The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have officially released the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Recruitment 2026 under CEN 01/2026. Candidates preparing for the highly competitive railway recruitment examination can now check the complete stage-wise selection process, including CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
As per the official notification, the RRB ALP recruitment process will include multiple computer-based examinations followed by an aptitude test specifically designed for Assistant Loco Pilot posts. The recruitment drive aims to fill 11,127 ALP vacancies across different Railway Recruitment Boards in India.
Candidates preparing for the examination should note that the CBT 1 marks will only be used for screening purposes, while the final merit list will mainly depend on CBT 2 Part-A and CBAT performance. The detailed syllabus released by RRB covers Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science, Engineering concepts, and trade-specific technical subjects.
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RRB ALP 2026 Selection Process
According to the official recruitment notification, the RRB ALP 2026 selection process will consist of the following stages:
- First Stage CBT (CBT 1)
- Second Stage CBT (CBT 2)
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME)
RRBs have clarified that candidates can apply to only one Railway Recruitment Board, and multiple applications will lead to rejection and possible debarment.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The First Stage CBT will act as a screening examination for shortlisting candidates for CBT 2. The marks secured in CBT 1 will not be considered in the final merit preparation.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 75 |
| Total Marks | 75 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deduction |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs |
The minimum qualifying percentage in CBT 1 is 40% for UR and EWS candidates, 30% for OBC-NCL and SC candidates, and 25% for ST candidates.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026
The official syllabus for CBT 1 includes the following subjects:
Mathematics
The Mathematics section will include 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, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Pipes and Cistern, Calendar and Clock, and Age Calculations.
Mental Ability
Candidates will face questions from Analogies, Number Series, Alphabetical Series, Coding-Decoding, Relationships, Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Data Interpretation, Conclusions and Decision Making, Statement-Arguments, and Assumptions.
General Science
The General Science section will cover Physics, Chemistry, and Life Science topics of the Class 10 standard level.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates shortlisted through CBT 1 will appear for the Second Stage CBT, which will be divided into Part-A and Part-B.
CBT 2 Part-A
Part-A will contain questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering, and General Awareness.
The General Intelligence section will include Analytical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Series, Data Interpretation, Classification, and Decision Making topics.
The Basic Science and Engineering section will include Engineering Drawing, Units and Measurements, Work and Energy, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity, Occupational Safety, Environment Education, IT Literacy, Levers and Simple Machines, Speed and Velocity, and Density.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Part-B Syllabus
Part-B will be qualifying in nature and will include trade-specific questions based on the syllabus prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). Candidates with ITI or Trade Apprenticeship qualifications must attempt questions related to their respective trades.
RRB has specified that the qualifying percentage in Part-B will be 35% for all categories.
The notification also mentions qualification-wise trade groupings for Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, and Automobile Engineering streams. Trades such as Electrician, Fitter, Wireman, Turner, Mechanic Diesel, Machinist, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, and Electronics Mechanic are included in the syllabus framework.
RRB ALP CBAT 2026 Details
Candidates shortlisted after CBT 2 will appear for the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), which is mandatory for ALP recruitment.
RRB has stated that candidates must qualify each test battery separately in CBAT. The aptitude test will be conducted only in English and Hindi, and there will be no negative marking.
All candidates, irrespective of category, must secure a minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery to qualify.
The final merit list will be prepared by giving 50% weightage to CBT 2 Part-A marks and 50% weightage to CBAT scores.
RRB ALP 2026 Important Exam Instructions
The official notification has also highlighted several important instructions for candidates:
- Negative marking of one-third mark will apply in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
- Candidates must carry only the e-call letter to the exam centre.
- Electronic gadgets and banned items will not be allowed inside the examination hall.
- CBAT will not have negative marking.
- Questions in CBT 1 and CBT 2 will be available in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit official RRB websites for updates regarding exam dates, city intimation slips, admit cards, and further recruitment stages.
