The Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot (RRB ALP) examination is one of the most sought after recruitment processes conducted by Indian Railways for technical and operational roles. The RRB ALP exam aims to select skilled candidates who can assist Loco Pilots in operating and maintaining locomotives, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains across the country.
The selection process typically involves Computer Based Tests (CBT-1 and CBT-2), followed by Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) and document verification. The examination evaluates candidates on Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness, and trade-specific technical knowledge.
RRB ALP is a merit based and competitive examination with negative marking, emphasizing accuracy, technical understanding, and decision-making skills. Candidates who qualify gain an opportunity to work in a prestigious organization with job security, career growth, and the responsibility of contributing to India’s vast railway network.
RRB ALP : Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Recruiting Authority | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Notification Number | CEN 01/2025 |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Total Vacancies | 9,970 (All RRBs) |
| Pay Level | Level-2 in 7th CPC |
| Exam Date | 16th, 17th, and 18th February 2026 |
| Initial Pay | Rs. 19,900/- |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years (as on 01-07-2025) |
| Medical Standard | A-1 (Strict Vision Standards) |
| Selection Stages | CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | Various Regional RRB Websites (e.g., www.rrbmumbai.gov.in, etc.) |
RRB ALP : Exam Pattern
The recruitment process for the Assistant Loco Pilot is comprehensive, designed to test a candidate’s mental ability, technical knowledge, and psychological aptitude. The selection process comprises five distinct stages: First Stage CBT, Second Stage CBT, Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination (ME).
1. First Stage CBT (CBT-1)
This stage serves primarily as a screening test to shortlist eligible candidates for the next round.
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration & Questions | 60 minutes to attempt 75 questions |
| Marking Scheme | Each question carries 1 mark; negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every wrong answer |
| Syllabus | Mathematics : Number System, BODMAS, Algebra, etc. Mental Ability : Analogies, Coding–Decoding, etc. General Science : Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences – 10th standard General Awareness: Current Affairs, Science & Technology, etc. |
| Qualifying Marks | UR & EWS: 40%OBC (NCL) & SC: 30%ST: 25% |
| Shortlisting Criteria | Shortlisting for CBT-2 is based on merit, limited to 15 times the number of vacancies |
| RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026 | |||
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 75 | 75 | |
2. Second Stage CBT (CBT-2)
This is the decisive phase for merit calculation. It consists of two parts: Part-A and Part-B.
| Section / Parameter | Details |
| Total Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Questions | 175 |
| Part-A (Merit Determining) | |
| Duration & Questions | 90 minutes for 100 questions |
| Significance | Marks from Part-A are used for shortlisting to further stages (70% weightage in final merit) |
| Syllabus | Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering (Engineering Drawing, Units, Mass, Heat, Basic Electricity, etc.) |
| Part-B (Qualifying Nature) | |
| Duration & Questions | 60 minutes for 75 questions |
| Nature of Section | Qualifying only |
| Requirement | Minimum qualifying marks: 35% (applicable to all categories). Failure in Part-B disqualifies the candidate even with high Part-A scores |
| Syllabus | Technical knowledge based on standard DGT trade Syllabus |
| Trade Selection | Candidates with Degree/Diploma must select a relevant trade (e.g., Electrical Engineering graduates may choose Electrician, Wireman, etc.) |
3. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
Shortlisted candidates (8 times the vacancies) from CBT-2 appear for the CBAT.
- Format: There is no negative marking in this stage.
- Qualification: Candidates must secure a minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery separately to qualify.
- Weightage: The final merit list is prepared by giving 70% weightage to Part-A of CBT-2 and 30% weightage to the CBAT score.
RRB ALP : Syllabus
Mathematics |
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Mental Ability (Reasoning) |
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General Science |
Note: The General Science Syllabus covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level. |
General Awareness |
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Related Links :
| RRB Peramedical CBT 1 Exam Date Out | RRB Technician Exam Date Out |
