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Essential Qualifications to Become a Loco Pilot in 2024

Nikita Parmar

Updated on 30th September, 2024 , 8 min read

Loco Pilot Qualification

Loco Pilot Qualification: Comprehensive Overview

India has the world's fourth-largest railway system, providing loco pilots with more job prospects. Loco Pilots are in charge of running and driving trains as well as guaranteeing correct maintenance during the route. To become a Loco Pilot, applicants must hold an ITI degree from an institute accredited by the National Council for Vocational Training or the State Council for Vocational Training after passing the Class 10th examination. Students can also study Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or obtain a diploma from an AICTE-approved university. Besides from academic credentials, persons seeking to become Loco Pilots must pass the RRB ALP examination. In India, the average yearly compensation for a Loco Pilot is INR 4.5 LPA.

Loco Pilot Qualification: Who are Loco Pilots?

Loco Pilots are qualified specialists who understand machine learning, train engines, and how they function. Loco pilots are also responsible for the safety and security of passengers on board trains. In India, they have numerous job titles such as Assistant Loco Pilot, Loco Pilot (mail), Loco Pilot (goods), Loco Pilot (passenger), Shunting Loco Pilot, and so on.

Loco Pilot

Loco Pilot Qualification: Loco Pilot Eligibility Criteria

To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must meet the eligibility requirements-

  1. Applicants must have passed the 10th board examination or an equivalent test from a recognized board.
  2. ITI or a diploma in engineering are popular degrees that qualify people to become loco pilots in India.
  3. Besides passing the 10th board test, aspirants must pass the RRB ALC competitive examination to become a Loco Pilot in the Indian Railways, which is administered by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).

Some of the major highlights of RRB ALP eligibility criteria are tabulated below: 

RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 

Particulars

Important Highlights

RRB ALP Full Form

Railway Recruitment Board – Assistant Loco Pilots

Conducting Body    

Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency    

Vacancy based

Exam Mode   

 Online

Language    

Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Manipuri, and Konkani.

Exam Fees    

General / OBC-Rs 500 SC / ST / PWD-Rs 250

Age    

18-33 Years

Loco Pilot Age Limit

The age restriction for becoming a Loco Pilot in India is likewise set by the board. Whereas the minimum age for becoming a Loco Pilot is the same for all candidates regardless of category, the maximum age varies based on the age relaxation allowed by the recruiting board. The following are some of the age limits mentioned for becoming a loco pilot in India- 

  1. The minimum age to become a Loco Pilot is 18.
  2. The minimum age to become a Loco Pilot is 28 years old.
  3. For OBC applicants, the maximum age for becoming a Loco Pilot is 31 years, for SC/ST candidates, it is 33 years, and for PWD candidates, it is 38 years.

Loco Pilot Qualification

Loco Pilot Age Relaxation

Follow the below-mentioned details of age relaxation of the loco pilot-

  1. Candidates from the SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Ex-Servicemen, etc. categories are eligible for age relaxation.
  2. There is a three-year age relaxation for OBC candidates.
  3. The maximum age for becoming a Loco Pilot for SC/ST applicants is lowered to 5 years, with unlimited tries in the RRB ALC.
  4. For PwD applicants, the maximum age relaxation for becoming a Loco Pilot is 38 years, with unlimited attempts due to a 10-year age relaxation.

Loco Pilot Qualification

A qualifying 10th board exam from a recognized board is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a Loco Pilot. Aside from this engineering diploma, ITI and other associated vocational courses and training programs offer an extra badge to the professional efficiency of becoming a Loco Pilot.

Loco Pilot Educational Qualification

Upon completion of the 10th grade, the following courses can be pursued to become a Loco Pilot-

  1. 10+2 Board- To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must first become an assistant Loco Pilot. A matriculation certificate is required for this position. It would be advantageous if the candidate chose science and mathematics as key subjects and also passed the 10+2 board exams.
  2. Diploma Degree- A diploma in railway engineering or a diploma in another relevant field is also an option for the candidate. This will assist the candidate in understanding the job's rules, regulations, and main responsibilities.
  3. ITI course-  Applicants interested in becoming loco pilots have the option of studying vocational courses. Students can either pursue an engineering diploma or an ITI (industrial training institution) program that is approved by NCVT or SCVT.
  4. Training- Several institutions, including the government-established Industrial Training Institutes, give suitable training to aspiring Loco Pilots. A candidate is expected to receive the training in order to comprehend the practical approach to repairing and running train engines for passenger safety and security.
  5. Engineering Courses- Whereas a 10th board passing certificate is the minimum requirement for becoming a Loco Pilot, an engineering degree with a focus in mechanical engineering is preferred.

Candidates can read more about the Best State-to-State ITI Institutions for their training-

WBSCVT ITI 2023

MP ITI Admission 2023

Haryana ITI Admission 2023

UP ITI Admission 2023

Assam ITI Admission 2023

Punjab ITI Admission 2023

Delhi ITI Admission 2023

ITI Courses

ITI Colleges

Loco Pilot Qualification Medical Prerequisites

To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must meet the following medical requirements-

  1. Loco Pilots are supposed to be exceptionally active and healthy because their job entails tremendous care and safety of passengers on the train.
  2. Vision and hearing exams are performed to ensure that the candidate meets the medical standards to become a Loco Pilot.
  3. The recruiting procedure is completed if the recruitment board is pleased with the candidate's medical condition.

Loco Pilot Nationality

The following are some of the nationality requirements for a loco pilot-

  1. A candidate must be an Indian to become a Loco Pilot.
  2. The candidate's nationality is to be Indian, which suggests that he is an Indian citizen.
  3. The candidate must have a permanent residence address in any Indian state or union territory.

Number of Attempts required for Loco Pilot Qualification

  1. The number of tries for the RRB ALP examination is limitless, although there is a maximum age restriction.
  2. A general applicant may take the RRB ALP competitive test an unlimited number of times until the age of 28.
  3. An OBC applicant is granted three years of age relaxation. As a result, you can take the aforementioned competitive tests as many times as you like until you reach the age of 31.
  4. A SC/ST applicant is granted a 5-year age relaxation and may take the RRB ALP exam an unlimited number of times until the age of 33.
  5. A PwD applicant receives ten years of relaxation, which means he can take the exam as many times as he wants until he is 38 years old.

For More information about Loco Pilot, check out the website.

Loco Pilot Qualification: How to become a Loco Pilot?

Complete 10+2

Prospective applicants must have finished their 10+2 or a comparable program, or have passed SSC examinations or an equivalent from a recognized board. Students must get at least 50% from any recognized Indian board. We shall go through how to become a loco pilot in the steps below.

Associate Degree

If students opt to pursue a bachelor's degree, they must also fulfill the various educational institutions' unique qualifying standards. In terms of marks and the registration process, the selection criteria vary greatly from institute to institute. A typical associate in science degree or accomplishment certificate includes courses in railroad history, railroad technology, rail transport, safety, operational law, and ground school. Secondary school education comprises English, Mathematics, Physics, Electronics, Mechanics, and Computers.

ITI Program

Loco Pilots must complete an ITI programme from an institution accredited by the National Council for Vocational Training or the State Council for Vocational Training. Students can also pursue engineering degrees in any of the electrical, electronic, mechanical, or automotive engineering fields from an All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)-accredited institute.

Courses and Certificates

The following are some of the courses and certificates for loco pilot-

Diploma in Railway Engineering

Special Class Railway Apprentices' Examination

Civil Services Examination

Combined Engineering Services Examination (CES)

Also read more about the Loco Pilot Salary 2023.

Loco Pilot Qualification: Things to Remember

Candidates aiming to become loco pilots, for example, must remember a few things, which are numbered below:

  1. Since documents are verified, the candidate must have all of the necessary documentation.
  2. A legitimate government-issued identification card, such as an Adhar card or passport.
  3. Documents proving the candidate's residential address.
  4. Document containing the full date of birth that has been self-attested.
  5. At the moment of document verification, each document must have an identical signature.

