The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is gearing up for the 2026 cycle of the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment. For lakhs of aspirants, the first step to cracking this highly competitive exam is decoding the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026.
It is crucial to understand that the recruitment process is a multi-stage marathon, not a sprint. The syllabus varies significantly between the First Stage CBT (Screening) and the Second Stage CBT (Merit Determination). A minor slip in the qualifying “Part B” (Trade Test) of CBT-2 can disqualify you, regardless of your high score in Part A. This guide breaks down every section, from Mathematics to the complex CBAT (Psycho Test), ensuring your preparation is laser-focused.
Key Insight: CBT-1 is purely screening in nature; its marks are NOT added to the final merit list. Your final selection depends entirely on CBT-2 Part A (70%) and CBAT (30%), provided you qualify CBT-2 Part B.
RRB ALP 2026: Exam Highlights
A quick snapshot of the exam structure for the 2026 cycle.
| Feature | Details |
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Selection Process | CBT-1 → CBT-2 → CBAT → DV → ME |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (Online) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd Mark deducted for wrong answers |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
The RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) Selection Process for 2026 consists of five distinct stages. Candidates must qualify in each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list is based on the performance in the Second Stage CBT (Part A) and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).
1. First Stage CBT (CBT 1)
- Purpose: Screening only (marks are not counted for the final merit list).
- Format: Online Computer-Based Test.
- Pattern: 75 Questions | 60 Minutes.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for every wrong answer.
- Syllabus: Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science, and General Awareness.
- Qualification: Marks obtained are used to shortlist candidates for the Second Stage (CBT 2) at a rate of 15 times the number of vacancies.
2. Second Stage CBT (CBT 2)
This stage is divided into two parts, taken in a single session.
Part A (Merit Deciding)
- Score Weightage: 70% of the final merit list is based on marks from this section.
- Format: 100 Questions | 90 Minutes.
- Syllabus: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering (This is a critical section covering topics like Engineering Drawing, Units, Measurements, etc.).
Part B (Qualifying Nature)
- Purpose: To test trade-specific technical knowledge.
- Format: 75 Questions | 60 Minutes.
- Requirement: Candidates must secure a minimum of 35% marks to qualify. This is applicable to all categories (no relaxation).
- Syllabus: Based on the trade syllabus prescribed by the Director General of Training (DGT).
3. Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
Often referred to as the “Psycho Test,” this stage assesses cognitive and psychological attributes required for train operation.
- Shortlisting: Candidates equal to 8 times the vacancies are shortlisted based on CBT 2 Part A marks.
- Structure: Consists of 5 “Test Batteries” (e.g., Memory Test, Depth Perception Test).
- Passing Criteria: Candidates must score a minimum T-Score of 42 in each of the 5 test batteries independently.
- Weightage: 30% of the final merit list comes from the CBAT score.
- Note: There is no negative marking in CBAT.
Also Read: RRB NTPC 2026 Notification: Application Status Out for 5,810 Graduate Vacancies
4. Document Verification (DV)
Candidates are called for DV based on their combined performance in CBT 2 Part A (70% weightage) and CBAT (30% weightage).
5. Medical Examination
This is the strictest stage for ALP candidates.
- Standard: A1 Medical Standard.
- Vision Requirement: Distant Vision must be 6/6, 6/6 without glasses (fogging test included). Near Vision: Sn 0.6, 0.6 without glasses.
- Critical Checks: Candidates must pass tests for Color Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision. LASIK or any eye surgery is not permitted.
RRB ALP Final Merit Calculation (Weightage Table)
| Merit Component | Weightage | Details |
| 1. Second Stage CBT (Part A) | 70% | 70% of the marks obtained in Part A (Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering) are calculated for the final score. |
| 2. CBAT (Psycho Test) | 30% | 30% of the T-Score obtained in the Computer-Based Aptitude Test is added to the final score. |
| Total Merit | 100% | The final rank is strictly based on (70% of CBT 2 Part A) + (30% of CBAT). |
Important Note (Qualifying Stages)
The following stages do not contribute to the final merit score (they are qualifying only):
| Stage | Nature | Rule |
| First Stage CBT (CBT 1) | Screening Only | Marks are used only to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. They are not added to the final merit. |
| Second Stage CBT (Part B) | Qualifying Only | Candidates must score a minimum of 35% in this technical trade section. These marks are not added to the merit. |
Stage 1: RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus & Pattern
This stage filters out the non-serious candidates. The marks obtained here are normalized and used only to shortlist candidates for CBT-2.
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Total Questions: 75
- Passing Marks (Min): UR-40%, OBC-30%, SC-30%, ST-25%.
CBT 1 Topic-Wise Syllabus:
| Subject | Questions | Detailed Topics |
| Mathematics | 20 | • Number System: BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions. • Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, SI & CI, Profit & Loss. • Mensuration: Area, Volume, Surface Area. • Algebra & Geometry: Basic Identities, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics. • Others: Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cisterns. |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | • Logic: Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Arguments & Assumptions, Conclusions, Decision Making. • Series & Coding: Alphabetical & Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Analogies. • Relationships: Blood Relations, Directions. • Pattern: Jumbling, Odd One Out, Similarities & Differences, Analytical Reasoning. • Data: Data Interpretation & Sufficiency. |
| General Science | 20 | (Strictly up to 10th Standard NCERT) • Physics: Motion, Force, Gravity, Work-Energy, Sound, Light, Electricity, Magnetism. • Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Acids & Bases, Metals/Non-metals, Chemical Reactions. • Life Sciences: Human Body, Nutrition, Diseases, Environment. |
| General Awareness | 10 | • Current Affairs: Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities. • Static GK: Economics, Politics (Constitution), History, Geography. |
| Total | 75 | Duration: 60 Minutes (Negative Marking: 1/3) |
Stage 2: RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus (The Merit Decider)
This is the most critical stage. It is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.
Part A: Merit Section
Total Questions: 175 (Part A: 100 + Part B: 75)
Total Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer (Part A & Part B).
Selection: Part A marks are used for Merit (70% weightage). Part B is qualifying only (35% fixed).
This section determines your selection for the Psycho Test (CBAT).
| Subject | Detailed Topics |
| Basic Science & Engineering (Most Important Section) | • Engineering Drawing: Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric Figures, Symbolic Representation. • Physics (Applied): Units & Measurements, Mass, Weight & Density, Work, Power & Energy, Speed & Velocity, Heat & Temperature. • Electricity: Basic Electricity, Levers and Simple Machines. • Safety & IT: Occupational Safety and Health, Environment Education, IT Literacy. |
| Mathematics | • Arithmetic: Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Time & Work, Time & Distance, SI & CI, Profit & Loss. • Advanced: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Mensuration. • Others: Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern. |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | • Logic: Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Jumbling, Arguments & Assumptions, Conclusions, Decision Making. • Series & Coding: Alphabetical & Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations. • Relationships: Blood Relations, Directions, Analogies. • Pattern: Classification, Similarities & Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Data Interpretation. |
| General Awareness | • Current Affairs: Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics (Limited weightage in CBT 2). |
Part B: Qualifying Trade Test
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Questions: 75
- Syllabus: Questions from the specific trade syllabus prescribed by Director General of Training (DGT).
- Qualifying Marks: 35% (Applicable to all categories – No relaxation).
| Engineering Discipline | Select Relevant Trade for Part B |
| Electrical Engineering | Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Winder (Armature), Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic. |
| Electronics Engineering | Electronics Mechanic, Mechanic Radio & TV. |
| Mechanical Engineering | Fitter, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic Diesel, Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Heat Engine, Millwright Maintenance Mechanic. |
| Automobile Engineering | Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic Diesel, Heat Engine, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic. |
| HSC (10+2) with Physics & Maths | Electrician, Electronics Mechanic, Wireman. |
Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
Candidates equal to 8 times the number of ALP vacancies are shortlisted for CBAT based on Part A marks.
- Nature: Psychological test measuring depth perception, concentration, reaction speed, etc.
- Passing Criteria: Minimum T-Score of 42 marks in each of the test batteries separately.
- Weightage: The final merit list is drawn from 70% of CBT-2 Part A marks + 30% of CBAT marks.
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), commonly known as the “Psycho Test,” is the third stage of the RRB ALP selection process. It is critical because if you fail this stage, you are disqualified from the ALP post, regardless of how high your marks were in CBT 2.
Here is the detailed breakdown of the CBAT structure, test batteries, and rules.
CBAT Overview
- Who takes it? Candidates shortlisted from CBT 2 (8 times the number of vacancies).
- Weightage: 30% of the Final Merit List.
- Negative Marking: None (No marks deducted for wrong answers).
- Language: Questions are available in English and Hindi.
- Qualifying Marks: You must secure a T-Score of 42 in EACH of the 5 test batteries independently. (Failing in even one battery means disqualification).
The 5 Test Batteries (Syllabus & Pattern)
The test consists of 5 different sections (Batteries). You must pass all of them.
| Test Battery | Test Name (Common Types) | What You Have to Do | Time / Questions (Approx) |
| 1. Memory Test | • House/Map Memory • Track Memory • Picture-Number Memory | You are shown a map/picture for a few seconds to memorize. Then it disappears, and you must answer questions about the location of buildings, tracks, or numbers associated with pictures. | Study Time: 2-3 Mins Test Time: 2-3 Mins Qs: 12-24 |
| 2. Following Directions | • Table Test • Watch / Clock Table • Alphabet Series | You are given a grid of letters/numbers (Rows & Columns). You must follow complex instructions (e.g., “Row 2, Col 3, move diagonal…”) to find the correct answer. | Time: 5-10 Mins Qs: 10-20 |
| 3. Depth Perception | • Brick Test • Hidden Cube Test | Bricks: You see a pile of bricks labeled A, B, C, etc. You must count how many other bricks are touching the specific brick. Cubes: Count total cubes including hidden ones. | Time: 5-7 Mins Qs: 50 (5 sets of 10) |
| 4. Concentration Test | • Yes / No Test • Digit Search | You are given two large numbers (e.g., 589632 vs 589632). If they are exactly the same, click YES; if different, click NO. This tests speed and accuracy. | Time: 4-6 Mins Qs: 70-96 |
| 5. Perceptual Speed | • Similarity Test • Same Figure Search | You are shown a “Question Figure” and 5 “Answer Figures”. You must quickly find the one that is exactly identical to the question figure. | Time: 5-6 Mins Qs: 72-96 |
Download RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF
Stop searching through multiple pages. Download the official, consolidated syllabus PDF directly from here.
- Download RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF
- Download DGT Trade Syllabus for Part-B
How to Prepare: Strategic Insights
- Prioritize Basic Science: In CBT-2 Part A, “Basic Science & Engineering” is the game-changer. Do not ignore Engineering Drawing topics.
- Trade Test Caution: Many students fail Part B despite scoring high in Part A. Dedicate at least 1 hour daily to your ITI trade theory.
- CBAT Practice: The psycho test requires specific practice. Start solving battery tests once you clear CBT-2.
- Negative Marking: Remember, 1/3rd marks are deducted for every wrong answer in both CBT-1 and CBT-2. Avoid guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there negative marking in RRB ALP CBAT?
A: No, there is generally no negative marking in the CBAT (Psycho Test), but you must clear each test battery individually.
Q2: Does CBT-1 score count for the final merit list?
A: No, marks obtained in the First Stage CBT (CBT-1) are used only for shortlisting candidates for the Second Stage CBT (CBT-2).
Q3: What happens if I fail Part B of CBT-2?
A: If you fail to secure the qualifying 35% marks in Part B, you will be disqualified, even if you score full marks in Part A.
Q4: Which trades are eligible for the ALP post?
A: Candidates with ITI/Diploma/Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering trades are eligible.
Q5: When will the RRB ALP 2026 Notification be released?
A: While the syllabus remains consistent, candidates should keep an eye on official RRB websites for the 2026 notification release date.
Disclaimer: This syllabus is based on the standard RRB ALP recruitment pattern. Candidates are advised to refer to the official CEN notification for any specific year-to-year changes.