How to become a Loco Pilot?

Have you ever heard of Loco Pilot while traveling by train? Did you know that a local pilot’s responsibilities are similar to those of an airline pilot? Though there is a distinction between an Airplane or commercial Pilot and a Loco Pilot. But, the one thing that’s common among them is that they are responsible for more than 10,000 passengers who rely on the capable shoulders of a pilot, who must execute unswerving tasks and obligations and help connect with locations on a daily basis. In this blog, we will be exploring a career in the same.

Industry	Railways
Eligibility	10th + ITI certification or Diploma in Engineering or completed apprenticeship under Apprentices Act, 1961
Average Starting Salary	INR 4 lakhs to 5 lakhs
Job Opportunities	ALP, Senior ALP, Power Controller, Loco Supervisor, Crew Controller

Who is a Loco Pilot?

A Loco Pilot is a person who drives trains and ensures proper maintenance during transit. The Indian Railways provides this position to candidates as a senior-level post. There is no systematic way to hire candidates for the post of Loco Pilot. The selection occurs on the basis of entrance examinations conducted to hire ALP who are later promoted to senior-level positions. The exam is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board RRB for Group C personnel hiring. An ALP helps the main LP during a train journey. The LP also ensures the proper functioning of the train, carrying out a repair, checking for signal changes, communicating with officials, and many more. 

Eligibility Criteria of a Loco Pilot

To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate should first become ALP. For this, you must understand the recruitment process for this role which comes under the Railway Recruitment Board. The eligibility criteria for the exam are mentioned below: 

• The candidate should belong to the following nationalities – India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugee arriving in India before 1 January 1962 for permanent settlement, Indian origin migrant permanently settled in India.
• The age limit must be between 18 and 28 years to be eligible for the Assistant Loco Pilot post.
• Age relaxation is granted to reserved category applicants (SC / ST / OBC / PWD / Ex-Servicemen, etc.) in accordance with government guidelines
• Qualifying for the entrance examination conducted by RRB for the assistant Loco Pilot post
• Medical fitness after the CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)

Qualifications Required 

Candidates who are aspiring to become a Loco Pilot must have passed the 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board. Additionally, the candidate must have completed any of these courses:

• ITI course from an Institute recognized by NCVT or SCVT
• Diploma in Engineering in any stream from an AICTE-recognised institute
• ACT apprenticeship course

Examinations Required For Loco-Pilot

The entrance exam for Assistant Loco Pilot conducted by RRB is a computer-based test (CBT) and has the following 3 stages.

• CBT 1: 75 questions, 60 minutes
• CBT 2:
  • Part A has 100 questions and 90 minutes. 
  • Part B: 75 questions, 60 minutes
• Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

Note: Only after qualifying the stage I candidates are invited for stage II of recruitment

Skills Required For Loco-Pilot

A Loco Pilot should have the following skills in order to become a successful pilot.

• Technical Skills: It is the most important skill of all where a Loco Pilot might be required to perform certain mechanical, technical, and mathematical repairs in the information system or locomotive. Knowledge of mechanical systems, language, and methodologies is a must.

• Critical Thinking Skills: Another important and significant Loco Pilot skill is to have precise and critical thoughts. The ability of a Loco Pilot to make quick decisions in an efficient manner to fix the problem immediately is highly required.

• Physical Fitness: Loco Pilots should be fit and be able to lift heavy weights and machinery. They must be in good shape and have clear vision and muscular strength.

Also Read: Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India

Courses for Becoming a Loco Pilot

Loco Pilots must have an ITI degree from an institute approved by the National Council for Vocational Training or the State Council of Vocational Training or an electrical/electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, or automobile engineering degree/diploma from a recognized university by AICTE. Some of the common certification courses for becoming the same are listed below:

• Diploma in Railway Engineering
• Special class Railway apprentices examinations
• Combined Engineering Services Examination
• Civil Services Examination

Types of Job Roles Loco Pilot

The various job profiles available include the following:

• Power Controller
• Crew Controller
• Loco Fireman
• Assistant Loco Pilot
• Senior Assistant Loco Pilot
• Loco Supervisor

