The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) exam to recruit candidates for one of the most sought-after positions in the Indian Railways. To excel in the RRB ALP exam, a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern is vital. This article provides an in-depth overview of the RRB ALP syllabus, exam pattern, and recommended books available on Amazon to boost your preparation. FAQs have also been included to resolve common queries.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern
| Mode of Exam | Marking Scheme | Negative Marking | Selection Process |
| Online | 1 mark for 1 question | ⅓rd marks for each wrong answer |
|
| RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2024 | |||
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 75 | 75 | |
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern
| RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2024 | ||||
| Papers | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 90 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | ||
| Basic Science and Engineering | 40 | 40 | ||
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | ||
| Total | 100 | 100 | ||
| Paper 2 | Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| Overall Total | 175 | 175 | 150 minutes | |
The RRB ALP exam consists of four stages:
- First Stage CBT (Computer-Based Test)
- Second Stage CBT
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Document Verification
| Stage | Subjects | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Stage CBT | Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness on Current Affairs | 75 | 75 | 1 Hour |
| Second Stage CBT Part A | Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, General Awareness on Current Affairs | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
| Second Stage CBT Part B | Relevant Trade Knowledge | 75 | 75 | 1 Hour |
| CBAT | Psycho Test | – | Qualifying | Varies |
Key Points:
- The first and second stage CBTs are objective type with multiple-choice questions.
- CBAT is qualifying in nature and focuses on aptitude.
- The language of the exam is bilingual (Hindi and English).
RRB ALP Syllabus
The syllabus for the RRB ALP exam is categorized into different sections:
1. Mathematics:
- Number Systems
- Percentages
- Time and Distance
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning:
- Analogies
- Coding-Decoding
- Puzzle Solving
- Decision Making
- Statement and Assumptions
3. General Science:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
4. General Awareness on Current Affairs:
- Sports
- Awards and Honors
- National and International Events
5. Basic Science & Engineering (Second Stage CBT):
- Engineering Drawing
- Basics of Electricity
- Fundamentals of Computers
- Measurements and Instrumentation
6. Relevant Trade Knowledge (Second Stage CBT Part B):
- Trade-specific topics related to Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and other engineering trades.
RRB ALP Notifcation,
RRB ALP Vacancy CEN No. 01/2026 dates out 9,970 Assistant Loco Pilot Posts
RRB ALP CEN 01/2024 CBT 1 Result soon rrbapply.gov.in
Recommended Books for RRB ALP Exam
To streamline your preparation, here is a list of recommended books available on Amazon:
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Price Range (INR) | Link |
| RRB ALP Technician CBT Guide | Arihant Experts | 350-450 | Buy Now |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | 500-600 | Buy Now |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | 450-550 | Buy Now |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Disha Experts | 300-400 | Buy Now |
| RRB CBT General Awareness | Lucent Publications | 350-450 | Buy Now |
| Trade Theory for Relevant Engineering Trades | NSQF | 500-700 | Buy Now |
Note: Prices are indicative and may vary.
FAQs
Q1. What is the RRB ALP exam? The RRB ALP exam is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board to recruit candidates for the position of Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the RRB ALP exam? Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks for every incorrect answer in the CBT stages.
Q3. What is the duration of the RRB ALP first stage CBT? The first stage CBT is conducted for a duration of 1 hour.
Q4. Can I attempt the RRB ALP exam in Hindi? Yes, the exam is bilingual and can be attempted in Hindi or English.
Q5. Is the CBAT mandatory for all candidates? No, the CBAT is mandatory only for candidates applying for the Assistant Loco Pilot post.