RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 — Complete CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A & B), CBAT Topic-Wise Guide for All Trades

By Sarkari Nokrii Team | About Us
Published: 12 May 2026 | Last Updated: 12 May 2026

The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 has been officially released by Railway Recruitment Board along with notification CEN No. 01/2026 for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot posts, as per official notice. The selection process consists of four stages — First Stage CBT, Second Stage CBT (Part A & Part B), Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination. This complete topic-wise RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 covers every section of all stages — Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness, Basic Science & Engineering, and trade-specific Part B syllabus for Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automobile, Fitter, Electrician, and other relevant trades. With application window open from 11 May to 14 June 2026 at rrbapply.gov.in, candidates have approximately 3–4 months to prepare. This page is your one-stop preparation guide with detailed syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, qualifying cut-offs, best books, free study resources, and proven strategy.

📑 Table of Contents

1. RRB ALP 2026 — Selection Process Overview
2. CBT 1 — Complete Exam Pattern
3. CBT 1 — Topic-Wise Syllabus (4 Sections)
4. CBT 1 Mathematics Syllabus
5. CBT 1 Reasoning Syllabus
6. CBT 1 General Science Syllabus
7. CBT 1 General Awareness Syllabus
8. CBT 2 — Complete Exam Pattern
9. CBT 2 Part A — Syllabus
10. Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2 Part A)
11. CBT 2 Part B — Trade-Wise Syllabus
12. Fitter Trade Syllabus
13. Electrician Trade Syllabus
14. Mechanic Diesel Syllabus
15. Electronics Mechanic Syllabus
16. Mechanical Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus
17. Electrical Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus
18. Electronics Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus
19. Automobile Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus
20. CBAT — Computer Based Aptitude Test (Psycho)
21. Qualifying Marks & Cut-Off
22. Preparation Strategy (4-Month Plan)
23. Best Books & Free Resources
24. Important Links
25. Frequently Asked Questions

📌 RRB ALP 2026 — Selection Process Overview

The RRB Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment 2026 selection happens in four mandatory stages, followed by document verification and medical examination, as per official notice:

Stage	Test Name	Questions / Marks	Duration	Nature
Stage 1	First Stage CBT (CBT 1)	75 / 75	60 min	Screening
Stage 2	Second Stage CBT Part A	100 / 100	90 min	Merit (Counted)
Stage 2	Second Stage CBT Part B	75 / 75	60 min	Qualifying Only
Stage 3	Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)	~100 (6 batteries)	~90 min	Qualifying (No relaxation)
Stage 4	Document Verification	—	—	Mandatory
Stage 5	Medical Examination (A-1)	—	—	Mandatory

Final Merit: Based on CBT 2 Part A score (70% weightage) + CBAT score (30% weightage), as per official notice.

📝 CBT 1 — Complete Exam Pattern

The First Stage CBT is the screening test. Approximately 15× the total vacancies are shortlisted from CBT 1 for CBT 2, as per official notice.

Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Total Duration
Mathematics	20	20	60 minutes (80 min for PwBD with scribe)
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	25
General Science	20	20
General Awareness & Current Affairs	10	10
Total	75	75

Key Points:

• Negative marking: 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer
• No deduction for unattempted questions
• Languages available: 15 (English, Hindi, Urdu, and 12 regional languages)
• Question type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only
• Minimum qualifying marks: UR — 40%, OBC/SC — 30%, ST — 25%

📚 CBT 1 — Topic-Wise Syllabus (4 Sections)

The CBT 1 syllabus is divided into four equally important sections. Detailed topic-wise breakdown follows.

