RRB ALP CBT 2 Part A Syllabus

The RRB ALP CBT 2 Part A is the merit-determining section of the ALP 2027 examination. It is a common section for both ALP and Technician candidates and consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks in 90 minutes. The final merit list for ALP posts is based exclusively on Part A scores (subject to clearing Part B and CBAT). Part A has the same four subjects as CBT 1 but at higher difficulty and higher question count per subject, particularly for Basic Science and Engineering (40 marks).

Quick Facts: CBT 2 Part A

Part A Exam Pattern

Mathematics Syllabus (25 Questions)

Part A Mathematics is at Diploma level difficulty, with more multi-step problems and application-based questions than CBT 1. All CBT 1 topics apply, with the additions listed below.

Core Arithmetic Topics (from CBT 1)

•        Number System: HCF, LCM, divisibility, simplification (BODMAS)

•        Percentage: calculation, increase and decrease, applications

•        Ratio and Proportion: compound ratio, direct and inverse proportion

•        Profit and Loss: SP, CP, MP, trade discount, equivalent discount

•        Simple Interest and Compound Interest: formulae and applications

•        Time and Work: combined work rate, pipes and cisterns

•        Time, Speed and Distance: relative speed, trains, boats and streams

•        Mensuration: area and perimeter of 2D shapes; volume and TSA of 3D shapes

•        Elementary Algebra: linear equations in one and two variables; basic identities

•        Geometry: lines, angles, triangles, Pythagoras theorem, circles, quadrilaterals

•        Trigonometry: standard ratios, values at standard angles, basic identities, heights and distances

•        Statistics: mean, median, mode; bar graph, pie chart, histogram

Additional Topics at Part A Level

•        Mixture and Alligation: two and three-component alligation; alligation cross method

•        Partnership: simple and compound partnership; time-weighted capital

•        Data Interpretation: table DI, bar chart DI, pie chart DI, line graph DI -- multi-step calculations

•        Coordinate Geometry: distance formula; midpoint formula; section formula; slope of a line; equation of a line

•        Probability: sample space; favourable events; complementary events; problems with cards, dice, coloured balls

•        Permutation and Combination: fundamental principle; nPr and nCr formulae; basic applications

•        Matrices Basics: order; addition, subtraction, multiplication; determinant of 2x2 matrix

General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus (25 Questions)

Part A Reasoning is more complex than CBT 1 with higher difficulty puzzles, multi-variable arrangements, and critical thinking questions. All CBT 1 topics apply with these additions:

Core Reasoning Topics (from CBT 1)

•        Number and Alphabetical Series: finding missing or wrong terms

•        Analogies: verbal, number, and letter analogies

•        Coding and Decoding: letter coding, number coding, symbol-based coding

•        Syllogism: All/Some/No statements; conclusions using Venn diagrams

•        Blood Relations: direct and coded family relationship problems

•        Directions and Distance: compass directions, total and displacement

•        Mathematical Operations: symbol substitution in arithmetic expressions

•        Venn Diagrams: selecting correct representation; solving from given diagram

•        Seating Arrangement: linear, circular, and floor-based puzzles

•        Statement and Conclusion / Assumption / Courses of Action

•        Non-Verbal: mirror image, water image, paper folding, figure series, matrix completion

•        Classification: odd one out; grouping by common property

•        Data Sufficiency: two-statement problems

Additional Topics at Part A Level

•        Complex Seating Arrangement: multi-variable conditions; circular with inside-outside facing; square/rectangular arrangements

•        Critical Reasoning: strengthening and weakening arguments; evaluating inferences from passages

•        Input-Output Machines: multi-step rearrangement of words and numbers; identifying a specific step

•        Advanced Puzzles: multi-parameter scheduling, designation, and floor puzzles

Basic Science and Engineering Syllabus (40 Questions)

BSE is the most critical section in Part A carrying 40 marks -- 40% of the total Part A score. It is tested at the Diploma and ITI level with more numerical and application-based questions than CBT 1. This section is the primary performance differentiator for ALP candidates.

