RRB ALP Syllabus 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Pattern, Subjects, and Preparation Tips
The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 has been revised under the new CEN 01/2026 notification, and every candidate preparing for the Assistant Loco Pilot exam needs to understand these changes before starting preparation. This blog breaks down what the RRB ALP exam is, its complete structure, the latest exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, and practical tips to help you prepare smartly using the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026.
What is the RRB ALP Exam?
The RRB ALP exam is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board to select candidates for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot in Indian Railways. It is one of the most sought-after railway jobs in India, attracting lakhs of applicants every year. For 2026, the recruitment drive falls under CEN 01/2026, with over 11,000 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies announced across various railway zones. To crack this exam, candidates must have a clear understanding of the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026, since the selection process is highly competitive and spread across multiple stages.
Structure of the RRB ALP Exam
The RRB ALP selection process is a multi-stage journey, and clearing each stage is compulsory to move to the next. The overall structure includes:
- CBT 1 (Computer Based Test 1) – A screening round that qualifies candidates for the next stage.
- CBT 2 (Computer Based Test 2) – This is the main stage that decides your merit rank, divided into Part A and Part B.
- CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) – Also called the Psycho Test, this is conducted only for ALP posts and checks mental aptitude and reflexes.
- Document Verification and Medical Examination – The final stages before appointment.
Understanding this structure is the first step to using the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 effectively, since each stage tests a different skill set.
To download the RRB ALP syllabus, click on the download button below.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
The RRB ALP exam pattern has seen some important revisions this year. Here’s what the updated pattern looks like:
CBT 1 Exam Pattern:
- Total Questions: 75
- Total Marks: 75
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Subjects: Mathematics, Mental Ability (Reasoning), and General Science
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer
- Note: General Awareness and Current Affairs have been removed from CBT 1 in the revised RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
Read More: Know The Complete Guide About RRB ALP!
CBT 2 Exam Pattern:
- Total Questions: 175
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Part A: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering (100 questions, 90 minutes) — marks from this part decide your merit
- Part B: Trade-specific technical subjects based on your ITI/diploma trade (75 questions, 60 minutes) — qualifying in nature, minimum 35% required
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer
CBAT (Psycho Test):
- No negative marking
- Candidates must score a minimum of 42 marks in each test battery
- Final merit list is now prepared with 50% weightage to CBT 2 Part A and 50% weightage to CBAT (earlier it was 70:30)
This revised weightage is one of the biggest changes in the RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026, so candidates should not ignore CBAT preparation.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 – Subject Wise
Here is the detailed subject-wise breakdown as per the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026:
CBT 1 Syllabus:
Mathematics: Number system, 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, trigonometry, elementary statistics, square root, age calculations, calendar and clock, pipes and cisterns.
Mental Ability / Reasoning: Analogies, alphabetical and number series, coding-decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions and decision making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, statements, arguments, and assumptions.
General Science: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences, based on Class 10 level concepts.
CBT 2 Syllabus:
Part A covers Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning (same topics as CBT 1, at a slightly advanced level), and Basic Science & Engineering, which includes engineering drawing, units and measurements, mass, weight and density, work, power and energy, speed and velocity, heat and temperature, basic electricity, levers and simple machines, occupational safety and health, environment education, and IT literacy.
Part B is trade-specific and depends on your ITI/diploma discipline — common trades include Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (Diesel), Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Turner, Machinist, and Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, among others.
CBAT Test Batteries: Memory test, following directions test, depth perception test, concentration test, and perceptual speed test.
Every stage of the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 builds on the previous one, moving from general aptitude in CBT 1 to specialized trade knowledge in CBT 2 Part B.
Tips to Prepare Using the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
- Start with the basics: Since CBT 1 is Class 10 level, revise your NCERT Maths and Science books first before jumping into advanced practice.
- Map your study plan to the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026: Create a topic-wise checklist so you don’t miss any section, especially since General Awareness has been dropped from CBT 1 this year.
- Practice previous year papers: This helps you understand question patterns, difficulty levels, and time management across CBT 1 and CBT 2.
- Focus equally on CBAT: With the new 50:50 weightage between CBT 2 Part A and CBAT, don’t treat the psycho test as an afterthought. Practice memory, concentration, and depth perception exercises regularly.
- Choose the right trade for Part B: Select your CBT 2 Part B trade based on your ITI or diploma qualification, and start trade-specific preparation early since this section requires focused technical study.
- Take regular mock tests: Simulating exam conditions builds speed and accuracy, both of which matter due to the negative marking scheme in CBT 1 and CBT 2.
- Revise consistently: Since the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is broad, spaced revision every week works better than last-minute cramming.
Following the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 stage by stage, along with disciplined practice, will give you a strong footing to clear this competitive exam and move closer to becoming an Assistant Loco Pilot with Indian Railways.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026?
The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 covers Mathematics, Mental Ability (Reasoning), and General Science for CBT 1, while CBT 2 includes Mathematics, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, and a trade-specific paper.
2. Is General Awareness included in RRB ALP CBT 1 2026?
No. As per the revised RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 under CEN 01/2026, General Awareness and Current Affairs have been removed from CBT 1.
3. How many stages are there in the RRB ALP exam?
There are four stages — CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT (Psycho Test), and Document Verification followed by a Medical Examination.
4. Is there negative marking in RRB ALP CBT 1 and CBT 2?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. There is no negative marking in CBAT.
5. What is the RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B syllabus based on?
Part B is trade-specific and depends on your ITI or diploma qualification, such as Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (Diesel), or Electronics Mechanic.
6. How is the final merit list prepared for RRB ALP 2026?
The final merit list is based on 50% weightage from CBT 2 Part A and 50% weightage from CBAT (revised from the earlier 70:30 ratio).
7. What is CBAT in the RRB ALP exam?
CBAT stands for Computer Based Aptitude Test, also called the Psycho Test. It includes five test batteries — memory, following directions, depth perception, concentration, and perceptual speed.
8. What is the minimum qualifying mark in CBAT?
Candidates must score at least 42 marks in each test battery, regardless of category.
9. Can I download the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Yes, the complete subject-wise syllabus is usually available as a downloadable PDF from the official RRB notification or recruitment portals.
10. What level are the RRB ALP exam questions based on?
Most CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part A questions are based on the Class 10 standard level.
11. How many questions are there in RRB ALP CBT 1 and CBT 2?
CBT 1 has 75 questions for 75 marks, while CBT 2 has 175 questions in total — 100 in Part A and 75 in Part B.
12. Is Part B of RRB ALP CBT 2 qualifying or merit-based?
Part B is qualifying in nature; only Part A marks count toward the merit list.
Upcoming Competitive Exams
IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2026:…
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS...
July 28, 2026
SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026…
If you are looking for a central government job that...
June 21, 2026
How to Register and…
Planning to apply for the upcoming West Bengal Gram Panchayat...
June 9, 2026
ICDS Supervisor Syllabus 2026:…
If you are a female graduate in West Bengal looking...
May 29, 2026
WBPSC ICDS Exam 2026…
If you are a woman in West Bengal looking for...
May 17, 2026
Form Fill-up Going On
Recent Posts
Categories
- West Bengal Police
- SSC
- WB SSC
- SSC SLST
- Kolkata Police
- WBPSC
- Teaching Exams
- Teaching Job
- Gram Panchayat
- JSSC Notes
- Central Govt. Exams
- Railway
- Government Job
- Gram Panchayat
- Armed Forces/Police
- SSC
- Private Job
- WBPSC
- Current Affairs
- Daily
- Teaching Exams
- News
- Banking
- Job Updates
- Weekly
- Central Govt. Exams
- IBPS PO
- Notes & Materials
- WB Govt. Exam
- Books
- IBPS Clerk
- Upcoming Competitive Exams
- WB Govt Exams
- UGC NET
- WBPSC Teacher
- Form Fill-up Going On
- WBPSC
- SSC SLST
- UGC NET
- EMRS
- WB TET
- SBI PO
- WB TET
- BPSC
- Jharkhand TET
- PHD Notification
- RBI
- Jharkhand TET
- CTET
- Other Updates
- CTET
- BPSC
- Knowledge Bulletin
- SSC GD
- KVS
- Nursing
- RPF
- Railway
- SBI
Connect with Us