➗ CBT 1 Mathematics Syllabus (20 Marks)

Mathematics is the most scoring section if approached methodically. The CBT 1 Mathematics syllabus is at 10th standard level and covers the following topics, as per official notice:

• Number System: Natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, real numbers, divisibility rules, factors and multiples, prime numbers, composite numbers
• BODMAS: Order of operations, simplification of complex arithmetic expressions involving brackets, orders, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction
• Decimals & Fractions: Conversion, simplification, comparison, recurring decimals
• LCM & HCF: Methods of finding LCM and HCF, relationship between LCM and HCF, word problems
• Ratio & Proportion: Simple ratio, compound ratio, continued proportion, fourth proportional, direct and indirect variation
• Percentage: Finding percentage, percentage increase/decrease, percentage change problems, profit and loss percentages
• Mensuration: Area and perimeter of 2D figures (square, rectangle, triangle, circle, parallelogram, trapezium, rhombus), volume and surface area of 3D figures (cube, cuboid, cylinder, cone, sphere, hemisphere)
• Time & Work: Work efficiency, pipes and cisterns, chain rule, men-days-work problems
• Time, Speed & Distance: Average speed, relative speed, trains crossing problems, boats and streams, races
• Simple Interest: Formula application, finding rate, time, principal, amount
• Compound Interest: Half-yearly and quarterly compounding, difference between SI and CI
• Profit & Loss: Cost price, selling price, marked price, discount, successive discounts, false weight problems
• Algebra: Linear equations in one and two variables, quadratic equations, algebraic identities
• Geometry: Lines and angles, triangles (similarity, congruence, Pythagoras theorem), circles (chord, tangent, secant properties), polygons
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, identities, height and distance problems (basic)
• Elementary Statistics: Mean, median, mode, data interpretation from tables and bar graphs
• Square Root & Cube Root: Calculation methods, simplification
• Age Problems: Present age, future age, ratio-based age problems
• Calendar & Clock: Day calculation, angle between hour and minute hand

🧠 CBT 1 General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus (25 Marks)

Reasoning carries the highest weightage in CBT 1. Topics covered, as per official notice:

• Analogies: Word analogy, number analogy, letter analogy, figure analogy — relationship identification
• Alphabetical Series: Missing letters in alphabetic sequences
• Number Series: Arithmetic, geometric, mixed pattern series
• Coding–Decoding: Letter shifting, word coding, symbol coding, fictional language coding
• Mathematical Operations: Symbol substitution, BODMAS-based reasoning
• Relationships (Blood Relations): Family tree, generation problems, pointing-to-image relations
• Syllogism: Statement-conclusion problems using Venn diagrams (some-all-no-not statements)
• Jumbling: Word jumbling, sentence jumbling, picture jumbling
• Venn Diagrams: Logical relationship between groups
• Data Interpretation & Sufficiency: Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs
• Conclusions & Decision Making: Course of action, cause and effect
• Similarities & Differences: Odd one out (word, number, figure)
• Analytical Reasoning: Seating arrangement (linear, circular, square), puzzles (floor, scheduling, day-based)
• Classification: Grouping based on common property
• Direction & Distance: Compass-based navigation, shortest distance calculation
• Statement–Argument: Strong vs weak argument identification
• Statement–Assumption: Implicit assumption identification
• Statement–Conclusion: Drawing logical inferences
• Statement–Course of Action: Suitable course of action evaluation

🔬 CBT 1 General Science Syllabus (20 Marks)

General Science questions are based on 10th standard CBSE curriculum level and cover three sub-sections, as per official notice:

Physics

• Motion: Distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration, laws of motion, free fall
• Force & Pressure: Newton's laws, friction, pressure in fluids, atmospheric pressure
• Work, Energy & Power: Kinetic energy, potential energy, conservation of energy, power calculations
• Gravitation: Universal law, weight vs mass, free fall, escape velocity
• Heat & Thermodynamics: Temperature, specific heat, latent heat, heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation)
• Light: Reflection, refraction, mirrors (plane, concave, convex), lenses, human eye, defects of vision, dispersion
• Sound: Wave motion, properties of sound, reflection of sound, echo, ultrasound applications
• Electricity: Electric current, Ohm's law, resistance, series and parallel circuits, electric power, heating effect
• Magnetism: Magnetic field, electromagnetic induction, electric motor, generator
• Modern Physics: Atomic structure, radioactivity (basic), nuclear energy