Engineering Mathematics

•        Logarithms: laws; change of base; common and natural logarithms; applications in technical calculations

•        Linear Algebra Basics: matrices (addition, subtraction, multiplication); determinants of 2x2 and 3x3 matrices; Cramer's rule

•        Differential Calculus Basics: limits; differentiation of standard functions; maxima and minima; rate of change applications

•        Integral Calculus Basics: integration of standard functions; definite integrals; area under curves

•        Complex Numbers: representation; arithmetic operations; modulus and argument

Engineering Physics (Class 12 and Diploma Level)

•        Units and Measurement: SI units; dimensional analysis; errors in measurement; significant figures

•        Mechanics: Newton's Laws; work-energy theorem; conservation of momentum; rotational motion; moment of inertia; centripetal force; gravitation

•        Simple Harmonic Motion: characteristics; energy in SHM; damping; resonance

•        Properties of Matter: elasticity (Young's modulus, modulus of rigidity, bulk modulus); viscosity; surface tension; fluid pressure

•        Heat and Thermodynamics: kinetic theory; specific heat; latent heat; thermal conductivity; first and second laws; Carnot cycle; entropy

•        Wave Motion and Sound: transverse and longitudinal waves; superposition; interference; diffraction; Doppler effect; beats; resonance in pipes and strings

•        Optics: reflection; refraction; Snell's Law; total internal reflection; lenses and mirrors (formulae, ray diagrams); optical instruments; wave optics (interference, diffraction, polarisation)

•        Electrostatics: Coulomb's Law; electric field; electric potential; capacitance; energy stored; dielectrics

•        Current Electricity: Ohm's Law; series and parallel resistance; Kirchhoff's Laws; Wheatstone bridge; potentiometer; electrolysis; thermoelectric effects

•        Magnetism: magnetic field; force on moving charge; force on current-carrying conductor; Biot-Savart Law; Ampere's Law; solenoid and toroid

•        Electromagnetic Induction: Faraday's Laws; Lenz's Law; self and mutual inductance; eddy currents; transformer action

•        AC Circuits: RMS and peak values; phasor representation; power factor; series LCR; resonance; Q-factor

•        Semiconductor Physics: intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; p-n junction; diode characteristics; Zener diode; transistor types and basic characteristics

•        Modern Physics: photoelectric effect; de Broglie wavelength; atomic models; nuclear structure; radioactivity; nuclear reactions; fission and fusion

Engineering Drawing

•        Lines and their applications: visible, hidden, centre, section, dimension lines per BIS SP 46

•        Dimensioning: aligned and unidirectional systems; types of dimensions; rules

•        Orthographic Projection: first and third angle projection; drawing and interpreting top, front, and side views from 3D objects

•        Sectional Views: full section, half section, offset section; section lining conventions

•        Isometric Drawing: isometric axes; drawing 3D objects from given orthographic views; reverse procedure

•        Geometric Constructions: bisection of lines and angles; regular polygons; tangents to circles

•        Reading Technical Drawings: interpreting assembly drawings; identifying standard parts (bolts, nuts, keys); reading tolerances

Basic Electricity

•        Series and Parallel Circuits: equivalent resistance; voltage division; current division; calculations

•        AC Fundamentals: frequency; period; amplitude; phase angle; phasor diagrams

•        Power and Energy: P = VI; P = I2R; kWh; power factor; reactive and apparent power

•        Transformer Basics: turns ratio; primary and secondary voltages and currents; efficiency; step-up and step-down

•        Motor Basics: DC motor (construction, working, types); AC induction motor (rotating magnetic field, slip); single-phase motor types

•        Battery: lead-acid battery (construction, charging, testing, capacity)

•        Earthing: necessity; types; IE Rules; earth resistance testing

Levers and Simple Machines

•        Classes of Levers: first, second, and third class; examples; mechanical advantage; velocity ratio; efficiency

•        Wheel and Axle: mechanical advantage; applications (winch, screwdriver)

•        Pulley Systems: single fixed, single movable, compound pulleys; mechanical advantage

•        Inclined Plane and Wedge: mechanical advantage; friction in inclined plane

•        Screw Jack: pitch; lead; mechanical advantage; efficiency; self-locking condition

•        Gear Trains: gear ratio; velocity ratio; simple, compound, and epicyclic gear trains

