RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
Complete Subject-Wise Guide
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) releases the official syllabus for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) exam. This page covers every topic across CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A & Part B), and CBAT — with exam pattern, marking scheme, and a smart preparation roadmap.
The Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot (RRB ALP) exam is one of the most competitive technical examinations conducted across India for Group C posts under Indian Railways. The selection process is spread across four distinct stages, each designed to assess a candidate's technical aptitude, general awareness, and psychomotor fitness.
CBT 1 — Computer Based Test (Screening)
First-stage screening exam with 75 questions in 60 minutes. Covers Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness. Qualifying in nature — marks are used for shortlisting candidates for CBT 2.
CBT 2 — Computer Based Test (Main Exam)
Divided into two parts. Part A (100 questions, 90 min) tests core subjects. Part B (75 questions, 60 min) is a trade-specific qualifying test based on the candidate's chosen technical discipline. Both parts are conducted in the same session.
CBAT — Computer-Based Aptitude Test
Psychomotor and cognitive aptitude test applicable only to ALP post candidates (not Technician posts). Tests reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and memory through a battery of psycho tests. Minimum score of 42 out of 60 is required in each test battery.
Document Verification + Medical Examination
Final stage where shortlisted candidates present original documents. Medical fitness as per Railway Medical Standards (A1 for ALP — including vision standards) is mandatory.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 Minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total 75 Questions — 75 Marks | |||
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark. Wrong answers attract a negative marking of ⅓ mark deduction.
- CBT 1 is a qualifying/screening test — final merit is based on CBT 2 marks only.
- The exam is conducted in multiple shifts; scores are normalized using the RRB formula.
- Candidates with PwD (Visual Impairment) get an extra 20 minutes.
Syllabus level: Class 10 NCERT Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
| Subject (Part A) | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 90 Min |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 | |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Part A Total100 Questions — 100 Marks | |||
| Component | Questions | Marks | Time | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Specific Technical Questions | 75 | 75 | 60 Min | Min 35% |
- Part A and Part B are conducted in the same session (150 minutes total) but candidates must manage their time independently.
- Negative marking of ⅓ mark applies in both Part A and Part B.
- Candidates who fail to score the minimum 35% in Part B will be considered disqualified from ALP post; they may still be considered for Technician post based on Part A score.
- Final merit for ALP post is based on CBT 2 Part A marks only.
Part A has the same four subjects as CBT 1, but includes an additional and heavier subject — Basic Science & Engineering (40 marks), which forms the core of CBT 2 preparation.
⚡ Highest weightage in CBT 2 — Prepare thoroughly
Part B tests your knowledge of the trade/ITI discipline you've mentioned in the application. It is conducted as per the NCVT/ITI course structure for each trade. Below are the major trades and their key syllabus areas:
| Trade | Key Syllabus Areas | Eligible Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical TradesHigh Demand | ||
| Electrician | Basic Electrical Engineering, Wiring, Transformer, Induction Motor, Earthing, Switchgear, Batteries, AC/DC Machines, Power Systems | ALP, Technician III |
| Electronics Mechanic | Semiconductor Devices, Diodes & Transistors, Digital Electronics (Logic Gates), Amplifiers, Oscillators, Communication Basics, PCB, CRO | ALP, Technician III |
| Mechanical TradesCore Railway Trades | ||
| Fitter | Workshop Practice, Fitting Operations, Lathes, Drilling Machines, Welding Basics, Measuring Instruments, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Heat Treatment | ALP, Technician III |
| Diesel Mechanic | IC Engine Components, Fuel Systems, Cooling & Lubrication, Transmission, Braking System, Maintenance of Diesel Engines, Electrical System of Vehicles | ALP, Technician III |
| Turner | Lathe Operations (Turning, Facing, Boring), Thread Cutting, Taper Turning, CNC Basics, Measuring Tools, Grinding, Material Properties | ALP, Technician III |
| Machinist | Machine Tools (Milling, Drilling, Grinding), Workshop Calculations, Limits & Fits, Gear Cutting, Production Planning, CNC Introduction | ALP, Technician III |
| Other Key TradesPopular Choices | ||
| Refrigeration & AC Mechanic | Refrigeration Cycle, Compressors, Condensers, Evaporators, Refrigerants, Air Conditioning Systems, Heat Transfer, Troubleshooting | ALP, Technician III |
| Wireman | Wiring Systems (Conduit, Batten), Domestic & Industrial Wiring, Earthing Methods, Safety Regulations, MCB, Switches, Energy Meters | ALP, Technician III |
| Heat Engine / Mechanic Motor Vehicle | Engine Types & Working, Fuel Injection Systems, Ignition Systems, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Emission Control, Vehicle Maintenance | ALP, Technician III |
| Instrument Mechanic | Measuring Instruments, Transducers, Process Control, Calibration, Electronic Measuring Equipment, Pressure & Temp Instruments, PLC Basics | ALP, Technician III |
Candidates must possess an ITI Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) or Class 10 + 2-year ITI in the trade against which they are applying. Diploma holders in Engineering are also eligible under specific categories. The trade syllabus broadly follows the NIMI (National Instructional Media Institute) ITI trade curriculum.