Some Additional Important Points

  • Applicants who have already undergone Lasik surgery or any other surgical intervention for correction of refractive error are not eligible for the posts mentioned with Medical Standards A1.
  • Candidates are advised to check their eligibility according to the medical standards prescribed for their respective posts.
  • For RRB ALP post, strictly adhere to the medical standards regarding physical and optical fitness only.
  • Eligibility for Age Relaxation under RRB ALP: If the candidate is eligible for relaxation of age under more than one grounds, then the applicant shall be entitled to the highest age relaxation that is applicable to him/her (not cumulative).
  • Applicants who are SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates, applying for unreserved RRB positions are not entitled to age relaxation
  • Age relaxation is only applicable to UR PWD candidates, who apply for unreserved vacancies.
  • One should note that the date of birth as put in the application must tally with the date recorded in the Matriculation/SSLC or equivalent certificate. The date of birth once recorded would be treated as final and no changes in respect of date of birth subsequent to this would be accepted.
  • Candidates must have the requisite educational/technical qualification specified for the notified posts from a recognized Institute/University by the closing date for submission of online application.
Loco Pilot Qualification FAQs
Q. What is the qualification of loco pilot?
A. Candidates from all streams can become a loco pilot after the completion of 12th or equivalent examination. The candidates have to appear for a diploma in engineering entrance examination for various streams such as Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical, or automobile to be eligible for Loco pilot after 12th.
Q. Is ITI compulsory for loco pilots?
A. There is a need to have the certification training after passing out from Class 10th after possessing ITI degree from any institute recognized either by State Council for Vocational Training or by National Council for Vocational Training.
Q. What is the qualification for railway driver?
A. Candidates must have completed Matriculation and possess an ITI/Diploma in the relevant trade. 
Q. Can I apply for ALP without ITI?
A. The candidate should have passed 10th standard and must have ITI certification.
Q. What is the age limit for a loco pilot?
A. The age bracket for RRB ALP is between 18 and 33 years. The RRB ALP Educational Qualification is such that the applicant must have passed Matriculation and must have an ITI/Diploma certificate in the concerned trade. Proper proof must be seen in the hands of candidates, which would support their eligibility claim against the RRB ALP Eligibility criteria.
Q. Can a female become a loco pilot?
A. Yes, a female can become a loco pilot provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria and all other requisites. 
Q. Is the ALP exam tough?
A. It is not that difficult to crack the RRB ALP exam if you prepare as per suitable study schedule. Here some tips and tricks to clear the RRB ALP exam: Check out the exam pattern and syllabus. Clear all concepts regarding the topics that are provided in the RRB ALP syllabus.
Q. Is loco pilot a group C or B?
A. Assistant loco pilot is a post which falls in the 'C' category. The A and B categories are those positions considered to be under the officer category in the railway and categorized as C and D labour/workers category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do individuals with Civil Engineering degrees meet the requirements for Assistant Loco Pilot?

Ans. Candidates mostly from the Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Automotive Engineering fields are best qualified for the available opportunities in Railway Loco Pilot Jobs. Nonetheless, a civil engineering applicant may apply for the role.

Are there any medical requirements for candidates to qualify for the Railway Loco Pilot exam?

Ans. To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must be physically strong and healthy. To guarantee this, the board conducts vision and hearing tests on the shortlisted individuals prior to their joining.

Does a Bachelor of Science degree satisfy the RRB ALP qualifying requirements?

Ans. A candidate having a bachelor’s degree in science may apply for the Loco Pilot test. To join the Indian Railways, no specific stream is necessary.

What is the required number of years of experience for an RRB ALP position?

Ans. To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate does not require any prior experience. Nonetheless, an industrial training course is a must.

What are the RRB ALP Age Limit Eligibility Criteria for the Loco Pilot Exam?

Ans. The lowest age limit for RRB ALP is 18 years, while the maximum age restriction for appearing in the Assistant Loco Pilot test is 28 years. The higher age limit for OBC, SC/ST, and PwD applicants is 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively.

Is there an age limit for PWD applicants in the RRB ALP exam?

Ans. Yes, PwD applicants can take the RRB ALP test with a 10-year age exemption. A PwD applicant may take the RRB ALP test an unlimited number of times until the age of 38.

What are the educational requirements for the Railway Assistant Loco Pilot examination?

Ans. The minimal educational qualification for a Loco Pilot in the Railway is a Class 10th qualification and ITI certification to fill out an ALP application form.

How many tries are permitted in the RRB ALP examination?

Ans. There are an unlimited number of tries to participate in the RRB ALP test till the candidate reaches the category-specific maximum age.

What nationality is necessary to become a Loco Pilot in India?

Ans. A candidate must be an Indian national to become a Loco Pilot.

Can a candidate alter the location of his or her RRB ALP examination?

Ans. No, a candidate cannot modify his or her RRB ALP examination center since the recruiting board’s decision is assumed to be final and binding on the candidates.

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