India has the fourth-largest railway system in the world, following the US, Russia and China. Locomotive Pilots or Loco Pilots have a crucial role in the Indian railway system, as they are in charge of maintaining and operating train engines, carrying out repair and maintenance, inspecting signals and interacting with other railway authorities. To become a Loco Pilot, candidates must first clear class 10 board exams in Mathematics and Physics following which they must pursue various advanced diploma courses such as Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. Admissions to these colleges are done both on the basis of merit as well as on the basis of Engineering Entrance Exams such as BITSAT, JEE Main and JEE Advanced. The candidate must also complete certification in ITI to become a Loco PIlot. Some of the top recruiters of Loco Pilots are Indian railways, DMRC, Lucknow metro, etc. The average salary of a Loco Pilot is INR 4.50 LPA. There are several determining factors on which the salary of a Loco Pilot depends such as years of experience, academics, designations etc. However, with experience and updated skills the highest salary of a Loco Pilot can go up to as much as INR 12.50 LPA.
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Table of Content
- How to Become a Loco Pilot: Quick Facts
- Qualifications Required to Become a Loco Pilot
- Types of Loco Pilots
3.2 Senior Assistant Loco Pilot
3.3 Loco Pilot
3.4 Loco Supervisor
5.1 How to Become a Loco Pilot After 12th
6.1 Entrance Exams
How to Become a Loco Pilot: Quick Facts
Eligibility | 10+2 along with ITI Certification or Diploma in Engineering Completed apprenticeship under Apprentices Act, 1961 |
Diploma | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Diploma in Electrical Engineering Diploma in Automobile eEngineering |
Top Recruiters | Indian railways DMRC Bangalore Metro Jaipur metro |
Required Skills | Knowledge on Mechanical Systems,Physical Strength, Analytical Thinking |
Average Starting Salary | INR 4 LPA - 8 LPA |
Highest Salary | INR 12.30 LPA & above |
Qualifications Required to Become a Loco Pilot
The major qualifications required in order to become a Loco Pilot are listed below for your reference,
- Candidates must have completed class 10th or other equivalent from a recognized board
- Candidates aspiring to be a Loco Pilot must be a minimum of 18 years of age and the maximum age is 28 years.
- Candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen.) can avail of age relaxation.
- They must qualify for the entrance exam conducted by RRB for the assistant Loco Pilot post.
- Candidate must have completed an ITI course from a recognized Institute
- Candidates must clear the Medical test after CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test).
Types of Loco Pilots
The different types of Loco Pilot roles available in the job market are as follows:
Assistant Loco- Pilots
Definition | They are entry-level Loco Pilots who assist the driver in performing his duties including calling out signal and attending minor repairs of the Loco |
Average Annual Salary | INR 3.12 LPA |
Senior Assistant Loco-Pilots
Definition | An ALP is promoted to the post of Senior Assistant Loco Pilot after 6 to 8 years of service as an ALP. A senior ALP runs the train from one city to another and is also in charge of running freight trains or local trains. |
Average Annual Salary | INR 5.77 LPA |
Loco Pilots
Definition | A Loco Pilot is a professional who is in charge of operating and driving trains and ensuring that they are properly maintained throughout the whole journey. |
Average Annual Salary | INR 6.82 LPA |
Loco Supervisor
Definition | The primary responsibility of a Loco Supervisor is to know the job of the Loco Pilot. They should have high driving skills with experience with technical and safety factors |
Average Annual Salary | INR 8.20 LPA |
Steps to Become a Loco Pilot
In order to be a Loco Pilot, the candidate must follow the following steps that are provided below for your reference,
- Step 1: Complete Secondary School Education – To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must become an assistant Loco Pilot first. To become that, a candidate needs a matriculation certificate. It would be beneficial if the candidate had science and mathematics as core subjects.
- Step 2: Get a Diploma Degree – The candidate must earn an associate degree or diploma. A degree in engineering such as automobile engineering, electrical engineering can be helpful. The candidate can also pursue a diploma in railway engineering. This will help you understand the rules, regulations, and the core of the job role.
- Step 3: Pursue a Vocational Course – This is an alternative choice that the candidate can opt for. They can either pursue a diploma in engineering or an ITI (Industrial training institute) programme which is approved by NCVT or SCVT.
- Step 4: Clear Relevant Entrance Exams – The most important step in order to be a Loco Pilot is that the candidate has to clear the entrance exam which is conducted by RRB (Railway Recruitment Board).
- Step 5: Get Training – After the candidate has cleared the entrance exam, they have to undergo training. During the training period, the candidate will be appointed as assistant Loco Pilot which will work under the senior Loco Pilot. This will help you understand the work of a Loco Pilot and the process.
