
RRB ALP Syllabus: Complete Guide for Assistant Loco Pilot Exam Preparation
The RRB ALP Recruitment, governed by CEN No. 01/2024 (released January 20, 2024), offers a golden opportunity to join Indian Railways as an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) with 5,696 vacancies across various RRBs. The selection process includes multiple stages: First Stage CBT (CBT-1), Second Stage CBT (CBT-2), Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination (ME). To succeed, mastering the RRB ALP Syllabus is crucial. This SEO-optimized guide provides a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for CBT-1 and CBT-2, helping aspirants prepare effectively.
Last Updated: March 27, 2025
Overview of the RRB ALP Exam
Page Contents
The RRB ALP exam tests candidates across technical and general domains:
- CBT-1: Screening test with objective questions (Page 10).
- CBT-2: Two-part exam (Part-A: Merit-based, Part-B: Qualifying) assessing technical and general skills (Page 11).
- CBAT: Aptitude test for shortlisted candidates (Page 12).
Negative marking applies in CBT-1 and CBT-2 (@1/3rd mark per wrong answer, Pages 3, 10, 11). Below is the comprehensive syllabus.
RRB ALP Syllabus: Stage-Wise Breakdown
1. CBT-1 Syllabus (First Stage)
- Purpose: Screening test to shortlist candidates for CBT-2 (marks not counted in final merit, Page 10).
- Duration: 60 minutes.
- Questions/Marks: 75 questions, 75 marks (1 mark per question).
- Minimum Pass Percentage: UR & EWS: 40%, OBC (NCL): 30%, SC: 30%, ST: 25% (Page 10).
- Key Topics (Page 10):
- Mathematics:
- Number system, BODMAS, decimals, fractions.
- LCM, HCF, ratio and proportion, percentages.
- Mensuration, time and work, time and distance.
- Simple and compound interest, profit and loss.
- Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, elementary statistics.
- Square root, age calculations, calendar & clock, pipes & cistern.
- Mental Ability:
- Analogies, alphabetical and number series.
- Coding-decoding, mathematical operations, relationships.
- Syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagram.
- Data interpretation and sufficiency, conclusions, and decision-making.
- Similarities and differences, analytical reasoning.
- Classification, directions, statement-arguments, and assumptions.
- General Science:
- Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences (10th standard level).
- Topics include mechanics, electricity, the human body, and environmental science.
- General Awareness:
- Current affairs.
- Science & technology, sports, culture, personalities.
- Economics, politics, and other important subjects.
2. CBT-2 Syllabus (Second Stage)
- Purpose: Main exam for merit list preparation (Part-A) and qualification (Part-B) (Page 11).
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (Part-A: 90 minutes, Part-B: 60 minutes).
- Questions/Marks: Total 175 questions (Part-A: 100, Part-B: 75).
- Minimum Pass Percentage: Part-A – UR & EWS: 40%, OBC (NCL): 30%, SC: 30%, ST: 25%; Part-B – 35% for all (Page 11).
Part-A Syllabus (Merit-Based, Page 11)
- Mathematics:
- Same as CBT-1: Number system, BODMAS, fractions, LCM, HCF, etc.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning:
- Same as CBT-1: Analogies, coding-decoding, syllogism, etc.
- Basic Science and Engineering:
- Engineering Drawing (projections, views, instruments, lines, geometric figures, symbolic representation).
- Units, measurements, mass, weight, density.
- Work, power, energy, speed, velocity.
- Heat and temperature, basic electricity.
- Levers, simple machines, occupational safety and health.
- Environment education, IT literacy.
Part-B Syllabus (Qualifying, Page 11)
- Trade-Specific Questions:
- Based on syllabi from the Directorate General of Training (DGT) (https://dgt.gov.in).
- Qualifying mark: 35% for all candidates.
- Trades depend on qualification (Page 12):
- Electrical Engineering: Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder, Refrigeration & AC 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.
3. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) Syllabus
- Purpose: Assesses aptitude for ALP role (Page 12).
- Shortlisting: 8 times the vacancies based on CBT-2 Part-A marks and Part-B qualification.
- Qualifying Marks: Minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery (Page 12).
- Details:
- Conducted in English and Hindi only.
- No negative marking.
- Tests include memory, perception, reasoning, and psychomotor skills.
- Check RDSO links for practice: rdso.indianrailways.gov.in > Psychology > Candidate’s Corner.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern
Stage | Duration | Questions | Marks | Type | Negative Marking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CBT-1 | 60 minutes | 75 | 75 | Objective (MCQs) | Yes (1/3rd mark) |
CBT-2 (Part-A) | 90 minutes | 100 | 100 | Objective (MCQs) | Yes (1/3rd mark) |
CBT-2 (Part-B) | 60 minutes | 75 | Qualifying | Objective (MCQs) | Yes (1/3rd mark) |
CBAT | – | – | – | Aptitude Test | No |
- Normalization: Applied for multi-shift CBTs (Pages 3, 10, 11).
- Language: CBT-1 & CBT-2 in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages; CBAT in English & Hindi only (Page 14).
Eligibility and Essential Qualifications
- Age: 18-30 years as on July 1, 2024 (relaxations apply, Page 5).
- Educational Qualification (Page 17):
- Matriculation/SSLC + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in specified trades OR Course Completed Act Apprenticeship.
- OR Matriculation/SSLC + 3-year Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile Engineering.
- OR Degree in the above engineering disciplines.
- Medical Standard: A-1 (Page 4).
Preparation Tips for RRB ALP Syllabus
- CBT-1: Focus on 10th-standard science, practice math shortcuts, and stay updated with current affairs.
- CBT-2: Study engineering basics (Part-A) and trade-specific topics (Part-B) from DGT syllabi.
- CBAT: Practice aptitude tests via RDSO resources.
- Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions for time management.
Conclusion
The RRB ALP Syllabus is your roadmap to securing one of the 5,696 ALP vacancies. With a structured approach to CBT-1, CBT-2, and CBAT, aspirants can excel in this competitive exam. Start preparing now, refer to official RRB websites, and aim for a rewarding career in Indian Railways., but stay tuned for exam dates!