RRB ALP Fitter Trade Syllabus

Important Note on Part B

CBT 2 Part B is qualifying only. A candidate who scores below 35% in Part B is eliminated regardless of their Part A score. However, a candidate who clears the 35% threshold in Part B is ranked exclusively on their CBT 2 Part A score. This makes Part B preparation essential for elimination prevention, while Part A preparation determines the final rank. Candidates should ensure they are thoroughly familiar with the Fitter trade theory and practical knowledge at the ITI level before the examination.

Detailed Fitter Trade Syllabus (Part B)

The Fitter trade syllabus for RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B is drawn from the NCVT ITI curriculum and tests trade theory, applied knowledge, and practical understanding across the following topic areas:

1. Engineering Drawing and Measurement

•        Engineering Drawing: types of lines; views (top, front, side); first and third angle projection; sectional views; isometric drawing; dimensioning; tolerances and limits; surface finish symbols; assembly drawings

•        Fits and Tolerances: types of fits (clearance, interference, transition); hole basis and shaft basis systems; IS 919; fundamental deviations; tolerance grades

•        Precision Measurement: vernier caliper (0.02mm and 0.05mm LC); micrometer (external, internal, depth); vernier height gauge; dial test indicator; telescoping gauge; bore gauge; slip gauges (gauge blocks -- wringing, use, calibration)

•        Gauges: go/no-go gauges; plug gauges; ring gauges; snap gauges; thread gauges; feeler gauges; radius gauges; surface roughness measurement

•        Angular Measurement: bevel protractor; sine bar; angle gauge blocks; clinometer; spirit level

2. Bench Work and Hand Tools

•        Bench Vice: types; parts; jaw width and opening; care and maintenance

•        Marking Out: marking media; scribers; dividers; odd-leg caliper; surface plate; V-block; angle plate; marking blue; datum surface; checking squareness

•        Chisels: types (flat, cross-cut, round nose, diamond point); chipping technique; sharpening; safety

•        Files: types (flat, round, half-round, square, triangular, needle); cut (single, double, rasp); coarseness (rough, bastard, second cut, smooth); filing technique; file care

•        Hacksaws: frame types; blade selection (TPI, material); cutting technique; blade replacement

•        Scraping: principle; types of scrapers; blue spotting; surface plate scraping; bearing surface scraping

•        Taps and Dies: hand taps (taper, second, plug); die type (solid, split, adjustable); tap drill size calculation; thread cutting procedure; lubrication; common faults

•        Reaming: hand and machine reamers; pre-reaming bore allowance; reaming speeds; reamer care

3. Machine Operations

•        Drilling Machine: types (sensitive, pillar, radial, gang); parts; cutting speed and feed; drill bit types; sharpening; coolant; operations (drilling, reaming, boring, counterboring, countersinking, tapping, spot facing)

•        Bench Grinder: wheel types (material, grit, grade, structure, bond -- ANSI marking system); wheel dressing and truing; guards; rests; safety; wheel defects; grinding gauge

•        Lathe Basics for Fitter: turning; facing; drilling; boring; threading -- as performed by fitter in assembly context

•        Power Saw: types (horizontal, vertical); blade selection; cutting procedure; safety

4. Mechanical Fasteners and Joints

•        Screw Thread: forms (V, square, ACME, buttress, knuckle); designation (M, UNC, UNF, BSW, Metric); lead and pitch; single and multi-start; right and left hand

•        Bolts and Nuts: types (hexagonal, square, foundation, eye, stud); strength grades; washers; locking devices (spring washer, tab washer, castle nut with split pin, lock nut)

•        Keys and Keyways: parallel key; Woodruff key; feather key; spline; gib-head key; taper key; key fitting procedure

•        Riveted Joints: types of heads; lap joint; butt joint; chain and zig-zag riveting; efficiency; caulking and fullering

•        Pipe Joints: flanged joints; socket and spigot; union joint; compression fitting; soldering and brazing of copper pipes

•        Press Fits and Interference Fits: terminology; assembly and disassembly methods; hydraulic press; arbor press; puller

5. Mechanical Power Transmission

•        Belt Drives: open and cross belt; velocity ratio; slip; creep; tension ratio; belt materials; belt dressing; timing belts

