Loco Pilots are skilled professionals responsible for operating and controlling locomotives, ensuring the safe and timely movement of trains. They manage various aspects of train operation, monitor signals, adjust speed, and respond to emergencies.
To become a Loco Pilot in India, candidates need a 10+2 qualification with Science and Math or ITI Certification or engineering diploma, followed by qualifying for the RRB ALP entrance exam. Successful candidates undergo medical fitness evaluations and required training.
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After becoming a loco pilot the average starting salary usually ranges from INR 4.50 LPA. The highest salary of a loco pilot can rise to INR 12 LPA. The top recruiters for the loco pilots are Indian Railways, DMRC, Bangalore Metro, and Jaipur Metro.
Also See: Loco Pilot Salary
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How to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th: Quick Facts
Industry | Railways |
Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics & Maths/ ITI Certification or Diploma in Engineering/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Automobile engineering |
Skills Required | Programming Knowledge, mechanical systems, analytical thinking, and physical strength |
Job Opportunity | Assistant loco pilot, Senior ALP, and LP. |
Top Recruiters | Indian Railways, DMRC, Bangalore Metro, Jaipur Metro, etc. |
Average Starting Salary | INR 4 LPA - INR 8 LPA |
Highest Salary | INR 12.30 LPA |
Eligibility to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th
To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate should have completed his or her secondary education and qualified in the RRB exam. The general eligibility criteria required to become a Loco Pilot are listed below.
- Candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board or ITI Certification or Diploma in Engineering/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Automobile Engineering.
- Certificates in ITI courses from a recognized Institute are required.
- Qualify in the RRB entrance exam for the Assistant Loco Pilot post which also includes CBAT and Medical tests.
- Candidate must be between 18 years and 28 years of age.
Steps to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th
Candidates who aspire to become Loco Pilots need to start preparing for it right after their 10+2. There is an entry-level exam that needs to be cleared by candidates in order to become a Loco Pilot. The steps to become a Loco Pilot after 12th are given below.
- Step 1: Candidates should complete their Class 12 with Science and Maths ITI Certification or Diploma in Engineering/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Automobile Engineering.
- Step 2: Candidates must prepare and qualify for the RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) entrance exam.
- Step 3: Then the candidate must clear Computer Based Test (CBT) and other selection stages.
- Step 4: Candidates need to clear medical fitness tests as per railway standards.
- Step 5: Then they need to attend training at designated railway institutes and complete the training program.
- Step 6: Lastly, they will be appointed as a Loco Pilot or Assistant Loco Pilot based on vacancies and merit.
Loco Pilot Courses after 12th
Loco Piloting courses after class 12 generally consist of diplomas in automobile engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and electronic engineering. The details for most ITI and diploma courses are mentioned in the following table.
Parameters | ITI | Diploma in Automobile Engineering | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | Diploma in Electrical Engineering/ and Electronics |
---|---|---|---|---|
Duration | 2 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
Eligibility | 10th Pass | 10 th pass with mathematics and science as compulsory subjects | 10th pass with mathematics and science as mandatory subjects | 10th pass with mathematics and science as mandatory subjects |
Top Colleges | Govt ITI Purulia, Government ITI Rae Bareli, Government ITI, etc. | Lovely Professional University, Dev Bhoomi Group of Institutions, Shri RamSwaroop memorial university, etc. | Jamia Millia Islamia, CV Ramana Global University, etc. | JMI New Delhi, Chandigarh University, etc. |
Entrance Exams | Direct Admission | JET, GVSAT, GLAET | JEECUP, PECE, PJET | Delhi CET, JEECUP, APJEE |
Average course fees | INR 1,600 to INR 71,000 | INR 20,000 - INR 2,00,000 | INR 12,500 - 1,00,000 | INR 10,000- INR 1,50,000 |
Average Salary | INR 2.65 LPA - INR 3.00 LPA | INR 2.40 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA | INR 2 LPA - INR 5 LPA | INR 2.50 LPA - INR 5 LPA |
Entrance Exams
Students who have completed 10th from any recognized board with science and Mathematics can apply for the entrance exams to become loco pilots. Some of the top Entrance Exams that are conducted for enrolling students for various Loco Pilot-related courses are given below:Entrance Exams | Application Deadlines | Exam Dates | Result Declaration |
---|---|---|---|
AP POLYCET | 2nd week of April 2024 | 4th week of April 2024 | 2nd week of May 2024 |
APJEE | To be Announced | June 25, 2024, | To be Announced |
Assam PAT | 2nd week of June 2024 | 3rd – 4th week of July 2024 | 1st week of August 2024 |
Delhi CET | 3rd week of July 2024 | 2nd week of August 2023 | 3rd week of August 2024 |
TS Polytechnic | February 2024 | May 17, 2024, | June 2024 |
JEECUP | 2nd week of February 2024 | 3rd week of April 2024 | 4th week of May 2024 |
JEXPO | Last week of June 2024 | 3rd week of July 2024 | 4th week of August 2024 |
Top Loco Pilot Colleges in India
In India, ITI and Diplomas are the most desirable courses for becoming loco pilots. Some of the topmost ITI and diploma colleges are tabulated below.Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Fees |
---|---|---|
Dr Radhakrishnan Institute of Technology | Jaipur | INR 21,490 |
PES University | Bangalore | INR 40,000 |
Jamia Millia Islamia University | Delhi | INR 7,500 |
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute | Mumbai | INR 12,679 |
Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | INR 19,400 |
DayalBagh Educational Institute | Agra | INR 8664 |
Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Jalandhar | INR 1,77,000 |
Aryabhatta Knowledge University | Patna | INR 42,000 |
Integral University | Lucknow | INR 1,35,000 |
Sanskriti University | Mathura | INR 1,26,000 |
Skills Required to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th
Becoming a Loco Pilot after the 12th in India demands strong technical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, effective communication, situational awareness, and a commitment to safety protocols. After mentioning these abilities, some of the most desirable skills that are required to become a Loco Pilot are tabulated below.Attention to detail | Innovation | Emergency & safety skills |
---|---|---|
Communication Skills | Interpersonal | Customer service |
Creativity | Adaptability & flexibility | Problem-solving skills |
Critical Reasoning | Resilience | Physical fitness |
Enthusiasm | Technical knowledge | Teamwork |
Benefits of Becoming a Loco Pilot after 12th
The key benefits of becoming a Loco Pilot are listed below for your reference.
