How to Become a Loco Pilot in 2023? Complete Career Guide

A Loco Pilot is a skilled individual who runs a train, is adept in machine operations and functions, and is responsible for train transits. They act as guardians to both the locomotive and passengers. They have an array of duties like signalling, checking operating tools, maintenance from wear and tear and driving the train. 

To become a Loco Pilot, candidates must complete their formal education and acquire an engineering diploma or an ITI certificate. Later, aspirants must qualify for the RRB ALP exam and participate in the training process to become high-functioning Loco Pilots. In addition, candidates must possess technical acumen and analytical skills to succeed in the field. 

Table of Contents

• How to Become a Loco Pilot?
• Who is a Loco Pilot?
• What Does a Loco Pilot Do?
• Skills Required to Become a Loco Pilot
• Loco Pilot Career Path
• Types of Loco Pilots
• Salary of a Loco Pilot
• Top Recruiters of Loco Pilots
• Pros and Cons of Becoming a Loco Pilot

How to Become a Loco Pilot?

Candidates interested in becoming a Loco Pilot can check the process below. However, they must ensure they fulfil all the skill and eligibility criteria before applying. 

• Step 1: Fulfil the Academic Requirements
• Step 2: Pursue a Vocational Course (ITI)
• Step 3: Clear RRB ALP 
• Step 4: Complete Zonal Training
• Step 5: Start Your Career as Loco Pilot

Step 1: Fulfil the Academic Requirements

To become a Loco pilot, candidates must fulfil certain academic requirements, starting from school to degree level. Prospective candidates must therefore check the below steps. 

School Level

Aspirants must complete classes 10 and 12 in Science with a combination of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The minimum loco pilot eligibility criteria are 50% marks or equivalent in 10+2 from a recognised Board. 

Candidates can start preparing for future competitive exams from this stage onwards. They must study concepts such as Velocity, Linear Equations, Energy, Momentum, Acceleration etc. 

Degree Level

Candidates wishing to pursue a Loco Pilot career require formal education. Therefore aspirants must enrol for a diploma or bachelor in engineering courses. Some options for Loco Pilot courses are mentioned below.

Step 2: Pursue a Vocational Course (ITI)

Next, candidates must acquire their certification from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI). It is one of the most crucial steps for becoming a Loco Pilot in India. 

• The vocational ITI course will equip candidates with practical knowledge and an array of skills required to join Railways services for government and semi-government sectors.
• However, candidates must make sure they enrol in engineering courses which are focused on Science, Technology and Mathematics. 
• Once candidates finish their coursework, they need to participate in the All India Trade Test (AITT) which is conducted by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).
• Upon qualification, students will receive their certification
• Some engineering ITI course options to become Loco Pilot are mentioned in the table below.

Step 3: Clear RRB ALP 

Further, aspirants must take the RRB exam for Loco Pilot in India to learn how to become a loco pilot in Indian Railways. Candidates must ensure they have Indian citizenship proof, age proof, 10th pass certificate and ITI or Diploma. The documents above are mandatory for the RRB exam. 

Candidates can check the details below for the loco pilot selection procedure in RRB.

• The RRB ALP exam consists of two computer-based tests and one aptitude test. 
• Upon clearing both CBT 1 and 2, candidates will appear for CBAT.
• After clearing CBAT, authorities will conduct a document verification and medical test.
• Candidates who qualify in all stages will be selected as Assistant Loco Pilots.

Aspirants can review the complete details of each stage in the RRB ALP exam for Loco Pilot below.

Stage I: Computer-based Test 1

The CBT-1 is 60 60-minute long test and is the first phase of the RRB ALP exam. Authorities will evaluate candidates based on the 75 questions they answer for the paper. 

Stage II: Computer-based Test 2

Candidates must attempt the CBT-2 exam in two parts, A and B.

Part A consists of 100 questions. Examinees must complete the paper in 90 minutes.

Part B exam includes 75 questions which must be answered within 60 minutes.

