RRB NTPC vs RRB ALP, Check the Better Job in 2025?

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RRB NTPC Vs RRB ALP

RRB NTPC and ALP are prestigious positions under the Railway Recruitment Board. The NTPC exam is conducted for recruitment in non-technical roles such as clerks and ticket examiners. On the other hand, the RRB ALP exam is conducted for applicants who have applied for the Assistant Loco Pilot position. In this article, we will point out the key differences between RRB NTPC vs RRB ALP for candidates.

Key Differences Between RRB NTPC vs RRB ALP

There are various key differences between RRB NTPC vs RRB ALP. The table below shows some of them:

Parameters	RRB NTPC	RRB ALP
Full Form	Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories	Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot
Job Profile	Non-technical roles like Station Master, Goods Guard, Commercial Apprentice, etc.	Technical roles like Assistant Loco Pilot and Technicians
Educational Qualification	Varies from 12th pass to graduation, depending on the post	Primarily 10th pass with ITI/diploma in engineering
Selection Stages	– CBT 1 (Prelims) – CBT 2 (Mains) – Typing Skill Test (if applicable) – Document Verification	– CBT 1 – CBT 2 – Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) – Document Verification
Exam Difficulty	Generally moderate, focuses on general awareness, reasoning, and mathematics	Technical subjects are emphasized, along with mathematics and reasoning
Age Limit	18 to 30 years (varies by category and post)	18 to 28 years (varies by category)
Salary	Approximately ₹19,900 – ₹35,400 (varies by post and location)	Approximately ₹19,900 – ₹35,400 (varies by post and allowances)
Career Growth	Opportunities to advance to higher supervisory and managerial roles	Opportunities to become a Loco Pilot, Senior Loco Pilot, etc.
Work Environment	Mostly office-based or station-based roles	Field-based, involves working on locomotives and in train operations
Medical Standards	Generally less stringent compared to ALP roles	More stringent, especially for roles like ALP, to ensure fitness for train operations
Training	Training is more focused on administrative and operational procedures	Intensive technical training on locomotive operations and maintenance
Exam Pattern	Includes subjects like General Awareness, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning	Includes subjects like Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and Technical Subjects

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Job Responsibilities of RRB NTPC vs RRB ALP

The job responsibilities of NTPC and RRB ALP posts also vary. Candidates must have a clear idea about the duties and responsibilities before applying for a particular role. The table below shows the main parameters and differences of job responsibilities in NTPC and ALP posts:

Parameters	RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories)	RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot)
Nature of Work	Non-technical, clerical, and supervisory roles	Technical support to Loco Pilots
Common Job Roles	Junior Clerk Accounts Clerk Commercial Apprentice Station Master Goods Guard Traffic Assistant Enquiry-cum-Reservation Clerk	Single role: Assistant Loco Pilot
Key Responsibilities	Record keeping, file management, ticketing, scheduling, customer service, and station operations	Assist Loco Pilot in running the train, Monitor signals, Report track defects, perform minor repairs
Focus Area	Office work, station/customer handling, train scheduling	Train operation, technical efficiency, and safety
Physical Involvement	Mostly desk or counter jobs with moderate physical demand	Physically demanding; involves track-side inspection and onboard operations
Technical Skills	Minimal; basic computer and communication skills	High; understanding of locomotive mechanics and rail operations

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RRB NTPC vs ALP Salary Comparison

The RRB NTPC Salary varies according to the level of posts. Whereas assistant loco pilots are paid around Rs. 19,900 in the first year of their service. The table below shows the salary comparison between RRB NTPC vs RRB ALP:

Post	Qualification	Pay Level	Basic Pay	Grade Pay	Approximate Gross Salary
Junior Clerk cum Typist	12th Pass	2	19,900	1,900	28,000 – 30,000
Accounts Clerk cum Typist	12th Pass	2	19,900	1,900	28,000 – 30,000
Junior Time Keeper	12th Pass	2	19,900	1,900	28,000 – 30,000
Trains Clerk	12th Pass	2	19,900	1,900	28,000 – 30,000
Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	12th Pass	3	21,700	2,000	31,000 – 33,000
Traffic Assistant	Graduate	4	25,500	2,400	36,000 – 38,000
Goods Guard	Graduate	5	29,200	2,800	39,000 – 42,000
Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	Graduate	5	29,200	2,800	39,000 – 42,000
Senior Clerk cum Typist	Graduate	5	29,200	2,800	39,000 – 42,000
Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist	Graduate	5	29,200	2,800	39,000 – 42,000
Senior Time Keeper	Graduate	5	29,200	2,800	39,000 – 42,000
Commercial Apprentice	Graduate	6	35,400	4,200	46,000 – 48,000
Station Master	Graduate	6	35,400	4,200	46,000 – 48,000
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)	10th + ITI / Diploma	–	19,900	1,900	35,000 (Gross)

We hope we were able to provide a clear comparison of RRB NTPC Vs RRB ALP. To read more such blogs, visit the Oliveboard website.

RRB NTPC Vs RRB ALP FAQs

Q.1 What is the main difference between RRB NTPC and RRB ALP?

RRB NTPC is for non-technical roles like clerks and ticket collectors, while RRB ALP is for technical roles such as Assistant Loco Pilots.

Q.2 Which exam is for technical positions?

The RRB ALP exam is for technical positions like Assistant Loco Pilots.

Q.3 Can I apply for both RRB NTPC and RRB ALP exams?

Yes, you can apply for both exams if you meet the eligibility criteria for each.

Q.4 What kind of preparation is needed for RRB NTPC?

Preparation for RRB NTPC focuses on general awareness, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and general studies.

Q.5 What does the RRB ALP exam focus on?

The RRB ALP exam focuses on technical knowledge related to locomotive operations, as well as general studies.

Q.6 Are the RRB NTPC and RRB ALP exams conducted at the same time?

No, the exams are usually held at different times. Check the official schedule for exact dates.

Q.7 What are the job roles for RRB NTPC and RRB ALP?

RRB NTPC roles include clerks and station masters, while RRB ALP roles involve operating and maintaining locomotives.

Q.8 Which exam offers more career growth opportunities?

Both RRB NTPC and RRB ALP can provide opportunities for career growth. However, the specific paths may vary based on individual performance and preferences.

Q.9 What is the selection process for RRB NTPC and RRB ALP?

The selection process for both exams typically involves multiple stages, including a Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and Document Verification.

Q.10 Which exam is better for a science graduate?

RRB ALP is generally preferred by science graduates due to its focus on technical knowledge and skills. However, RRB NTPC can also be suitable for science graduates with a strong aptitude for general knowledge and problem-solving.