RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern: Detailed Guide for CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT

To qualify for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) position in the Indian Railways, candidates must successfully clear three sequential stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and the CBAT. The official RRB ALP syllabus covers key subjects, including Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science (10th-standard level), Current Affairs, and Basic Science & Engineering.

A thorough understanding of the RRB ALP syllabus and exam pattern is essential for any serious aspirant. By mastering the marking scheme, sectional weightage, and question formats early on, you can streamline your preparation strategy and significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted for the final recruitment process.

RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

This year, the RRB has updated the RRB ALP 2026 syllabus and restructuring the weightage system. As per the latest notification, the final merit list will now be calculated with equal weightage (50% each) for CBT-2 Part A and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), moving away from the previous 70:30 distribution.

RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Overview
Selection Process	CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, DV, DME
Mode of Exam	Online
No. of Questions / marks	CBT 1 - 75 / 75 CBT 2 - 175 / 175  CBAT
Marking Scheme	1 mark for 1 question
Negative Marking	⅓rd mark
Selection Process	CBT 1 (75 Questions for 75 Marks) CBT 2 (175 Questions for 175 Marks) CBAT Document Verification Detailed Medical Examination

Aspiring candidates should carefully review the subject-wise RRB ALP syllabus to develop a high-impact study plan. Below, we break down the detailed syllabus for the written examination to help you focus your efforts where they matter most.

RRB ALP Syllabus for CBT 1

The RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus consists of three primary subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Science. The difficulty level is designed to align with 10th-standard technical qualifications. Candidates will face objective-type multiple-choice questions covering these core areas.

Mathematics

1. Mensuration
2. Number system,
3. BODMAS,
4. Decimals,
5. Fractions,
6. LCM and HCF,
7. Ratio and Proportion,
8. Percentages,
9. Time and Work,
10. Time and Distance,
11. Simple and Compound Interest,
12. Profit and Loss,
13. Algebra,
14. Geometry and Trigonometry,
15. Elementary Statistics,
16. Square Root,
17. Age Calculations,
18. Calendar & Clock,
19. Pipes & Cistern etc.

Mental Ability (Reasoning)

1. Analogies
2. Alphabetical and Number Series
3. Coding and Decoding
4. Mathematical operations,
5. Relationships,
6. Syllogism,
7. Jumbling,
8. Venn Diagram,
9. Data Interpretation and Sufficiency,
10. Conclusions and Decision Making,
11. Similarities and Differences,
12. Analytical reasoning,
13. Classification,
14. Directions,
15. Statement - Arguments and Assumptions etc.

General Science

1. Gravitation
2. Force
3. Thermal Properties of Matter
4. Thermodynamics
5. Reflection of Light
6. Reflection from Plan Mirror
7. Spherical Mirror
8. Refraction of Light
9. Organic Chemistry
10. Solutions
11. Surface Chemistry
12. Chemistry in Everyday Life
13. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
14. The Skeleton System
15. Integumentary system
16. Respiratory System
17. Glandular system
18. Circulatory System
19. Nervous System and Sensory organs
20. Lens
21. Scattering of Light
22. Waves
23. Sound
24. Ohm's Law & Resistance
25. Magnetism
26. Modern Physics
27. Discovery and Inventions
28. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
29. Chemical Reaction
30. Periodic Table
31. Metals and Their Properties
32. Non-Metals and Their Properties

Note: The General Science section encompasses fundamental Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences, all structured around the 10th-grade curriculum.

RRB ALP Syllabus for CBT 2

The RRB ALP CBT 2 exam is bifurcated into two sections: Part A and Part B. Part A evaluates candidates on Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering. Part B is a trade-specific qualifying examination relevant to your chosen field.

Part A

A) Mathematics Syllabus: Covers the 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, Statistics, Square Roots, Age Calculations, Calendars, Clocks, and Pipes & Cisterns.

B) General Intelligence and Reasoning: Includes Analogies, Series (Alphabetical and Number), Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationship mapping, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagrams, Data Interpretation/Sufficiency, Decision Making, Similarities, Classification, Directions, and Statement-based Arguments and Assumptions.

C) Basic Science and Engineering Syllabus: Key topics include Engineering Drawing (projections, instruments, lines, geometric figures, symbols), Units and Measurements, Mass/Weight/Density, Work/Power/Energy, Speed/Velocity, Heat/Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers/Simple Machines, Occupational Safety, Environmental Education, and IT Literacy.

Relevant Trade [Part B]

Electrical Syllabus

1. Electrical India
2. Rolls, cables
3. Transfers
4. Three-Phase Motor Systems
5. Light, Magnetism
6. Fundamental Electric System
7. Single phase motors
8. Switches, Plugs and Electrical Connections

Mechanical Syllabus

1. Dimensions
2. Heat
3. Engines
4. Turbo Machinery
5. Production Engineering
6. Automation Engineering
7. Kinetic Theory
8. The Strength Of The Material
9. Metal Handling
10. Metallurgical
11. Refrigerators And Air Conditioners
12. Energy, Materials
13. Energy Conservation
14. Management
15. Applied Mechanics

Automobile Syllabus

1. Machine Design
2. System Theory
3. IC Engines
4. Heat Transfers
5. Thermodynamics
6. Materials Applying Motion
7. The Power Plant Turbines and Boilers
8. Metallurgical Production Technology

Electronics & Communication Syllabus

1. The Transistor
2. Dias
3. Digital Electronics
4. Networking and Industrial Electronics
5. Electronic Tube
6. Semi-Conductor Physics
7. Robotic Radio Communication Systems
8. Satellite Matters
9. Computer & Microprocessor

Note: The RRB ALP CBT 2 Part-B is a qualifying test featuring trade-specific questions prescribed by the DGT. This section covers mechanical, electrical, electronics & communication, and automobile trades, among others.

RRB Assistant Loco Pilot Exam Pattern

To succeed in the RRB ALP 2026 exam, you must align your preparation with the latest standards. We have provided a comprehensive overview of the RRB ALP exam Pattern for both CBT 1 and CBT 2 for your convenience.

Note: Please be advised that General Awareness and Current Affairs have been removed from the RRB ALP CBT 1 examination as per the updated guidelines.

CBT 1 Exam Pattern

• 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	Duration
Mathematics	75	75	60 minutes
General Intelligence & Reasoning
General Science
Total	75	75

CBT 2 Exam Pattern

• 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 the 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
Paper 2	Relevant Trade	75	75	60 minutes
Overall Total		175	175	150 minutes

Check the Official RRB Normalization Method & Formula 2026 Here

RRB ALP CBAT [Psycho Test]

The RRB ALP CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) is designed to evaluate your mental acuity, psychometric profile, and decision-making capabilities. This qualifying test features no negative marking and requires a minimum score of 42 marks in each of the 5 sub-tests to pass.

1. 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 memorise 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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’.
5. 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 ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF 

The official syllabus for the RRB ALP exam has been published by the Railway Recruitment Board. For your convenience, you can download the complete syllabus PDF directly from the link below.

Download RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF