RRB ALP Machinist Trade Syllabus

The RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B -- Machinist trade syllabus covers the core technical knowledge tested in the 75-question, 60-minute trade-specific section of the RRB ALP 2027 examination. Part B is qualifying in nature only: candidates must score a minimum of 35% (26.25 marks out of 75) to clear Part B. The marks scored in Part B are NOT added to the final merit list. Merit is determined entirely by CBT 2 Part A scores. The syllabus for Part B is based on the NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) ITI curriculum for the Machinist trade at the ITI certificate level.

Quick Facts: ALP Machinist Trade

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 Machinist trade theory and practical knowledge at the ITI level before the examination.

Detailed Machinist Trade Syllabus (Part B)

The Machinist 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

•        Drawing Interpretation: orthographic and isometric views; tolerances; limits and fits; GD&T symbols (ISO 1101); surface roughness

•        Precision Measurement: vernier caliper; micrometers (external, internal, depth); dial test indicator; bore gauge; height gauge; slip gauges; CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) basics

•        Gauges: plug, ring, snap; thread gauges; taper gauges; GO/NOGO gauging; surface roughness measurement

•        Angular and Profile Measurement: sine bar; bevel protractor; profile projector; optical comparator

2. Conventional Milling

•        Milling Machine Types: horizontal; vertical; universal; ram type; bed type; copy milling; specifications

•        Milling Cutters: plain; face; side and face; end mill; slot drill; T-slot; dovetail; woodruff; form cutters; angle cutters -- designation and IS codes

•        Work Holding: milling vice; clamps and studs; V-blocks; rotary table; dividing head

•        Milling Operations: plain milling; face milling; side milling; angular milling; form milling; gang milling; straddle milling; slotting; T-slot; dovetail milling; interpolation milling

•        Up Milling vs Down Milling: cutting action; surface finish; tool life; vibration; application

•        Indexing: simple indexing; compound indexing; differential indexing; angular indexing; dividing head setup

•        Cutting Parameters: cutting speed; feed (chip per tooth); depth of cut; MRR; selection based on material and cutter

3. Conventional Drilling and Boring

•        Drilling Machine: types; parts; operations (drilling, reaming, boring, counterboring, countersinking, tapping, spot facing)

•        Drill Geometry: point angle; helix angle; clearance angle; chisel edge; cutting lips; sharpening; split point

•        Boring Machine: horizontal boring; jig boring; boring head; boring bar deflection; micro-bore boring heads

•        Jig Boring: precision boring; lead screw accuracy; temperature compensation; machine tool geometry

4. CNC Machining

•        CNC Fundamentals: advantages of CNC; types of CNC systems (point-to-point, contouring); open and closed loop; types of machines (CNC lathe, machining centre, turning centre)

•        CNC Coordinate Systems: Cartesian coordinates; absolute (G90) and incremental (G91) programming; machine zero; program zero; tool reference point

•        G-Codes (Preparatory Functions): G00 rapid traverse; G01 linear interpolation; G02/G03 circular interpolation; G04 dwell; G17/G18/G19 plane selection; G20/G21 inch/mm input; G28 return to home; G40/G41/G42 tool radius compensation; G54-G59 work offset; G70/G71 turning cycles; G80-G89 canned cycles (drilling, tapping, boring); G90/G91 absolute/incremental; G94/G95 feed rate; G96/G97 surface speed/RPM

•        M-Codes (Miscellaneous Functions): M00 program stop; M01 optional stop; M02/M30 end of program; M03/M04/M05 spindle CW/CCW/stop; M06 tool change; M07/M08/M09 coolant; M19 spindle orient; M41/M42 gear range

•        Tool Offset: tool length offset (TLO) compensation; tool radius compensation; offset setting procedure; wear offset vs geometry offset

•        CNC Lathe Programming: facing; turning; grooving; threading (G76 multi-pass thread cycle); boring; drilling cycles

•        CNC Machining Centre Programming: milling; drilling cycles (G81, G82, G83, G84, G85); pocketing; contouring; sub-programs (M98/M99)

•        CAM Basics: CAM software (Mastercam, Siemens NX, Fanuc) - concept and workflow; post-processor; NC code generation; simulation and verification

5. Cutting Theory and Tool Technology

•        Chip Formation: types; built-up edge; chip breakers; chip thickness ratio

•        Merchant's Circle: resultant cutting force; cutting force components (Fc, Ft, Fr); power consumed

•        Tool Life: Taylor's equation; VT^n = C; effect of cutting speed, feed, depth of cut; tool life criteria

•        Cutting Tool Materials: HSS; carbide (cemented, coated); ceramics; CBN; diamond -- properties; selection criteria

•        Insert Technology: ISO designation of inserts; chip breaker geometry; grades; coatings; indexable inserts

•        Cutting Fluids: types; properties; selection; application (flood, mist, high-pressure); dry and near-dry machining; environmental considerations

6. Grinding and Surface Finishing

•        Grinding Wheels: marking system (abrasive, grit, grade, structure, bond); selection; balancing; dressing and truing; ANSI B74.13

•        Surface Grinding: types (reciprocating table, rotary table, creep feed); parameters; defects (burning, chatter, glazing, waviness)

•        Cylindrical Grinding: external; internal; centreless; traverse and plunge; tolerance achievable

•        Tool and Cutter Grinding: sharpening of milling cutters, drills, reamers, and form cutters

•        Honing and Lapping: abrasives; grit sizes; MRR; surface finish achievable; bore honing; surface lapping

•        EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining): principle; electrode (tool) materials; dielectric; sparking; surface finish; applications in die making

7. Jigs, Fixtures and Tooling

•        Jigs: types (template, plate, box, angle plate, channel, leaf, pot jig); locating and clamping devices; 3-2-1 principle; jig bush types

•        Fixtures: milling fixture; turning fixture; welding fixture; modular fixturing; hydraulic and pneumatic clamping

•        Press Tools: blanking; piercing; bending; deep drawing; compound and progressive dies; clearance; springback

•        Tool Setting: presetter; test cuts; offset compensation; production first article inspection

8. Quality Control and Metrology

•        Statistical Quality Control: normal distribution; Cp and Cpk; control charts (X-bar and R; p-chart; c-chart); process capability; AQL; sampling plan (IS 2500)

•        CMM: working principle; probing systems; datum alignment; measurement programs; GD&T verification

•        Surface Texture: Ra; Rz; Rmax; measuring instruments; influence of machining parameters

•        Roundness and Cylindricity: roundness error; out-of-roundness; cylindricity gauge; Talyrond

•        IS Codes and Standards: IS 919 (tolerances); IS 2102 (general tolerances); IS 3477 (cutting tools)

Weightage Analysis and Preparation Strategy

The 75 Part B questions are drawn proportionally from across all major topic areas of the Machinist 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 Machinist 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.