Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB), has just issued an urgent notice that the first‑stage Computer Based Test (CBT‑I) for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment (CEN‑01/2025) originally slated for 18 Feb 2026 (Shift‑2 & Shift‑3) at Venue Code 38197 – KSM Solutions, Patna, will be postponed for all candidates. While the new exam date and timing are yet to be announced, the board assures that the revised schedule will be communicated promptly on the official portal. Candidates are urged to keep a close watch on the RRB website, download the updated e‑Call Letter, and, for SC/ST aspirants, obtain the travelling authority as soon as it becomes available.
Recruitment / Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Department / Board | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) – Centralized (CEN‑01/2025) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Exam Name | Computer Based Test – I (CBT‑I) – Shift 2 & 3 |
| Total Vacancy | Details to be updated soon |
| Category | Exam Rescheduling (Recruitment) |
| Application Mode | Online (through RRB Apply portal) |
| State | Bihar (Patna test centre) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Original CBT‑I Date | 18 Feb 2026 |
| Rescheduled CBT‑I Date | Details to be updated soon |
| Notification Release | 18 Feb 2026 |
| e‑Call Letter / Exam City download | Details to be updated soon |
| Travelling Authority for SC/ST | Details to be updated soon |
Note: The board will publish the exact rescheduled date, shift timings, and related documents on the official RRB website. Candidates must refresh the site regularly to avoid missing any update.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Details to be updated soon |
| SC / ST / PH | Details to be updated soon |
| Payment Mode | Details to be updated soon |
The application fee remains unchanged from the original notification. Verify the exact amount on the official portal once the revised schedule is live.
Vacancy & Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 18 years and 28 years as on 1 January 2026. Age relaxation applies as per Government of India rules for SC, ST, OBC, and other reserved categories.
- Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10th class (SSC) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.
| Post Name | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | Details to be updated soon | 10th Pass / Equivalent |
The exact number of vacancies, along with any post‑specific relaxations, will be disclosed in the forthcoming detailed notification.
How to Check the Updated CBT‑I Schedule & Download Documents?
Follow these straightforward steps to stay informed and retrieve the necessary PDFs:
- Open the official RRB portal – RRB Official Website.
- Locate the “Latest Notifications” or “Recruitment” banner on the homepage.
- Click the link titled “NOTICE FOR RESCHEDULING OF CBT‑I SCHEDULED ON 18.02.2026 (SHIFT‑2 & SHIFT‑3) – VENUE CODE 38197”.
- From the notification page, download:
- Exam City / E‑Call Letter (once released).
- Travelling Authority (exclusively for SC/ST candidates).
- Keep the downloaded PDFs saved on your device; you will need them for venue verification on the day of the exam.
- If you have not yet applied, you can still complete the online application through the RRB Apply portal (link below).
Tip: Enable browser notifications for the RRB site to receive instant alerts when the new exam date is posted.
Important Links
| Link Name | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Update Application | RRB Apply Portal |
| Download Notification (PDF) | Notice PDF |
| Official RRB Website | RRB Official Site |
| Join WhatsApp Updates | Join Now |
| Join Telegram Alerts | Join Now |
Conclusion
The Railway Recruitment Board has postponed the CBT‑I for Assistant Loco Pilot (Shift‑2 & 3) originally set for 18 Feb 2026 at Patna. Candidates must monitor the official RRB website for the revised date, download the updated e‑Call Letter, and ensure they possess the travelling authority if applicable. Acting promptly will prevent last‑minute confusion and keep your application on track.
FAQs.
Q1. Why was the CBT‑I for Assistant Loco Pilot postponed?
Ans: The board cited logistical constraints at the Patna test centre and decided to shift the exam to ensure a smooth, fair assessment for all candidates. The exact reason will be clarified in the upcoming detailed notice.
Q2. Will the application fee change because of the reschedule?
Ans: No. The fee structure remains the same as originally announced. Candidates should verify the amount on the official portal once the revised schedule is live.
Q3. How can SC/ST candidates obtain the travelling authority?
Ans: After the revised e‑Call Letter is released, a separate link for “Travelling Authority” will appear on the notification page. Download it, print a hard copy, and present it at the exam centre.
Q4. Is the venue still KSM Solutions, Patna?
Ans: Yes. The venue code 38197 (KSM Solutions – Mahatma Gandhi Setu Road, opposite Sonali Petrol Pump, Patna, Bihar 800007) remains unchanged unless a further notice states otherwise.
Q5. What should I do if I see a different date on unofficial websites?
Ans: Trust only the official RRB website and the PDF notification linked above. Unauthenticated sources may spread incorrect information and could lead to missed exams.
Q6. Can I change my shift preference after the reschedule?
Ans: Shift allocation will be confirmed in the revised e‑Call Letter. If you need to request a change, follow the instructions provided in that document or contact the RRB helpdesk.
