RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 (Revised), Check Marking Scheme Here

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has published the revised exam pattern for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) with its notification PDF. The exam is conducted in 5 stages, which are CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, DV and DME. Knowing the RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 helps candidates to understand the marking scheme, sectional-wise topics weightage, questions asked, etc.

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026

The first phase for the RRB’s assistant loco pilot posts is the Computer-Based Test (CBT), which is an online objective-type paper. This stage has 3 sections that you must complete in 60 minutes. The second stage of CBT is divided into two parts: Part A contains 3 sections, with a total of 100 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Part B consists of 75 questions about the relevant trade. You have 60 minutes to complete this part.

Whats’ New in RRB ALP Exam Pattern?

General Awareness & Current Affairs removed from CBT 1. CBT 1 now has only 3 subjects: Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science (75 questions, 75 marks).

Equal CBAT and CBT-2 weightage in final merit. Earlier, final merit was prepared with 70% for CBT-2 Part A and 30% for CBAT. Under CEN 01/2026, both now carry 50% weightage each.

RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The first stage of the RRB ALP 2026 (Assistant Loco Pilot exam) consists of 75 questions for 75 marks from Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. For every wrong answer, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark.

RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Subject Names	Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science
Marks	75
Questions	75
Time Duration	1 hour
Negative Marking	1/3 mark

Note: The CBT-1 exam will serve as a screening test to shortlist eligible candidates for CBT-2 based on their normalised marks and merit. The marks obtained in CBT-1 will not be factored into the final selection process.

RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The second stage of the CBT for Assistant Loco Pilot posts consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A includes four subjects: maths, basic science and engineering, general intelligence and reasoning. Part B contains questions related to the relevant trade.

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 [CBT Stage 2]
SNo.	Sections	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
Part A
1.	Mathematics	100	100	90 minutes
2.	General Intelligence and Reasoning
4	Basic Science and Engineering
Part B
Relevant Trade		75	75	60 minutes
Total		175	175	2 hours 30 minutes

Note- There is a negative marking of ⅓rd mark for each incorrect answer.

RRB ALP CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)

To qualify, candidates must score a minimum of 42 marks in each of the test batteries. The ALP merit list will only include candidates who qualify in the Aptitude Test. Part A of the Second Stage CBT will account for 50% of the weightage, while the Computer-Based Aptitude Test will account for 50%.

Parameter	Details
Number of Test Batteries	5 (each with a separate time limit)
Total Duration	Approximately 71 minutes
Minimum Qualifying Marks	42 marks in EACH test battery (no category relaxation)
Negative Marking	No negative marking in CBAT
Language	English and Hindi only
Shortlisting Ratio	Candidates equal to 8 times the ALP vacancies (category-wise) are called for CBAT
Final Merit Weightage	50% (equal to CBT-2 Part A)

Also Read, RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for CBT 1 and 2

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks

Candidates need to secure a sectional qualifying cut-off, besides the overall cut-off, to be shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process. The minimum qualifying marks as set by the Indian Railways Recruitment Board (RRB) are as follows:

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 1

Category	Minimum Qualifying Percentage	Minimum Qualifying marks
UR & EWS	40%	30
OBC (NCL)	30%	22.5
SC	30%	22.5
ST	25%	18.75

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 2 (Part A)

Category	Minimum Qualifying Percentage	Minimum Qualifying marks
UR	40%	30
EWS	40%	30
OBC (NCL)	30%	22.5
SC	30%	22.5
ST	25%	18.75

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 2 (Part B)

Category	Minimum Qualifying Percentage	Minimum Qualifying marks
All Categories	35%	26.25

RRB Normalisation Method & Formula 2026- Click to Check

Related Links
RRB ALP Salary Structure 2026	RRB ALP Previous Year Cut-Off Marks
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026	RRB ALP Previous Year Question Papers
RRB ALP Preparation Tips	RRB ALP Eligibility

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026- FAQs

Is RRB ALP Exam Pattern revised?

Yes, there are changes made in the exam pattern for RRB ALP Exam, for more details refer to the details mentioned in the article.

What is the negative marking for RRB ALP CBT 1?

There is a negative marking of ⅓rd mark for each incorrect answer in RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam 2026.

Is CBAT compulsory for all posts under RRB ALP 2026?

Yes, CBAT is compulsory specifically for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP).

How many questions are in RRB ALP CBT 2?

RRB ALP CBT 2 has a total of 175 questions: Part A has 100 questions (90 minutes) covering Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering; Part B has 75 questions (60 minutes) from the candidate's relevant trade.

What are the 5 test batteries in RRB ALP CBAT?

The 5 test batteries in RRB ALP CBAT are: (1) Memory Test, (2) Following Directions Test, (3) Depth Perception Test, (4) Concentration Test, and (5) Perceptual Speed Test. Candidates must score 42 or more in each battery to qualify.