Stage III: Computer-based Aptitude Test

Candidates who pass CBT 1 and 2 will be summoned to appear for the CBAT round. For this round, authorities will examine the candidate’s memory, direction sense, depth perception, concentration level and perpetual speed understanding.

Stage IV: Document Authentication

Upon passing the aptitude test, candidates must submit their past academic and personal records for verification. All documents must be valid.

Stage V: Medical Test

Selected candidates will further appear for the medical test, where authorities will evaluate their physical health. The tests candidates must take are,

• ECG
• Ishihara Test
• Diabetes Test
• Hearing and Vision Test
• Chest X-ray
• Blood Pressure Check-up

Step 4: Complete Zonal Training

RRB will send selected candidates to the Zonal Training Centres next to complete technical and operational training. Here candidates will learn about locomotive functions. During the training period, the incumbents will earn INR 27,000 monthly. Candidates will complete RRB ALP training in 24 days.

Step 5: Start Your Career as Loco Pilot

Candidates will join as Assistant Loco Pilots and assist Senior Loco Pilots. Candidates will be responsible for the operations and function of loco transportation. Their tasks will include, 

• Check tunings of the Locomotive and assist Loco Driver.
• Identifying and fixing locomotive problems. 
• Checking and maintaining the safety of locomotives.
• Reporting signals to the Loco driver.
• Detecting defects in railway tracks and highlighting them to the division office.

Who is a Loco Pilot?

A Loco Pilot, also known as a Train Driver, operates trains and metros. They are experts who know the functionalities of machines and engines. Additionally, Loco Pilots are also in charge of keeping a check on the locomotive vehicle’s safety and security features.

Besides, they are authorised persons who must take care of collateral risks, adhere to railway guidelines, and ensure all locomotive operations run smoothly. 

What Does a Loco Pilot Do?

A Loco pilot has certain roles and responsibilities, which are mentioned in below.

• A Loco Pilot ensures that passenger and goods safety standards are met. 
• Other than that, they assist senior pilots in their duties. They collaboratively work with the station manager and zonal division heads.
•  Additionally, Loco Pilots survey train routes, check train speed, inspect brakes, and evaluate other risks and safety measures. 
• Moreover, candidates handle tasks related to wear and tear of locomotives, engine hardware safety, and emergency response.
•  Loco Pilots also prepare reports of the route and journey with their suggestions to improve services.

Qualifications to Become a Loco Pilot 

To become a Loco Pilot in India, candidates need to meet a certain set of criteria pertaining to Nationality, Age, Education and experience. 

• Nationality: Candidates must produce valid documents to prove they are a citizen of India.
• Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, and a maximum of 28 years to become a Loco Pilot. However, age relaxations apply for candidates belonging to SC/ST category the upper limit being 33 years, OBC being 31 years and PwD candidates are allowed up to 38 years. 
• Qualification: Must have qualified for the RRB ALP exam.
• Experience: Candidates do not need any prior experience to join as Assistant Loco Pilot.

Skills Required to Become a Loco Pilot

Before beginning a career as a Loco Pilot, candidates must possess and develop certain skill sets required in the profession. Some of the main skills for a Loco Pilot job are mentioned below.

Technical Knowledge

First and foremost, all Loco Pilots must know about operating locomotives. Moreover, in case of problems, they must utilise their technical skills to overcome engine and mechanical problems. As they will be required to work with various tools, candidates must know how they function and be able to use them in practical situations.

Analytical Skills

Candidates who want to become Loco Pilots must develop their analytical skills for situations requiring data evaluation and other quantifiable measures. They run locomotive engines, which require candidates to run regular checks and take the best route for problems. 

Problem-solving

Loco Pilots must have manoeuvring skills during critical situations. They must be able to think objectively and come up with answers to challenges. This skill is required in their day-to-day tasks.

Fitness and Endurance

Candidates must work extensively in the field and for long durations as a Loco Pilot. They are also involved in operating heavy machinery, which requires aspirants to be fit and have endurance power to meet all the job requirements.

