RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus

CBT 2 Structure

Part A Subject Coverage

Part A covers the same four subject areas as CBT 1 but with higher difficulty and a higher question count per subject. The BSE section is significantly expanded from 20 to 40 marks in Part A of CBT 2.

Mathematics (25 Questions -- Part A)

Same topics as CBT 1 but at slightly higher difficulty. Additional topics at Diploma level include Data Interpretation, Coordinate Geometry, Probability, and Permutation and Combination.

•        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

•        Data Interpretation: tables, bar charts, pie charts -- multi-step calculations

•        Coordinate Geometry: distance formula, section formula, slope of a line

•        Probability: basic probability, complementary and mutually exclusive events

General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 Questions -- Part A)

Same topics as CBT 1 with increased complexity in puzzles, arrangements, and critical reasoning.

•        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

•        Complex Seating Arrangements: multi-variable conditions

•        Critical Reasoning: argument evaluation, inference drawing

•        Input-Output: machine rearrangement across multiple steps

Basic Science and Engineering (40 Questions -- Part A)

BSE carries the highest weightage in Part A with 40 marks. Coverage is deeper than CBT 1 with more applied and numerical questions.

•        Engineering Mathematics: logarithms; linear algebra basics; differential calculus basics; integral calculus basics

•        Engineering Physics: Units and Measurement; Scalars and Vectors; Newton's Laws of Motion; Work, Energy and Power; Circular Motion; Simple Harmonic Motion; Heat and Temperature (conduction, convection, radiation); Wave Motion; Optics (reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors); Electrostatics; Current Electricity (Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, power); Magnetic Effects of Current; Electromagnetic Induction

•        Engineering Drawing: types of lines; orthographic projection (first and third angle); sectional views; isometric drawing; dimensioning conventions; scale; geometric constructions; reading of engineering drawings

•        Basic Electricity: series and parallel circuits; AC and DC fundamentals; power and energy calculations; transformer basics; motor and generator working principles

•        Levers and Simple Machines: types of levers; mechanical advantage; velocity ratio; efficiency; wheel and axle; pulley systems; inclined plane

•        Occupational Safety and Health: safety signs and signals; PPE types and usage; fire triangle; fire extinguisher types; electric shock first aid; safety in workshops

•        IT Literacy: computer fundamentals; MS Office basics (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); internet and email; data storage; cyber safety basics

•        Environmental Education: types of pollution (air, water, soil, noise); waste management (3R principle); renewable energy sources; global warming and climate change; environmental laws in India

•        Advanced Electrical Circuits: series-parallel circuit calculations; RC and RL circuits; AC power factor; three-phase systems basics

•        Electronics Basics: semiconductor diode; transistor as switch; logic gates; digital number systems

•        Hydraulics and Pneumatics basics: pressure, flow, Pascal's Law; hydraulic cylinders and valves at introductory level

General Awareness on Current Affairs (10 Questions -- Part A)

•        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 B: Trade-wise Syllabus Pages

Navigate to the individual trade syllabus page for the complete Part B topic-level breakdown for your applied trade:

CBAT -- Computer Based Aptitude Test (ALP Posts Only)

The CBAT is conducted only for ALP posts (not Technician). Candidates who clear Part A and Part B and meet the Part A merit threshold are called for CBAT. It tests five aptitude batteries: Memory, Following Directions, Depth Perception, Concentration, and Perceptual Speed. A minimum T-Score of 42 is required in each battery. CBAT is qualifying only -- its scores are NOT added to the Part A merit.

CBT 2 Preparation Strategy

1. Part A Determines Your Rank - Prioritise It

Since the final merit list is based entirely on Part A scores, invest the majority of your preparation time in Part A. Aim for the highest possible Part A score -- every additional mark directly determines your position in the merit list.

2. BSE is the Highest-Scoring Section in Part A

With 40 marks from BSE in Part A, this is the single most important section in CBT 2. It combines engineering physics, engineering drawing, electrical circuits, electronics basics, and workshop science. Study deeply from ITI-level textbooks and NCERT Class 12 Physics.

3. Clear Part B Comfortably - Do Not Neglect It

While Part B is qualifying, failing it means disqualification regardless of Part A performance. Aim for 50 to 55 marks in Part B (67 to 73%) to ensure a comfortable qualifying margin. Daily trade theory revision throughout the preparation period is the most efficient approach.

4. Begin CBAT Training Early

The CBAT aptitude batteries (memory, concentration, perceptual speed, depth perception, following directions) improve significantly with structured practice. Use online CBAT simulators from early in your preparation. A T-Score of 42 in each battery is non-negotiable for ALP selection.

Frequently Asked Questions: CBT 2

Q1. Is Part A the same for ALP and Technician candidates?

Yes. Part A is common for both ALP and Technician candidates. The merit lists for ALP and Technician posts are, however, prepared separately based on their respective Part A scores.

Q2. Do Technician candidates appear in Part B?

Yes. Technician candidates must also appear in Part B and clear the 35% qualifying threshold. However, Technician candidates do not appear in the CBAT.

Q3. Is Part B conducted on the same day as Part A?

Yes. Part A (90 minutes) and Part B (60 minutes) are conducted on the same day with a break between them. The total examination time on CBT 2 day is approximately 2.5 hours plus the break.