RRB ALP Salary: Assistant Loco Pilot Pay, Running Allowance and Promotion

Basic pay rises with the yearly increment and with each promotion.

Running allowance is paid to staff who work on moving trains - Loco Pilots, Assistant Loco Pilots and Train Managers. It is calculated on the kilometres covered on duty, at rates fixed by the Railway Board.

• It depends on how many kilometres you work in a month, so it varies.
• For many ALPs, it adds a significant share on top of the basic pay and DA.
• Rates are revised from time to time; check the latest Railway Board orders.

This is why the ALP post is often preferred over other Level 2 posts.

• Basic pay, as per the level.
• Dearness Allowance (DA) - revised twice a year by the central government.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) - recently 30%, 20% or 10% of basic pay by city class, if railway quarters are not taken.
• Transport Allowance - a fixed monthly amount by level and city.
• Night Duty Allowance - for staff working night shifts.

Deductions include the pension contribution (NPS, with an option for the Unified Pension Scheme). The 8th Pay Commission has been set up; its recommendations will change these figures.

• Free railway passes and Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs) for the employee and family, as per rules.
• Medical care at railway hospitals and health units.
• Railway quarters near the place of work, where available.
• Uniform and safety gear for field and running staff.

• Helping the Loco Pilot drive and control the locomotive.
• Checking the engine before and during the journey, and reporting faults.
• Watching signals and calling them out to the Loco Pilot for safety.
• Handling minor technical problems on the way.

The job involves irregular hours, night duty and time away from home, since trains run round the clock.

• ALPs need the A-1 medical standard - the strictest in the railways, with tight rules on eyesight and colour vision. Glasses are not allowed in this category.
• The Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) checks memory, concentration, perception and reaction. Candidates must reach the minimum score in each test.

In recent cycles, the final merit for ALP gave 70% weight to CBT 2 Part A and 30% to the CBAT. Confirm the rules in the current notice.

• Education - Class 10 with ITI in specified trades, or a course completed Act Apprenticeship; a diploma or degree in mechanical, electrical, electronics or automobile engineering is also accepted.
• Age - recent notices have set 18 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories.
• Stages - CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A on general subjects and Part B on the trade, which is qualifying), CBAT, document verification and medical test.

See our RRB ALP exam guide for the full pattern and syllabus.

1. Assistant Loco Pilot - the starting post.
2. Senior Assistant Loco Pilot.
3. Loco Pilot (Shunting) and Loco Pilot (Goods).
4. Loco Pilot (Passenger).
5. Loco Pilot (Mail/Express).
6. Supervisory posts such as Loco Inspector and Crew Controller.

Each step brings a higher pay level and running allowance. Promotions depend on experience, safety record and tests.

• ALPs report to a crew lobby before each duty, where they are checked for fitness and alcohol, and get their train details.
• Duty can start at any hour; after a long run, staff get rest at running rooms near the destination before returning.
• Work moves between goods and passenger trains as you gain experience and promotions.
• Safety is the top priority - ALPs go through regular refresher training and simulator sessions.

1. CBT 1 and Part A - maths, reasoning, general science and General Awareness; practise speed with negative marking in mind.
2. Part B - revise your ITI trade or diploma subjects, since it must be passed.
3. CBAT - practise memory, concentration and reaction tests on a computer; they carry 30% weight.
4. Medical - get an eye test early to confirm you meet A-1.

Railway employees who joined on or after 1 January 2004 are under the National Pension System, with 10% of basic pay plus DA from the employee and 14% from the government. Since 1 April 2025, they can opt for the Unified Pension Scheme, which assures 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months after 25 years of service.

• Class 10 certificate for date of birth.
• ITI, NAC or diploma certificates, where the post needs them.
• Caste, EWS or non-creamy layer certificate in the central government format, where relevant.
• Photo identity proof and recent photographs, as asked at document verification.

Make sure your name and date of birth match across all documents.

1. Applying without checking A-1 eyesight. Many candidates fail the medical.
2. Ignoring CBAT practice - it carries 30% weight.
3. Weak trade preparation for CBT 2 Part B, which you must pass.
4. Judging the job only by basic pay without counting running allowance.

For other railway pay guides, see the RRB Group D salary and RRB NTPC post list and salary pages.