Effective Communication

Candidates wanting to become Loco Pilots must possess excellent communication and delivery skills. They will be required to report train operations to different departments. Therefore any communication gaps can lead to mishappenings.

Types of Loco Pilots

There are three types of Loco Pilots, Yardmaster, Locomotive Engineer and Mechanical Engineers. Candidates can check their job roles in detail below.

1. Locomotive Engineer

A locomotive engineer is a Railway engineer who deals with engineering train services. They manage train operating schedules and mechanical aspects and check routes per Railway regulations. They also monitor sensors, power line metres and generators. Further, they ensure that temperature, voltage and amperage are maintained per railway protocols. 

2. Mechanical Engineer

The job of a Mechanical Engineer is technical. Although they play important roles in many industries, they play a massive part in Railway operations. A Mechanical Engineer is involved from the inception of the production of railway materials to installation and training. 

Mechanical Engineers also develop, design and manufacture tools, equipment and machinery. They evaluate the performance of machines and maintain railway mechanical systems and components. 

3. Yardmaster

A Yardmaster is responsible for railroad operations, such as planning train routes, operations etc. They decide the logistics of trains to carry various goods. The key duty of a Yardmaster is scheduled rail switching. Their scope of work includes addressing problems related to routes and emergencies. 

Loco Pilot Career Path

As a Loco Pilot, candidates will see a progression in their career in the following hierarchy. Below are the roles and designations for each level of becoming a Loco Driver.

Assistant Loco Pilot

The post of an Assistant Loco Pilot is at an entry-level. They help the senior Loco Pilots deliver daily tasks and assist in duties such as signalling, checking repairs of locomotives etc. 

Senior Assistant Loco Pilot

Next, candidates will be promoted to Senior Loco Pilot posts after 6 to 8 years. Their duties include operating trains from one destination to the other. In addition, they run both local and freight trains.

Loco Pilot

The main job of a Loco Pilot is to drive the train, operate all the mechanical equipment and ensure that all passengers reach their destination safely. Also, a Loco Pilot leads the daily workings of the Assistant and Senior Loco Pilot.

Loco Supervisor

A Loco Supervisor not only operates locomotives but also supervises Loco Pilots, helps them maintain all safety factors, and keeps an eye on technical issues related to machines. They also work closely with other departments

Salary of a Loco Pilot

For an entry-level position, the average Loco Pilot salary ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 35,000 per month. The highest Loco Pilot monthly salary can range from INR 78,000 to INR 88,000 monthly. Authorities provide other perks and allowances at all levels. The table below showcases a Loco Pilot's monthly salary, per their designation.

Additional Perks and Allowances

As most jobs in the sector as a Loco Pilot are run by Government or Semi-government entities, candidates are provided with additional allowances and perks other than their salary. Some of them are,

• Home City Travel Allowance
• All India Travel Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Running Allowance
• Dearness Allowance
• House Rent

Top Recruiters of Loco Pilots

In India, the entities hiring Loco Pilots are plenty. Candidates can apply to run both trains and metros as a Loco Pilot. Below are the top loco pilot recruitment bodies.

• Indian Railways
• South Eastern Railways
• RRB
• Metro Training Institute
• Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation
• Siemens
• Eastern Railways
• Western Railways

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Loco Pilot

Candidates wanting to become a Loco Pilot must consider the profession's benefits and downsides before going forward. 

Pros of Becoming a Loco Pilot

Some of the benefits of becoming a Loco Pilot include, 

• Loco Pilots are offered an attractive salary package with many benefits of working for the Indian Government.
• The profession is ideal for candidates who wish to have a stable career with growth and retirement benefits.
• Candidates will get to travel around the country, which can be an exciting proposal for many.

Cons of Becoming a Loco Pilot

Certain disadvantages of becoming a Loco Pilot are mentioned below.

• The job of the Loco Pilot can be exhausting during too long hours and extreme physical exertion.
• They may find it difficult to attend personal work due to demanding work roles.
• Candidates weak in the technical field may face difficulties in the long run.