The CBAT is a psycho-physical test exclusively for the ALP post (not for Technician). It evaluates whether a candidate has the cognitive and motor abilities required to safely operate a locomotive. There are no traditional "topics" to study for CBAT — instead, it involves a series of computerized test batteries.
| Test Battery | What It Measures | Qualifying Score |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Test | Short-term and working memory recall ability — recognizing previously shown objects, numbers, or patterns | Min 42/60 in each battery |
| Following Directions Test | Ability to comprehend and follow a sequence of instructions accurately under time pressure | |
| Perceptual Speed Test | Speed of recognizing and matching symbols, letters, and shapes | |
| Attention & Concentration | Sustained attention, selective attention, and dual-task handling (vigilance testing) | |
| Hand-Eye Coordination | Psychomotor tracking ability — coordinating cursor/lever movement with a moving target | |
| Depth Perception Test | 3D spatial awareness — judging distances, alignments, and object positions accurately |
- Practice online psychometric test simulators — many railway coaching apps offer CBAT mock sessions.
- Play attention-training games that improve reaction time, working memory, and spatial reasoning.
- Get adequate sleep before the test — fatigue severely impacts psychomotor test performance.
- Avoid overpracticing on the day before; instead focus on staying calm and alert.
- Candidates who do not qualify CBAT can still be placed in the Technician III post based on CBT 2 merit.
| Subject | CBT 1 Marks | CBT 2 Part A Marks | Combined Total | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Science & Engineering | — | 40 | 40 | 🔴 Highest |
| Mathematics | 20 | 25 | 45 | 🔴 Highest |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 50 | 🟡 High |
| General Science | 20 | —* | 20 | 🟡 Medium |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 | 20 | 🟢 Standard |
| Trade Syllabus (Part B) | — | 75 (Qualifying) | 35% Min | 🔵 Qualifying |
* General Science concepts overlap heavily with Basic Science & Engineering in CBT 2.
| Subject | Recommended Book / Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Core Books | ||
| Mathematics | R.S. Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude | Concept building + Practice |
| General Intelligence | R.S. Aggarwal — A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | All Reasoning types |
| General Science | NCERT Class 9 & 10 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Foundation — Must Read |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Arihant — RRB ALP Technical (Science & Engineering Portion) | CBT 2 specific preparation |
| Trade & Current Affairs | ||
| Trade Syllabus (ITI) | NIMI (National Instructional Media Institute) Trade Books | Part B preparation — official source |
| Current Affairs / GK | Lucent's General Knowledge + Monthly Affairs Cloud / GKToday | Static GK + Current events |
| Previous Papers & Mocks | ||
| Previous Year Papers | Kiran RRB ALP Previous Year Papers — Last 10 Years | Exam pattern familiarization |
| Online Mock Tests | Testbook, Gradeup (PW), Oliveboard — RRB ALP Series | Full-length timed practice |
The RRB ALP 2026 selection process consists of four stages:
1. CBT 1 — Screening test (75 questions, 60 minutes)
2. CBT 2 — Part A (100 questions, 90 min) + Part B (75 trade questions, 60 min)
3. CBAT — Computer-Based Aptitude Test (ALP post only)
4. Document Verification + Medical Examination
Final merit is based on CBT 2 Part A marks only. CBT 1 is only for shortlisting candidates to CBT 2.