•        Chain Drives: roller chain; sprocket; velocity ratio; chain length; advantages over belt

•        Gear Drives: spur, helical, bevel, worm gears; gear terminology; gear ratio; backlash; lubrication

•        Shafts, Keys, and Couplings: shaft materials; tolerances; keyway milling; solid and flexible couplings; universal joint

•        Bearings: plain (journal) bearings; ball and roller bearings; angular contact; thrust bearings; bearing designation; fits; lubrication; seals; installation and removal

•        Seals and Gaskets: types of seals (lip seal, O-ring, mechanical seal); gland packing; gasket materials and selection

6. Assembly, Dismantling and Maintenance

•        Assembly Procedures: cleanliness; pre-assembly checks; torque wrench use; torque specifications; sealant and adhesive application

•        Pipe Fitting: pipe materials; threading; pipe bending; soldering and brazing; pressure testing; pipe insulation

•        Lubrication: types of lubricants (engine oil, gear oil, grease, cutting fluid); viscosity grades (SAE); grease grades (NLGI); selection; lubrication methods; oil change intervals

•        Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: Pascal's Law; hydraulic cylinder; control valves (directional, pressure, flow); accumulator; compressor; FRL unit; pneumatic cylinder; safety precautions

•        Welding for Fitters: basic arc welding for tacking and repairs; gas cutting; weld symbols (basic)

•        Preventive Maintenance: checklist preparation; maintenance schedule; condition monitoring; replacement intervals; spare parts management

7. Safety and Workshop Practice

•        Workshop Safety: housekeeping (5S); safe material handling; fire extinguisher types; PPE (safety shoes, gloves, goggles, ear muffs, helmet); machine guarding

•        First Aid: treatment for cuts; crushing injuries; burns; eye injuries; CPR basics

•        Material Science for Fitters: carbon steel (mild, medium, high carbon); alloy steel; cast iron; aluminium; copper alloys; hardness testing (Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell); heat treatment basics

•        IS Codes: IS 2062 (structural steel); IS 1367 (fasteners); IS 1586 (mechanical testing)

Weightage Analysis and Preparation Strategy

The 75 Part B questions are drawn proportionally from across all major topic areas of the Fitter trade curriculum. Questions test both theoretical knowledge (principles, formulae, definitions, standards, safety rules) and applied understanding (fault diagnosis, calculations, material selection, tool usage, quality checks). The following approach maximises Part B preparation efficiency:

•        Revise systematically from NCVT ITI Fitter trade theory textbooks for Semester 1 and Semester 2

•        Focus on definitions, formulae, standards (BIS/IS codes), safety regulations, and technical specifications - these are directly testable as MCQs

•        Practise numerical calculations relevant to the trade (e.g., circuit calculations for Electrician, speed/feed calculations for Fitter/Turner/Machinist)

•        Study common faults, their causes, symptoms, and remedies for all major equipment in the trade

•        Revise tools, instruments, and equipment used in the trade: their names, specifications, uses, and maintenance

•        Solve previous years' RRB ALP Part B question banks for your specific trade

•        Allocate 60 minutes of daily trade-specific study alongside Part A preparation throughout the preparation period

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is CBT 2 Part B merit-based or qualifying?

CBT 2 Part B is qualifying only. A minimum score of 35% is required to pass Part B. The marks scored in Part B are not added to the merit list. Only Part A marks determine the final ranking.

Q2. What happens if a candidate fails Part B?

Candidates who score below 35% in Part B are disqualified regardless of their Part A performance. They will not be considered for Document Verification or further selection stages.

Q3. How should I divide study time between Part A and Part B?

Since Part A determines the final merit and Part B is qualifying, prioritise Part A in your preparation. However, allocate at least 30 to 40% of study time to Part B to ensure you comfortably clear the 35% qualifying threshold. Aiming for 50 to 55 marks (about 70%) in Part B provides a safe buffer.

Q4. Is the Part B syllabus the same as the ITI exam syllabus?

Yes. The RRB ALP Part B syllabus is directly based on the NCVT ITI curriculum for the relevant trade. Candidates who have completed their ITI in the relevant trade and revised their course material systematically are well positioned for Part B.