RRB ALP Syllabus & Exam Pattern
RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) is selected through two computer-based tests and a computer-based aptitude test, followed by document verification and a medical examination. Here’s the stable shape of it — what gets tested at each stage — with a link to the official RRB website for the current notification’s exact marks, timing and negative-marking details.
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The stages
CBT-1
A computer-based screening test on Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. Its marks are not counted in the final panel; they only shortlist candidates for CBT-2.
CBT-2, Part-A
A computer-based test on Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and Basic Science and Engineering. Its marks count towards the final merit, and the candidate must also clear Part-B.
CBT-2, Part-B
A qualifying trade test with questions from the trade syllabi prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). Candidates with ITI or apprenticeship answer questions from their own trade; Degree and Diploma holders pick one trade from the list the notification gives for their engineering discipline.
Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
An aptitude test battery for candidates shortlisted on CBT-2 Part-A. Every battery must be cleared separately, and the CBAT score counts towards the final merit along with Part-A of CBT-2. The notification points to the RDSO website (Traffic and Psychology, Candidate’s Corner) for information on the CBAT.
Document verification and medical examination
Candidates on the merit list are called for document verification. The notification says the ALP post has stringent medical standards, including vision, and that no alternative post is offered to those found medically unfit.
What’s tested
Mathematics
Number system, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentages, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, elementary statistics, square root, age calculations, calendar and clock, and pipes and cistern.
Mental Ability / General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, alphabetical and number series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagram, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, and statement-arguments and assumptions.
General Science (CBT-1)
Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at 10th standard level.
Basic Science and Engineering (CBT-2 Part-A)
Engineering drawing (projections, views, drawing instruments, lines, geometric figures, symbolic representation), units, measurements, mass, weight and density, work, power and energy, speed and velocity, heat and temperature, basic electricity, levers and simple machines, occupational safety and health, environment education, and IT literacy.
Trade syllabus (CBT-2 Part-B)
Set by trade. The notification groups trades by engineering discipline: Electrical (Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature and Coil Winder, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic); Electronics (Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Radio and TV); Mechanical (Fitter, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic Diesel, Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic); Automobile (Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic Diesel, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic). Syllabi for the trades are on the DGT website.
The number of questions, marks, timing and negative-marking fraction are set by each cycle’s own notification and can change between cycles. Treat the subjects above as the stable shape to study toward, and check the official RRB website.
See the exact marks, timing, negative marking, age limit and cut-offs for this exam →
What ALP recruits for
CEN 01/2026 recruits Assistant Loco Pilots, for which the notification asks for Matriculation/SSLC plus an ITI or Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in a listed trade, or Matriculation/SSLC plus a three-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Automobile Engineering in lieu of ITI.
What Pariksha Saathi offers for RRB ALP
Free topic-wise lessons and practice for the subjects above, sectional tests by subject, full-length mock tests, a Mistake Notebook that tracks your weak topics automatically, and dated current-affairs capsules.
Official source & latest updates
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