The RRB ALP CEN 01/2026 recruitment for 11,127 posts has a three-stage selection process — CBT-1, CBT-2, and CBAT. Understanding the exact syllabus and exam pattern is the first step to cracking this exam. This guide covers every topic, every mark, every rule — so you know exactly what to study.
RRB ALP 2026 – Exam Stages at a Glance
| Stage | Exam | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CBT-1 | 75 | 75 | 60 min | 1/3rd per wrong answer | Screening (does NOT count in merit) |
| 2 | CBT-2 Part A | 100 | 100 | 90 min | 1/3rd per wrong answer | Merit (70% weightage) |
| 3 | CBT-2 Part B | 75 | 75 | 60 min | 1/3rd per wrong answer | Qualifying only (35% to pass) |
| 4 | CBAT | — | — | — | No negative marking | Merit (30% weightage) |
Final Merit = 70% of CBT-2 Part A + 30% of CBAT. CBT-1 is only for screening — it does not contribute to the final merit. CBT-2 Part B is qualifying (minimum 35%).
CBT-1 Syllabus & Exam Pattern (Screening)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
CBT-1 Mathematics Topics
- Number System, BODMAS, HCF & LCM
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work, Time & Distance
- Algebra (Basic), Geometry (Lines, Angles, Triangles)
- Trigonometry (Basic ratios, Heights & Distances)
- Mensuration (Area, Volume, Surface Area)
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs)
CBT-1 General Intelligence & Reasoning Topics
- Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Alphabet Series
- Number Series, Syllogism
- Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Venn Diagrams, Classification
- Mirror & Water Images
- Calendar, Clock, Puzzle
- Statement & Conclusion
CBT-1 General Science Topics
- Physics: Units, Motion, Force, Energy, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism
- Chemistry: Atoms, Elements, Compounds, Chemical Reactions, Acids/Bases, Metals & Non-Metals
- Biology: Cell, Human Body Systems, Diseases, Nutrition, Environment, Ecology
CBT-1 General Awareness Topics
- Current Affairs (last 6 months), Indian History, Geography
- Indian Constitution, Polity, Economy basics
- Railway-specific GK (history of Railways, important trains, new projects)
- Sports, Awards, Books & Authors
- Science & Technology developments
CBT-1 Qualifying Marks
| Category | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR & EWS | 40% |
| OBC (NCL) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
CBT-2 Part A — Syllabus (Merit Exam)
CBT-2 Part A is the most important stage — it carries 70% weightage in the final merit. 100 questions in 90 minutes.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Basic Science & Engineering Topics (40 marks — highest weightage)
- Engineering Drawing: Views, Projections, Dimensioning
- Units & Measurements: SI units, conversions
- Mass, Weight & Density: Concepts and calculations
- Work, Power & Energy: Types of energy, efficiency
- Speed & Velocity: Uniform, non-uniform motion
- Heat & Temperature: Modes of transfer, thermometers
- Basic Electricity: Current, Voltage, Resistance, Ohm's Law, series-parallel circuits
- Magnetism: Properties, electromagnets, applications
- Levers & Simple Machines: Types, mechanical advantage
- IT Literacy: Computer basics, MS Office, internet
- Environment & Pollution: Types, prevention, sustainability
CBT-2 Part B — Trade-Specific Syllabus (Qualifying)
75 questions from your specific ITI trade or diploma subject. Minimum 35% required to qualify. This does NOT count in final merit — it's pass/fail only.
Major Trade Syllabus Areas
| Trade/Qualification | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Fitter | Fitting operations, limits & fits, measuring instruments, welding, fasteners |
| Electrician | AC/DC circuits, transformers, motors, switchgear, wiring, earthing |
| Wireman | Wiring systems, cable types, safety, earthing, electrical tools |
| Mechanic Motor Vehicle | Engine types, fuel systems, transmission, braking, steering, suspension |
| Instrument Mechanic | Sensors, transducers, PLCs, process control, calibration |
| Diploma (Mechanical) | Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, machine design |
| Diploma (Electrical) | Power systems, electrical machines, measurements, control systems |
| B.Tech (Mechanical/Electrical) | Engineering subjects as per university syllabus |
CBAT — Computer Based Aptitude Test
CBAT is a psychometric test — not a knowledge test. It checks whether you have the mental aptitude required for operating trains. No negative marking in CBAT.
| Test Battery | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| Memory | Remembering sequences, patterns, numbers after brief exposure |
| Following Directions | Understanding and executing complex instructions quickly |
| Depth Perception | Judging distances and spatial relationships (critical for train driving) |
| Concentration | Maintaining focus during repetitive tasks over time |
| Perceptual Speed | Quickly identifying similarities and differences in patterns |
| Observation | Noticing changes, anomalies in visual information |
Qualifying Marks: Minimum 42 marks in each test battery (irrespective of category). CBAT carries 30% weightage in the final merit.
Final Merit Calculation
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| CBT-1 | 0% (screening only) |
| CBT-2 Part A | 70% |
| CBT-2 Part B | 0% (qualifying, minimum 35%) |
| CBAT | 30% |
| Final Merit | 70% CBT-2(A) + 30% CBAT |
Preparation Strategy — What to Focus On
- CBT-1: Easy to moderate difficulty. Focus on speed — 75 questions in 60 minutes means 48 seconds per question. Practice mock tests daily
- CBT-2 Part A: This is what matters. Basic Science & Engineering (40 marks) is the highest weightage section — master it. NCERT Science (Class 9-10) + basic engineering concepts
- CBT-2 Part B: Just need 35%. Review your ITI trade textbooks. Don't over-prepare — pass is enough
- CBAT: Practice aptitude games — memory games, puzzle apps, pattern recognition. This cannot be "studied" in a traditional sense
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in RRB ALP exam?
Yes, 1/3rd of marks are deducted for each wrong answer in CBT-1 and CBT-2 (both Part A and Part B). However, there is no negative marking in CBAT (Aptitude Test).
Which subject is most important for RRB ALP?
Basic Science & Engineering in CBT-2 Part A is the most important — 40 marks out of 100, and CBT-2 Part A carries 70% weightage in final merit. Mathematics and Reasoning (25 marks each) are equally important for CBT-1 screening.
Does CBT-1 count in the final merit?
No, CBT-1 is purely a screening test. Only candidates who qualify CBT-1 are called for CBT-2. The final merit is calculated using 70% CBT-2 Part A + 30% CBAT scores only.
What is the qualifying mark for CBT-2 Part B?
Minimum 35% marks are required in CBT-2 Part B (trade-specific paper). This is qualifying only — marks do not count in the final merit. However, you must pass this to proceed to CBAT.
Can I prepare CBAT through study?
CBAT is a psychometric/aptitude test that tests innate abilities like memory, depth perception, and concentration. You cannot study for it in a traditional way, but you can practice through aptitude training apps, memory games, and pattern recognition exercises. Regular practice for 30 days before CBAT is recommended.
How many candidates are called for CBT-2?
Approximately 15 times the number of vacancies are called for CBT-2. For 11,127 vacancies, roughly 1.5-1.7 lakh candidates will be shortlisted from CBT-1.
What is the difficulty level of RRB ALP exam?
CBT-1 is easy to moderate (10th-12th level). CBT-2 Part A is moderate (12th + basic engineering). CBT-2 Part B is moderate to hard (ITI/Diploma level trade-specific). CBAT is not about difficulty — it's about aptitude and speed.
