Overview
RRB ALP recruits Assistant Loco Pilots — the entry point into train-operating roles responsible for assisting in the safe running of goods and passenger trains, with a defined promotion path to Loco Pilot over time. Selection runs through two computer-based tests — CBT 1 as a screening stage and CBT 2 including both a general section and a trade-specific technical section — followed by a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) that assesses psychomotor and cognitive skills specifically relevant to safely operating locomotives, and finally document verification and a medical examination with railway-specific visual and hearing standards.
What's New in the 2026 Cycle
What changed in the 2026 cycle
- CBAT is a unique, mandatory qualifying stage for ALP specifically — it tests reaction time, spatial ability and psychomotor coordination, not academic knowledge.
- CBT 2's Part B (trade-specific) is qualifying only — candidates just need to clear a minimum percentage; Part A marks alone decide merit within CBT 2.
- Medical standards for ALP are notably stricter on vision and hearing given the safety-critical nature of the role.
- ITI qualification in a notified trade is a common eligibility route alongside engineering diplomas/degrees.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 18–30 years (relaxation per government norms for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/ex-servicemen) |
| Educational Qualification | Class 10 pass plus ITI in a notified trade, or a Diploma/Degree in Engineering from a recognised institute |
| Nationality | Indian citizen (or as specified for other-origin candidates per Railway norms) |
| Application Fee | ₹500 (General/OBC/EWS) — ₹400 refunded on appearing in CBT 1. SC/ST/PwBD/women/ex-servicemen candidates pay ₹250, fully refunded. |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern
The RRB ALP selection process runs through cbt 1 + cbt 2 + cbat + dv + medical. Each stage has its own timing, marking scheme and qualifying rules, detailed below.
1st Stage CBT (CBT 1) — Screening
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
2nd Stage CBT (CBT 2) — Part A (Merit-Deciding)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
2nd Stage CBT (CBT 2) — Part B (Trade-Specific)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant Trade (as per ITI/qualification) | 75 | 75 |
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Aptitude battery — reaction time, spatial ability, coordination | — | Qualifying |
RRB ALP Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
Below is the complete topic-wise RRB ALP syllabus for every subject tested across all stages, with a short note on what each section actually rewards — use this to build a section-wise study plan rather than relying on generic topic summaries.
Mathematics (CBT 1 & CBT 2 Part A)
Foundational-level questions — consistent practice on fundamentals is the fastest route to improvement.
- Number system
- BODMAS, decimals & fractions
- LCM/HCF
- Ratio & proportion, percentage
- Mensuration, time & work, time & distance
- SI/CI, profit & loss
- Algebra, geometry & trigonometry basics
General Intelligence & Reasoning (CBT 1 & CBT 2 Part A)
Standard pattern-based reasoning — quick to improve with regular drills.
- Analogies
- Alphabetical & number series
- Coding-decoding
- Mathematical operations
- Relationships, syllogism
- Data sufficiency
- Puzzle
General Science / Basic Science & Engineering
The single largest-weightage section in CBT 2 Part A — revise broadly across physics, engineering basics and safety topics.
- Physics, chemistry fundamentals
- Engineering drawing basics
- Units & measurements
- Levers & simple machines
- IC engines basics
- Electrical & electronics fundamentals
- Occupational safety & health
General Awareness on Current Affairs
Smaller weightage than other RRB exams — a light-touch, consistent revision approach is sufficient.
- Current affairs — national & international
- Sports, culture, science & technology in the news
Trade-Specific (CBT 2 Part B)
Only needs 35% to qualify — don't over-invest time here at the expense of Part A, which actually decides your rank.
- Syllabus corresponds to the candidate's specific ITI trade or engineering discipline, as notified by RRB
CBAT — Psychometric Aptitude
Genuinely different from academic prep — practise real psychometric test formats to build comfort with the style.
- Reaction time & alertness tasks
- Spatial and visual perception
- Hand-eye coordination
- Concentration & sustained attention tasks
Selection Process
- 1st Stage CBT (CBT 1) — screening stage.
- 2nd Stage CBT (CBT 2) — Part A (merit) and Part B (qualifying, trade-specific).
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — qualifying psychometric assessment.
- Document Verification.
- Medical Examination — including railway-specific vision and hearing standards.
Salary & Job Profile
RRB ALP posts are placed in Pay Level 2 (₹19,900 basic) of the 7th CPC matrix, with periodic promotion to Loco Pilot (higher pay level) over a defined service period, plus Dearness Allowance, HRA, Transport Allowance, running allowance and railway-specific perks.
Best Books for RRB ALP Preparation
- Lucent's General Knowledge
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic — Rajesh Verma (Arihant)
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
- RRB ALP/Technician Trade-wise question banks — various publishers
Previous Cut-off Trends
Approximate — always verify officially
RRB ALP CBT 1 and CBT 2 (Part A) cut-offs vary by zone, category and trade-eligibility pool each cycle, and CBAT qualifying scores can differ slightly for certain categories. Always check the zone-wise official cut-off release rather than assuming a fixed national figure.
Preparation Tips
- Since CBT 2 Part B is only qualifying (35%), don't over-invest revision time there at the expense of Part A, which actually decides your merit rank.
- CBAT can't be crammed like a written exam — practise with genuine psychometric/aptitude test formats to build familiarity with the test style.
- Basic Science & Engineering carries the largest single weight in CBT 2 Part A — revise fundamentals broadly rather than going deep into any one trade.
- Track your reaction-time and coordination-based practice consistently in the weeks before CBAT, since this skill improves with repetition.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Carry the Document Checker and a valid original photo ID for all stages, including CBAT.
- Practise psychometric-style aptitude tests (reaction time, spatial reasoning) before CBAT — it's unlike typical academic exams and benefits from targeted practice.
- No electronic devices are allowed inside the exam hall at any stage.
- Get a preliminary vision and hearing check done early, given ALP's strict medical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test is a mandatory qualifying stage after CBT 2 that assesses psychomotor and cognitive skills — reaction time, spatial ability and coordination — specifically relevant to safely operating a locomotive.
No, Part B (trade-specific) is qualifying only, requiring a minimum 35% — only Part A marks are used for merit ranking within CBT 2.
Class 10 pass plus an ITI certificate in a notified trade, or a Diploma/Degree in Engineering from a recognised institute.
Yes, 1/3rd of the marks allotted to a question is deducted for every wrong answer, across CBT 1 and both parts of CBT 2.
Yes, ALP has notably stricter vision and hearing requirements given the safety-critical nature of train operation.
Related Exams
Back to Syllabus Hub — browse all government exam syllabus pagesSyllabus content on this page is compiled and reviewed against the official Railway Recruitment Board notification as of 27 Feb 2026. Exam patterns, vacancies, salary figures and cut-offs are subject to change — always cross-check with the official notification at rrbapply.gov.in before applying.