and i mean i am eligible for the post of ALP and sir please give me short syllabus for diploma based ALP post. My email id is av22024@gmail.com
Please read this or related posts carefully. There is no diploma based ALP post. The syllabubs is common for all types of technical education.
Sir i wanna become ALP but my eyesight is 0.5/0.25 can i go for further procured waiting for u reply.
You will not qualify for A1, therefore not fit for ALP
Hello Sir….
My name is Mallikarjun , I have done BE (much) , I am very much interested in loco pilot job ..if am selected in that job any grade up procedure is there or not…
Pl glance through many of the quarry when graduate engineers looking for ALP post and my reply thereon about the suitability for your educational background
Anyone pls suggest me rrb ass loco pilot book name?
Is thr anyone passed rrb loco pilot exam..pls reply me to sathyasaro103@gmail.com
Wen will the exam date wil be announced for upcoming alp post…
I hope it will be advertised this year and begining of next year.
I am vry much intrested in working as locopilot in railway
, I belongs to reservation caste,
So plz help me out how to apply for it
You search the blogs written on the subject on this website. As regards applying, it will be when the RRB’s advertise for the posts.
sir it is neccessary tha the student must have 60% in degree qualification
No
sir,can i apply for the sse if I am an electronics and communication engineernig graduate
yes
Hello sir am Ramandeep Singh from Amritsar Punjab Nd am 12th pass 2007 Nd after I do electricion training in private job Nd now I have 8 year electricion experience but am not ITI pass am apply loco pilot job
ITI is the minimum qualification to appear for the jo
I’m ITI complete sir plz railway job any one
you can apply for assistant loco pilot and technical artisan staff through the same recruitment procedure. Be sure of medical qualification if interested for ALP.
Sir I have finished my BE in mechanical engineering and I’m interested to be engine driver.
Can I apply for this job???
you can but I will advise you to avoid. The minimum educational qualification is ITI, and will get frustrated very soon.
Dear sir i am persunig ITI ELECTRICIAN BRANCH
and next year diploma in this branch….
sir can i apply LOCO PILOT ……
sir plz reply…thankyou
Yes
I am m. Sc physics.. I am applicable for loco pilot?
Yes, but look for supervisory post as you will get frustrated very soon because the minimum educational qualification for Loco Pilot is ITI.
Which id this post App. Supvr. Loco pilot elect?
Sir iam electrical engineering student. Am I eligible to d both eletrical and mechanical alp or not? Pls clarify….
i want to join pilot
i want to became a pilot of a train
Sir i am study in 11th std in commerce stream and i want to become loco pilot so it is possible or not plzzz sir reply i am get confused to much
ITI is a must
Dear Sir How I became ALP After 12th Examination
ITI is a must
Hello sir I have passed my 10th class and my dream is to become a loco pilot so for to get this job what should I do after 10th plz sir reply fast this is my dream
ITI minimum
Sir I’m going to finish EEE course,
It help me to became an ALP
Plz…reply fast sir
I understand from EEE that you are an Electronics and Electrical Engineering graduate. The minimum educational qualification prescribed is only ITI. There is no additional benefit of possessing EEE degree in examination or career. Instead, you will get frustrated soon be required to work along with ITIs as a co-worker. The entire selection process takes around 2-3 years and the medical test is very tough particularly eye vision. Unless you are in dire need of a job and unable to get any other place, you may take this pain, as salary wise it quite attractive considering the allowance.
Jo mi railway