Key Points:
The exam consists of three stages: CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A + Part B), and CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test).
- CBT 1 Syllabus includes four main subjects:
- General Awareness and Current Affairs
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Mathematics
- General Science
- Mathematics topics cover Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM-HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Pipe & Cistern, Time & Distance, Mixture & Allegation, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Height & Distance, Statistics, Data Interpretation, and Algebra.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning includes Analogies, Alphabetical/Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency, Conclusions & Decision Making, Similarities & differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement-Arguments & Assumptions.
- CBT 2 is divided into two parts:
- Part A: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering
- Part B: Trade-specific subjects like Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automobile Engineering, and 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics.
- CBAT (Aptitude Test) includes Memory Test, Direction Test, Depth Perception Test, Observation Power, and Speed Test.
- Final merit calculation for ALP 2026: CBT-2 Part A (50%) + CBAT (50%) -CBAT weightage increased from 30% to 50%.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 Out
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026: The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) has officially released the detailed syllabus for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Exam under CEN No. 01/2026. Candidates preparing for the RRB ALP recruitment can download the official syllabus PDF, exam pattern, and marking scheme from this page. This comprehensive guide covers subject-wise topics, preparation strategy, and important books for the RRB ALP exam.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 - Overview
Before diving into the detailed syllabus, candidates should understand the basic exam structure. The table below provides essential information about the RRB ALP recruitment exam 2026.
| Exam Name | RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Exam 2026 (CEN 01/2026) |
| Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRB) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 (Tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Selection Process | CBT-1 → CBT-2 → CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Examination |
| Official Website | Regional RRB Websites |
Download RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF
The official detailed CEN notification containing syllabus is available. Candidates can download the complete notification for syllabus and pattern details.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
Stage 1: CBT-1 (Screening)
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 75 | 75 | 60 Minutes |
| Mental Ability/Reasoning | |||
| General Science | |||
| Total | 60 Minutes |
Key Points for CBT-1:
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Qualifying Marks: UR/EWS – 40%, OBC – 30%, SC/ST – 25-30%
- Marks of CBT-1 are not counted for final merit (only for screening)
Stage 2: CBT-2
| Part | Subjects | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-A | Mathematics + Reasoning + Basic Science & Engineering | 100 | 90 Minutes |
| Part-B | Trade Syllabus (Qualifying) | 75 | 60 Minutes |
Key Points for CBT-2:
- Negative Marking: 1/3 in both parts
- Part-A Marks used for merit
- Part-B: Minimum 35% qualifying marks (irrespective of category)
Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Qualifying in nature
- No negative marking
- Minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery
- Only candidates qualifying CBT-2 are called (8 times vacancies)
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 - Subject Wise Topics
CBT-1 & CBT-2 Part-A Syllabus
1. Mathematics
Number System, BODMAS, Decimals & Fractions
LCM & HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages
Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance
Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss
Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics
Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock
2. Mental Ability / Reasoning
Analogies, Alphabetical & Number Series
Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations
Syllogism, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation
Conclusions & Decision Making, Analytical Reasoning
Directions, Statement-Arguments & Assumptions
3. General Science (10th Standard Level)
Physics: Motion, Force, Work & Energy, Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism
Chemistry: Matter, Atoms & Molecules, Acids, Bases & Salts, Chemical Reactions
Biology: Life Processes, Control & Coordination, Reproduction, Heredity
4. Basic Science & Engineering (CBT-2 Part-A)
Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Lines, Geometric Figures)
Units & Measurements, Mass, Weight & Density
Work, Power & Energy, Speed & Velocity
Basic Electricity, Levers & Simple Machines
Occupational Safety & Health, Environment Education
IT Literacy
5. Part-B (Trade Syllabus)
Questions from the trade syllabus as per DGT (ITI/Trade Apprenticeship)
Candidates with ITI must choose their trade
Degree/Diploma candidates select trade as per engineering discipline
Important Topics for RRB ALP Exam 2026
- High-Level Reasoning & Puzzles
- Arithmetic + Advanced Maths
- Basic Science & Engineering Concepts
- Trade-specific Technical Questions
- CBAT Psychological Tests
RRB ALP Exam Preparation Tips 2026
- Thoroughly understand the three-stage selection process
- Focus heavily on Part-A of CBT-2 and Trade syllabus
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests
- Prepare for CBAT psychological tests seriously
- Daily revision of formulas and concepts
- Maintain good physical & mental fitness for medical
Best Books for RRB ALP Preparation 2026
| Subject | Recommended Books | Author/Publication |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Science | Lucent’s General Science | Lucent Publication |
| Basic Science & Engineering | RRB ALP Stage-2 Guide | Arihant / Kiran |
| Trade Specific | ITI Trade Theory Books | Relevant Trade |
