RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially released the Centralised Employment Notice CEN 01/2026 for the recruitment of 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP) across Indian Railways. If you are preparing for this exam, understanding the RRB ALP syllabus and exam pattern is the most important step toward cracking this government job. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — from the structure of each exam stage to the detailed topic-wise syllabus — based directly on the official notification.
RRB ALP 2026 — Overview of the Selection Process
Before diving into the syllabus, it is important to understand that the selection process has multiple stages. A candidate must clear each stage to proceed to the next. The complete recruitment process is as follows:
- First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
- Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2)
- Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME)
Let us now look at each stage in full detail.
Stage 1: RRB ALP CBT-1 — Exam Pattern and Syllabus
CBT-1 is a screening test only. Its marks are NOT counted in the final merit list. Its sole purpose is to shortlist candidates for CBT-2. The top 15 times the number of vacancies for each RRB will be shortlisted for the second stage.
CBT-1 Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Maximum Marks | 75 (1 mark per question) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Question Type | Objective, Multiple Choice |
Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT-1
- UR and EWS candidates: 40%
- OBC (NCL) candidates: 30%
- SC candidates: 30%
- ST candidates: 25%
Ex-Servicemen candidates are assessed as per their community category.
CBT-1 Syllabus
Mathematics
The mathematics section covers 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, Pipes and Cistern, and related topics.
Mental Ability (General Intelligence and Reasoning)
This section tests candidates on 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
The General Science section is set at the 10th standard level and covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.
Stage 2: RRB ALP CBT-2 — Exam Pattern and Syllabus
CBT-2 is the main examination that determines shortlisting for the CBAT. It is divided into two parts: Part-A and Part-B.
CBT-2 Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Questions | 175 |
| Part-A Duration | 90 minutes |
| Part-A Questions | 100 |
| Part-B Duration | 60 minutes |
| Part-B Questions | 75 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer (in Part-A) |
Only the marks from Part-A are used for further shortlisting, provided the candidate secures at least 35% qualifying marks in Part-B. Part-B is qualifying in nature for all candidates regardless of category.
Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT-2 (Part-A)
- UR and EWS: 40%
- OBC (NCL): 30%
- SC: 30%
- ST: 25%
CBT-2 Part-A Syllabus
Mathematics
The same topics as CBT-1 — Number System, BODMAS, Fractions, LCM/HCF, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar and Clock, Pipes and Cistern, etc.
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, Statement-Arguments and Assumptions.
Basic Science and Engineering
This is a key section unique to CBT-2 Part-A. Topics include Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric Figures, Symbolic Representation), Units and 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.
This section is especially scoring for candidates with a diploma or degree engineering background and should be given high priority during preparation.
CBT-2 Part-B Syllabus — Trade-Based Qualifying Test
Part-B is a trade-specific qualifying test. The questions come from the syllabus prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). Candidates with an ITI or Trade Apprenticeship qualification must answer questions from their specific trade. Degree and Diploma holders in engineering must choose one trade from the list mapped to their discipline.
The trade-to-qualification mapping is as follows:
- Electrical Engineering (and its variants): Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature and Coil Winder, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic
- Electronics Engineering (and its variants): Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio and TV)
- Mechanical Engineering (and its variants): Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic, Heat Engine, Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic
- Automobile Engineering (and its variants): Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Heat Engine, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic
The detailed trade-wise syllabus is available on the DGT website at dgt.gov.in.
Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
After CBT-2, candidates equal to 8 times the number of ALP vacancies for each community/category are shortlisted for the CBAT. This test is unique to the ALP post and evaluates a candidate's suitability for the loco pilot role in terms of cognitive and perceptual aptitude.
Key Points About CBAT
- The CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi.
- There is no negative marking in the CBAT.
- Candidates must clear each test battery/section of the CBAT separately.
- The minimum qualifying T-score is 42 in each test battery, irrespective of community or category.
- Candidates must bring their Self-Screening Medical Declaration Report (Annexure VIII A and VIII B) to the CBAT venue, signed by a General Physician and Eye Specialist from a Central/State Government Hospital or Medical College. Without this, they will not be permitted to sit for the test.
For practice materials and sample tests for CBAT, candidates are advised to visit the RDSO psychology portal at rdso.indianrailways.gov.in under the section Verticals → Traffic and Psychology → Psychology – Candidate's Corner.
Final Merit and Document Verification
The final merit list is prepared by combining the scores from Part-A of CBT-2 and the CBAT in equal proportion — 50% weightage each. Based on this combined merit and candidates' zone preferences, candidates equal to the number of vacancies are shortlisted for Document Verification and Medical Examination.
In case of a tie in marks, the older candidate is given priority. If age is also the same, names are ranked alphabetically by first name.
Medical Standards for ALP — A-1 Category
The post of ALP carries the highest medical standard, A-1, which is among the strictest in Indian Railways. Key requirements include:
- Distant Vision: 6/6 in both eyes without glasses (fogging test must not accept +2 dioptre)
- Near Vision: Sn 0.6 in both eyes without glasses
- Candidates must also pass tests for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision
Candidates who have undergone LASIK or any other corrective eye surgery are NOT eligible for this post. This is a critical point that many aspirants miss.
Also Read: AFCAT 02/2026 Notification OUT, Apply Online from 20 May to 19 June 2026
Preparation Tips for RRB Assistant Loco Pilots
Focus on Basic Science and Engineering for CBT-2 Part-A. This section is only in CBT-2 and is highly technical. Engineering drawing, basic electricity, and simple machines are important areas.
Do not neglect Part-B. Even though Part-B is only qualifying, you need 35% to proceed. Know your trade well — ITI candidates especially should be confident in their core subject.
Practice Mental Ability daily. The reasoning section is common to both CBT-1 and CBT-2 and can be a high-scoring area with regular practice.
Prepare for CBAT separately. The aptitude test is different from standard written exams. Visit the RDSO psychology portal early to understand the test format.
Keep your medical fitness in order. Given the A-1 standard, candidates should get their eyes checked well in advance. If you have any colour vision or refractive issues, you may not meet the eligibility criteria.
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