Introduction
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially scheduled the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Computer Based Test 1 (CBT-1) for November 3 to 5, 2026. As one of the most competitive railway examinations in the country, lakhs of aspirants are gearing up to secure a spot in the next stage of the recruitment process.
To successfully navigate the selection process, candidates must stay informed about critical timelines, including city intimation slips, admit card release windows, and strict exam-day guidelines. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about the RRB ALP CBT-1 exam dates 2026, schedule breakdowns, and mandatory biometric rules.
RRB ALP CBT-1 2026: Essential Exam Schedule
The upcoming CBT-1 is slated as a three-day window running from November 3 to November 5, 2026. Because of the massive volume of applicants, the test will be conducted in multiple shifts across various centers nationwide.
Candidates must note that centre allocation is managed strictly through automated capacity systems. Consequently, you may be assigned an examination city outside your home state or district. It is highly recommended to plan travel and accommodation well in advance, keeping buffer days in mind, as the board strictly entertains no requests for changes to dates, cities, or shifts.
Important Timelines and Document Release Dates
Tracking the release of crucial documents prevents last-minute technical panics. The RRB follows a fixed timeline for releasing preliminary exam information and official hall tickets.
- City Intimation Slip: Released approximately 10 days before the exam. It informs candidates of their assigned exam city and date, though it does not reveal the exact venue address.
- Admit Card (E-Call Letter): Available for download approximately 4 days prior to your specific shift date.
| Event / Document | Release Window (Prior to Exam) | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| City Intimation Slip | ~10 days prior | Check travel city and examination date |
| E-Call Letter (Admit Card) | ~4 days prior | Verify exact exam venue, shift timings, and instructions |
Admit Card Rules and Mandatory Identity Verification
Downloading your e-call letter is only the first step. You must thoroughly review all printed details—including your name, photograph, registration number, and scanned signature—to ensure they match your official records.
When heading to the examination centre, you must carry:
- A clear, high-quality printout of the RRB ALP CBT-1 e-call letter.
- An original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar is strongly recommended).
- Passport-size photographs as specified in the instructions.
Strict rules apply regarding prohibited items. Leave all electronic gadgets, mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, wallets, metallic accessories, and belts at home or with your guardian, as storage facilities at test centres are rarely guaranteed.
Aadhaar Biometric Guidelines and Exam Day Timings
To prevent impersonation and ensure a fair examination process, RRBs enforce mandatory Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication at the test centres. Candidates should ensure their Aadhaar biometric settings are active and unlocked on the official UIDAI portal beforehand to prevent kiosk verification errors.
Arriving early is critical due to lengthy security checks and biometric validation procedures. While exact reporting times will be printed on your individual hall ticket, past schedules typically feature strict gate closures:
- Morning Shift: Typical gate closure at 9:15 AM for a 10:00 AM exam start.
- Afternoon Shift: Typical gate closure at 2:15 PM for a 3:00 PM exam start.
Always prioritize the exact reporting and gate-closing times printed on your personal admit card over general estimates.
Troubleshooting Portal Errors and Technical Issues
High web traffic during city slip and admit card releases frequently causes server slowdowns. If you encounter login failures, try switching your browser, clearing your cache, or accessing the portal during off-peak hours using an incognito window.
Always verify that you are visiting your specific regional RRB website and entering the correct registration number along with your date of birth. If issues persist, utilize the designated Helpdesk links on regional web portals or reach out to official helpline numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the RRB ALP CBT-1 2026 exam scheduled?
The CBT-1 examination is scheduled to be conducted from November 3 to November 5, 2026, across multiple shifts.
When can I download my RRB ALP CBT-1 City Intimation Slip?
The city intimation slip is typically released about 10 days prior to the commencement of the examination dates.
What documents do I need to bring to the examination centre?
You must carry a printed copy of your e-call letter (admit card) along with an original government-issued photo ID, preferably an Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar.
Can I request a change of my exam date, shift, or city?
No. The Railway Recruitment Boards do not entertain any requests for changes to exam dates, shifts, or allotted cities under any circumstances.