How to Become a Loco Pilot in India
In order to be a Loco Pilot in India, The candidate must qualify class 10th or 12th board exams with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. After clearing the board exams, the candidate must acquire a ITI certification or diploma in Engineering or other relevant courses and clear the RRB entrance exam in order to be a Loco Pilot.
The sections below will discuss in detail about the steps that must be taken in order to become a Loco Pilot in India.
School level preparations: In order to become a Loco Pilot the steps that are to be followed are mentioned below,
- The candidate must have Physics and Mathematics in Class 10th.
- The candidate must have a clear understanding of some important topics such as Velocity, Acceleration, Momentum, Energy, Work, Linear equations, etc.
- The candidate can take admission in coaching centers in order to prepare for RRB exams.
- The candidate can solve previous year papers to understand the pattern of the paper and marking scheme.
How to Become a Loco Pilot After 12th
Diploma Preparations: Some of the crucial steps that must be followed to pursue undergraduate course are mentioned below,
- The candidates after completing class 12th need to apply for diploma in engineering
- The candidate must appear for the entrance exam for enrolling in diploma programme in respective state such as UPPEE, Assam PAT, etc
- The candidate must choose the stream in which they want to pursue the diploma course such as Mechanical, electrical or automobile, etc
- The candidate must acquire ITI certification from NCVT or SCVT.
- The candidate must enroll under an Apprentice Act under Government of India.
Loco Pilot Courses
Parameters | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | Diploma in Automobile Engineering | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | Diploma in Electronics |
---|---|---|---|---|
Duration | 3 years | 3 Years | 3 years | 3 years |
Eligibility | Candidate must have a minimum aggregate of 50% or above in class 10th Must have Math and Physics. |
Candidate must have completed class 10th with a minimum of 60% marks Must have mathematics and science as compulsory subjects |
Candidate must have a minimum aggregate of 55% or above in class 10th 5% relaxation in case of reserved category Must have Math and Physics. |
Candidate must have completed class 10th with a minimum of 60% marks Must have mathematics and science as compulsory subjects |
Top Colleges | Jamia Millia Islamia University KJ Somaiya Polytechnic, Central Polytechnic College Swami Vivekananda Group of Institutions |
Lovely Professional University Sanskriti College Dev bhoomi Group of Institutions Shri ramswaroop memorial university |
Jamia Millia Islamia CV Ramana Global University GB Pant Institute of Technology |
JMI New Delhi Chandigarh University Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute and DayalBagh Educational Institute |
Entrance Exams | Odisha DET, Assam PAT, JEXPO | JET, GVSAT, GLAET | JEECUP, PECE ,PJET | Delhi CET, JEECUP, APJEE |
Average course fees | INR 10,000 - 3,00,000 | INR 20,000 - 2,00,000 | INR 12,500 - 1,00,000 | INR 20000- 1,50,000 |
Average Salary | INR 2.70 LPA - 3.40 LPA | INR 2.40 LPA - 3.80 LPA | INR 2 LPA - 5 LPA | INR 2.50 LPA - 5 LPA |
Entrance Exams
The list of Entrance Exams along with their important dates, that are conducted in order to enroll students for courses to become a Loco Pilot are tabulated below for your reference,
Entrance Exams | Registration Dates | Registration Deadlines | Exam Dates | Result Dates |
---|---|---|---|---|
AP POLYCET | 2nd week of March 2024 | 2nd week of April 2024 | 4th week of April 2024 | 2nd week of May 2024 |
APJEE | To be Announced | To be Announced | June 25, 2024 | To be Announced |
Assam PAT | 1st week of May 2024 | 2nd week of June 2024 | 3rd – 4th week of July 2024 | 1st week of August 2024 |
Delhi CET | 2nd week of June 2024 | 3rd week of July 2024 | 2nd week of August 2024 | 3rd week of August 2024 |
TS Polytechnic | January 16, 2024 | February 2024 | May 17, 2024 | June 2024 |
JEECUP | January 2024 | 2nd week of February 2024 | 3rd week of April 2024 | 4th week of May 2024 |
JEXPO | 1st week of May 2024 | Last week of June 2024 | 3rd week of July 2024 | 4th week of August 2024 |
Top Loco Pilot Colleges
In India, there are almost 5073 colleges to pursue diploma in mechanical engineering, diploma in electrical engineering, diploma in automobile engineering etc.. Similarly, there are top colleges for pursuing these diploma courses abroad.
Some of the top colleges that help candidates become Loco Pilots are tabulated below for your reference.
Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Course Fees (INR) |
---|---|---|
Dr. Radhakrishnan Institute of Technology | Jaipur | 21,490 |
PES University | Bangalore | 40000 |
Jamia Millia Islamia University | Delhi | 7500 |
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute | Mumbai | 12,679 |
Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | 19,400 |
DayalBagh Educational Institute | Agra | 8664 |
Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Chandigarh | 1.77 L |
Aryabhatta Knowledge University | Patna | 42000 |
Integral University | Lucknow | 1.35 L |
Sanskriti University | Mathura | 1.26 L |
Skills Required to become a Loco Pilot
Some of the most essential skill sets that are required to become a Loco Pilot in India are tabulated below for your reference,
Critical thinking | In-depth knowledge of mechanical tools | Physical fitness |
Communication skills | Knowledge of Mathematics | Data Analysis |
Programming | Decision making | Multitasking |
Pros & Cons of Becoming a Loco Pilot
Every job comes with its own share of benefits and drawbacks. Some of the major positives and negatives of becoming a Loco Pilots are tabulated below for your reference.
Pros of Becoming a Loco Pilot
- Good Salary Package: The average salary of a Loco Pilot in India ranges between INR 4.20 L- 6 LPA. The Loco Pilots are also entitled to several benefits such as PF, HRA, Gratuity, medi claim, etc. The highest salary of a Loco Pilot is around INR 8 LPA.
- Stability: Loco Pilots work in Indian railways or metro, which are government organizations. It provides financial and professional stability and even after retirement a Loco Pilot is entitled to several other benefits.
- Travel Opportunities: Being a Loco Pilot, one gets a lot of opportunities to travel within the country which can be quite exciting.
Cons of Becoming a Loco Pilot
- Exhausting: The job of a Loco Pilot involves a lot of travel within a short span of time. This can be quite exhausting.
- Long Shifts: Loco Pilots can have a stressful life. Loco Pilots deal with long shifts which can also be extended to days.
Top Recruiters for Loco Pilots
Some of the top recruiters who hire Loco Pilots are tabulated below for your reference,
Indian Railways | Delhi Metro railway corporations (DMRC) | Mumbai Metro railway corporation |
Jaipur Metro railway Corporation | Bangalore railway Metro corporation | Lucknow Metro Railway corporation |
Salary of a Loco Pilot
The average salary of a Loco Pilot in India usually ranges between INR 4.2 - 5 LPA. However this amount varies measured on different parameters such as Specialization, experience, city, etc. Check: Salary of a Loco Pilot
The average salary of a Loco Pilot of various job profiles are tabulated below for your reference,
Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP) | 4.50 L |
Senior Assistant Loco Pilots | 6.0 L |
Loco Pilots | 12.10 L |
Loco Supervisor | 5.30 L |
How to Become a Loco Pilot: FAQs
Ques. What do Loco Pilots do?
Ans. The Duties of Loco Pilots include
- They ensure the safety and security of passengers and goods
- They check the main route, maximum train speed, safety parameters
- Undertake the task of repairing and maintaining the basic engine hardware
Ques. What are the areas of recruitment of Loco Pilots ?
Ans. The areas of recruitment of Loco Pilots are :
- Indian Railways
- Metro
- Passenger trains
- Goods train
Ques. Name the top companies for Loco Pilots ?
Ans. The top companies for Loco Pilots in India are:
- Indian railways
- DMRC
- Bangalore metro
- Jaipur metro
- Lucknow metro
Ques. What is the average salary of a Loco Pilot in India?
Ans. The starting salary of an Assistant Loco Pilot in India ranges between INR 4.20 L - 5 LPA. while the salary of a Loco Pilot with years of experience is around INR 9.30 LPA
Ques. What is the advantage of being an Loco Pilot ?
Ans. The advantage of being a Loco Pilot is that one gets a chance to travel around the country along with good salary package.
Ques.Can Loco Pilots be appointed directly?
Ans. No, In order to be a Loco Pilot, the candidate is appointed as an Assistant Loco Pilot then after almost 5 years of service, the candidate is promoted to be a Loco Pilot.
Ques. What are the skills required to be Loco Pilots ?
Ans. The skills required to become an Loco Pilots are :
- Knowledge of Mathematics
- Analytical Skills
- Data Analysis
Ques. which diploma courses to pursue to become a Loco Pilot?
Ans. The diploma courses to pursue to become a Loco Pilot are:
- Diploma in automobile engineering
- Diploma in mechanical engineering
- Diploma in electrical engineering
Ques. What is the time taken to become a Loco Pilot ?
Ans - The time taken to become a Loco Pilot in India takes around 8- 10 years years for completing 3 years of education and after clearing the exam it takes around 5 years for getting promoted to Loco Pilot.
Ques. Is it hard to become a Loco Pilot?
Ans. Yes,it is hard to become a Loco Pilot but the hardest thing is to clear the RRB ALP exam as it has high competition and the exam level is moderate.
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