Types of Loco Pilots

Name of the Profile	Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Assistant Loco Pilot	They are trainee locomotive pilots who aid the driver in carrying out his responsibilities, such as calling out signals and attending to minor locomotive maintenance.	INR 3.5-4 Lakh
Senior Assistant Loco Pilot	After six to eight years of service as an ALP, a person is promoted to the position of Senior Assistant Loco Pilot. Senior ALPs are in charge of operating local trains as well as goods trains that travel between cities.	INR 5.75 Lakh
Loco Pilots	A Loco Pilot is an expert that is in charge of operating and driving trains while making sure they are kept in good condition the entire way.	INR 6.9 Lakh
Loco Supervisor	A Loco Supervisor’s main duty is to understand what a Loco Pilot does. They should be highly skilled drivers with knowledge of technical and safety issues.	INR 8.5 Lakh

Career Path Progression for Loco Pilot

Junior Loco Pilot: For helping and assisting the senior loco pilot, there is a junior loco pilot. The junior loco pilot has to learn all the functions as well as all the techniques of operations in order to help the senior loco pilot run the train smoothly. The junior loco pilot must be able to maintain long shifts of concentration and should be able to react quickly. There are various tasks related to the transmission of signals that have to be performed by the junior loco pilot in order to maintain the proper functioning of the loco. They also have to assist the seniors with repair work where necessary.

Senior Loco Pilot: They assist the loco driver in fine-tuning the loco. The role of the senior loco pilot is to identify the bumper track defects. They play a crucial role in maintenance, safety, productivity, as well as the quality of the locomotive. As a senior loco pilot, it is important for the individual to be able to maintain a long attention span and respond quickly.

What is the workplace/work environment of Loco Pilot like?

Loco pilots have a lot of crucial roles to play. They operate engines, commuter trains, and passenger trains. They also illustrate the railway instructions, guidelines and rules and regulations that govern the operation of the locomotives. The detectors and metres in the brake pads and primary underground aquifers are supervised mainly for pace, circuit, power output and temperature analysis.

How to Become a Loco-Pilot In India

To become a  Loco Pilot in India, you need to follow the given steps:

• Meet Eligibility Requirements: You must be a 10th pass or equivalent with an ITI certification in a trade such as Fitter, Electrician, Mechanical, etc. From an SCVT/NCVT recognised institute. In another case, if you have a diploma/degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic or Automobile Engineering, this works.
• Apply for RRB Assistant Loco Pilot Exam: To become a Loco Pilot, your first step is to apply for the assistant Loco Pilot post through the official website of the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
• Clear the RRB ALP Selection Process: The RRB ALP Exam process has four stages

Stage 1	CBT1 Computer-Based Test	General Awareness, Maths, Reasoning, General Science.
Stage 2	CBT2	Part A: Technical Subject (Engineering / ITI level)Part B: Trade-related skills
Stage 3	Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)	Only for ALP posts, and there is no negative marking.
Stage 4	Document Verification and Medical Test	Physical fitness and eye sight check-up is important for Loco Pilote

• Join Training Program: Once you have cleared all the stages and selected successfully, you are required to attend the training program at RDSO or the zonal railway training centre. This program includes theoretical knowledge, practical experience, safety rules and real-time rain handling. 
• Gain Experience and Promotion: Promotion in the Indian railway based on experience, performance and department exam. 

Also Read: How to Become TTE in Railways

How to Become a Loco-Pilot Abroad

The career pathway for becoming a Loco Pilot abroad differs based on the country. The minimum and universal eligibility criteria is a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics, or any similar field. Students are also required to undertake area-specific exams and certifications in order to get the license as a Loco Pilot.

