• Updated on 22 Sept, 2026 by Paulami Chandra
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The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is structured to assess candidates on their mathematical, reasoning, scientific, general awareness, and technical knowledge required for the post of Assistant Loco Pilots in the Indian Railways. The RRB ALP recruitment 2026 process conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board includes multiple stages. Each stage of the RRB ALP selection process 2026 assesses different skills and subject areas required for the Assistant Loco Pilot role and railway operations. Under CEN 01/2025, the recruitment is being conducted for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies.
The RRB ALP syllabus 2026 varies across the different stages. In the CBT 1 stage, the syllabus covers Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science, and General Awareness/Current Affairs. The CBT 2 Part A includes Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering, and Part B tests candidates on trade-related subjects. Candidates shortlisted through CBT 2 for applicable posts then appear for the Computer-Based Aptitude Test, which assesses their aptitude for ALP duties. The RRB ALP CBT 1 exam 2026 is scheduled from November 3 to 5, 2026. Both CBT 1 and CBT 2 carry 1 mark for each correct answer, with 1/3 mark deducted for every incorrect response.
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RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 Highlights
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is different across multiple stages of the selection process. The recruitment process involves CBT Stage 1, CBT Stage 2 (Part A & Part B), CBAT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Candidates must clear each stage for recruitment as an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) in the Indian Railways.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026
The RRB ALP CBT 1 2026 is the first stage of the selection process and serves as a screening test for candidates applying for the Assistant Loco Pilot post. The RRB ALP CBT 1 exam 2026 is scheduled to be conducted from November 3 to 5, 2026, under CEN 01/2026. The paper assesses candidates in Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science, and General Awareness/Current Affairs, covering the basic numerical, reasoning, scientific, and general knowledge skills required for the recruitment process. Accuracy and time management are necessary to be able to complete this time-based exam on time.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for the CBT Stage 2 exam is divided into two sections – Part A and Part B. The syllabus for the first section is common for all the candidates and tests candidates for Mathematical ability, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering, while the second section is trade-specific, testing the candidate’s knowledge of their respective technical qualification.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026 for Part A (Common for All Candidates)
Part A for RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is divided into three sections – Mathematics, General Intelligence, and Basic Science & Engineering. Marks obtained in this stage are added to the final merit score, carrying a total of 70 per cent weightage in the score calculation.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026 for Part B (Trade-specific)
Part B for RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is trade-specific, varying for each subject. The syllabus for this stage is prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), based on the trade selection made by the candidates. This stage is qualifying in nature, and marks obtained in this section are not added for the final merit score preparation.
RRB ALP CBAT Syllabus 2026
Candidates qualifying in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) assessment are shortlisted for the Computer-based Aptitude Test (CBAT), which evaluates the candidates on their decision-making and perceptual ability required for handling the real-time operations in Indian Railways as an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP). Negative Marking is not applicable in this stage; candidates only have to qualify for the aptitude test.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
RRB ALP 2026 exam is conducted in a multi-stage selection process across CBT I, CBT II, Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification, and Medical Examination, with a distinctive exam pattern followed by each of the stages. Negative marking is applicable in the CBT stages and not the CBAT stage.
Check: RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
RRB ALP Preparation Tips 2026
Understanding the RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern is crucial for strategising the exam preparation. Candidates can follow the tips mentioned below for improving their performance:
- Build strong fundamentals in the general subjects by studying the basic books first, and then moving on to the advanced books afterwards.
- Daily practice is required for improving accuracy and speed on the examination date. Candidates can attempt the mock test and previous year questions for the same.
- Technical subjects should be studied properly, as even if the marks are not counted in the merit list, the paper is necessary for qualifying in Stage 2.
- Stay updated with the current happenings for a minimum of around 8-10 months.
- A realistic study schedule helps the candidates to prepare consistently and improve their performance in the examination.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What does the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 broadly cover?
The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is divided stage-wise to assess candidates on their numerical, reasoning, scientific, engineering, and trade-specific knowledge. Under CEN 01/2026, CBT 1 covers Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science, while CBT 2 Part A includes Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering. CBT 2 Part B focuses on trade-related subjects based on the candidate’s prescribed ITI/NTC or relevant technical qualification.
What is the level of General Science in the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026?
The General Science section of the RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus 2026 is based on the 10th-standard level. It covers the fundamentals of Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences, broadly aligned with the level of secondary-school science. Candidates can therefore focus on understanding basic concepts, principles, and their practical applications rather than advanced science topics.
What is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for the CBAT stage?
The RRB ALP CBAT 2026 does not have a conventional subject-wise syllabus. It assesses candidates through aptitude test batteries designed to evaluate skills required for Assistant Loco Pilot duties. Candidates are required to qualify in each test battery separately and must secure a minimum T-score of 42 in every test battery, irrespective of their category. The RRB ALP CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi and has no negative marking.
Is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for CBT Stage 2 common for all the candidates?
The syllabus for the first section of the CBT Stage 2 is common for all the candidates, while the second section is trade-specific and differs for candidates on the basis of the trade selected by them.
What is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for CBT Stage 1?
RRB ALP CBT Stage 1 evaluates candidates' numerical ability, reasoning ability, general awareness, and scientific understanding.
Can candidates cover the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 in 6 months?
Yes, candidates can cover the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 in 6 months with consistent preparation and daily practice of Mock Tests and Previous-Year Questions.
What is the qualifying nature for RRB ALP 2026 CBT Stage 2?
CBT Stage 2 Part A marks are counted for final merit, while Part B stage is only qualifying in nature.
What is CBAT in the RRB ALP 2026 Exam?
RRB ALP 2026 CBAT Stage evaluates the candidates on their decision-making and perceptual ability required for handling the real-time operations in Indian Railways as an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP).
How is the score calculated for the final merit list preparation?
The final merit list preparation is based on marks scored in the CBT Stage 2 Part A (70% weightage) exam and the CBAT performance (30% weightage).
Is negative marking applicable for the RRB ALP 2026 exam?
Yes, negative marking is applicable for CBT Stages, while the CBAT stage doesn't follow a negative marking scheme.