RRB NTPC vs RRB ALP, Which Is Better?

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RRB NTPC Vs RRB ALP

When choosing a career with Indian Railways, you might come across two key exams: RRB NTPC and RRB ALP. The RRB NTPC exam is for jobs in various non-technical roles, like clerks and ticket examiners. On the other hand, the RRB ALP exam is for technical positions, such as Assistant Loco Pilots who handle trains. Although both exams are organized by the Railway Recruitment Board, they focus on different types of jobs and require different preparation. Knowing the differences between RRB NTPC and RRB ALP can help you pick the right exam for your career goals.

RRB NTPC

The RRB NTPC exam, held by the Railway Recruitment Boards, is for hiring people into non-technical jobs in Indian Railways. These jobs include roles like clerks, ticket collectors, and station masters. It’s a good chance for a stable job in the railway sector with chances for advancement.

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Eligibility Criteria

There are three categories on the basis of which the eligibility of a candidate is measured:

Age
Educational Qualification
Nationality

The three points are discussed in detail below

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Age Limit

Minimum: 18 years
Maximum: 33 years

The age limit criteria will be considered as of 01/07/2024.

We have mentioned below the category-wise upper limit of date of birth for the candidates.

Categories	Upper Limit of Date of Birth
UR & EWS	02.07.1991
OBC (NCL)	02.07.1988
SC & ST	02.07.1986

Educational Qualifications

Posts	Educational Qualification
Commercial Apprentice (CA), Traffic Apprentice (TA), Enquiry-Cum-Reservation-Clerk, Assistant Station Master (ASM), Goods Guard Selection, Traffic Assistant	Graduate Degree from a recognized university and equivalent
a Senior Clerk-Cum-typist, Senior Time Keeper, Junior Accounts Assistant Cum Typist	Graduate Degree from a recognized university and equivalent Typing proficiency in Hindi/English on a computer

Job Description

The RRB NTPC (Non-Technical Popular Categories) exam covers various job profiles in Indian Railways that are non-technical. Here are some common roles:

Junior Clerk: Handles routine clerical tasks such as maintaining records, managing files, and assisting with office work.
Accounts Clerk: Manages financial records, processes payments, and handles accounting tasks.
Commercial Apprentice: Works in ticketing and customer service, including selling tickets and assisting passengers.
Station Master: Oversees the operation of a railway station, including managing train schedules, ensuring smooth operations, and addressing passenger queries.
Goods Guard: Ensures the safe and timely transportation of goods by rail, supervises loading and unloading, and manages the train’s cargo.
Traffic Assistant: Assists with managing train movements and schedules, ensures timely departure and arrival, and handles passenger inquiries.
Enquiry-cum-Reservation Clerk: Provides information about train schedules, handles reservations, and assists passengers with ticketing issues.

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Salary

RRB NTPC Salary Structure for 12th Passed Candidates

S. No.	Name of the post	Level in 7th CPC	Initial pay (Rs.)	Medical Standard
1	Junior Clerk cum Typist	2	19900	C-2
2	Accounts Clerk cum Typist	2	19900	C-2
3	Junior Time Keeper	2	19900	C-2
4	Trains Clerk	2	19900	A-3
5	Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	3	21700	B-2

RRB NTPC Salary Structure for Graduated Candidates

S. No.	Name of the post	Level in 7th CPC	Initial pay (Rs.)	Medical Standard
1	Traffic Assistant	4	25500	A-2
2	Goods Guard	5	29200	A-2
3	Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk	5	29200	B-2
4	Senior Clerk cum Typist	5	29200	C-2
5	Junior Account Assistant cum Typist	5	29200	C-2
6	Senior Time Keeper	5	29200	C-2
7	Commercial Apprentice	6	35400	B-2
8	Station Master	6	35400	A-2

RRB ALP

The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) with the Railway Recruitment Board helps keep trains running smoothly and safely. They assist the main loco pilots by controlling the locomotive, checking equipment, and fixing technical issues. ALPs are crucial for making sure trains are safe and reliable, and they play a key role in the railway system.

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Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for RRB ALP is based on three factors

Age
Educational Qualification
Nationality

The three points are discussed in detail below

Age Limit

Minimum: 18 years
Maximum: 33 years

The age limit criteria will be considered as of 01/07/2024.

We have mentioned below the category-wise upper limit of date of birth for the candidates.

Categories	Upper Limit of Date of Birth
UR & EWS	02.07.1991
OBC (NCL)	02.07.1988
SC & ST	02.07.1986

Educational Qualification

Post	Educational Qualification
RRB Assistant Loco Pilot	Matriculation / SSLC Plus ITI/ Course Completed Act Apprentices or Diploma/ Degree in Engineering.

Job Description

Candidates who have applied for the RRB ALP must know about the job profile. Following are the duties of the RRB ALP

Help the Loco Driver in tuning the Locomotive.
Maintaining the productivity of the Locomotive by increasing sectional average speed, punctuality, safety & security.
Keep an eye on the signal & indicate it further.
Repairing the Locomotive (if required).
Noticing track defect through jerk or lurch.
Checking the efficiency of the locomotive

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Salary

RRB ALPs receive a good amount of salary along with various allowances. Candidates working as ALP also get free tickets for train travel journeys and many more benefits. We have mentioned below the salary structure of the Assistant Loco Pilots.

Particulars	Details
Grade Pay	1900/-
Pay Scale	19,900/-
Assistant Loco Pilot Salary	Gross 35,000/-

Difference between RRB NTPC Vs RRB ALP

Criteria	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 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

RRB NTPC Vs RRB ALP 2024

In short, the RRB NTPC and RRB ALP exams are for different jobs in Indian Railways. RRB NTPC is for non-technical roles like clerks and station masters, focusing on office and customer service tasks. RRB ALP is for technical roles like Assistant Loco Pilots, involving train operation and maintenance. Knowing these differences helps candidates choose the right exam for their career goals.

RRB NTPC Vs RRB ALP – FAQs

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.

Which exam is for technical positions?

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

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.

What kind of preparation is needed for RRB NTPC?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which exam is better for a commerce graduate?

RRB NTPC is typically a better fit for commerce graduates due to its emphasis on general knowledge, aptitude, and analytical skills. However, with additional technical knowledge, commerce graduates can also consider RRB ALP.

Priti Palit

Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti’s expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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