RRB ALP Syllabus 2026: CBT 1, CBT 2 & CBAT + PDF

The rrb alp syllabus for 2026 covers four stages — CBT 1 (Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning and General Science), CBT 2 with Part A (the same three subjects plus Basic Science & Engineering) and a qualifying trade-based Part B, followed by the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT/psycho test), Document Verification and a Medical Examination. CBT 1 has 75 questions for 75 marks in 60 minutes with 1/3 negative marking, while CBT 2 has 175 questions across Part A (100 questions/90 minutes) and Part B (75 questions/60 minutes) totalling 150 minutes. This guide gives you the complete subject-wise and stage-wise breakdown, the CBT 2 Part B trade syllabus, CBAT strategy, topic weightage, and how to download the official syllabus PDF in English and Hindi.

Recruitment for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) under the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) is one of the most competitive Group C technical exams in India, and getting the syllabus right is half the battle. Below we walk through every subject, every stage, the 2026 pattern, and a study plan tailored to each subject so you can prioritise the topics that actually carry marks. All figures here should be cross-checked against the current Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) for your recruitment cycle, since the RRB confirms the final scheme of examination in that notice.

RRB ALP Selection Process 2026: The Five Stages

Before diving into the rrb alp syllabus 2026, it helps to see the full journey. The Assistant Loco Pilot post is filled through a multi-stage selection process where each stage is elimination-based. You must clear one stage to be shortlisted for the next.

A candidate is finally selected only after clearing CBT 1, scoring in merit at CBT 2, qualifying Part B and CBAT, and passing the stringent A-1 medical standard (which checks visual acuity for a loco pilot’s duties). Understanding this flow tells you where to invest effort: CBT 2 Part A and CBAT together decide your merit, so they deserve the most attention.

New Changes in RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

The 2026 cycle carries a few important points that every aspirant must factor into their preparation. Going in with an outdated pattern in mind is one of the most common mistakes.

• General Awareness & Current Affairs de-emphasised in CBT 1: Recent CBT 1 papers have shifted weight toward the three core scoring subjects — Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning and General Science — with the standalone GA/Current Affairs block reduced. Do not ignore basic awareness entirely, but your CBT 1 hours belong mainly to Maths, Reasoning and Science.
• CBAT weightage is 50-50: For final merit among candidates who reach the aptitude test, CBT 2 Part A and the CBAT are weighted 50% each. This makes the psycho test far more decisive than most candidates assume.
• Normalisation across shifts: Because CBT 1 and CBT 2 are conducted in multiple shifts, marks are normalised to account for varying difficulty. Your raw score is adjusted before the merit list is prepared.

These rules reward candidates who build strong fundamentals early and treat the CBAT as a scoring stage rather than a formality.

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 (CBT 1 & CBT 2)

The rrb alp exam pattern 2026 is fixed across boards. Both computer-based tests carry a negative marking of one-third (1/3) of a mark for each wrong answer, so accuracy matters as much as speed.

CBT 1 Exam Pattern

CBT 1 is purely a screening test — the marks are not counted in the final merit, but you must be shortlisted (roughly 15 times the number of vacancies) to advance. The duration is 60 minutes (80 minutes for PwBD candidates with a scribe).

CBT 2 Exam Pattern

In CBT 2, Part A is counted in merit while Part B is only qualifying (you need 35% to pass, relaxed for reserved categories in some cases per notification). The 150-minute window is combined — Part A of 90 minutes and Part B of 60 minutes — so practise time management across both parts.

Category-Wise Qualifying Percentages

For Part B, all candidates need a flat 35% to qualify irrespective of category. These cut-offs are the floor; actual shortlisting depends on normalised scores and vacancy ratios.

RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026 (Revised)

The rrb alp cbt 1 and cbt 2 syllabus share the same three foundational subjects, so mastering them early pays off twice. Here is the granular, topic-wise CBT 1 syllabus.

Mathematics (25 Questions)

Number systems, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry (basic), Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, and Pipes & Cistern.

General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Questions)

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, and Statement–Argument & Assumptions.

General Science (20 Questions)

This is Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at the 10th-standard (NCERT) level. Here is a detailed branch-wise breakdown so you know exactly what to revise.

Since the science is NCERT-based, a solid Class 9–10 foundation is enough. Aspirants who studied science years ago often revise using structured Class 10 material — the Aakash Class 10 study material is a clean way to rebuild Physics, Chemistry and Biology fundamentals at exactly the level RRB ALP tests.

RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026 (Part A)

Part A of CBT 2 is where merit is built. It repeats Mathematics and General Intelligence & Reasoning at a slightly higher difficulty than CBT 1, and adds Basic Science & Engineering — a technical block unique to the second stage.

