RRB ALP vs SSC CHSL: Candidates who are getting confused over the RRB ALP and SSC CHSL should know every detail of both the exams and then apply. The Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot (RRB ALP) and the Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) are two prominent government exams but have different job profiles. The ALP posts are available to candidates who are from an engineering background and want to serve the Indian Railways. On the other hand, the SSC CHSL posts are designed for intermediate-level candidates who prefer clerical positions in government ministries and departments. In this article, candidates will get a complete analysis and comparison between RRB ALP vs SSC CHSL to make their selection easier.
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SSC CHSL Vs RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for RRB ALP posts vary with the SSC CHSL posts. Given below are the required qualifications candidates need to have:
- RRB ALP: Candidates must have a relevant engineering qualification from a government-recognized institution.
- SSC CHSL: Candidates must have completed their intermediate (10+2) from a recognized board.
RRB ALP vs SSC CHSL Recruitment Process
The recruitment processes for both exams contain major stages. Candidates will have to qualify for each stage to proceed to the next phase. The table below shows the complete recruitment process for both exams:
| Exam | Stage/Tier | Type | Description |
| RRB ALP | Stage 1 | CBT (Objective) | Preliminary Computer-Based Test |
| Stage 2 – Part A | CBT (Objective) | Technical & General Subjects | |
| Stage 2 – Part B | CBT (Objective) | Trade-Specific Test | |
| Stage 3 | CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) | For candidates opting for ALP post | |
| Document Verification | — | Verification of academic & personal documents | |
| SSC CHSL 2025 | Tier-1 | CBT (Objective) | Preliminary Computer-Based Exam |
| Tier-2 | CBT (Objective) | Final Computer-Based Exam |
RRB ALP vs SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
It is very important that candidates understand the exam pattern for both exams before applying for them. We have given the exam pattern details below:
RRB ALP CBT Stage 1 Exam Pattern
The RRB ALP Examination consists of two CBT exams. Given below is the RRB ALP Exam Pattern for the CBT 1 exam:
| Subjects | Questions | Marks |
| Maths | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
RRB ALP CBT Stage 2 Exam Pattern
Shortlisted candidates from the CBT 1 exam will have to appear for the CBT 2 examination. Given below are the details:
Part A:
- Subjects include Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, and Current Affairs.
- 100 questions in 90 minutes.
Part B:
- Focus on the Relevant Discipline/Trade.
- 75 questions in 60 minutes.
- Part B is qualifying in nature, while Part A determines progression to the next stage.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Part A | Maths, Reasoning, Science, Current Affairs | 100 | 90 minutes |
| Part B | Relevant Trade | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 175 | 2 hours 30 mins |
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL Selection Process consists of two exams: Tier 1 and Tier 2. The details for each of the exams are given below:
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The Tier 1 Exam Pattern details are summarized below for the candidates:
- Marks Allotment:
- Correct Answer: 2 marks.
- Wrong Answer: 0.50 marks will be deducted.
- Time Available:
- Regular Candidates: 60 minutes.
- Candidates with Scribe: 80 minutes.
| Subject | Question | Marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 Marks |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 Marks |
| English Language | 25 | 50 Marks |
| Total | 100 | 200 Marks |
SSC CHLS Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The Tier 2 is the final computer-based exam for the applicants. Given below are the details for it:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Questions: 135
- Total Marks: 405
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers
| Session | Subject | Questions |
| Session-I (2 hours & 15 minutes) | Section-I: (1 hour) Module-I: Mathematical Abilities Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence. | 30 30 60*3 = 180 |
| Section II: (1 hour) Module-I: English Language & Comprehension Module II: General Awareness | 40 20 60*3 = 180 | |
| Section-III: (15 Minutes) Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module | 15*3 = 45 | |
| Session-II 15 Minutes | Section-III: Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module | Part A: Skill Test for DEOs. |
| 10 Minutes | Part B: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA. |
RRB ALP vs SSC CHSL Salary and Job Profile
The comparison between the job responsibilities of RRB ALP and SSC CHSL is tabulated below in detail. Candidates must understand the duties properly and then apply for any particular post.