Chemistry

• Matter: States of matter, physical and chemical changes, mixtures and compounds
• Atomic Structure: Atoms, molecules, atomic number, mass number, isotopes
• Periodic Table: Modern periodic table, periods, groups, periodic properties
• Chemical Bonding: Ionic, covalent, metallic bonds (basic)
• Chemical Reactions: Types of reactions (combination, decomposition, displacement, double displacement, oxidation-reduction)
• Acids, Bases & Salts: pH scale, indicators, neutralization, common acids and bases
• Metals & Non-Metals: Properties, reactivity series, extraction methods, alloys
• Carbon Compounds: Allotropes of carbon, hydrocarbons, functional groups, soaps and detergents
• Environmental Chemistry: Greenhouse effect, ozone layer, water pollution

Life Sciences (Biology)

• Cell: Cell structure, plant and animal cells, cell organelles
• Tissues: Plant tissues, animal tissues
• Human Body Systems: Digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, nervous, reproductive systems
• Nutrition: Modes of nutrition in plants and animals, photosynthesis, balanced diet
• Diseases: Communicable and non-communicable diseases, immunization
• Genetics & Evolution: Mendel's laws (basic), heredity, theories of evolution
• Environment & Ecology: Ecosystem, food chain, biodiversity, natural resources

🌐 CBT 1 General Awareness Syllabus (10 Marks)

Although only 10 marks, this section can be a tie-breaker. Topics covered, as per official notice:

• Current Affairs (Last 6–12 months): National and international news, government schemes, appointments, awards
• Science & Technology: ISRO missions, DRDO developments, AI, new technologies, recent discoveries
• Sports: Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Cups, recent Indian achievements
• Culture & Personalities: Indian art, dance, music forms, important personalities
• Economics: Budget highlights, GDP, inflation, banking, important economic indicators, RBI policies
• Politics: Parliament, Constitution basics, Supreme Court, key amendments, government structure
• Geography: Indian and world geography basics, rivers, mountains, capitals
• History: Freedom movement, post-independence India, ancient and medieval India highlights
• Indian Railways: Important — history of Indian Railways, zones, divisions, railway ministers, recent railway developments, Bullet Train project, Vande Bharat trains
• Awards & Honours: Padma Awards, Nobel Prize, Bharat Ratna, sports awards
• Books & Authors: Recent publications, autobiographies

📝 CBT 2 — Complete Exam Pattern

Only candidates who qualify CBT 1 (top 15× of vacancies) are eligible for CBT 2. The CBT 2 has two parts — Part A (merit-counted) and Part B (qualifying), as per official notice.

CBT 2 — Part A (100 Marks, Merit-Counted)

Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
Mathematics	25	25	90 minutes (120 min for PwBD)
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	25
Basic Science & Engineering	40	40
General Awareness & Current Affairs	10	10
Total	100	100

CBT 2 — Part B (75 Marks, Qualifying Only)

Subject	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration	Qualifying Marks
Relevant Trade (per ITI/Diploma)	75	75	60 min	35% (Min, all categories)

Important: Part B is qualifying only — its marks are NOT added to merit. However, candidates must score minimum 35% in Part B to proceed to CBAT. Negative marking 1/3 applies to both Part A and Part B.

📘 CBT 2 Part A — Detailed Syllabus

The Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness sections are similar to CBT 1 but at a slightly advanced level with deeper question coverage. The new addition is the Basic Science & Engineering section (40 marks).

⚙️ Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2 Part A — 40 Marks)

This is the most important section of CBT 2 Part A (40% weightage). Topics covered, as per official notice:

• Engineering Drawing: Projections, views (front, top, side), lines, symbols, drawing instruments, lettering, geometric construction
• Units & Measurements: SI units, conversion, errors in measurement, instruments (vernier, micrometer)
• Mass, Weight & Density: Concept of mass vs weight, density, specific gravity, Archimedes' principle
• Work, Power & Energy: Work done, mechanical energy, conservation, power, efficiency, units of energy
• Speed & Velocity: Average speed, relative velocity, equations of motion
• Heat & Temperature: Scales of temperature, specific heat, latent heat, modes of heat transfer
• Basic Electricity: Electric current, voltage, resistance, Ohm's law, power calculations, AC/DC fundamentals, electrical appliances
• Levers & Simple Machines: Types of levers, classes, mechanical advantage, pulleys, inclined plane, wedge, screw
• Occupational Safety & Health: Workplace safety, first aid, fire safety, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Environment Education: Pollution (air, water, noise, soil), waste management, ecosystem, sustainable development
• IT Literacy: Computer fundamentals, hardware, software, operating systems, basic MS Office, internet, email basics

🔧 CBT 2 Part B — Trade-Wise Syllabus

Part B is specific to the trade you applied for. Below are the syllabi for the most commonly opted trades. The complete trade syllabus is prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), as per official notice.

