Dreaming of a career as an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) with Indian Railways? The RRB ALP exam is your ticket to one of the most prestigious jobs in the country. But cracking it requires a solid grasp of the RRB ALP Syllabus 2024, exam pattern, and smart preparation strategies.
Whether you’re appearing for CBT 1, CBT 2, or the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), this guide breaks down everything—subject-wise topics, marking scheme, negative marking, and expert tips—to help you ace the exam. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights of RRB ALP 2024 📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Vacancies | 9,900 (as per 2025 notification) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1 → CBT 2 → CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Exam |
| Total Questions (CBT 1) | 75 (Maths, Reasoning, Science, GK) |
| Total Questions (CBT 2) | 175 (Part A: 100, Part B: 75) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (⅓ mark deduction per wrong answer) |
| CBAT Qualifying Marks | 42/100 in each test battery |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbapply.com |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2024: CBT 1 vs. CBT 2 vs. CBAT 🗓
1. CBT 1 Exam Pattern (Screening Test)
This is the first hurdle, testing basic knowledge in:
| Subject | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 mins |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
🔹 Key Facts:
- Negative marking: ⅓ mark deduction per wrong answer.
- Qualifying marks: 40% for UR, 30% for OBC/SC, 25% for ST .
2. CBT 2 Exam Pattern (Main Exam)
Cleared CBT 1? Now comes CBT 2, split into Part A (scoring) & Part B (qualifying).
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A (Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engg.) | 100 | 100 | 90 mins |
| Part B (Relevant Trade) | 75 | 75 | 60 mins |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 2.5 hrs |
🔹 Key Facts:
- Part B is qualifying (35% marks needed).
- Only Part A marks count for shortlisting .
3. CBAT (Psycho Test for ALP Only)
If you’re aiming for ALP, you’ll face the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). It checks:
✅ Memory & Observation (e.g., recalling railway maps)
✅ Depth Perception (judging distances)
✅ Decision-Making Speed (matching figures quickly)
🔹 Key Facts:
- No negative marking.
- Minimum 42/100 needed in each test .
RRB ALP Syllabus 2024: Subject-Wise Breakdown 📚
1. CBT 1 Syllabus (75 Questions)
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Number system, BODMAS, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Algebra, Geometry |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Blood Relations |
| General Science | Physics (10th level), Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Awards, Sports, Indian Polity, Economy |
🔹 Pro Tip: Focus on speed & accuracy—CBT 1 is just a screening test!
2. CBT 2 Syllabus (175 Questions)
Part A (100 Qs)
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Same as CBT 1 but tougher (Trigonometry, Statistics) |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Similar to CBT 1, but more complex puzzles |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Engineering Drawing, Units, Work-Energy, Basic Electricity |
Part B (75 Qs – Trade-Specific)
| Trade | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | Motors, Switches, Magnetism, 3-Phase Systems |
| Mechanical Engineering | IC Engines, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer |
| Electronics Engineering | Digital Electronics, Transistors, Microprocessors |
🔹 Expert Insight:
“Part B is qualifying, but don’t ignore it! Many candidates lose focus here and fail to clear the 35% cutoff.” — Railway Exam Coach .
How to Prepare for RRB ALP 2024? 🎯
1. Study Plan for CBT 1 & 2
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Maths (BODMAS, Percentage, Time & Work) |
| 3-4 | Reasoning (Coding, Syllogism, Puzzles) |
| 5-6 | Science (Physics Formulas, Chemistry Basics) |
| 7-8 | Trade Syllabus (Electrical/Mechanical) |
2. Books to Refer
| Subject | Best Book |
|---|---|
| Maths | Fast Track Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Science | Lucent’s General Science |
🔹 Real-Life Example:
“Rahul, a 2023 ALP qualifier, focused on previous year papers and scored 90% in CBT 2 by revising trade subjects daily.” .
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Competition!
The RRB ALP 2024 exam is highly competitive, but with the right strategy, you can crack it. Stick to the syllabus, practice mock tests, and don’t underestimate CBAT—it’s a game-changer for ALP posts.
🚀 Pro Tip: Download the RRB ALP Syllabus PDF from the official site and start today!
Got questions? Drop them below—we’re happy to help! 🚂💨
(Need previous year papers? Check RRB’s official website for updates!)
