• Updated on 22 Oct, 2026 by Nishad Anjum
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The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 applies to CEN 01/2026, notified on 14 May 2026 for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot posts. CBT 1 is scheduled from 3 to 5 November 2026. The syllabus changed this year: General Awareness has been removed from CBT 1, and CBAT now carries 50% of the final merit.
The previous cycle, CEN 01/2025, has 10,970 revised posts and is at the CBAT stage. Its CBT 2 result came on 1 October 2026, and CBAT is on 30 October 2026. It follows the old rules: General Awareness in CBT 1 and a 70:30 merit split.
An Assistant Loco Pilot assists the Loco Pilot in running trains. The post requires Class 10 with ITI in notified trades, or an engineering diploma. The age limit is 18 to 30 years as on 1 July 2026, and the pay is Level 2 at INR 19,900. Selection has five stages.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 Highlights
RRB ALP has five stages: CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A and Part B), CBAT, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. CBT 1 only screens. Part B is qualifying. Under CEN 01/2026, Part A and CBAT carry 50% each.
What Changed in RRB ALP Syllabus 2026
Two changes matter in RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 under CEN 01/2026. In the recent change, General Awareness and Current Affairs have been removed from CBT 1. Now CBAT weight rises from 30% to 50%. The CBT 1 format, the CBT 2 format, and the negative marking are unchanged.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026
CBT 1 is the screening test. It has 75 questions for 75 marks in 60 minutes and is scheduled from 3 to 5 November 2026 under CEN 01/2026. It covers Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science.
Accuracy matters because each wrong answer costs one-third of a mark. CBT 1 marks do not count in final merit. The result only shortlists candidates for CBT 2, RRB-wise, using normalised scores.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 CBT 2 has two parts. Part A has 100 questions in 90 minutes and decides merit. Part B has 75 questions in 60 minutes on the candidate’s trade and is qualifying, with a minimum of 35%.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026 for Part A (Common for All Candidates)
Part A covers Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and Basic Science and Engineering. Its marks carry 50% weightage in final merit under CEN 01/2026. Under CEN 01/2025, the weightage is 70%.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus 2026 for Part B (Trade-Specific)
Part B is trade-specific, as prescribed by the Directorate General of Training, and follows the trade chosen by the candidate. Marks are not added to the final merit. A minimum of 35% is needed to qualify.
RRB ALP CBAT Syllabus 2026
CBAT is the aptitude test for ALP candidates shortlisted from CBT 2 Part A. It has no negative marking. A minimum T-score of 42 is needed in each test battery, irrespective of category.
CBAT is held only in English and Hindi. It carries 50% of final merit under CEN 01/2026 and 30% under CEN 01/2025. The CEN 01/2025 CBAT is on 30 October 2026.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
After the RRB ALP Syllabus, the exam pattern is also an important part. Negative marking is 1/3 mark in CBT 1, CBT 2 Part A and Part B, and none in CBAT. Each correct answer earns one mark. The table shows the pattern for CEN 01/2026, with merit weights for both cycles.
RRB ALP Preparation Tips 2026
Follow these RRB ALP preparation tips to get a better understanding of the exam
- Time limits: CBT 1 allows about 48 seconds per question (75 in 60 minutes). CBT 2 Part A allows about 54 seconds (100 in 90 minutes).
- No General Awareness: CBT 1 no longer has it, so time can go to Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Science.
- Basic Science and Engineering: It is a full section of CBT 2 Part A. Drawing, electrical and electronics basics, and mechanics need regular revision.
- Part B: Its marks do not count, but a minimum of 35% is required, so trade revision cannot be skipped.
- CBAT: At 50% of merit, it needs mock practice. Each battery needs a T-score of at least 42.
- Wrong answers: Each one costs one-third of a mark, so guesses need care.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What does the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 broadly cover?
Under CEN 01/2026, CBT 1 covers Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. CBT 2 Part A covers Mathematics, Reasoning, and Basic Science and Engineering. Part B is trade-related, based on the candidate’s ITI or technical qualification. CBAT has aptitude batteries.
Is General Awareness removed from RRB ALP CBT 1 in 2026?
Yes. CBT 1 under CEN 01/2026 has 75 questions across three subjects: Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. Current Affairs is no longer part of it.
What is the level of General Science in the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026?
It is at the Class 10 level. It covers the basics of Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences. Understanding concepts and principles matters more than advanced topics.
What is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for the CBAT stage?
CBAT has no conventional subject-wise syllabus. It uses aptitude test batteries for skills needed in ALP duties. A minimum T-score of 42 is needed in every battery, irrespective of category. It is held only in English and Hindi, with no negative marking.
Is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for CBT Stage 2 common for all candidates?
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 Part A is common for all candidates. Part B is trade-specific and differs by the trade the candidate selected.
What is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for CBT Stage 1?
CBT 1 tests Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. It has 75 questions for 75 marks in 60 minutes and screens candidates for CBT 2.
How much time is left for RRB ALP CBT 1 2026?
CBT 1 for CEN 01/2026 starts on 3 November 2026, which is 12 days from 22 October. The e-call letter is expected about 4 days before each candidate’s exam date.
What is the qualifying nature of RRB ALP CBT Stage 2?
Part A marks are counted for final merit. Part B is only qualifying, with a minimum of 35%.
What is CBAT in the RRB ALP 2026 exam?
CBAT evaluates decision-making and perceptual ability needed for real-time operations as an Assistant Loco Pilot. It is mandatory for ALP candidates shortlisted from CBT 2.
How is the final merit list calculated?
For CEN 01/2026, it is 50% CBT 2 Part A and 50% CBAT. For CEN 01/2025, it is 70% CBT 2 Part A and 30% CBAT. CBT 1 marks are not counted.
Is negative marking applicable for the RRB ALP 2026 exam?
Yes. One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2 (Part A and Part B). CBAT has no negative marking.