🔩 Fitter Trade Syllabus (Part B)

• Engineering Drawing & Workshop Calculations — sketching, sectioning, dimensioning
• Hand Tools & Measurement — files, hammers, chisels, vernier caliper, micrometer, height gauge, vernier protractor
• Marking & Layout — punches, dividers, surface plate, V-block, angle plate
• Filing, Hacksawing, Drilling, Tapping & Threading
• Limits, Fits & Tolerances — IS standards, types of fits (clearance, transition, interference)
• Welding — types (arc, gas, MIG, TIG), electrodes, defects, safety
• Sheet Metal Work — bending, cutting, joining methods
• Properties of Engineering Materials — ferrous, non-ferrous, alloys, heat treatment
• Machine Tools — lathe, drilling, milling, grinding (basic operations)
• Pipe Fitting — types of pipes, joints, threading
• Bearings, Gears, Pulleys, Couplings — types and applications
• Maintenance — preventive, breakdown, lubrication, inspection

⚡ Electrician Trade Syllabus (Part B)

• Basics of Electricity — current, voltage, resistance, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws
• AC & DC Fundamentals — frequency, phase, power factor, RMS values
• Magnetism & Electromagnetism — magnetic flux, induction, Faraday's law, Lenz's law
• Electrical Measuring Instruments — voltmeter, ammeter, wattmeter, multimeter, megger
• Wiring & Earthing — types of wires, conduits, casing-capping, conduit wiring, earthing methods, polarity test
• Domestic Appliances — heater, fan, mixer, refrigerator, AC (basics)
• Transformer — single-phase, three-phase, EMF equation, losses, efficiency
• DC Machines — generator, motor, types, starters, speed control
• AC Machines — induction motor (single & three-phase), synchronous motor, starters
• Power Generation & Transmission — thermal, hydro, nuclear basics, transmission lines
• Illumination — types of lamps, lumens, lux, lighting calculations
• Batteries — primary, secondary, lead-acid, Ni-Cd, charging methods
• Safety & First Aid — electric shock, fire safety, CPR basics

🛢️ Mechanic Diesel Trade Syllabus (Part B)

• IC Engines — 2-stroke, 4-stroke, petrol vs diesel engines, working principles
• Engine Components — piston, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, cylinder head, connecting rod
• Fuel System — fuel pump, injector, governor, fuel filter, common rail direct injection (CRDI)
• Cooling System — air cooling, water cooling, radiator, thermostat, water pump
• Lubrication System — types, oil pump, oil filter, lubricants
• Air Intake & Exhaust — turbocharger, intercooler, EGR, silencer
• Starting System — battery, starter motor, alternator, charging circuit
• Transmission System — clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, differential, axles
• Engine Diagnostics — symptoms, troubleshooting, OBD basics
• Engine Overhauling — dismantling, inspection, repair, assembly
• Emission Control — BS-VI norms, catalytic converter, SCR system
• Tools & Equipment — special tools for diesel engine repair

📡 Electronics Mechanic Trade Syllabus (Part B)

• Basic Electronics — semiconductors, diodes, transistors (BJT, FET), characteristics
• Rectifiers & Power Supplies — half-wave, full-wave, bridge rectifier, filters, regulated power supply, SMPS
• Amplifiers — single-stage, multi-stage, frequency response, feedback amplifiers
• Oscillators — RC, LC, crystal oscillators
• Operational Amplifiers — basic configurations (inverting, non-inverting), applications
• Digital Electronics — number systems, Boolean algebra, logic gates, flip-flops, counters, registers, multiplexers, decoders
• Microprocessor & Microcontroller — 8085, 8086 (basics), 8051 microcontroller
• Measuring Instruments — CRO, multimeter, signal generator, function generator
• Communication Systems — AM, FM modulation/demodulation, transmitter, receiver basics
• Optoelectronics — LED, LCD, photodiode, optocoupler
• PCB Fabrication — soldering, desoldering, fault finding
• Audio & Video Systems — speakers, amplifiers, TV basics, CCTV
• Networking & Computers — LAN, internet basics, network cables

