RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 – Complete Stage-wise Guide: CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT & Trade Test
The RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) selection process in 2026 under CEN 01/2024 has five distinct stages — and understanding each stage precisely matters because failing any one stage can eliminate you even if you score 90% in the others. This is not a two-exam competition like SSC CGL or IBPS PO. You must clear CBT 1, then qualify CBT 2 Part A (to shortlist), pass CBT 2 Part B Trade Test (to stay in the ALP race), and then clear the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) — without which you cannot be considered for ALP even with the highest score in the country. Only after all four stages do Document Verification and Medical apply.
This guide breaks down every subject, every topic, and every mark for each stage — including the CBAT structure, which most preparation guides either ignore or handle too vaguely to be useful.
Selection Process — All 5 Stages at a Glance
| Stage | Type | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | Screening | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes | −1/3 per wrong |
| CBT 2 Part A | Merit Ranking | 175 | 175 | 90 minutes | −1/3 per wrong |
| CBT 2 Part B | Qualifying (Trade) | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes | Nil (qualifying only) |
| CBAT | Aptitude (ALP specific) | ~100 items | 100 max | Variable | Pass/Fail (min 42/100) |
| Document Verification + Medical | Final | — | — | — | — |
One important clarification: CBT 2 Part A and Part B are conducted on the same day in two separate sessions. Part A scores are used for merit ranking. Part B Trade Test scores are qualifying only — you must score minimum 35% to remain in the ALP merit list, but the Part B marks do not count toward your final rank. If you fail Part B (score below 35%), you are considered only for Technician posts, not ALP.
CBT 1 Syllabus — Screening Stage
CBT 1 is a screening stage — its purpose is to reduce the applicant pool for CBT 2. The cutoff for CBT 1 is not very high historically (30–40 marks out of 75 in many divisions), but you cannot take CBT 1 lightly because competition for CBT 2 slots is stiff given 18,799 ALP vacancies against crores of applicants. The CBT 1 score is NOT used for final merit — only CBT 2 Part A score counts for rank.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | Number System, BODMAS, Ratio, Percentages, Time & Work, SI/CI, Mensuration, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams, Blood Relations, Directions, Puzzle, Non-Verbal |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences (Class 10 level) |
| General Awareness (Current Affairs) | 10 | 10 | Current Events, Sports, National/International, Railway GK |
| Total | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
CBT 1 — Mathematics (20 Questions)
Mathematics in CBT 1 is at Class 10 level difficulty. Topics covered:
- Number System — LCM, HCF, divisibility, prime factorisation
- BODMAS — order of operations, simplification
- Decimals and Fractions — operations, conversions
- Ratio and Proportion — direct/inverse proportion, partnership
- Percentages — profit/loss, discount, successive percentages
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Time and Work — pipes and cisterns, efficiency problems
- Time, Speed, and Distance — trains, boats and streams
- Mensuration — area, perimeter, volume (2D and 3D shapes)
- Age Calculations
- Algebra — linear equations, basic identities
- Geometry — angles, triangles, circles, parallel lines
- Trigonometry — sin/cos/tan values, height and distance (basic)
CBT 1 — General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Questions)
- Analogies — word analogies, letter analogies, number analogies
- Alphabetical and Number Series — find missing term, complete the series
- Coding-Decoding — letter shifting, number codes
- Mathematical Operations — BODMAS-based logic
- Jumbling — rearranging letters or words
- Venn Diagrams — finding relationships between sets
- Data Interpretation — pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs (basic)
- Conclusions and Decision Making
- Similarities and Differences
- Spatial Awareness — mirror images, rotation, paper folding
- Odd One Out
- Blood Relations
- Directions and Distances
- Statement and Arguments (basic logical reasoning)
CBT 1 — General Science (20 Questions)
Strictly Class 10 NCERT level — Physics, Chemistry, and Biology:
- Physics: Units and Measurements, Motion (Newton's laws), Work, Power and Energy, Gravitation, Electricity (Ohm's law, circuits), Magnetism, Light (reflection, refraction, lenses), Sound (waves, echo)
- Chemistry: Matter and its States, Elements and Compounds, Chemical Reactions, Acids, Bases and Salts, Metals and Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds, Atomic Structure (basics)
- Life Sciences (Biology): Human Body Systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory), Nutrition, Diseases and their Causes, Plant Kingdom basics, Genetics basics
CBT 1 — General Awareness / Current Affairs (10 Questions)
- Current national and international events (last 6–12 months)
- Sports — recent tournaments, Indian achievements
- Indian geography — rivers, mountain ranges, states
- Indian history — freedom struggle, major events
- Indian polity — constitution, fundamental rights, governance
- Science and Technology news
- Railway GK — zones, speed records, Vande Bharat routes, important Railway stations
CBT 2 Part A Syllabus — Merit Ranking Stage
CBT 2 Part A is the stage that determines your final ALP rank. It is harder than CBT 1 and adds one critical new subject — Basic Science and Engineering (BSE) — which has no parallel in CBT 1. The Mathematics and Reasoning sections are also at a higher difficulty level. You must take every question seriously here because this score alone drives your position in the merit list.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Difficulty vs CBT 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 100 | 100 | Higher — Class 11–12 level concepts introduced |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 75 | 75 | Higher — more complex patterns, analytical reasoning |
| Basic Science and Engineering (BSE) | 75 | 75 | New subject — Engineering fundamentals |
