Overview

RRB ALP 2026 refers to the Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) for filling Assistant Loco Pilot posts in various zones of Indian Railways. This recruitment is aimed at candidates who have technical qualifications and are interested in working in train operations.

The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) plays a crucial role in assisting the Loco Pilot (Train Driver) in operating locomotives safely, monitoring signals, and ensuring smooth train movement. Due to its technical nature and responsibility, the post is considered prestigious and demanding.

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Important Dates

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the RRB ALP 2026 short notice for candidates who applied under CEN 01/2026. According to the official schedule, the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) CBT examination will be held in multiple shifts at various examination centres across India. 

Selection Process

The selection process of Assistant Loco Pilot has five different stages. They are as follows

• First Stage CBT [CBT-1]
• Second Stage CBT [CBT-2]
• Computer Based Aptitude Test [CBAT]
• Document Verification [DV]
• Medical Examination

Eligibility Criteria

Candidate should be a citizen of India. They have to be able in the local tongue in which they are applying for the position. For a person to perform the duties of an Assistant Loco Pilot, he or she must be mentally fit.

Educational Qualifications

To be eligible, candidates should possess one of the following qualifications: an ITI certificate in prescribed trades from NCVT/SCVT, a completed Act Apprenticeship in the relevant trades, a three-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering, or an equivalent combination of related engineering disciplines.

Age Limit 

As per the updated guidelines, candidates applying for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) post must be between 18 and 30 years of age.

Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Negative Marking for every wrong answer 1/3^rd marks will be deducted in both CBT-1 and CBT-2. There will be no negative marking in CBAT. For the questions left unanswered no marks will be deducted.

Time Duration The time given to complete the Computer Based Test-1 is 60 minutes (1 hour). The time given to complete the Computer Based Test-2 is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Number of Questions In the CBT-1 paper number of questions given are 75(1 mark each). In the CBT-2 paper there are a total of 175 questions, divided into two parts (A- 100 questions- 90 minutes, B-75 questions- 60 minutes).

Type of Questions The questions will be of objective type/multiple choice type.

Mode of Exam The RRB’s ALP 2025-26 exam will be conducted in online mode.

Qualifying Marks

1. For ALP CBT1-

• UR/EWS-40%
• OBC [NCL]-30%
• SC-30%, ST-25%.

2. For CBT2- Part A

• [UR/EWS- 40%
• OBC [NCL]- 30%
• SC-30%
• ST-25%]

3. Part B requires qualifying marks of 35%.

CBT-1

CBT-2

CBAT

• The RRB’s ALP CBAT paper will be conducted both in Hindi and English languages.
• There will be no negative marking for any question.
• The minimum marks to qualify CBAT is 42 in every section.
• While forming the merit list 70% preference would be given to Part A of the CBT-2, and 30% preference to CBAT.

Document Verification

• A shortlist of candidates equal to the number of positions will be selected for Document Verification Based on the performance in Part-A of CBT-2, their merit and marks in Part-B of CBT-2, and their scores in CBAT.
• If two or more applicants receive equal marks, their relative merit will be decided by age, meaning that the elder candidate will be considered more deserving than the younger.
• The Railway Administration will administer the necessary Medical Fitness Test before selecting candidates, and their appointment is subject upon passing it, along with a final review of the required documentation and an assessment of their background and moral character.
• Only the relevant Railway Zones can make an appointment offer.

Medical Fitness

• Applicants who have had Lasik surgery or any other type of surgery to treat their refractive defect are not qualified for the ALP position at RRB.

Syllabus 

The syllabus of RRB’s ALP examination consists of Mental Ability, General Awareness, General Science and Mathematics. The questions will be Based on class 10^th level or minimum technical questions as per the post.

Syllabus for CBT-1

Mathematics Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Time, Work and Distance, Mensuration, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar, Clock, Pipes and Cisterns.

General Science The syllabus under this topic covers class 10^th Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences.

Mental Ability Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities, and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statements – Arguments and Assumptions.

General Awareness This topic includes Current Affairs, Science and Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and other subjects of importance.

Syllabus for CBT-2 Part A

Mathematics Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Work, Time and Distance, Simple, and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar, Clock, Pipes, and Cisterns.

General Science Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric Figures, Symbolic Representation), Units, Measurements, Mass, Weight and Density, Work, Power and Energy, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers and Simple Machines, Occupational Safety and Health, Environment Education, IT Literacy, etc.

Mental Ability Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities, and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statements – Arguments and Assumptions.

Syllabus for CBT-2 Part B

Relevant Trade Questions Based on the trade syllabus that the Director-General of Employment & Training (DGET) has prescribed.

Admit Card

The Admit Card of the RRB’s ALP examination will be released on the regional website (www.rrcb.gov.in) from which it is applied. The candidate can follow these steps to download the admit card:

• On the homepage of the regional website (www.rrcb.gov.in) find ‘Admit Card’ and click on it.
• Using the username and password of the RRB’s ALP log into the site.
• Admit Card will be displayed on the site.
• Your exam date and exam city will appear.
• Click on the download Admit Card.