- Job Security and Stability: As a Loco Pilot, you enjoy a stable career within the Indian Railways, a government sector known for its job security. There are financial and professional stability and post–retirement pensions in this job.
- Good Salary Package: Loco Pilots receive competitive compensation packages, including basic salary, allowances, overtime pay, and performance-based incentives. The average salary of a Loco Pilot in Indian Railways ranges between INR 4.20 - INR 8 LPA. The other benefits are EPF, HRA, Gratuity, medical claims, etc.
- Travel Opportunities: As a Loco Pilot, there are a lot of opportunities to travel within the country without any cost. As a Loco Pilot, they get a free travel pass for all classes in Indian Railways. This includes travel on all trains, including Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Duronto Express trains.
Loco Pilot Salary
The average annual salary of a Loco Pilot in India ranges from INR 4.2 - INR 5 LPA. With experience, it is seen that in most of the Loco Pilots, the salaries of the candidates also get increased. The salaries of Loco Pilots in different positions are mentioned in the table below.
Designations | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|
Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP) | INR 4.50 L |
Senior Assistant Loco Pilots | INR 6.0 L |
Loco Pilots | INR 12.10 L |
Loco Supervisor | INR 5.30 L |
How to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th: FAQs
Ques. What is the job of a loco pilot?
Ans. Loco Pilots drive loco engines, ensure the safety and security of passengers and goods, check the main route, and maximum train speed, follow safety parameters, and undertake the task of repairing and maintaining the basic engine hardware.
Ques. What are the top companies for Loco Pilots?
Ans. The top companies for Loco Pilots in India are Indian Railways, DMRC, Bangalore Metro, Hyderabad Metro, Kolkata Metro, Jaipur Metro, Lucknow Metro, etc. Almost all are government-run companies.
Ques. Where do loco pilots get jobs?
Ans. Loco pilots get central government jobs in different organizations like Indian Railways, Metro, Passenger trains, Goods train, and railway coach factories.
Ques. What is the average annual salary of a Loco Pilot in India?
Ans. The average annual salary of a Loco Pilot in India ranges from INR 4.20 LPA - 5 LPA. It all depends on experience, skills, and the college from which the course has been done.
Ques. How can anyone become a loco pilot in Indian Railways?
Ans. To become a Loco Pilot in India, one must be a citizen of India, age must be a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 28 years, and qualify for the RRB entrance exam, medical fitness certificate, and the CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test).
Ques. What is loco pilot group A or B?
Ans. Group A includes the highest level of Posts in Indian Railways for which appointments are made through Civil Services, Engineering Services, and Combined Medical Service Examinations conducted by UPSC. Group B includes loco pilots.
Ques. Can the 12th pass become a loco pilot?
Ans. Candidates from science and mathematics streams can become loco pilots after the completion of their 12th or equivalent examination. ITIs or diploma in engineering are compulsory.
Ques. Which engineering branch is best for the loco pilot?
Ans. ITI or a diploma in automobile, mechanical, and electrical engineering are preferred courses that make candidates more eligible for becoming a Loco Pilot in India. Apart from completing the 10th board, candidates must clear the RRB ALC competitive examination, CBT, and medical test.
Ques. Is loco pilot an easy job?
Ans. Physical fitness and stamina are compulsory in the loco pilots who work for extended periods at a stretch, and occasionally move heavy machinery and work with equipment.
Ques. How long is the loco pilot training period?
Ans. Both single-traction and dual-traction RRB ALP training programs are held for a total of 151 days. This is given after the RRB entrance exam, CBT, and medical fitness certification.
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