Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is a recruiting body under the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board), Government of India, responsible for conducting the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot exam to recruit eligible candidates for Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) posts. Candidates preparing for the exam must go through the RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern to know the marking scheme, sectional weightage, type of questions and other details. The RRB ALP exam is quite important for candidates to prepare well for the exam to get shortlisted for the final recruitment.
RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
This year, RBI has revised the RRB ALP 2026 syllabus along with the exam pattern and weightage. As per the official notification, the weightage of marks in CBT-2 Part A and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) has been made equal for final merit preparation, with 50% weightage each. Earlier, the weightage was 70% for CBT-2 Part A and 30% for CBAT.
| RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Overview | |
| Organisation | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Posts | Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) |
| Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| No. of Questions | CBT 1 - 75 CBT 2 - 175 CBAT |
| Negative Marking | ⅓rd mark |
| Selection Process | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, DV, DME |
RRB ALP 2026 Notification Out for 11127 Vacancies: Click to Check
RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Syllabus 2026
The exam will be conducted in 3 different phases (CBT 1, CBT 2 and CBAT) that candidates need to clear to get selected for Assistant Loco Pilot posts in Indian Railways. The RRB ALP syllabus includes Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science (X-standard level), & Current Affairs and Basic Science and Engineering subjects. Check key points related to the RRB ALP Syllabus.
| Mode of Exam | Marking Scheme | Negative Marking | Selection Process |
| Online | 1 mark for 1 question | ⅓rd marks for each wrong answer |
|
Candidates who are planning for the RRB ALP Examination must check the subject-wise RRB ALP Syllabus and previous year's question papers to plan a better strategy for the upcoming examination. Let's have a look at the detailed syllabus of the written exam conducted.
ALP CBT 1 Syllabus
The RRB ALP Syllabus for the CBT 1 exam includes 4 subjects, namely Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Science. The standard of questions for the CBT 1 exam will generally conform to the educational standards and/or minimum technical qualifications prescribed for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot i.e. 10th standard. Questions will be of objective type with MCQs and are likely to cover topics about the following 4 Subjects:
1. Mathematics Syllabus
- Mensuration
- Number system,
- BODMAS,
- Decimals,
- Fractions,
- LCM and HCF,
- Ratio and Proportion,
- Percentages,
- Time and Work,
- Time and Distance,
- Simple and Compound Interest,
- Profit and Loss,
- Algebra,
- Geometry and Trigonometry,
- Elementary Statistics,
- Square Root,
- Age Calculations,
- Calendar & Clock,
- Pipes & Cistern etc.
2. Mental Ability (Reasoning) Syllabus
- 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 etc.
3. General Science Syllabus
- Gravitation
- Force
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Thermodynamics
- Reflection of Light
- Reflection from Plan Mirror
- Spherical Mirror
- Refraction of Light
- Organic Chemistry
- Solutions
- Surface Chemistry
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
- The Skeleton System
- Integumentary system
- Respiratory System
- Glandular system
- Circulatory System
- Nervous System and Sensory organs
- Lens
- Scattering of Light
- Waves
- Sound
- Ohm's Law & Resistance
- Magnetism
- Modern Physics
- Discovery and Inventions
- Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
- Chemical Reaction
- Periodic Table
- Metals and Their Properties
- Non-Metals and Their Properties
Note: The General Science Syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level.
ALP CBT 2 Syllabus
RRB ALP CBT 2 syllabus is divided into 2 Parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is divided into 4 subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning and Basic Science & Engineering. However, the Part B syllabus is too relevant to the trade/subject.
Part A
A) Mathematics Syllabus: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, 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 & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.
B) 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 etc.
C) Basic Science and Engineering Syllabus: The broad topics that are covered under this shall be Engineering, Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic Representation), Units, 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, IT Literacy etc.
Relevant Trade [Part B]
Electrical Syllabus
- Electrical India
- Rolls, cables
- Transfers
- Three-Phase Motor Systems
- Light, Magnetism
- Fundamental Electric System
- Single phase motors
- Switches, Plugs and Electrical Connections
Mechanical Syllabus
- Dimensions
- Heat
- Engines
- Turbo Machinery
- Production Engineering
- Automation Engineering
- Kinetic Theory
- The Strength Of The Material
- Metal Handling
- Metallurgical
- Refrigerators And Air Conditioners
- Energy, Materials
- Energy Conservation
- Management
- Applied Mechanics
Automobile Syllabus
- Machine Design
- System Theory
- IC Engines
- Heat Transfers
- Thermodynamics
- Materials Applying Motion
- The Power Plant Turbines and Boilers
- Metallurgical Production Technology
Electronics & Communication Syllabus
- The Transistor
- Dias
- Digital Electronics
- Networking and Industrial Electronics
- Electronic Tube
- Semi-Conductor Physics
- Robotic Radio Communication Systems
- Satellite Matters
- Computer & Microprocessor
Note: RRB ALP CBT 2 Part-B is only a qualifying test in nature and shall have questions from the various trade syllabi as prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), which has been discussed above for Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Automobile, etc trades.