Result

The result of the RRB’s ALP will be announced on the official website (www.rrcb.gov.in). The result will be released stage wise once each stage is conducted. The candidates can check their result through the following steps:

• Visit the direct link provided above or on the site (www.rrcb.gov.in).
• On the Homepage go to the result section, click on it you will get the result displayed on the screen. Or you will get the official result PDF link here.
• You will get the official Result PDF’s containing result write-up and the list of selected candidates.
• Click on RRB’S ALP link given below.
• Enter ‘Ctrl+F’ or the search bar and enter your roll number in the same.
• Your name will be highlighted.

Cut Off

Along with the RRB ALP Result, the category-wise RRB ALP Cut off scores for Assistant Loco Pilot positions will also be released.

Answer Key

The candidates can check the RRB’s ALP Answer Key by following the below-mentioned steps:

• Visit the official regional website of RRB (www.rrcb.gov.in) or click on the link shared above.
• Click on the Answer Key tab.
• The answer keys to the question booklets will only be available online.
• Enter the roll number and birth date as password and download the right answer key.
•  It will contain the correct responses to the exam questions.
• Students have the option to print out or save the document for later use.

Preparation Tips

Candidates are required to follow a systematic approach and a good strategy in order to prepare for the RRB’s ALP Recruitment 2025-26 exam. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the exam

• Syllabus and Exam Pattern Knowledge It is essential to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus to prepare effectively. Analyse the weightage of each topic and prioritise your preparation accordingly.
• Follow the Study Plan Develop a well-structured study plan that covers all the subjects and topics and allocate sufficient time for each topic Based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Gather Study Materials Collect reliable study materials, including textbooks, reference books, online resources, and previous years’ question papers with good study materials you can easily understand the concepts and practice different types of questions.
• Time Management Practice solving questions within a time limit to improve your speed and accuracy. Time yourself while solving mock tests and practice papers to assess your performance.
• Take Mock Tests Regularly take mock tests and solve practice papers to assess your progress. They help you identify weak areas that need improvement.
• Revision Revise important topics and formulas regularly to reinforce your understanding and memory.
• Regular Exercise It is essential to increase stamina to pass the physical tests.
• Seek Guidance If you find any topic challenging or have doubts, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or online forums. Clarify your doubts to enhance your understanding and confidence.

Apply Online

The candidates can apply for RRB’s ALP 2026 via online mode only on (www.rrcb.gov.in). Below are the steps that one needs to take for successful online registration for the exam:

• Click on the official link which is provided on this page(wwwWWW.rrcb.gov.in).
• Click on Apply Link given on the official page of the regional website of the Railway Recruitment Boards. The registration e-link will open up in the new window.
• Click on New Registration in RRB ALP application window and then click on the register button.
• To begin with the registration, candidates need to provide basic details like name, parents’ name, date of birth, email id, mobile number, etc. Save and continue.
• Click on submit button to submit your online registration form of RRB ALP 2026.
• In the next step, candidates would have to upload photographs and signatures following the requisites mentioned by RRB.
• After filling up the application form, candidates must preview the entire application form of RRB ALP 2025 once to look for any correction in the form.
• Click on the final submit button after previewing the complete online RRB ALP application form.
• Pay the applicable application fee to submit your form successfully.

FAQs

How tough is the RRBs ALP exam?

CBT 1, CBT 2 and CBAT are the three stages of the RRB ALP Exam. Reasoning for RRB ALP test is often tough for candidates. Despite being complex, the reasoning for RRB ALP is a topic for scoring. To get good exam scores, candidates need to prepare for this section thoroughly.

Is there negative marking in the RRBs ALP exam?

Yes, there is negative marking in the RRB’s ALP examination. For every wrong answer 1/3rd marks would be deducted in CBT-1 and CBT-2. There will be no negative marking in the CBAT section.

How many numbers of times a candidate can appear in the RRBs ALP exam?

You need to have completed class 10th and got your ITI certification in order to meet the RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2025. The maximum age limit for those who fall in the General category is 30 years old. Age restrictions are removed for OBC, SC, ST, and veterans. There is no restriction on the number of attempts.

When will Admit Card be released for the RRBs ALP exam?

The RRB ALP Admit Card will be released 10 to 15 days before the exam date. Your name, your father's name, your registration number, your roll number, the exam stage, the location, the shift time and other information are all included on your RRB ALP admit card.

What are the passing marks for the RRBs ALP exam?

The minimum qualifying marks for the RRB’s ALP exam is provided in the notification. The minimum qualifying percentage for CBT-1 and CBT-2 [Part-A] for each category is UR and EWS-40%, OBC [NCL]-30%, SC-30%, ST-25% and for CBT-2 [Part-B] is 35%.