RRB ALP Syllabus 2026: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is a recruiting authority under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, responsible for conducting the RRB ALP examination to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP).
Candidates preparing for the examination should thoroughly review the RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 to understand the marking scheme, section-wise weightage, types of questions, and other important details. Proper knowledge of the syllabus and exam pattern is essential for effective preparation and final selection.
RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
The RRB ALP 2026 examination (CEN 01/2025) will be conducted on 16th, 17th, and 18th February 2026. Therefore, candidates are advised to intensify their preparation. The selection process for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) posts includes CBT 1, CBT 2, and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). The syllabus and exam pattern differ slightly at each stage. To get a clear overview of the RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern, refer to the information provided in the table below.
| Organisation | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Posts | Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs) |
| Vacancies | 9970 |
| RRB ALP Exam Date 2026 | 16th, 17th, and 18th February 2026 |
| Category | Syllabus & Exam Pattern |
| 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 |
RRB ALP 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 2026 for both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
- 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 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
- 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 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 | 100 | 100 | ||
| Paper 2 | Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Overall Total | 175 | 175 | 150 minutes |
RRB ALP 2026 CBAT [Psycho Test]
The RRB ALP CBAT examination is a Computer-Based Aptitude Test conducted to assess candidates’ mental ability, psychometric skills, and decision-making capability, and to identify their suitability for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) post. The CBAT (Psycho Test) is qualifying in nature, and no negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers. Candidates must score a minimum of 42 marks in each test to qualify. The examination consists of five specific tests, each conducted with 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 memorize 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 Assistant Loco Pilot Syllabus 2026
RRB will conduct CBT 1 & CBT 2 exams for ALP posts. 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.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026
The RRB ALP Syllabus for the CBT 1 exam includes 4 subjects namely Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness. The standard of questions for the CBT 1 exam will generally conform with 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
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Life Sciences
- Note: The General Science Syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level.
4. General Awareness Syllabus
- Current Affairs – Latest Awards, Sports Events, Railway Updates, National Current Affairs
- Science and Technology
- Polity
- Economy
- Award & Honors
- Art & Culture
- Sports
- Static GK
- Personalities
- Other subjects of importance
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026
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 to relevant the trade/subject.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus [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.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus for Relevant Trade [Part B]
| Trade | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Electrical Machines (DC & AC), Transformers, Cables & Wiring, Single & Three-Phase Motors, Switches & Plugs, Basic Electrical Circuits, Fundamentals of Electricity, Light & Magnetism |
| Mechanical | Dimensions & Measurements, Applied Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Heat Engines, Turbo Machinery, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Production & Automation Engineering, Metallurgy, Energy Conservation |
| Automobile | IC Engines, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Machine Design, System Theory, Power Plants, Turbines & Boilers, Materials & Motion, Metallurgical Production Technology |
| Electronics & Communication | Semiconductor Physics, Diodes & Transistors, Electronic Tubes, Digital Electronics, Microprocessor & Computers, Networking & Industrial Electronics, Radio & Satellite Communication, Robotics |
FAQs-
Q. What is the selection process for RRB ALP 2026?
A.The selection process includes CBT 1, CBT 2, and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).
Q. What is the minimum qualifying mark in CBAT?
A.Candidates must score a minimum of 42 marks in each test battery to qualify. CBAT has no negative marking.
