Loco Pilot Qualification: Eligibility Criteria, Age-Limit and Relaxation, Education Qualification, Medical Requirements, and Nationality

Loco Pilot Qualification Overview

India has the world's fourth-largest railway system, providing loco pilots with more job prospects. Loco Pilots are in charge of running and driving trains as well as guaranteeing correct maintenance during the route. To become a Loco Pilot, applicants must hold an ITI degree from an institute accredited by the National Council for Vocational Training or the State Council for Vocational Training after passing the Class 10th examination. Students can also study Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or obtain a diploma from an AICTE-approved university. Besides from academic credentials, persons seeking to become Loco Pilots must pass the RRB ALP examination. In India, the average yearly compensation for a Loco Pilot is INR 4.5 LPA.

Who are Loco Pilots?

Loco Pilots are qualified specialists who understand machine learning, train engines, and how they function. Loco pilots are also responsible for the safety and security of passengers on board trains. In India, they have numerous job titles such as Assistant Loco Pilot, Loco Pilot (mail), Loco Pilot (goods), Loco Pilot (passenger), Shunting Loco Pilot, and so on.

Loco Pilot Eligibility Criteria

To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must meet the eligibility requirements-

1. Applicants must have passed the 10th board examination or an equivalent test from a recognized board.
2. ITI or a diploma in engineering are popular degrees that qualify people to become loco pilots in India.
3. Besides passing the 10th board test, aspirants must pass the RRB ALC competitive examination to become a Loco Pilot in the Indian Railways, which is administered by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).

Loco Pilot Age Limit

The age restriction for becoming a Loco Pilot in India is likewise set by the board. Whereas the minimum age for becoming a Loco Pilot is the same for all candidates regardless of category, the maximum age varies based on the age relaxation allowed by the recruiting board. The following are some of the age limits mentioned for becoming a loco pilot in India- 

1. The minimum age to become a Loco Pilot is 18.
2. The minimum age to become a Loco Pilot is 28 years old.
3. For OBC applicants, the maximum age for becoming a Loco Pilot is 31 years, for SC/ST candidates, it is 33 years, and for PWD candidates, it is 38 years.

Loco Pilot Age Relaxation

Follow the below-mentioned details of age relaxation of the loco pilot-

1. Candidates from the SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Ex-Servicemen, etc. categories are eligible for age relaxation.
2. There is a three-year age relaxation for OBC candidates.
3. The maximum age for becoming a Loco Pilot for SC/ST applicants is lowered to 5 years, with unlimited tries in the RRB ALC.
4. For PwD applicants, the maximum age relaxation for becoming a Loco Pilot is 38 years, with unlimited attempts due to a 10-year age relaxation.

Loco Pilot Qualification

A qualifying 10th board exam from a recognized board is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a Loco Pilot. Aside from this engineering diploma, ITI and other associated vocational courses and training programs offer an extra badge to the professional efficiency of becoming a Loco Pilot.

Loco Pilot Educational Qualification

Upon completion of the 10th grade, the following courses can be pursued to become a Loco Pilot-

1. 10+2 Board- To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must first become an assistant Loco Pilot. A matriculation certificate is required for this position. It would be advantageous if the candidate chose science and mathematics as key subjects and also passed the 10+2 board exams.
2. Diploma Degree- A diploma in railway engineering or a diploma in another relevant field is also an option for the candidate. This will assist the candidate in understanding the job's rules, regulations, and main responsibilities.
3. ITI course-  Applicants interested in becoming loco pilots have the option of studying vocational courses. Students can either pursue an engineering diploma or an ITI (industrial training institution) program that is approved by NCVT or SCVT.
4. Training- Several institutions, including the government-established Industrial Training Institutes, give suitable training to aspiring Loco Pilots. A candidate is expected to receive the training in order to comprehend the practical approach to repairing and running train engines for passenger safety and security.
5. Engineering Courses- Whereas a 10th board passing certificate is the minimum requirement for becoming a Loco Pilot, an engineering degree with a focus in mechanical engineering is preferred.

Candidates can read more about the Best State-to-State ITI Institutions for their training-

Loco Pilot Qualification Medical Prerequisites

To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate must meet the following medical requirements-

1. Loco Pilots are supposed to be exceptionally active and healthy because their job entails tremendous care and safety of passengers on the train.
2. Vision and hearing exams are performed to ensure that the candidate meets the medical standards to become a Loco Pilot.
3. The recruiting procedure is completed if the recruitment board is pleased with the candidate's medical condition.

Loco Pilot Nationality

The following are some of the nationality requirements for a loco pilot-

1. A candidate must be an Indian to become a Loco Pilot.
2. The candidate's nationality is to be Indian, which suggests that he is an Indian citizen.
3. The candidate must have a permanent residence address in any Indian state or union territory.

Number of Attempts required for Loco Pilot Qualification

1. The number of tries for the RRB ALP examination is limitless, although there is a maximum age restriction.
2. A general applicant may take the RRB ALP competitive test an unlimited number of times until the age of 28.
3. An OBC applicant is granted three years of age relaxation. As a result, you can take the aforementioned competitive tests as many times as you like until you reach the age of 31.
4. A SC/ST applicant is granted a 5-year age relaxation and may take the RRB ALP exam an unlimited number of times until the age of 33.
5. A PwD applicant receives ten years of relaxation, which means he can take the exam as many times as he wants until he is 38 years old.

For More information about Loco Pilot, check out the website.

How to become a Loco Pilot?

Complete 10+2

Prospective applicants must have finished their 10+2 or a comparable program, or have passed SSC examinations or an equivalent from a recognized board. Students must get at least 50% from any recognized Indian board. We shall go through how to become a loco pilot in the steps below.

Associate Degree

If students opt to pursue a bachelor's degree, they must also fulfill the various educational institutions' unique qualifying standards. In terms of marks and the registration process, the selection criteria vary greatly from institute to institute. A typical associate in science degree or accomplishment certificate includes courses in railroad history, railroad technology, rail transport, safety, operational law, and ground school. Secondary school education comprises English, Mathematics, Physics, Electronics, Mechanics, and Computers.

ITI Program

Loco Pilots must complete an ITI programme from an institution accredited by the National Council for Vocational Training or the State Council for Vocational Training. Students can also pursue engineering degrees in any of the electrical, electronic, mechanical, or automotive engineering fields from an All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)-accredited institute.

Courses and Certificates

The following are some of the courses and certificates for loco pilot-

Also read more about the Loco Pilot Salary 2023.

Things to Remember

Candidates aiming to become loco pilots, for example, must remember a few things, which are as follows-

1. Since documents are verified, the candidate must have all of the necessary documentation.
2. A legitimate government-issued identification card, such as an Adhar card or passport.
3. Documents proving the candidate's residential address.
4. Document containing the full date of birth that has been self-attested.
5. At the moment of document verification, each document must have an identical signature.