| General Awareness (Current Affairs) | 25 | 25 | Same level as CBT 1 |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 90 minutes |
CBT 2 Part A — Basic Science and Engineering (75 Questions)
BSE is the subject that differentiates ALP preparation from standard railway exam preparation. It tests engineering fundamentals — primarily relevant to running a locomotive. The key topics:
- Engineering Drawing: First-angle and third-angle projections, orthographic views, isometric views, symbols used in technical drawings, dimensioning
- Units and Measurements: SI units, conversions, derived units, measuring instruments (Vernier callipers, micrometer screwgauge)
- Mass, Weight, Density: Definitions, relationships, buoyancy, Archimedes' principle
- Work, Power, Energy: Kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, power calculations
- Heat and Temperature: Temperature scales (Celsius, Kelvin, Fahrenheit), modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), specific heat capacity, latent heat, thermal expansion
- Fluid Dynamics Basics: Pressure, Pascal's law, Bernoulli's principle, viscosity
- Basic Electricity: Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, series and parallel circuits, electrical power and energy, AC and DC concepts, EMF, resistance, capacitance basics
- Basic Electronics: Diodes (P-N junction), transistors (NPN/PNP, common emitter), rectifier circuits, basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR)
- Engineering Mathematics: Algebra (polynomials, quadratic equations), Trigonometry (identities, sine rule, cosine rule), basic coordinate geometry, matrices (addition, multiplication)
- Computer Basics: Hardware components, software types, operating systems, input/output devices, binary number system, basic networking
CBT 2 Part A — Mathematics (100 Questions)
All CBT 1 Mathematics topics are included, plus higher-difficulty variants and these additional areas:
- Quadratic Equations and Polynomials
- Coordinate Geometry — distance formula, section formula, area of triangle
- Progressions — Arithmetic Progression (AP) and Geometric Progression (GP)
- Probability — basic probability, complementary events
- Statistics — mean, median, mode, standard deviation basics
- Permutations and Combinations (basic)
- Logarithms
- Higher-level Mensuration — frustum, cone, cylinder, sphere volumes
- More complex Trigonometry — identities, solution of triangles
CBT 2 Part B — Trade Test Syllabus (Qualifying, Min 35%)
Part B is the trade-specific test that ensures ALPs have domain knowledge relevant to railway operations. The trade you are assessed on depends on the ITI trade specified in your application. This test does not affect your ALP rank — but scoring below 35% means you lose your ALP candidature and can only be considered for Technician posts. Scoring 35% or above keeps you in the ALP merit list.
| Trade | Typical Topics Tested |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Electrical circuits, wiring, motors, generators, earthing, electrical safety, switchgear |
| Electronics Mechanic | Electronic components, circuits, soldering, signal processing, transducers |
| Fitter | Fitting tools, fasteners, thread cutting, tolerance, surface finishing |
| Instrument Mechanic | Measuring instruments, calibration, temperature/pressure sensors, control systems |
| Machinist / Turner | Lathe operations, cutting tools, speeds and feeds, surface finishing |
| Millwright Maintenance Engineer | Mechanical maintenance, lubrication, bearings, gears, seals |
| Mechanic Motor Vehicle | Engine systems, transmission, braking, electrical systems of vehicles |
| Refrigeration & AC Mechanic | Refrigeration cycles, compressors, refrigerants, AC systems |
| Wireman | Wiring standards, cable types, circuit installation, safety regulations |
| Welder | Welding processes, electrodes, joint types, weld defects |
Candidates who hold a Diploma in Engineering (3-year polytechnic diploma in Electrical, Electronics, or Mechanical) instead of an ITI certificate appear for a trade test based on their diploma specialisation. The minimum passing score of 35% is the same regardless of the trade.
CBAT — Computer Based Aptitude Test (ALP Specific)
The CBAT is the most unique element of ALP selection — and the one that catches most candidates off guard. It is conducted only for ALP candidates (not for Technician). If you fail CBAT, you lose your ALP claim and are considered only for Technician posts (if your Part A score qualifies for that separate merit list). Passing CBAT is mandatory for ALP appointment, regardless of how high your CBT 2 Part A score is.
The CBAT is a psychometric and cognitive ability test, not a knowledge test. The minimum passing score is 42 out of 100. The test is adaptive in design — the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your responses. There is no specific syllabus you can "study" for CBAT the way you study Mathematics, but understanding what it tests lets you practise the right type of tasks.
| CBAT Test Battery | What It Measures | Why It Matters for Loco Pilots |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial Awareness / Visualization | Ability to mentally rotate and manipulate 2D/3D objects | Loco pilots must quickly assess track geometry and signal positions |
| Memory Test | Short-term working memory — retain and recall information sequences | Must remember signal aspects, speed restrictions, and station sequences during runs |
| Attention / Concentration | Sustained attention, vigilance, tracking multiple stimuli | Safety-critical — must not miss track signals or speed boards during long runs |
| Judgment and Decision Making | Quick, accurate decisions under simulated scenarios | Emergency situations require fast correct action (brake, horn, etc.) |
Effective CBAT preparation involves practising spatial rotation puzzles (paper folding, cube rotation exercises), working memory exercises (number sequences, object recall under time pressure), sustained attention tasks (track a specific element in a moving field), and general mental speed building. Several Railway exam coaching institutes offer CBAT-specific practice packages. Online tools for cognitive training (N-back tasks, dual-task exercises) also help build the underlying skills.