Basic Science & Engineering Topics

Part A of CBT 2 has 100 questions in 90 minutes. Because Basic Science & Engineering sits alongside the Maths and Reasoning of Part A, aim to be quick and accurate — the same 1/3 negative marking applies.

RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B Trade Syllabus (Fitter, Electrician & More)

The rrb alp cbt 2 part b trade syllabus is trade-specific and drawn from the DGT (Directorate General of Training) curriculum for the relevant ITI trade, or the diploma/degree in engineering you qualified with. It is qualifying only (35% needed) and not counted in merit, but you cannot skip it — failing Part B ends your candidature.

Qualification-to-Trade Eligibility Mapping

Below are the topic lists for the most-chosen trades so you can start Part B revision today instead of hunting through the DGT portal.

Fitter Trade — Key Topics

Engineering drawing and measurement, safety and first aid, fitting tools and marking, filing and sawing, drilling, tapping and dies, grinding, fits and tolerances, limits and gauges, sheet metal, welding basics, bearings, pipes and fittings, power transmission (belts, gears, couplings), lubrication, and maintenance practices.

Electrician Trade — Key Topics

Fundamentals of electricity, conductors and insulators, Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws, series/parallel circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, AC/DC generation, transformers, DC machines, AC motors (induction, single-phase), wiring and earthing, cables, batteries, measuring instruments, illumination, and electrical safety.

Mechanic Diesel Trade — Key Topics

IC engine fundamentals, two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engines, fuel injection systems, cooling and lubrication systems, engine components and assembly, valves and timing, air intake and exhaust, turbochargers, engine testing, and troubleshooting/maintenance.

Electronics Mechanic Trade — Key Topics

Basic electronics, active and passive components, semiconductors (diodes, transistors), rectifiers and power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, digital electronics (logic gates, number systems), soldering and PCBs, measuring instruments (CRO, multimeter), and basic communication systems.

Because Part B mirrors your ITI or diploma coursework, the best resource is usually your trade theory practical notes plus solved previous-year Part B papers for that specific trade.

RRB ALP CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test / Psycho Test)

The rrb alp cbat syllabus is unlike anything else in the exam — there is no factual content to memorise. The CBAT (also called the psycho test or aptitude test) measures psychological traits essential for a loco pilot: alertness, reaction time, concentration and spatial judgement. Only candidates who qualify CBT 2 and opt for the ALP post appear for it.

The Five Test Batteries

CBAT Qualifying Rules & Strategy

You must score at least a T-score of 42 in each of the test batteries to qualify — there is no aggregate relaxation and no category-based relaxation for the CBAT. Miss the cut-off in even one battery and you are out for the ALP post. There is no negative marking in the CBAT, so attempt every question.

Practical strategy: (1) The CBAT is timed and battery-wise — you cannot go back, so pace yourself within each section. (2) Because it is a psychological consistency test, avoid second-guessing; your first instinct is usually the intended answer. (3) Take at least 8–10 full-length CBAT mock tests before the real one — familiarity with the interface and question rhythm is a major differentiator. (4) Sleep well before the exam; reaction-time and concentration batteries punish fatigue heavily.

RRB ALP Subject Weightage (CBT 1 & CBT 2) and Difficulty

Knowing where the marks sit lets you prioritise. Here is the topic-wise weightage and typical difficulty based on previous-year trends.

In CBT 2 Part A, Basic Science & Engineering carries the newest and most technical load, so allocate extra revision there if you are from a non-engineering ITI background. Maths and Reasoning remain the highest-yield subjects across both stages.

How to Prepare for RRB ALP 2026: Subject-Wise Strategy

A syllabus is only useful with a plan. Here is a preparation strategy mapped to the rrb alp syllabus 2026.

Mathematics & Reasoning

These two subjects appear in both CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part A and together make up ~66% of CBT 1. Build speed with daily timed practice, master shortcut techniques for percentages, ratio, time-and-work and number series, and solve at least 30–40 questions a day. Since negative marking is 1/3, target 90%+ accuracy rather than attempting blindly.

General Science & Basic Engineering

Ground yourself in NCERT Class 9–10 Physics, Chemistry and Biology for General Science, then layer Basic Science & Engineering topics for CBT 2. Making one-line factual notes for quick revision helps — science questions are direct and fast to answer.

Staying Current for the GA Component

Even with GA de-emphasised in CBT 1, a handful of awareness questions can decide close cut-offs. A monthly current-affairs habit keeps you ready — a compact resource like the Vision IAS Current Affairs Magazine (January 2026) covers national events, science & tech and government schemes in a digestible format, and the November 2025 edition is useful for revising the preceding months.

Part B & CBAT

Revise your ITI/diploma trade theory for Part B (just 35% needed — do not over-invest) and, critically, treat the CBAT as a scoring stage with dedicated mock practice. Given the 50-50 weightage of CBT 2 Part A and CBAT in the final merit, aptitude practice is not optional.