CBT 1 has 4 subjects: Mathematics (20), General Intelligence & Reasoning (25), General Science (20), and General Awareness (10) — 75 questions in 60 minutes.
CBT 2 Part A has 4 subjects: Mathematics (25), General Intelligence & Reasoning (25), Basic Science & Engineering (40), and General Awareness (10) — 100 questions in 90 minutes.
CBT 2 Part B is a 75-question trade-specific qualifying paper in 60 minutes.
Yes. Negative marking applies in both CBT 1 and CBT 2 (Part A and Part B). For every wrong answer, ⅓ mark (0.33 marks) is deducted. Unattempted questions carry no penalty — leave a question blank if you are completely unsure rather than guessing randomly. CBAT does not use the same marking scheme as it is a psycho-physical test battery.
Basic Science & Engineering carries the highest weightage in CBT 2 with 40 marks. Key topics include:
- Engineering Drawing — orthographic projections, isometric views, scales
- Units & Measurements (SI System), Mass, Weight & Density
- Work, Power & Energy; Speed & Velocity
- Heat & Temperature; Thermodynamics basics
- Basic Electricity — Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, AC/DC basics
- Levers & Simple Machines; Pressure concepts
- Occupational Safety & Health, Environment Education
- IT Literacy (basic computer operations)
- Properties of Materials, Atomic Structure basics
CBT 2 Part B is a trade-specific qualifying test based on your ITI/engineering discipline. It has 75 questions in 60 minutes from your chosen trade (e.g., Electrician, Fitter, Diesel Mechanic).
It is compulsory but only qualifying — a minimum of 35% marks is required to pass. Part B marks are not added to the final merit list. Candidates who fail Part B cannot be considered for the ALP post (they may be considered for Technician III post based on Part A performance).
CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) is a psycho-physical test exclusively for candidates seeking the ALP post. Technician post applicants do not appear for CBAT.
It covers memory, attention, hand-eye coordination, perceptual speed, and depth perception. A minimum score of 42 out of 60 is required in each battery to qualify. Practice using psychometric test simulators to sharpen your response time and focus ahead of the exam.
The minimum educational qualification for RRB ALP 2026 is:
Option 1: Matriculation (Class 10) + ITI Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in a relevant trade
Option 2: Class 10 + 2-year ITI pass certificate
Option 3: Diploma in Engineering (3-year) from a recognized institution (for Technician posts and select ALP categories)
The trade must match the post applied for. Candidates appearing in their final ITI/Diploma exam may be eligible subject to producing certificates at document verification.
The standard age limit is 18 to 28 years as on the cutoff date in the official notification. Age relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years (up to 33 years)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years (up to 31 years)
- PwD (General): 10 years relaxation
- PwD (OBC): 13 years relaxation
- PwD (SC/ST): 15 years relaxation
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government of India norms
Selected RRB ALP candidates are placed in Pay Level 2 of the 7th CPC pay matrix with a basic pay starting at ₹19,900 per month. Additional allowances include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA) — revised quarterly
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) — based on posting city
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Running Allowance (for loco pilots on active duty)
- Free/concessional railway travel passes and medical benefits
Gross in-hand salary including all allowances typically ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 per month depending on the posting location.
Based on marks distribution, your top 3 priorities should be:
- Basic Science & Engineering (40 marks) — highest single-subject weightage in CBT 2
- Mathematics (25 marks in CBT 2) — arithmetic, mensuration, algebra, and trigonometry are most asked
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 marks) — highly scoring with consistent daily practice
Do not neglect your Trade Syllabus (Part B) — failing the 35% qualifying threshold disqualifies you from the ALP post entirely.
The official RRB ALP 2026 notification is expected to be released on the respective regional RRB websites. Exam dates and the application window will be announced through the official notification. Regularly check jobtheta.com and official RRB regional websites for the latest updates on notification release, application start date, and exam schedule.
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