⚙️ Mechanical Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus (Part B)

• Thermodynamics — laws, cycles (Otto, Diesel, Rankine, Brayton, Carnot), heat engines
• Fluid Mechanics — properties, Bernoulli's equation, flow measurement, pipe flow, turbines, pumps
• Strength of Materials — stress, strain, beams, columns, torsion
• Theory of Machines — mechanisms, gears, governors, balancing, vibrations
• Machine Design — joints (welded, riveted, bolted), shafts, springs, bearings
• Manufacturing Processes — casting, forging, welding, machining, sheet metal
• Material Science — properties of metals, alloys, heat treatment, polymers, composites
• Industrial Engineering — production planning, work study, quality control
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning — VCR cycle, COP, psychrometry
• Power Plant Engineering — thermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, renewable energy
• Automobile Engineering — IC engines, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension
• CNC Machines & Automation — basics, programming concepts

⚡ Electrical Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus (Part B)

• Electric Circuits — KVL, KCL, mesh and nodal analysis, network theorems (Thevenin, Norton, Superposition)
• AC Fundamentals — phasors, impedance, resonance, three-phase systems, power measurement
• Electrical Machines — DC machines, transformers, induction motors, synchronous machines
• Power Systems — generation, transmission, distribution, protection, fault analysis
• Power Electronics — SCR, MOSFET, IGBT, rectifiers, inverters, choppers, drives
• Control Systems — open and closed loop, transfer function, time and frequency domain analysis
• Electrical Measurements — instruments, transducers, CTs, PTs
• Switchgear & Protection — relays, circuit breakers, fuses, earthing
• Utilization of Electrical Energy — illumination, heating, welding, electric traction
• Renewable Energy — solar, wind, biomass (basics)
• Electrical Safety — IS standards, hazards, protective measures

📶 Electronics Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus (Part B)

• Electronic Devices — semiconductor physics, diodes, BJT, FET, MOSFET, SCR
• Analog Circuits — amplifiers, oscillators, op-amps, regulated power supplies
• Digital Electronics — number systems, Boolean algebra, logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits
• Microprocessors & Microcontrollers — 8085, 8086, 8051, ARM basics
• Signals & Systems — classification, Fourier series, Laplace transform basics
• Communication Systems — analog (AM, FM, PM), digital (ASK, FSK, PSK), modulation/demodulation
• Antennas & Wave Propagation — types, parameters, propagation modes
• Optical Fiber Communication — types, losses, splicing
• Networking — OSI/TCP-IP models, LAN, WAN, internet basics
• Electronic Measurements — CRO, multimeter, signal/function generators
• Control Systems — open and closed loop, transfer function, stability
• Power Electronics — rectifiers, inverters, choppers, AC voltage controllers

🚗 Automobile Engineering (Diploma) Syllabus (Part B)

• Automobile Engines — IC engine fundamentals, petrol vs diesel engines, components
• Fuel & Lubrication Systems — carburettor, fuel injection (MPFI, CRDI), lubrication types
• Cooling Systems — air cooling, water cooling, components
• Ignition System — battery, magneto, electronic ignition
• Transmission System — clutch (types), gearbox (manual, automatic, CVT), propeller shaft, differential
• Steering, Brakes & Suspension — types, components, working principles, power steering, ABS
• Body & Chassis — types, design considerations, materials
• Electrical & Electronics in Vehicles — battery, alternator, ECU, sensors, infotainment systems
• Hybrid & Electric Vehicles — types, battery technology, motors used
• Vehicle Maintenance — preventive, scheduled, troubleshooting
• Emission Norms — BS-IV, BS-VI, catalytic converter, EGR, SCR
• Special Vehicles — heavy commercial, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, off-road vehicles
• Tools & Equipment — special tools, diagnostic equipment, OBD scanners

🧠 CBAT — Computer Based Aptitude Test (Psycho Test)

CBAT is the most critical and least understood stage. Only candidates qualifying CBT 2 are eligible. CBAT consists of 5–6 test batteries, and candidates must score minimum 42 marks out of 60 in EACH battery — there is NO relaxation for any category, as per official notice. CBAT is conducted in English and Hindi only.

