The Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot (RRB ALP) 2026 exam is one of the largest railway recruitment exercises in India, with over 18,000 expected vacancies across ALP and Technician posts in various railway zones. Before building a study plan, you need a precise understanding of what topics are tested at each stage — CBT 1, CBT 2 Part A, CBT 2 Part B (trade subject), and the Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for ALP posts. This article gives you the complete, stage-wise RRB ALP 2026 syllabus.
RRB ALP 2026 Selection Process
RRB ALP 2026 follows a four-stage process. CBT 1 is the first screening and determines who sits for CBT 2. CBT 2 has two parts: Part A (general technical subjects, common to all) and Part B (trade-specific subjects). Performance on CBT 2 Part A determines who qualifies for CBAT (ALP post applicants) or Document Verification (Technician applicants). Part B scores are used only for Technician post merit — they do not factor into ALP selection. Document Verification is the final stage before appointment.
CBT 1 Syllabus — 75 Questions, 60 Minutes
CBT 1 is a qualifying test with a 1/3 mark negative marking penalty. It covers four subject areas:
- Mathematics (20 questions): Number system, BODMAS, decimals and fractions, LCM and HCF, ratio and proportion, percentages, mensuration, time and work, time and distance, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, elementary algebra, geometry and trigonometry, and elementary statistics.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions): Analogies, alphabetical and number series, coding and decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, syllogism, jumbling, Venn diagrams, data interpretation, conclusions and decision making, similarities and differences, analytical reasoning, classification, directions, and statement-arguments and assumptions.
- General Science (20 questions): Physics, chemistry, and life sciences at Class 10 CBSE level. Physics covers laws of motion, work and energy, electricity and magnetism, light, and sound. Chemistry covers chemical reactions, acids and bases, metals and non-metals, and carbon compounds. Life Sciences cover life processes, control and coordination, reproduction, and heredity.
- General Awareness on Current Affairs (10 questions): Science and technology, sports, culture, personalities, economics, politics, and national and international events from the preceding 12 months.
CBT 2 Syllabus — Part A: 100 Questions, 90 Minutes
CBT 2 Part A has a 1/3 mark negative marking penalty and covers three subject areas:
- Mathematics (35 questions): All CBT 1 Mathematics topics with greater depth in algebra, geometry, trigonometry (identities and equations), coordinate geometry, and statistics. Data interpretation questions are more complex at this level.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 questions): All CBT 1 reasoning topics, plus harder data interpretation, seating arrangements, input-output, and data sufficiency questions requiring multi-step reasoning.
- Basic Science and Engineering (40 questions): This is the most distinctive Part A section and the one most candidates underestimate. It tests applied engineering fundamentals, not just textbook theory.
Basic Science and Engineering: Full Topic List
- Engineering Drawing: Projections (first angle and third angle), sectional views, isometric views, drawing instruments and their use, geometric constructions, representation of standard components.
- Units and Measurements: SI units, derived units, dimensional analysis, conversion between unit systems, instruments and measurement error.
- Mass, Weight and Density: Definitions, units, relationship between them, centre of gravity, specific gravity.
- Work, Power and Energy: Definitions and equations, kinetic and potential energy, work-energy theorem, mechanical efficiency, power units.
- Speed and Velocity: Scalars and vectors, equations of motion, relative velocity, projectile motion basics.
- Heat and Temperature: Temperature scales and conversion, thermal expansion, specific heat, latent heat, modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation).
- Basic Electricity: Ohm's law, resistors in series and parallel, Kirchhoff's laws, power and energy in electrical circuits, AC versus DC, basic concepts of electromagnetic induction.
- Levers and Simple Machines: Classes of levers, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, efficiency of machines including pulleys, inclined planes, and screws.
- Occupational Safety and Health: Safety signs and their meanings, personal protective equipment, fire safety basics, first aid principles, factory safety regulations at a general level.
- Environment Education: Pollution types and sources, waste management basics, environmental laws at a general awareness level.
CBT 2 Syllabus — Part B: Trade Subjects, 75 Questions, 60 Minutes
CBT 2 Part B has no negative marking. It tests trade-specific knowledge, and the trade paper assigned depends on the post applied for and the trade qualifications declared on the application form. Common trade categories include Electrician, Fitter, Electronics Mechanic, Welder, Wireman, Machinist, Refrigeration and AC Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, and several others. The detailed syllabus for each trade follows the NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) trade curriculum at ITI level.
For candidates with engineering diploma or degree qualifications who do not hold an ITI certificate, the trade syllabus is mapped to the corresponding diploma engineering stream. The official RRB notification specifies the trade-to-discipline mapping. Always cross-check your declared qualification with the mapping table before finalising your Part B study plan.
Important: Part B scores are only used to determine merit for Technician post selection. For ALP post selection, only Part A scores matter — Part B is irrelevant to ALP merit ranking. If you are applying specifically for ALP, plan your preparation time allocation accordingly.
CBAT — Computer Based Aptitude Test (ALP Posts Only)
Candidates who qualify CBT 2 Part A for ALP posts are called for the Computer Based Aptitude Test. CBAT is a qualifying test — there is no merit ranking based on CBAT scores, only a minimum threshold (T-score of 42 on each battery). The CBAT tests seven psychometric aptitude batteries:
- Memory
- Following Directions
- Concentration
- Perceptual Speed
- Information Ordering
- Spatial Scanning
- Rate Control
These are measured through computerised psychometric instruments, not traditional question-answer tests. The best preparation is to practice CBAT-style aptitude tests regularly in the months before the exam. Familiarity with the test interface and question types significantly reduces performance anxiety on the day.
Recommended Preparation Strategy for RRB ALP 2026
Months 1–2 — Build CBT 1 foundation. Cover Mathematics and General Science thoroughly. Both sections have well-defined syllabi and respond quickly to topic-wise practice. Complete NCERT Science (Class 9 and 10) for the General Science section — it is the primary source for these questions. Take full CBT 1 mocks weekly from month two. GridAcademy offers free RRB ALP CBT 1 mock tests built to the correct 2026 pattern.
Months 3–4 — Build CBT 2 Part A. Add Basic Science and Engineering to your daily schedule. If you come from an ITI or engineering background, this reinforces concepts you already know at a higher level of application. If you do not have a technical background, begin with NCERT Physics (Class 9–10) for fundamentals before moving to engineering application topics.
Month 5 — Trade subject revision for Technician applicants. Use your ITI textbooks and NCVT study material as the primary source for Part B. Focus on your specific trade. Practice sets for trade subjects are available from most coaching institutes and online platforms.
Throughout — Full mock tests and CBAT practice. Do not leave CBAT preparation until the last moment. Begin practicing aptitude test batteries from month three alongside your CBT content preparation. The format is unfamiliar and requires exposure time to perform well on.