RRB Assistant Loco Pilot Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who have applied for the RRB ALP 2026 exam must prepare for the exam as per the updated exam pattern. To be aware of the exam pattern, we have provided below the RRB ALP Exam Pattern for both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Note: Earlier, General Awareness and Current Affairs were included in the RRB ALP CBT 1 examination. As per the updated exam pattern, this section has now been removed from CBT 1.
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
- There is a Negative Marking of ⅓ mark for each incorrect answer.
- The duration of the CBT 1 Exam is 60 minutes (1 hour).
- There will be 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for 1 mark each.
- Qualifying Marks: UR & EWS - 40%, OBC (NCL) - 30%, SC - 30%, ST - 25%
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | |||
| General Science | |||
| Total | 75 | 75 |
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
- There is a Negative Marking of ⅓ mark for each incorrect answer.
- In total, there will be 175 questions (100 in Paper 1 and 75 in Paper 2).
- The duration of the Paper 1 Exam is 90 minutes, and Paper 2 is 60 minutes.
- In Part A, Minimum pass percentage for eligibility: UR & EWS - 40%, OBC (NCL) - 30%, SC - 30%, ST - 25%
- Part B- qualifying marks 35% for all categories
- Only the marks scored in Part A shall be counted for the shortlisting of candidates for CBAT.
| Papers | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | ||||
| Basic Science and Engineering | ||||
| Total | ||||
| Paper 2 | Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Overall Total | 175 | 175 | 150 minutes | |
RRB Normalisation Method & Formula 2026 Out- Click to Check
RRB ALP CBAT [Psycho Test]
RRB ALP CBAT Exam is a Computer Aptitude Test held to check candidates' mental abilities, psychometric skills/, decision-making skills etc, and identify the strengths of candidates for ALP posts. The CBAT (Psycho Test) exam is qualifying in nature and there is no negative marking for a wrong answer. Candidates have to score a minimum of 42 marks in each test to qualify. This exam comprises 5 specific tests and each test has a separate time limit.
- Memory Test - This segment tests the candidate's ability to remember and recall specific details accurately.
(a) In this test, candidates will be shown a map and other structures to study and memorise buildings and then will be asked to indicate the location of these buildings on a test page.
(b) Tested the ability of candidates to match figures quickly. On the left side, 1 figure will be given and right side there are five other figures. Candidates are required to find out which of the five figures is identical to the figure given on the left.
(c) This test is divided into 2 parts a Study page and a Test page. On the study page, a railway map with the names of some railway stations will shown. Your task is to memorize the location of stations. On the test page, candidates have to recall the location of each station and mark it. - Following Directions Test- This is a test that assesses the candidate's ability to comprehend and follow instructions/directions.
(a) In this test you will be given a pattern of letters to look at and will be asked questions about how certain directions will change in that pattern.
(b) In this test, some English letters will be given in a circle along with some numbers written inside squares. The Centre of the
circle indicates direction. Candidates will be asked questions based on this complete pattern. - Depth Perception Test - Acess the ability to judge distances accurately.
(a) Candidates will be shown a pile of bricks with some bricks labeled A, B, C, etc. Candidates have to count the number of bricks that are touching bricks of the pile that has a letter on it.
(b) Candidates will see a pile of blocks. Your task is to count the number of blocks, having all sides and corners hidden by the other blocks. - Test of Power of Observation - This test measures candidates' ability to quickly observe and compare data under time limits.
(a) This is a session to test the candidates to quickly compare two numbers and decide whether or not they are the same. If the numbers are the same, select ‘Y’ otherwise, select ‘N’ by clicking the mouse.
(b) Candidates find four groups (A, B, C, & D) of digits. Your task is to find out the group of digits which contains a “6”. In case the digit “6” appears more than once, your answer will be ‘E’. - Perceptual Speed Test - This is a test that evaluates the speed of a candidate's ability to match figures quickly
(a) This is a test of how rapidly you can see figures in order to match them.
(b) This is a test of your ability to match figures quickly. A figure is given on the left side. On the right side, there are five other figures. You are required to find out which of the five figures is identical to the figure given on the left.
RRB ALP Result 2026 (CEN 01/2025)- Click to Check
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF
The syllabus for the RRB ALP examination has been officially released by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB). Candidates can easily download the PDF of the RRB ALP Syllabus from the link provided below.