Books Study Material to Become Loco Pilot

• Fast track Objective Arithmetic by Arihant Publications
• Practice Book on Quicker Maths by M.Tyra, K.Kundan
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S Aggarwal
• Quickest Mathematics by Kiran Publications
• A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal
• Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe

Pros of Becoming a Loco Pilot

• Job Stability and Good Compensation
• Technical Job with Security and Benefits
• Opportunity to Travel and Explore a Country
• Ample Opportunity for Growth

Cons of Becoming a Loco Pilot

• Long shifts and long hours
• Excessive Travel
• Work stress and pressure

Top Colleges to Pursue a Career as a Loco Pilot Abroad

Here are the top universities that offer Engineering courses in the World:

Universities	Location	QS World University Ranking 2026
Harvard University	USA	5
University of Oxford	UK	4
Stanford University	USA	3
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	USA	1
The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	USA	–
University of Cambridge	UK	6
California Institute of Technology	USA	10
Princeton University	USA	=25
ETH Zurich	Switzerland	7
Peking University	China	14
University of California, Los Angeles	USA	46
Georgia Institute of Technology	USA	=123
National University of Singapore	Singapore	8
Imperial College London	UK	2
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)	Singapore	–
Tsinghua University	China	=17
Yale University	USA	21
Carnegie Mellon University	USA	52
University of Michigan	USA	45
EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne	Switzerland	–

Top Colleges to Pursue a Career as a Loco Pilot in India

Here is a list of some top colleges to pursue a career as a Loco Pilot in India:

University	City	NIRF Rankings 2025
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)	Mumbai	3
Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bangalore	Bangalore	N/A
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)	Delhi	2
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)	Chennai	1
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP)	Kharagpur	5
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK)	Kanpur	4
University of Delhi	Delhi	4
University of Hyderabad	Hyderabad	7
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR)	Roorkee	6
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG)	Guwahati	7

Also Read: Top Aeronautical Engineering Colleges

Salary/Pay Scale of a Loco Pilot

As discussed above, the salary package for Loco Pilot is quite promising. The salary for Standard Indian Railway LP’s compensation package is INR 55,500. The LP salaries in Indian Railways range between INR 20,000 to 85,000 per month. The salary structure for Assistant Loco Pilot is mentioned below: 

• Junior level salary – INR 20,000 per month 
• Senior-level salary – INR 50,000 per month 
• Average salary – INR 30,000 per month 

The salary structure for Senior ALP is as follows:

• Junior level salary – INR 40,000 per month
• Senior level salary – INR 70,000 per month
• Average salary – INR 50,000 per month

Position-wise Average Salary of a Loco Pilot in India 

Here is an average salary breakdown of Loco Pilote in India: 

Positions	Average Monthly Salary
Assistant Loco Pilot	INR 25,000- INR 35,000
Loco Pilot	INR 40,000- INR 55,000
Loco Pilot	INR 50,000- INR 65,000
Senior Loco Pilot	INR 70,000- INR 90,000

Perks & Benefits

A Loco Pilot job in the Indian Railways is an interesting career choice since it is a government job. The job provides good pay and additional benefits. It is a tough job that requires extensive physical stamina, an attentive mind, high concentration levels, and great endurance. The major advantage of becoming an LP is excellent job security and salary growth.

Future & Scope

• Between 2016 and 2026, overall railway professional employment is expected to fall by 3%. 
• Reduced demand for products and services, such as renewable energy sources, might lead to a drop in the number of railway jobs. 
• However, a variety of commodities-carrying factors might raise demand for certain railway employment possibilities. 
• Work on locomotive firemen is anticipated to decline by 80% between 2016 and 2026. 
• The needs for passenger rail services, such as carrying people and urban transit systems, are mostly enhanced by greater transport volumes, whether leading to a larger population, higher commercial businesses, or even more tourism industries. 
• A variety of alternatives for urban rail networks may arise as a result of substantial improvements in transportation infrastructure, as well as present population expansion and growing commute rates in many Western countries.
• Hence, the Loco Pilot job is really a great job in the Indian sector. It is a highly paid job with job security. 
• As more and more railway tracks are laid across the country, the demand for LP jobs has also increased significantly. 
• There are ample opportunities to join the Indian Railways as a Loco Pilot. 

FAQs

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How to Become a Site Engineer in India?	Top Railway Jobs After 12th for Female Candidates in India
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This is all about the Career as a Loco Pilot. Hope this information helps and provides full details about this profession. If you are interested in reading and knowing more about such professions, follow Leverage Edu.