Master the RRB ALP Exam Pattern for CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT. This guide covers the latest marking scheme, stage-wise duration, and minimum qualifying marks updated per the newest Railway notification.
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the revised exam structure for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment via the official notification. The selection process comprises 5 key stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination (DME). Reviewing the RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 is essential for candidates to master the marking scheme, sectional weightage, and question formats.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
The initial phase for the Assistant Loco Pilot role is the Computer-Based Test (CBT 1), an objective-type online exam consisting of 3 sections to be completed in 60 minutes. The second phase, CBT 2, is bifurcated: Part A features 100 questions to be solved in 90 minutes, while Part B includes 75 subject-specific trade questions to be finished within 60 minutes.
Key Changes in the RRB ALP Exam Pattern:
- Removal of General Awareness: CBT 1 now focuses strictly on Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science (75 questions, 75 marks).
- Revised Merit Weightage: Final merit now balances CBT-2 (Part A) and CBAT equally at 50% weightage each, replacing the previous 70:30 ratio.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The first stage of the RRB ALP 2026 exam features 75 questions worth 75 marks, covering Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science. Candidates should note a negative marking policy of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.
| RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026 | |
| Subject Names | Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science |
| Marks | 75 |
| Questions | 75 |
| Time Duration | 1 hour |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark |
Important Note: The CBT-1 serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for CBT-2 based on normalized scores. Please note that CBT-1 marks are not calculated toward the final merit list.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The second stage of the Assistant Loco Pilot selection consists of two distinct segments: Part A, covering Mathematics, Basic Science & Engineering, and General Intelligence & Reasoning; and Part B, which tests candidates on their specific technical trade knowledge.
| RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 [CBT Stage 2] | ||||
| SNo. | Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Part A | ||||
| 1. | Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
| 2. | General Intelligence and Reasoning | |||
| 4 | Basic Science and Engineering | |||
| Part B | ||||
| Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes | |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 2 hours 30 minutes | |
Important: A negative marking of 1/3rd mark applies to all incorrect responses in CBT 2.
RRB ALP CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)
To succeed, you must score a minimum of 42 marks in each of the test batteries. Final recruitment merit is based on a 50:50 weightage split between Part A of CBT 2 and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).
| Parameter | Details |
| Number of Test Batteries | 5 (each with a separate time limit) |
| Total Duration | Approximately 71 minutes |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 42 marks in EACH test battery (no category relaxation) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking in CBAT |
| Language | English and Hindi only |
| Shortlisting Ratio | Candidates equal to 8 times the ALP vacancies (category-wise) are called for CBAT |
| Final Merit Weightage | 50% (equal to CBT-2 Part A) |
Read also: Complete RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for CBT 1 and 2
RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks
Candidates are required to clear both the overall and sectional cut-offs to advance. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) mandates specific minimum qualifying marks for various categories.
RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 1
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Qualifying marks |
| UR & EWS | 40% | 30 |
| OBC (NCL) | 30% | 22.5 |
| SC | 30% | 22.5 |
| ST | 25% | 18.75 |
RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 2 (Part A)
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Qualifying marks |
| UR | 40% | 30 |
| EWS | 40% | 30 |
| OBC (NCL) | 30% | 22.5 |
| SC | 30% | 22.5 |
| ST | 25% | 18.75 |
RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 2 (Part B)
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Qualifying marks |
| All Categories | 35% | 26.25 |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026- FAQs
Is RRB ALP Exam Pattern revised?
Yes, the RRB has officially modified the exam pattern. Please refer to the detailed sections above for a comprehensive breakdown of these updates.
What is the negative marking for RRB ALP CBT 1?
In the RRB ALP CBT 1 2026, a negative marking scheme of 1/3rd mark is applied for every wrong answer.
Is CBAT compulsory for all posts under RRB ALP 2026?
Yes, the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is a mandatory requirement for all Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) aspirants.
How many questions are in RRB ALP CBT 2?
The RRB ALP CBT 2 features 175 questions in total: Part A includes 100 questions (90 minutes) focusing on Math, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering; Part B includes 75 trade-specific questions (60 minutes).
What are the 5 test batteries in RRB ALP CBAT?
The 5 test batteries in the RRB ALP CBAT include: (1) Memory Test, (2) Following Directions Test, (3) Depth Perception Test, (4) Concentration Test, and (5) Perceptual Speed Test. A minimum score of 42 per battery is mandatory for qualification.
Also Read:
- RRB ALP CBT 2 City Intimation Slip 2026: Exam City & Date Release
- RRB ALP Exam Analysis 2026: 13 Feb CBT 1 Review, Difficulty Level & Expected Cut-off
- RRB ALP 2026 Notification: 11,127 Vacancies, Exam Dates & Complete Recruitment Guide
- RRB Group D Physical Exam 2026: PET Dates Scheduled for Late July
- RRB Group D Result 2026 Declared: Download Zone-Wise Merit List PDF & Cut-Off Marks (CEN 08/2024)
- IBPS RRB Clerk Reserve List 2026 Released: Check Provisional Allotment (CRP XIV)