The Indian Railway Recruitment Board commonly knew as RRB stages ALP examination to shortlist eligible candidates for the prestigious job of Assistant Loco Pilot in Indian Railways. To this end the selection process is complex and it involves several stages that would ensure one is tested on his or her ability and skills in the specific area of specialty, technical skills, and compatibility for the job. The current syllabi of CBT 1 and CBT 2 should be well understood together with this examination format.
The RRB ALP is the Railway Recruitment Board examination that is conducted to fill the eligible candidates for the post or Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP). The exam is split into various levels with different syllabi and examination formats for the latter level. Contemporary examination format and course outline must be studied to conduct an effective preparation.
The RRB ALP 2024 test format is divided into several levels, all of which are designed to assess the candidate in a range of ways. The exam process includes the following stages:
Stage 1: CBT 1
Stage 2: CBT 2
Stage 3: CBAT (for ALP Post)
RRB ALP Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024 | |
Exam Name | Assistant Loco Pilots |
Conducting Body | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
Category | Govt. Jobs |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Intervals | Once a year |
Age Limit | 18 – 33 years |
Total Vacancies | 18,799 (Revised) |
Mode of Application | Online |
Selection Process |
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RRB ALP 2024 Exam Dates (CBT 1) | 25th to 29th November 2024 |
Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Exam Duration | 60 minutes |
Official Website | https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in/ |
Those who are interested in applying for the RRB ALP Recruitment need to understand the RRB ALP exam pattern of various phases of the examination. With the help of the above-mentioned exam pattern candidates can come to know the type of questions, topic wise distribution and marking structure of the examination. By doing this it will assist the candidates to come up with better preparation techniques so as to increase their score. Exam pattern for all the stages clearly elaborated from the latest RRB ALP Notification in the below sections.
CBT 1 is the first part of the exam and aims at assessing a candidate’s basic competencies in different subjects that may be relevant in the learning process. The exam comprises four sections: Numbers and Numerations, Abstract Thinking Skills, Physical Science, and General Information & Facts.
Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 minutes |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
General Science | 20 | 20 | |
General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
Negative Marking: A penalty of 1/3rd marks is deducted for each incorrect answer.
CBT 2 has more content coverage and evaluates the competencies of applicants relying on the knowledge as a technical expert. It is divided into two parts:
Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
Part A | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
Part B | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
Total | 175 | 175 | 150 minutes |
Negative Marking: Similar to CBT 1, 1/3rd marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
CBAT, the Computer Based Aptitude Test is taken by the persons who apply for the RRB ALP post. In CBAT there are no different categories; the pass mark is 42 in each test battery.
Applicants are selected to this stage on the basis of their performance on CBT 2, the ratio of the number of candidates offered an invitation being eight to one vacancy. To proceed, candidates should passing the each tests battery of the CBAT.
The test will be in English and Hindi only and no deduction will be made for the wrong answers. The marks obtained in CBAT will be considered for preparing merit list of RRB ALP exam from the following formula: Part A of CBT 2 – 70% CBAT – 30%
The RRB ALP exam consists of two stages: CBT 1 and CBT 2. The syllabi of both stages pertain to the general test of the candidate’s awareness level and reasoning, arithmetic reasoning, technical knowledge (in CBT 2).
CBT 1 is an initial screening test that assesses a candidate's basic skills and general knowledge.
It consists of four sections: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness.
This section focus on the general mathematics knowledge of a candidate and the solving of basic problems.
Topics | Sub-topics |
Number System | Decimal, Binary, Fractions, HCF, LCM |
Simplification | Simplifying expressions, Approximation, Number series |
Algebra | Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Expressions |
Geometry | Angles, Triangles, Circles, Rectangles, Polygons |
Mensuration | Areas and Volumes (Cuboid, Cylinder, Sphere, Cone, etc.) |
Time, Work, and Wages | Work Efficiency, Pipes, and Cisterns, Problems on Time and Distance |
Speed, Time, and Distance | Relative Speed, Average Speed, Time & Distance calculations |
Profit and Loss | Profit, Loss, Discount, Cost Price, Selling Price |
This section tests candidates on their logical reasoning and ability to analyze patterns and sequences.
