With the introduction of prestigious high-speed trains in the country, the post of a loco pilot has become more attractive for youngsters. Here is an introduction to this job. The duties of a loco pilot involve driving the train and looking after the working of the engine and he or she should have expertise in these matters.
Indian Railways does not conduct direct recruitment to this post. Instead, appointment as assistant loco pilots (ALPs) is given by various Railway Recruitment Boards to candidates having an ITI / engineering diploma after Class 10 or BTech. Subsequently, they can be promoted as senior assistant loco pilot and loco pilot. There are opportunities to rise to senior managerial and administrative positions also.
Eligibility
ITI qualifications considered for appointments are NCVT / SCVT-approved certification in armature and coil winder / electrician / electronics mechanic / fitter / heat engine / machinist / mechanic motor vehicle / wireman / turner / tractor mechanic / millwright maintenance mechanic / refrigeration & AC mechanic / mechanic radio & TV / mechanic diesel.
Diploma / BTech branches which are approved are: Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile (including combinations). Age limit is 18 to 30 years. There is relaxation for OBC, SC and ST categories.
Exam
The recruitment test for ALCs has three rounds. The first round will have questions from Maths, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering and General Knowledge.
Round 2 has two parts. In Part A, there will be additional questions from the above topics. Part B would include questions from a specific trade. Candidates successfully clearing both these rounds can take a computer-based aptitude test in the third round. The candidates should also meet the physical fitness criteria stipulated by the railways.
Notifications regarding the tests will appear on the websites of various railway boards. A few of these websites are given below: www.rrbthiruvananthapuram.gov.in/ www.rrbchennai.gov.in/ and www.rrbbnc.gov.in.