RRB ALP Preparation Timeline (Sample 4-Month Plan)

Adjust the timeline to your baseline, but keep the sequence — fundamentals first, technical layer second, mocks throughout. Consistent mock testing with error analysis is what converts syllabus coverage into rank.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the CBAT until the end: With 50% merit weightage, last-minute aptitude prep is a costly error.
• Over-preparing Part B: It only needs 35% and is qualifying — do not let it eat your Part A/CBAT time.
• Blind attempting under negative marking: The 1/3 penalty means guesswork erodes your score; skip what you don’t know.
• Skipping normalisation awareness: Your raw score is adjusted; don’t panic over a “tough shift” — accuracy still wins.
• Using outdated syllabus PDFs: Always cross-check with the current CEN (Centralised Employment Notice) on the RRB website.

RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF Download (English & Hindi)

The official, authoritative rrb alp syllabus in hindi pdf download and English version is published inside the CEN (Centralised Employment Notice) on the official RRB regional websites (for example rrbcdg.gov.in, rrbchennai.gov.in and the RRB portal linked from indianrailways.gov.in) and the DGT curriculum at dgt.gov.in for Part B trades. Follow these steps:

• Visit your regional RRB website and open the latest ALP/Technician CEN notification PDF.
• Navigate to the “Scheme of Examination” and “Syllabus” annexure — the complete subject and stage-wise syllabus is included there.
• For the Hindi PDF, the same CEN is published bilingually; select the Hindi (हिंदी) version of the notice for the Hindi syllabus.
• For the Part B trade syllabus, download the specific trade curriculum from dgt.gov.in (NCVT/NSQF trade syllabus).

To make revision easier, use the topic lists in this article as a printable checklist — tick each subject and sub-topic as you complete it. If you also prepare for other government exams, a structured syllabus booklet such as the GS Score Latest Syllabus Booklet is a handy reference for keeping your overall preparation organised.

Bilingual Quick Reference: CBT 1 Subjects (English + Hindi)

Given the high demand for the syllabus in Hindi, here is a clean bilingual table of the CBT 1 subjects for quick recall.

Hindi-medium aspirants should prepare from Hindi-medium NCERTs and practice papers so that the terminology in the actual bilingual question paper feels familiar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the syllabus of RRB ALP?

The RRB ALP syllabus covers Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning and General Science in CBT 1; the same subjects plus Basic Science & Engineering in CBT 2 Part A; a trade-specific Part B (based on your ITI/diploma); and a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) measuring memory, concentration, depth perception, following directions and perceptual speed.

Which subjects are included in the RRB ALP CBT 1?

RRB ALP CBT 1 includes four subjects — Mathematics (25 questions), General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions), General Science (20 questions) and a small General Awareness & Current Affairs block (5 questions) — for a total of 75 questions and 75 marks in 60 minutes, with 1/3 negative marking.

How many stages are there in the RRB ALP exam?

There are five stages: CBT 1 (screening), CBT 2 with Part A (merit) and Part B (qualifying), the CBAT/psycho test, followed by Document Verification and a Medical Examination with the A-1 vision standard.

Is there negative marking in the RRB ALP exam?

Yes. Both CBT 1 and CBT 2 carry a negative marking of one-third (1/3) of a mark for every wrong answer. However, the CBAT (aptitude test) has no negative marking, so you should attempt every question there.

What is the difference between CBT 1 and CBT 2 in RRB ALP?

CBT 1 is a 75-question, 60-minute screening test that only shortlists you for the next stage and is not counted in merit. CBT 2 has 175 questions in 150 minutes — Part A (100 questions, counted in merit, includes Basic Science & Engineering) and Part B (75 questions, trade-based, qualifying only).

Is Part B of CBT 2 qualifying or counted in merit?

Part B of CBT 2 is qualifying only — you need a minimum of 35% to pass and it is not added to your final merit score. Merit is decided by CBT 2 Part A together with the CBAT (weighted 50-50), so Part A and the aptitude test are what determine your rank.

What is the CBAT or psycho test in RRB ALP?

The CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test), also called the psycho test, is a qualifying stage that measures a loco pilot’s aptitude across five batteries — Memory, Following Directions, Depth Perception, Concentration and Perceptual Speed. You must score a T-score of at least 42 in each battery, there is no negative marking, and it carries 50% weightage with CBT 2 Part A in the final merit.

How do I download the RRB ALP syllabus PDF in Hindi?

Open the latest ALP/Technician CEN notification on your regional RRB website (e.g. rrbcdg.gov.in), switch to the Hindi (हिंदी) version of the notice, and go to the “Scheme of Examination” and syllabus annexure. For the Part B trade syllabus in Hindi, download the relevant trade curriculum from dgt.gov.in.

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