Topics | Sub-topics |
Verbal Reasoning | Analogy, Series Completion, Odd One Out, Direction Tests, Coding-Decoding |
Non-Verbal Reasoning | Pattern Recognition, Mirror Image, Water Image, Cubes and Dice |
Syllogism | Venn Diagrams, Logical Deduction |
Classification | Classification of objects based on attributes |
Series | Number Series, Letter Series, Alphabet Test |
This section focuses on the basic scientific knowledge in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Topics | Sub-topics |
Physics | Laws of Motion, Energy, Force, Gravity, Optics, Work & Power, Magnetism |
Chemistry | Chemical Reactions, Acids & Bases, Organic Chemistry, Periodic Table |
Biology | Human Body, Reproduction, Environment, Plant Biology |
Environmental Studies | Pollution, Conservation, Ecosystem, Global Warming, Renewable Resources |
The general awareness section assesses a candidate's knowledge of current events and general information about India and the world.
Topics | Sub-topics |
Current Affairs | National and International news, Sports, Government schemes |
Indian Polity | Constitution, Indian Parliament, Political system, Elections |
Indian Economy | Economic Reforms, Budget, National Income, Banking & Finance |
History | Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History |
Geography | Physical and Political Geography, Climate, Rivers, Mountains |
General Knowledge | Static GK, Important Days, Famous Personalities |
CBT 2 is the second part of the test that is even more focused on the material from which the RRB ALP exam consists of. It assesses candidates for technical skills in areas covering their branch of engineering specialization (Mechanical, electrical, electronics, or instrumentation) as well as reasoning skills, general awareness and quantitative skills.
The technical syllabus varies depending on the candidate’s specialization. The topics covered are:
Branch | Topics Covered |
Mechanical Engineering | Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Strength of Materials, IC Engines, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Pumps, Valves, etc. |
Electrical Engineering | Circuit Theory, Electrical Machines (Transformers, Motors, Generators), Power Systems, Electrical Instrumentation, Control Systems, etc. |
Electronics Engineering | Digital Electronics, Analog Electronics, Communication Systems, Signal Processing, Circuit Theory, Electronic Devices, Microprocessors, etc. |
Instrumentation Engineering | Sensors, Actuators, Measurement Systems, Process Control, Signal Conditioning, Transducers, Microcontrollers, etc. |
The reasoning section in CBT 2 is more advanced, focusing on complex problem-solving skills.
Topics | Sub-topics |
Logical Reasoning | Series Completion, Blood Relations, Logical Deduction, Statement & Arguments |
Analytical Reasoning | Data Sufficiency, Data Interpretation, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs |
Advanced Problem-Solving | Puzzles, Advanced Series, Complex Direction Tests |
This section continues to focus on the current affairs, polity, geography, and general knowledge.
Topics | Sub-topics |
Current Affairs | National & International news, Important Awards, Sports, Indian Economy |
Indian Polity | Constitution of India, Judicial System, Parliament, Federal System |
Indian History | Modern, Medieval, Ancient India, Freedom Struggle, Important Personalities |
Indian Geography | Physical Features, Climate, Rivers, Oceans, Forests, Agriculture |
The mathematics syllabus in CBT 2 is more advanced and tailored for problem-solving in technical subjects.
Topics | Sub-topics |
Algebra | Advanced Equations, Polynomials, Linear Algebra |
Geometry | Advanced Concepts, Properties of Shapes, Area & Volume Calculations |
Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios, Heights & Distances, Angles in Degrees |
Mensuration | Calculation of areas, volumes, and surface areas of complex objects |
RRB ALP 2024 examination is a competitive process that assesses the candidate’s general knowledge, technical ability, reasoning, and awareness in varied at many steps. As for CBT 1 and CBT 2, the exam syllabus as well as the exam pattern is clearly known by the candidates to plan accordingly. Mathematics, General Science, General Awareness sections and technical sections which are in line with the engineering discipline are priority areas. The consistency in writing, scheduling and practice and devotion which can be given towards both theoretical and the practical aspects can help the candidates in achieving the maximum in this exam and thus maximize chances of getting jobs in the Indian Railways as Assistant Loco Pilots.
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