Occupational Safety and Health

•        Safety Signage: ISO colour-coded signs (prohibition, warning, mandatory, emergency); placement standards

•        Personal Protective Equipment: types (helmet, gloves, goggles, ear muffs, respirator, safety shoes, reflective vest); selection and maintenance

•        Fire Safety: fire triangle; classes of fire (A, B, C, D, E, K); extinguisher types (water, foam, CO2, dry powder, wet chemical); fire prevention in railway workshops

•        Electrical Safety: safe working voltage; insulation testing; lockout-tagout (LOTO); safe working near overhead equipment

•        First Aid: electric shock treatment; burn treatment; bleeding control; CPR basics

•        Railway Safety Rules: safety in loco pit; safety during marshalling; personal safety during train movement

IT Literacy

•        Computer Hardware: CPU; RAM; ROM; hard disk; SSD; input/output devices; ports; motherboard components

•        Operating Systems: functions; Windows and Linux basics; file management; task manager

•        MS Office: Word (formatting, tables, spell check); Excel (formulae, SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP; charts); PowerPoint (slides, transitions, design)

•        Internet and Email: browsing; search engines; email composition and management; online safety

•        Railway IT Applications: basic awareness of PRS (Passenger Reservation System); UTS; IRCTC; digital ticketing

Environmental Education

•        Types of Pollution: air (particulate matter, CO, NOx, SO2); water (BOD, sewage, industrial effluent); soil (pesticides, heavy metals); noise (decibel levels, CPCB limits)

•        Waste Management: 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); composting; biogas; e-waste; hazardous waste

•        Renewable Energy: solar (PV and thermal); wind; small hydro; biomass; advantages and challenges

•        Climate Change: greenhouse effect; greenhouse gases; global warming; international agreements (Paris Agreement); India's NDC

•        Indian Railways and Environment: bio-toilets; solar energy on train rooftops; LED station lighting; green station certification; plastic-free station initiative

General Awareness (10 Questions)

•        Current Affairs: national and international events from the last 12 months; government schemes; major appointments

•        Indian Railways: history; 21 zones and headquarters; types of trains; major projects (Vande Bharat, KAVACH, ALP-specific safety systems); railway safety rules

•        Science and Technology: ISRO missions; defence developments; digital India updates

•        Sports, Awards and Static GK: national symbols; UNESCO Heritage Sites; important days; major sports tournaments

Part A Preparation Tips

1. BSE is Your Most Valuable Section

With 40 marks from BSE, this is the section that most determines your Part A score and therefore your ALP merit position. Invest at least 40 to 45% of your Part A preparation time in BSE. Cover Engineering Physics thoroughly from NCERT Class 12 and Diploma Physics, Engineering Drawing from ITI manuals, and basic electrical and electronics from ITI trade theory books.

2. Treat Part A as a Board-Level Examination

Unlike CBT 1 (which is just a filter), Part A directly determines your final rank. Every additional mark in Part A matters for final selection. Aim for accuracy over speed in Part A, and attempt questions only when you are reasonably confident.

3. Daily Practice for Mathematics and Reasoning

Allocate 45 to 60 minutes daily to Mathematics and Reasoning combined. Practise from Part A level question banks (SSC JE, RRB ALP previous papers, Diploma entrance papers) rather than only Class 10 level material.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part A

Q1. Is Part A the same for all trades?

Yes. Part A is identical for all candidates regardless of their trade. The trade-specific content appears only in Part B.

Q2. What happens if a candidate scores very high in Part A but fails Part B?

A candidate who fails Part B (scores below 35%) is disqualified regardless of Part A score. Both Part A (for merit) and Part B (for qualification) must be cleared to proceed in the selection process.

Q3. Is the Part A syllabus the same as the JE CBT 1 syllabus?

There is significant overlap, but the ALP Part A BSE section is specific to ALP (Engineering Drawing, Levers and Machines, IT Literacy, Environmental Education) and is not the same as the JE CBT 1 General Science section. JE CBT 1 tests Class 12 Physics and Chemistry; ALP Part A BSE tests applied engineering at the ITI and Diploma level.