CBAT Test Batteries Explained

Battery	Test Name	What It Measures	Typical Questions
1	Memory Test	Short-term visual/numerical memory recall	20–25
2	Following Directions Test	Ability to follow complex instructions accurately	20
3	Depth Perception Test	Estimation of distance and depth between objects	15–20
4	Concentration Test	Sustained attention under pressure	20
5	Perceptual Speed Test	Speed and accuracy in identifying patterns	20–25
6	Personality Test	Behavioural traits suited for ALP duties	Mandatory

CBAT Preparation Tips

• Practice regularly with online CBAT mock tests — speed and accuracy are equally important
• No specific syllabus book exists; practice from previous-year question patterns and mock papers
• Time management is critical — each battery has strict time limits
• Stay calm — CBAT measures composure as much as ability
• Memory test: Practice recalling number sequences and images
• Direction test: Practice mentally visualising routes and turns
• Concentration: Build focus through meditation and reading practice
• Avoid coaching gimmicks claiming "guaranteed CBAT cracking" — there is no shortcut

📊 Qualifying Marks & Final Merit

Stage	UR / EWS	OBC (NCL)	SC	ST
CBT 1	40%	30%	30%	25%
CBT 2 Part A	40%	30%	30%	25%
CBT 2 Part B	35%	35%	35%	35%
CBAT (per battery)	42/60	42/60	42/60	42/60

Final Merit Calculation:

• CBT 2 Part A: 70% weightage in final merit
• CBAT: 30% weightage in final merit
• CBT 2 Part B & CBT 1: Qualifying only — not counted in final merit

🎯 RRB ALP 2026 — 4-Month Preparation Strategy

With application closing 14 June 2026 and exam expected in Aug–Sept 2026, you have approximately 3–4 months. Here's a focused, week-wise plan:

Month 1 (May 12 – June 11): Foundation Building

• Cover 10th standard Mathematics chapters completely (4 chapters/week)
• Daily 1 hour current affairs reading (Yojana, The Hindu, or any standard source)
• Build Reasoning fundamentals — analogy, series, coding-decoding
• Start NCERT Class 9–10 Science (Physics + Chemistry + Biology)
• Take 2 sectional tests per week

Month 2 (June 12 – July 11): Trade-Specific Focus

• Begin Part B trade syllabus from ITI/Diploma textbooks
• Practice 25 trade-related MCQs daily
• Strengthen weak Mathematics topics with topic-wise tests
• Advanced Reasoning — puzzles, seating arrangements, statement-conclusion
• Take 1 full mock test per week (CBT 1 pattern)

Month 3 (July 12 – August 11): CBT 2 + CBAT Practice

• Focus shifts to Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2 Part A)
• Start dedicated CBAT preparation — 30 min daily on memory, concentration, depth perception
• Take 1 CBT 1 + 1 CBT 2 mock per week
• Revise Part B trade portion intensively
• Analyse mock test mistakes and revise weak areas

Month 4 (August 12 onwards): Revision & Mock-Test Phase

• 2 mock tests per week (alternating CBT 1 and CBT 2)
• Daily 1 CBAT practice session
• Last 15 days — focus on revision only, no new topics
• Practice with previous year RRB ALP papers
• Maintain consistent sleep and exercise schedule

📚 Best Books & Free Resources for RRB ALP 2026

Mathematics

• Quantitative Aptitude — R.S. Aggarwal
• Fast Track Objective Arithmetic — Rajesh Verma (Arihant)
• Magical Book on Quicker Maths — M. Tyra
• Class 10 NCERT Mathematics (foundation)

Reasoning

• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
• Analytical Reasoning — M.K. Pandey
• Logical Reasoning — Arihant Publications

General Science

• NCERT Class 6–10 Science textbooks (highly recommended)
• Lucent's General Science
• Disha General Science for Competitive Exams

