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RRB ALP (2026-27): EXAM PATTERN & SYLLABUS
RRB ALP (2026-27): EXAM PATTERN & SYLLABUS
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially rolled out the Centralised Employment Notice (CEN 01/2026) for the massive recruitment of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) vacancies across 17 distinct railway zones.
Understanding the multi-tiered structure of the RRB ALP selection pipeline is vital because it features a critical rebalancing of weightage: CBT-2 (Part A) and the psychometric Aptitude Test (CBAT) now hold an equal 50:50 weightage in determining your final placement.
RRB ALP 2026 Exam Pattern
The selection process is highly comprehensive, spanning five consecutive stages: CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT, Document Verification, and an Intensive Medical Examination (A1 Category).
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
CBT-1 is purely a screening filter to eliminate the initial crowd. The marks scored here will not be counted in the final merit list.
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Total Questions: 75 MCQs
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Total Marks: 75 Marks
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Duration: 60 Minutes (1 Hour)
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Negative Marking: One-third (1/3) mark will be deducted for every incorrect response.
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Section / Subject
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Number of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Mathematics
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20
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20
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General Intelligence & Reasoning
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25
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25
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General Science
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20
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20
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General Awareness & Current Affairs
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10
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10
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Total
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75
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75
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Stage 2: Computer Based Test (CBT-2)
Candidates shortlisted from CBT-1 (at a ratio of 15 times the zone-wise vacancies) advance to CBT-2. This stage contains two distinct components conducted back-to-back in a single sitting.
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Total Questions: 175 MCQs (Part A: 100 + Part B: 75)
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Total Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes (150 Minutes)
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Negative Marking: One-third ($1/3$) penalty per wrong answer applies to both parts.
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Component
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Nature of Test
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No. of Questions
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Duration
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Impact on Selection
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Part A
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Core Subjects
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100
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90 Mins
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Scoring Stage: Carries a 50% weightage in your final merit score.
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Part B
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Relevant Trade Test
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75
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60 Mins
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Qualifying Only: Mandatory to score at least 35% (26.25 marks) to pass, regardless of your category.
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Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT / Psycho Test)
Only candidates who qualify in Part B and clear the required cut-off in Part A move to the psychometric stage. It consists of 5 distinct test batteries evaluating spatial memory, depth perception, attention span, and perceptual speed.
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Qualifying Condition: You must secure a minimum T-score of 42 marks in each individual test battery.
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Merit Contribution: Carries the remaining 50% weightage of the final merit layout.
Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
The academic standard for general non-technical subjects is mapped around the standard Class 10 (Matriculation) level, while technical sections demand strict vocational mastery.
CBT-1 & CBT-2 Part A Core Curriculum
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Subject
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Detailed Syllabus & Topics Tested
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Mathematics
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• Number Mechanics: Number systems, BODMAS rules, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF.
• Commercial Arithmetic: Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Pipes & Cisterns. • Advanced Frameworks: Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry fundamentals, Mensuration (Area, Perimeter, Volume calculation), Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Elementary Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode).
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General Intelligence & Reasoning
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• Verbal Mechanics: Analogies, Alphabetical & Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Jumbling.
• Analytical Logic: Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency, Order and Ranking, Seating Arrangements, Directions & Distance.
• Critical Logic: Conclusions and Decision-Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Statements-Arguments & Assumptions.
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General Science (Primarily CBT-1)
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• Physics: Units & Measurements, Force & Laws of Motion, Work, Power & Energy, Gravitation, Waves & Sound, Light (Reflection, Refraction, Mirrors & Lenses), Electricity & Magnetism.
• Chemistry: Matter classification, Chemical Reactions & Equations, Periodic Table trends, Acids, Bases & Salts, Metals & Non-Metals, Carbon & its compounds.
• Life Sciences: Cell structure, Plant & Animal Tissues, Human Organ Systems (Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Nervous, Skeletal), Nutrition, Diseases & Immunity.
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Basic Science & Engineering (CBT-2 Part A Engine)
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• Engineering Drawing: Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic representation rules.
• Applied Sciences: Mass, Weight and Density, Work, Power and Energy calculations, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Thermodynamics, Basic Electricity & Ohm's Law.
• Technical Fundamentals: Levers and Simple Machines, Pulleys, Occupational Safety and Health norms, Environmental Education, IT Literacy basics.
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General Awareness (CBT-1 Only)
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Current developments in Science & Technology, Sports events, Art & Culture, Famous Personalities, Basic Economics, Indian Polity and Constitution highlights.
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CBT-2 Part B: Relevant Trade Syllabus
The questions in Part B are strictly aligned with the standard Director General of Employment & Training (DGET) syllabus for various technical trades. You will choose your trade cluster based on your engineering branch or ITI specialization:
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Trade Cluster Group
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Eligible Trades & Key Focus Syllabus Areas
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Electrical Engineering
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Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic. Tests fundamental electric networks, transformer coils, AC/DC motor systems, and basic wiring circuits.
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Electronics Engineering
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Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV). Focuses on semiconductor diodes, transistors, digital logic gates, measuring tools, and basic communication systems.
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Mechanical Engineering
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Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, Turner, Machinist, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Millwright Maintenance Mechanic. Covers engine components, IC engines, fuel systems, thermodynamics, manufacturing technology, and lathe machine operations.
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Automobile Engineering
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Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Tractor Mechanic, Auto Electrician. Tests power plant boilers, transmission mechanics, machine design, and heat transfer systems.
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Preparation Warning: Since Part B is evaluated first during the Phase 2 process, failing to cross the 35% barrier (26.25 out of 75 marks) will instantly lead to disqualification. Your Part A paper will not even be calculated for merit rank, making trade revision an indispensable priority alongside your core mathematical training.
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