How to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th: Careers, Courses, Eligibility, Skills, Benefits, Salary

Loco Pilots are skilled professionals responsible for operating and controlling locomotives, ensuring the safe and timely movement of trains. They manage various aspects of train operation, monitor signals, adjust speed, and respond to emergencies.

To become a Loco Pilot in India, candidates need a 10+2 qualification with Science and Math or ITI Certification or engineering diploma, followed by qualifying for the RRB ALP entrance exam. Successful candidates undergo medical fitness evaluations and required training.

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After becoming a loco pilot the average starting salary usually ranges from INR 4.50 LPA. The highest salary of a loco pilot can rise to INR 12 LPA. The top recruiters for the loco pilots are Indian Railways, DMRC, Bangalore Metro, and Jaipur Metro.

Also See: Loco Pilot Salary

How to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th: Quick Facts

Eligibility to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th

To become a Loco Pilot, a candidate should have completed his or her secondary education and qualified in the RRB exam. The general eligibility criteria required to become a Loco Pilot are listed below.

• Candidate should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board or ITI Certification or Diploma in Engineering/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Automobile Engineering.
• Certificates in ITI courses from a recognized Institute are required.
• Qualify in the RRB entrance exam for the Assistant Loco Pilot post which also includes CBAT and Medical tests.
• Candidate must be between 18 years and 28 years of age.

Steps to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th

Candidates who aspire to become Loco Pilots need to start preparing for it right after their 10+2. There is an entry-level exam that needs to be cleared by candidates in order to become a Loco Pilot. The steps to become a Loco Pilot after 12th are given below.

• Step 1: Candidates should complete their Class 12 with Science and Maths ITI Certification or Diploma in Engineering/ Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Automobile Engineering.
• Step 2: Candidates must prepare and qualify for the RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) entrance exam.
• Step 3: Then the candidate must clear Computer Based Test (CBT) and other selection stages.
• Step 4: Candidates need to clear medical fitness tests as per railway standards.
• Step 5: Then they need to attend training at designated railway institutes and complete the training program.
• Step 6: Lastly, they will be appointed as a Loco Pilot or Assistant Loco Pilot based on vacancies and merit.

Loco Pilot Courses after 12th

Loco Piloting courses after class 12 generally consist of diplomas in automobile engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and electronic engineering. The details for most ITI and diploma courses are mentioned in the following table.

Entrance Exams

Students who have completed 10th from any recognized board with science and Mathematics can apply for the entrance exams to become loco pilots. Some of the top Entrance Exams that are conducted for enrolling students for various Loco Pilot-related courses are given below:

Top Loco Pilot Colleges in India

In India, ITI and Diplomas are the most desirable courses for becoming loco pilots. Some of the topmost ITI and diploma colleges are tabulated below.

Skills Required to Become a Loco Pilot after 12th

Becoming a Loco Pilot after the 12th in India demands strong technical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, effective communication, situational awareness, and a commitment to safety protocols. After mentioning these abilities, some of the most desirable skills that are required to become a Loco Pilot are tabulated below.

Benefits of Becoming a Loco Pilot after 12th

The key benefits of becoming a Loco Pilot are listed below for your reference.

• Job Security and Stability: As a Loco Pilot, you enjoy a stable career within the Indian Railways, a government sector known for its job security. There are financial and professional stability and post–retirement pensions in this job.
• Good Salary Package: Loco Pilots receive competitive compensation packages, including basic salary, allowances, overtime pay, and performance-based incentives. The average salary of a Loco Pilot in Indian Railways ranges between INR 4.20 - INR 8 LPA. The other benefits are EPF, HRA, Gratuity, medical claims, etc.
• Travel Opportunities: As a Loco Pilot, there are a lot of opportunities to travel within the country without any cost. As a Loco Pilot, they get a free travel pass for all classes in Indian Railways. This includes travel on all trains, including Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Duronto Express trains.

Loco Pilot Salary

The average annual salary of a Loco Pilot in India ranges from INR 4.2 - INR 5 LPA. With experience, it is seen that in most of the Loco Pilots, the salaries of the candidates also get increased. The salaries of Loco Pilots in different positions are mentioned in the table below.