New Delhi: Indian Railways has successfully completed 43,230 recruitments across various categories in the current financial year 2025-26, marking a significant boost to employment in the country. This recruitment drive encompasses key positions, including technicians, junior engineers, paramedical staff, sub-inspectors, constables in the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and assistant loco pilots.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this information in the Rajya Sabha, stating that the recruitment process is ongoing and aligned with operational requirements, technological advancements, and staff retirements.
For the position of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP), 18,799 vacancies were announced in 2024, with 15,873 candidates already empanelled. In 2025, 9,970 vacancies were declared, and the first stage of Computer Based Tests (CBTs) has been completed. An additional 11,127 ALP vacancies have been notified for 2026 as part of the annual recruitment calendar.
The Railways emphasized that recruitment is a continuous process, with over 154,213 vacancies currently under recruitment across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 cycles. The introduction of an Annual Calendar since 2024 has enhanced transparency, predictability of exams, and expedited recruitment cycles for candidates.
In 2024 alone, 92,116 vacancies were announced across multiple categories, and CBT examinations were conducted for over 3.58 crore candidates in more than 150 cities and 15 languages. Subsequent stages, including second-stage CBTs, aptitude tests, and skill tests, have also been completed for lakhs of candidates.
The Railways assured that the large-scale recruitment process has been conducted transparently, with no instances of paper leaks or malpractice reported.
In addition to generating employment, Indian Railways has improved working conditions for loco pilots, equipping over 2,800 locomotives with waterless urinals to enhance on-duty convenience and hygiene for crew members.
The government reiterated that strengthening manpower is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of passenger and freight trains, and recruitment efforts will continue to align with future operational needs.
