RRB ALP vs SSC CGL: The RRB ALP and SSC CGL are both graduate-level examinations. Candidates who will opt for the ALP posts should have an engineering background. On the other hand, candidates with any background can appear for the SSC CGL exam. This article will provide a complete comparison between the RRB ALP and SSC CGL posts.
RRB ALP vs SSC CGL Eligibility
We have given below a clear comparison table of RRB ALP and SSC CGL posts. The SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria vary according to the post a candidate is applying for.
| Criteria | RRB ALP Eligibility | SSC CGL Eligibility |
| Age Limit | 18 to 33 years (as on 01/07/2025) | 18 to 32 years (Varies by post) |
| Category-wise Upper DOB | UR/EWS: 02.07.1991 OBC (NCL): 02.07.1988 SC/ST: 02.07.1986 | Varies by post; most posts: 18–27 yrs. Some posts: up to 30 or 32 yrs (e.g., JSO: 32 yrs) |
| Educational Qualification | Matriculation/SSLC + ITI / Act Apprentice OR Diploma/Degree in Engineering | Bachelor’s Degree (for most posts) Final year students can apply, but must qualify by cut-off date |
| Nationality | Indian citizen OR Subject of Nepal/Bhutan OR Tibetan refugee | Same as RRB ALP: Indian, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan/Tibetan refugee |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern
The RRB ALP exam pattern consists of the following phases
- CBT Stage- 1
- CBT Stage- 2 ( Part A and Part B)
- CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)
- Document Verification
RRB ALP CBT Stage 1
The CBT Stage 1 is the first stage in the recruitment process for assistant loco pilots. The candidates will have a duration of 60 minutes to complete the test. Given below are the details:
| Subjects | No. of Qs |
| Maths | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 |
| General Science | 20 |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 |
RRB ALP CBT Stage 2
Shortlisted candidates from the CBT 1 examination will have to appear for the CBT 2 exam. The CBT 2 exam consists of two parts. Given below are the details:
| Parts | Subjects | No. of Questions | Duration |
| Part A | Maths General Intelligence & Reasoning Basic Science & Engineering General Awareness of Current Affairs | 100 | 90 Mins |
| Part B | Relevant Trade | 75 | 60 Mins |
| Total | 175 | 2 Hours 30 Mins |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern
SSC CGL has 2 phases: Tier-1, and Tier-2 according to the new exam pattern.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The duration of the Tier 1 Examination is 60 minutes. The SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern is given below for applicants:
- Questions: 25 questions per section.
- Total Marks: 200 marks (100 questions, 2 marks each).
- Exam Type: MCQ
- Languages: English and Hindi (except the English section)..
- For Scribe-Eligible Candidates: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Marks per Question: 2 marks.
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
| Subject | Question | Marks |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
In this phase, two exams are conducted on the same day, the details of the Tier-II exams are listed below. The merit list will be prepared based on the overall performance of candidates in the Tier-II Examination only. Total time duration is 2 hours 15 minutes for Paper – 1 and 2 hours for Paper – 2 and 3 each.