Topic-wise Preparation Strategy
Where to Spend Your Time (Subject Priority)
| Subject | CBT 1 Weight | CBT 2 Weight | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Science & Engineering | Not in CBT 1 | 75/175 = 43% | Very High — highest weightage in CBT 2 |
| Mathematics | 20/75 = 27% | 100/175 = 57% | High — largest question count in CBT 2 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25/75 = 33% | 75/175 = 43% | High — large component in both |
| General Science (CBT 1) | 20/75 = 27% | Merged into BSE in CBT 2 | Medium — important for CBT 1 cutoff |
| General Awareness | 10/75 = 13% | 25/175 = 14% | Low effort — current affairs reading is sufficient |
| Trade Syllabus (Part B) | Qualifying only | — | Must reach 35% — use ITI notes |
Best Books and Resources for Each Subject
- Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude (for CBT 1 and CBT 2 both). For CBT 2 higher level: NCERT Class 11–12 Mathematics (select chapters).
- Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal — Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. M.K. Pandey — Analytical Reasoning for advanced patterns.
- General Science (CBT 1): NCERT Class 9–10 Science (all three parts). Stick strictly to NCERT — no need to go beyond for CBT 1 General Science.
- Basic Science and Engineering (CBT 2): NCERT Class 11–12 Physics (select chapters on electricity, magnetism). ITI trade-related theory books. Standard Engineering Drawing textbook (N.D. Bhatt).
- General Awareness: Monthly current affairs magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Competition Success Review). Railway GK from dedicated Railway exam preparation books.
- CBAT: Dedicated ALP CBAT practice apps and coaching institute materials. Online cognitive training tools.
- Trade Test (Part B): Your ITI textbooks and NCVT study materials for the specific trade. Past question papers if available from the trade testing authority.
Exam Pattern Summary — At a Glance
| Stage | Used For | Min. Score to Pass | Counts for Rank? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | Shortlisting for CBT 2 | Division/category-based cutoff | No — only qualifying |
| CBT 2 Part A | Final ALP merit rank | Category-based cutoff for DV | Yes — 100% of final rank |
| CBT 2 Part B Trade | ALP vs Technician split | Min 35% (26/75) | No — qualifying only |
| CBAT | ALP final confirmation | Min 42/100 | No — qualifying only |
| DV + Medical | Final appointment | Pass/Fail | No — qualifying only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I fail CBAT, can I still get a Railway job through RRB ALP 2026?
Yes — but not as ALP. If you fail CBAT but your CBT 2 Part A score is high enough to appear in the Technician merit list, and you cleared Part B Trade Test at 35%, you will be considered for Technician posts. Technician posts are at Pay Level 2 (same as ALP) but without Running Allowance — so the monthly in-hand is lower. The ALP post specifically requires CBAT clearance as a safety requirement for train-running roles.
Q: Is CBT 2 Part B Trade Test marks added to the final merit?
No. Part B Trade Test is purely qualifying — minimum 35% to retain ALP candidature. Whether you score 35% or 100% in Part B, only your CBT 2 Part A score determines your final rank in the ALP merit list. This means candidates should focus primarily on Part A preparation while ensuring they can comfortably clear the 35% threshold in Part B.
Q: Which subject should I prioritise most for CBT 2 Part A?
Basic Science and Engineering (BSE) — it carries 75 questions (43% of Part A marks) and is the subject most candidates underestimate. Many ALP aspirants come from ITI backgrounds where they have some BSE knowledge, but the exam tests it at a level slightly above what typical ITI coursework covers. Mathematics (100 questions) is the other major component. Between BSE and Mathematics, these two subjects account for 175 out of 175 Part A marks — meaning Reasoning and General Awareness questions are a bonus on top of your core two subjects.
Q: Is there negative marking in CBT 2 Part B Trade Test?
No. CBT 2 Part B Trade Test has no negative marking. This means you should attempt all 75 questions even if you are not certain about some answers. There is nothing to lose by marking an answer in Part B. The no-negative-marking policy is specifically to ensure candidates are not disadvantaged by attempting Trade questions they are borderline confident about.
Q: What is the CBAT minimum score, and what happens if I score 41 out of 100?
The minimum qualifying score in CBAT is 42 out of 100. Scoring 41 means you fail CBAT — regardless of your CBT 2 Part A rank. You would then be considered for Technician posts (not ALP) based on your Part A score. There is no re-test option for CBAT within the same CEN cycle. CBAT scores are not normalised or scaled — 42 marks is a fixed absolute threshold.