General Awareness

• Lucent's General Knowledge
• Manorama Yearbook 2026
• Daily current affairs apps (free)

Trade-Specific (Part B)

• ITI/Diploma textbooks from your trade — most authentic source
• Arihant RRB ALP Stage II Technical Ability Guide
• RPH RRB ALP Trade-wise Books

Free Online Resources

• Official RRB websites (rrbcdg.gov.in, rrbapply.gov.in)
• Previous year question papers — Testbook, Adda247, Oliveboard
• YouTube channels — RRB Wallah, Adda247, StudyIQ (free RRB ALP playlists)
• Free mock tests on Testbook and Oliveboard

🔗 Important Links

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 same as previous years?
Yes. The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 (as per CEN 01/2026) is largely similar to previous editions, covering Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, General Awareness for CBT 1, plus Basic Science & Engineering for CBT 2 Part A, and trade-specific Part B.

Q2. How many stages are there in RRB ALP 2026?
Four mandatory stages: First Stage CBT, Second Stage CBT (Part A + Part B), Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination.

Q3. Is CBT 2 Part B counted in final merit?
No. Part B is qualifying only. Candidates must score minimum 35% in Part B, but those marks are NOT added to final merit. Only CBT 2 Part A (70%) + CBAT (30%) decide final merit.

Q4. What is CBAT in RRB ALP?
CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) is a psycho-aptitude test mandatory for ALP candidates. It tests memory, concentration, depth perception, following directions, and perceptual speed via 5–6 test batteries.

Q5. Is there negative marking in RRB ALP 2026?
Yes. 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2 (Part A and Part B). No deduction for unattempted questions.

Q6. What is the minimum qualifying mark in CBAT?
Minimum 42 marks out of 60 in EACH test battery. No relaxation for any category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD).

Q7. Is the syllabus same for all trades in Part B?
No. Part B syllabus is trade-specific based on the ITI/Diploma trade you applied for (Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic Diesel, Electronics Mechanic, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, etc.).

Q8. In which languages can I attempt the RRB ALP exam?
CBT 1 and CBT 2 are available in 15 languages (English, Hindi, Urdu, and 12 regional languages). CBAT is conducted only in English and Hindi.

Q9. How much time do I have to prepare?
With applications closing on 14 June 2026 and exams expected around August–September 2026, you have approximately 3–4 months for focused preparation.

Q10. What is the difference between CBT 1 and CBT 2?
CBT 1 is a screening test (75 marks, 60 min). CBT 2 has Part A (100 marks, 90 min, merit-counted) and Part B (75 marks, 60 min, qualifying), with additional Basic Science & Engineering section in Part A.

Q11. Can I use a calculator in RRB ALP CBT?
No. Calculators are NOT allowed in any stage of RRB ALP examination. Mental calculation skills are essential.

Q12. Is Engineering Drawing part of the syllabus?
Yes. Engineering Drawing is part of the Basic Science & Engineering section in CBT 2 Part A — covering projections, views, lines, symbols, and basic drawing concepts.

Q13. How important is current affairs for RRB ALP?
Although only 10 marks in CBT 1 and CBT 2, current affairs can be the tie-breaker. Focus on last 6–12 months news, especially Indian Railways developments, schemes, and appointments.

Q14. Are there free mock tests for RRB ALP?
Yes. Testbook, Adda247, Oliveboard, and other platforms offer free RRB ALP mock tests. Practice at least 1 mock per week initially, increasing to 2–3 per week closer to the exam.

Q15. Where can I download official RRB ALP previous year papers?
Previous year papers are available on coaching websites like Testbook, Career Power, Adda247, and various YouTube channels. RRB does not officially release answer keys for old papers.

📢 Disclaimer

All information presented in this article is based on the official RRB CEN 01/2026 notification released on 11 May 2026 and the latest RRB syllabus prescribed by Directorate General of Training (DGT). Candidates are strongly advised to verify the detailed trade-wise syllabus from the official notification PDF and rrbapply.gov.in. Sarkari Nokrii is not affiliated with RRB or Indian Railways.

— Sarkari Nokrii Team
Published: 12 May 2026 | Last Updated: 12 May 2026