| Paper/Session | Section/ Subject | Questions/ Marks |
| I (Common for all posts) (2 hours and 15 minutes) | I (1 hour ) Module I –Mathematical abilities Module II –Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 30 Total: 60×3 = 180 |
| II (1 hour ) Module I – English Language Comprehension Module II – General Awareness | 45 25 Total: 70×3 = 210 | |
| III (15 minutes) Module – I – Computer Knowledge module | 20×3 = 60 | |
| II (15 minutes) | Module – II: Data Entry Speed Test | One data entry task of 2000 key |
| II (Only for JSO) 2 hours | Statistics (Paper I as above) | 100×2 = 200 |
RRB ALP vs SSC CGL Job Description
The SSC CGL Job Responsibilities vary according to the post a candidate is applying to. The table below shows a complete comparison between the job responsibilities of RRB ALP and SSC CGL posts:
| RRB ALP Job Responsibilities | SSC CGL Job Responsibilities |
| Help the Loco Driver in tuning the Locomotive | Assistant Section Officer – Desk job, file handling, inter-departmental communication |
| Maintain productivity via speed, punctuality, safety & security | Assistant – Clerical work, managing files, reports, case tracking |
| Keep an eye on the signals and indicate them to the Loco Pilot | Inspector of Income Tax – Assess taxes, handle TDS/refunds |
| Repairing the locomotive if needed | Inspector (Central Excise) – Prevent smuggling, check duty evasion |
| Detect track defects through jerks or lurches | Assistant Enforcement Officer – Prevent financial crimes like money laundering |
| Check the locomotive’s efficiency | Sub Inspector (CBI/NIA) – Conduct investigations and gather intelligence |
| Junior Statistical Officer – Draft reports, handle data entry and statistical analysis | |
| Statistical Investigator Grade-II – Prepare and compile survey data | |
| Auditor – Audit departmental expenses | |
| Accountant/Junior Accountant – Handle bills, salaries, pensions | |
| Senior Secretariat Assistant/UDC – File maintenance, data entry | |
| Tax Assistant – Handle tax data, assist with records and verification | |
| Upper Division Clerks – Maintain administrative and financial records |
RRB ALP vs SSC CGL Salary Structure
The salary structure also varies greatly for both posts. Given below is the detailed breakdown of the SSC CGL Salary and RRB ALP Salary structure:
| Particulars | RRB ALP | SSC CGL |
| Grade Pay | ₹1900 | Varies by Post |
| Basic Pay / Pay Scale | ₹19,900 | Level 4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| Level 5: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | ||
| Level 6: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ||
| Level 7: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 | ||
| Level 8: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 | ||
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹35,000 per month | ₹40,000 – ₹90,000+ per month (varies by level & city) |
| Allowances & Benefits | DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, etc. | DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, TA, CEA, etc. |
Summary of RRB ALP Vs SSC CGL 2025
Comparing RRB ALP and SSC CGL jobs is challenging as they serve different purposes and have distinct responsibilities. We have compiled a complete table discussing important comparisons between the two posts:
| Aspect | RRB ALP | SSC CGL |
| Nature of Job | Technical, operational, and field-based | Administrative, clerical, and desk-based |
| Key Role | Assisting in train operation and maintenance | Managing files, audits, inspections, and administrative duties in ministries and departments |
| Work Environment | Onboard trains, loco sheds, field sites | Government offices, tax departments, audit offices, etc. |
| Job Type | Hands-on, mechanically intensive | Bureaucratic, documentation-focused |
| Career Growth | Promotion to Senior ALP → Loco Pilot → Chief Loco Inspector, etc. | Promotions to Section Officer → Under Secretary → Director level posts |
| Departments Covered | Indian Railways (Operational) | Ministries (Finance, Defence, External Affairs, etc.), Income Tax, Excise, CAG, etc. |
| Career Diversity | Limited to railway operations | Wide variety of roles and departments |
The “better” job depends on your interests, career goals, and the type of work you find fulfilling. Consider the nature of the work, your skills, and the long-term career prospects in making your decision. Both roles have their unique advantages and may appeal to different preferences.
RRB ALP Vs SSC CGL FAQs
Comparing RRB ALP and SSC CGL jobs is tough because they have different roles. RRB ALP involves hands-on work with trains for safety, while SSC CGL offers administrative and managerial roles in government departments, providing diverse career paths.
Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a government-recognized university.
The full form of SSC CGL is Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level.
The salary of SSC CGL varies depending on the post and city of posting, but it typically ranges from approximately Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 monthly.
Both exams offer government jobs with good job security and benefits. However, the specific perks and allowances may differ based on the post and department.
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Hello! This is Arijit Dutta. I am a skilled Content Writer at Oliveboard with over three years of experience in crafting engaging, informative, and exam-focused content. With a strong command of language and a keen understanding of learner needs, I contribute significantly to Oliveboard’s mission of delivering high-quality educational resources. Passionate about clear communication and continuous learning, I consistently create content that helps government job aspirants achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and listening to music, which helps me stay balanced and creative in my professional journey.