| Aspect | RRB ALP Job Profile | SSC CHSL Job Profile |
| Primary Role | Assistant to Loco Pilot in train operations | Clerical/Administrative support in government offices |
| Key Responsibilities | – Assist in operating & maintaining locomotives – Monitor train performance – Ensure safety, punctuality & security – Detect track defects & handle minor repairs | – Data entry & record maintenance – Assist in admin tasks – Process official files & correspondence |
| Work Environment | Field job, on trains and railway tracks | Office-based environment |
| Nature of Work | Technical, safety-critical, operational | Administrative, documentation-focused |
Salary Structure of RRB ALP vs SSC CHSL
The salary structure of both posts is given below for candidates:
| Particulars | RRB ALP | SSC CHSL |
| Grade Pay | ₹1900 | ₹1,900 |
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 | ₹19,900 |
| Total Salary (Approx.) | ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 (incl. allowances) | ₹37,000 – ₹40,000 (incl. allowances) |
Summary of RRB ALP vs SSC CHSL
Both RRB ALP and SSC CHSL offer excellent opportunities for government job aspirants, but the choice largely depends on your educational background and career interests. RRB ALP is ideal for those with an engineering background and a preference for technical roles, while SSC CHSL is better suited for intermediate-level candidates aiming for clerical positions.
| Parameters | RRB ALP | SSC CHSL |
| Full Form | Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot | Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Eligibility (Education) | Matriculation + ITI or Diploma in Engineering | 12th Pass (Higher Secondary) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years (age relaxation as per rules) | 18 to 27 years (age relaxation as per rules) |
| Selection Process | – CBT 1 – CBT 2 – CBAT (for ALP only) – Document Verification | – Tier I (Objective) – Tier II (Descriptive) – Typing/Skill Test (for DEO/LDC) |
| Number of Stages | 3 to 4 (including CBAT and DV) | 2 to 3 (Tier I, II, and Skill/Typing Test) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based (Tier I & II), Pen & Paper (Tier II) |
| Job Profile | Assists the loco pilot in driving and maintaining trains | Clerical/Data Entry roles in various central govt. departments |
| Work Nature | Technical, field-oriented, shift-based | Non-technical, desk jobs |
| Posting | Indian Railways (Zonal/Divisional locations) | Central Govt. Ministries/Departments across India |
| Salary (Initial) | ₹19,900 + allowances (Level 2 – 7th CPC) | ₹19,900 – ₹25,500 + allowances (Level 2–4) |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, Transport, Running Allowance, Night Duty, Free Railway Passes | DA, HRA, TA, Medical, LTC, etc. |
| Career Growth | ALP → Sr. ALP → Loco Pilot (Goods) → Passenger LP → Express LP → Crew Controller/Instructors | LDC → UDC → Assistant → Section Officer → Under Secretary |
| Promotion Exam | Departmental Exams/Experience-based | Departmental Exams/Seniority-based |
| Work Pressure | High (Shift duties, safety-critical operations) | Moderate (Office environment) |
| Job Transfer | Usually within the Railway Zones | Possible inter-ministerial transfer |
| Job Security | Very High | Very High |
| Ideal Candidates | Candidates with a technical background (ITI/Diploma) | Candidates seeking clerical/desk jobs post-12th |
We hope that now you will be able to select between these two exams as per your preference. To read more such articles, visit the Oliveboard website.
RRB ALP Vs SSC CHSL FAQs
RRB ALP recruits Assistant Loco Pilots with a technical background, while SSC CHSL recruits clerical staff with 10+2 qualifications.
SSC CHSL is generally easier as it requires basic qualifications, while RRB ALP involves technical knowledge.
RRB ALP requires a technical diploma or an engineering degree.
SSC CHSL requires 10+2 from a recognized board.
RRB ALP involves CBT Stage 1, Stage 2, CBAT, and document verification.
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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.