RRB ALP CBT-1 Exam Date 2026 Tentative Schedule Released

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, have officially announced the tentative schedule for the Stage 1 Computer Based Test (CBT-1) for the recruitment of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP). This critical update is issued under the Centralised Employment Notice CEN 01/2026. Candidates who have registered for this recruitment drive can now plan their final stage of preparation as the exam timeline has been established.

This massive recruitment drive aims to fill 11,127 vacancies of Assistant Loco Pilots across various railway zones in India. Just as lakhs of aspirants closely monitor important milestones such as the RRB Group D Level 1 Result 2026 Out - Check Scorecard and Merit List recruitment details, ALP applicants are advised to remain highly vigilant and access only official portals for information on city intimation slips and call letters.

Understanding the Selection Process

To successfully secure the position of Assistant Loco Pilot under CEN 01/2026, applicants must clear several filters. Each step is qualifying in nature or contributes directly to the final merit listing, as per the established guidelines of the Ministry of Railways.

Stages of Selection:

• Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT-1) – Screening test to shortlist candidates based on general awareness, science, mathematics, and reasoning.
• Stage 2: Computer Based Test (CBT-2) – A two-part exam testing core subjects and specific trade knowledge.
• Stage 3: Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) – Assessing spatial, depth perception, and focus abilities relevant to safe train operations.
• Stage 4: Document Verification (DV) – Physical verification of educational qualifications, category certificates, and identity.
• Stage 5: Medical Examination – Intensive medical check-up, with special emphasis on distant, near, and color vision standards (A-1 medical category).

How to Check Exam City and Download E-Call Letter

The Ministry of Railways conducts CBTs at multiple designated centers across India. Candidates must retrieve their venue information electronically; physical letters are not dispatched by mail. Below are the steps to access the credentials online.

Step-by-Step Guide to Access the RRB Portal:

• Step 1: Visit the official web portal for RRB online applications at rrbapply.gov.in or navigate to your specific regional RRB website.
• Step 2: Locate and click on the active link labeled "CEN 01/2026 ALP Exam City & Date Intimation Slip".
• Step 3: Provide your log-in credentials, including your unique registration number and date of birth (password).
• Step 4: Submit the information to view your allotted exam city, scheduled date, and assigned exam shift.
• Step 5: For the official e-call letter, log in again precisely 4 days prior to your assigned exam date to download the document.
• Step 6: Save a PDF copy and generate multiple high-quality printouts to bring to the examination venue.

Essential Documents Checklist for Exam Day

Candidates must carry specific documents to verify their identity at the exam center gate. Failure to present the required original documents will lead to immediate disqualification and denial of entry into the exam hall.

• Printed Copy of E-Call Letter: Ensure all printed details and your passport-size photo are clean and legible.
• Original Aadhaar Card: Bring either your physical plastic Aadhaar card or a clear printout of your e-verified Aadhaar card.
• Additional Original Photo ID: Carry another official ID card such as a Voter ID, PAN card, Passport, or Driving License.
• Recent Colour Passport-size Photograph: Keep at least one physical copy of the photo used during the registration process.
• SC/ST Travel Pass: Eligible candidates who opted for free travel authority must carry their printed travel pass along with their original community certificate.

Crucial Candidate Guidelines & Security Measures

RRBs employ strict biometric verification and security measures to maintain the integrity of their recruitment examinations. Candidates are advised to carefully read and comply with the official instructions to avoid administrative problems.

• Banned Items: Electronic devices including mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth earpieces, and bags, books, or any metallic items are completely prohibited inside the examination center. No storage facilities are guaranteed at the test centers.
• Self-Declaration Prose: Candidates are required to write the self-declaration paragraph in the designated space on their e-call letter. This must be written strictly inside the exam hall, using hand-writing, in front of the invigilator. Do not write this beforehand.
• Exam Center Changes: The allotted exam city, shift, and date are final. RRBs do not entertain requests to change any candidate's test venue or shift under any circumstances.

Official Important Links

Aspirants can access verified exam dates, notification PDF files, and the official application dashboard through the following direct web links: