RRB ALP Preparation Guide: CBT Stages, Syllabus & CBAT
Railway (RRB) Exams · Updated September 2026
The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) is the operational heart of Indian Railways — the post that eventually leads to Loco Pilot. The recruitment attracts both ITI/diploma holders and engineering candidates because of its clear career track.
Selection runs through two computer-based tests, then a psycho-aptitude test (CBAT) unique to safety-category railway posts, and finally document verification and medicals — including strict vision standards.
Stage-wise pattern
Both CBTs carry one-third negative marking. CBT 2’s Part B is a trade test scored as qualifying only.
- CBT 1 — 75 questions, 60 minutes: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness/Current Affairs. Screening stage.
- CBT 2 Part A — 100 questions, 90 minutes: Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, and Current Affairs. Merit-deciding.
- CBT 2 Part B — trade-specific qualifying test (roughly an hour) mapped to your ITI trade / engineering discipline.
- CBAT — computer-based aptitude test with no negative marking; a minimum score in every test battery is mandatory for ALP.
Syllabus highlights
Basic Science & Engineering is the distinctive block: units and measurements, mass-weight-density, speed and velocity, work-power-energy, heat, levers and simple machines, occupational safety, and basic electricity. ITI-trade candidates should revise their trade theory thoroughly for Part B, while the aptitude stage (memory, following directions, concentration, perceptual speed) rewards practicing the official test formats beforehand.
Preparation strategy
ALP is a stamina exam — four distinct stages over months. Stage-appropriate preparation beats trying to master everything at once.
- Until CBT 1: maths + reasoning speed work and Class-10 science PYQs daily.
- Between stages: shift weight to Basic Science & Engineering and your trade syllabus.
- Practice CBAT-style aptitude batteries early — they are unfamiliar to most and cannot be crammed.
- Confirm you meet the medical (A1 vision) standard before investing months of preparation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the eligibility for RRB ALP?
Matriculation plus ITI in specified trades, or a diploma/degree in engineering for many streams; age is generally 18–30 with relaxations. The exact trade-to-post mapping is in the official notification.
Is the CBAT very difficult?
It is unusual rather than difficult — memory, direction-following and concentration test batteries under time pressure. Candidates who practice the published sample batteries pass comfortably; unprepared candidates fail despite strong CBT scores.
Does Part B of CBT 2 count in merit?
No, it is qualifying only — but failing it eliminates you, so trade theory revision is non-negotiable.
What vision standards does ALP require?
ALP is a safety-category post with strict medical standards (A1), including distant and near vision requirements and colour-vision tests. Verify the standards in the notification before applying.
Put this strategy into practice
Attempt a free full-length mock on the current pattern, or drill previous-year questions topic by topic.
Selection With Sathi is an independent educational platform, not affiliated with any government recruitment body. Exam patterns, dates, vacancies and eligibility rules change from cycle to cycle — always verify the details in the official notification before applying.