RRB ALP Syllabus

The RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) examination 2027 is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards for two categories of posts: Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) and Technician (various trades). Assistant Loco Pilots operate railway locomotives under the supervision of Loco Pilots and are responsible for the safe operation of trains. Technician posts cover a range of technical maintenance trades across railway workshops and depots.

The ALP selection process is the most complex among all RRB examinations, consisting of CBT 1 (common for ALP and Technician), CBT 2 (Part A common + Part B trade-specific), and a Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) specifically for ALP posts, followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination. ALP posts have strict vision standards due to the safety-critical nature of locomotive operation.

Quick Facts: RRB ALP 2027

RRB ALP Selection Process 2027

•        Stage 1: CBT 1 -- 75 questions, 75 marks, 60 minutes; common for both ALP and Technician posts; shortlists for CBT 2 at approx. 15 times the vacancy

•        Stage 2: CBT 2 (Part A) -- 100 questions, 90 minutes; common section for both ALP and Technician; merit-based shortlisting for CBAT / DV

•        Stage 2: CBT 2 (Part B) -- 75 questions, 60 minutes; trade-specific questions for the ITI trade or engineering discipline; qualifying in nature only (minimum 35% required); marks NOT counted in merit

•        Stage 3: Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) -- Only for ALP posts; tests spatial and memory aptitude; minimum T-Score required; merit list based on CBT 2 Part A marks

•        Stage 4: Document Verification (DV)

•        Stage 5: Medical Examination -- ALP has Alc (highest) medical standard due to locomotive operation duty

CBT 1 Exam Pattern

CBT 2 Exam Pattern

Part A: Common Section

Part B: Trade-Specific Section (Qualifying Only)

Important: CBT 2 Part B marks are NOT counted in the merit list. Part B is qualifying only. The final merit for ALP posts is based on CBT 2 Part A scores.

CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part A Syllabus

Mathematics

•        Number System, HCF and LCM, BODMAS

•        Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss

•        Simple Interest and Compound Interest

•        Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance

•        Mensuration: 2D and 3D shapes

•        Elementary Algebra and Statistics

•        Trigonometry: standard ratios, heights and distances

General Intelligence and Reasoning

•        Analogies, Series (Number, Alphabet, Alpha-numeric)

•        Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations

•        Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, Blood Relations

•        Directions, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles

•        Statement-based reasoning, Data Sufficiency

•        Non-Verbal: Mirror Image, Paper Folding, Figure Series

Basic Science and Engineering (Key Focus Area)

This section is unique to ALP and covers applied science and engineering concepts at the ITI/Diploma level:

•        Engineering Mathematics: basic calculus, logarithms, matrices basics

•        Engineering Physics: Units and Measurement, Work Energy Power, Heat and Temperature, Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Basic Electronic Components

•        Engineering Drawing: reading of engineering drawings, types of lines, orthographic projection, isometric views, sectional views

•        Basic Electricity: Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits, AC and DC concepts, power and energy calculations

•        Levers and Simple Machines: types of levers, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, efficiency

•        Occupational Safety and Health: safety signs and signals, personal protective equipment, fire safety basics

•        IT Literacy: basic computer operations, internet and email, MS Office basics

•        Environmental Education: pollution types, waste management, renewable energy

General Awareness on Current Affairs

•        Current events at national and international level (last 12 months)

•        Indian Railways: history, network, zones, major projects (Vande Bharat, KAVACH, DFC)

•        Science and Technology, Sports and Awards, Important appointments

CBT 2 Part B: Trade-wise Syllabus Pages

Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for ALP

The CBAT is conducted only for ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) posts, not for Technician posts. It tests five key aptitude batteries essential for safe locomotive operation:

•        Test of Memory: short-term and sequential memory

•        Following Directions: ability to follow a series of directions accurately

•        Depth Perception: ability to judge relative distances

•        Concentration: ability to maintain focused attention over a sustained period

•        Perceptual Speed: speed and accuracy in reading signals and signs

Candidates must achieve a minimum T-Score of 42 in each battery of the CBAT. The CBAT score is NOT added to the merit list; it is qualifying only. The final merit list is based on CBT 2 Part A marks.

Preparation Tips for RRB ALP 2027

1. Prioritise Basic Science and Engineering

The Basic Science and Engineering section is the most distinctive part of the ALP syllabus. It carries 20 marks in CBT 1 and 40 marks in CBT 2 Part A. This section is harder to prepare at the last minute and requires understanding engineering drawing, basic electricity, levers and machines, and applied physics at the ITI level.

2. Prepare Your ITI Trade Thoroughly for Part B

Although Part B is qualifying (35% pass mark required), failing Part B means elimination regardless of your Part A score. Prepare your trade subject from ITI trade theory and practical textbooks published by NCVT.

3. Train for CBAT from the Start

The CBAT tests specific cognitive aptitudes that can be improved with practice. Use online aptitude test simulators for memory, concentration, and perceptual speed from early in your preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions: RRB ALP

Q1. What is the difference between ALP and Technician posts?

ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) posts are for locomotive operation staff; candidates must clear an additional CBAT and meet strict vision standards. Technician posts are for technical maintenance staff in various trades; no CBAT is required.

Q2. Is CBT 2 Part B qualifying or merit-based?

CBT 2 Part B is qualifying only. Candidates must score a minimum of 35% in Part B. The marks scored in Part B are NOT added to the merit list. Merit is based solely on CBT 2 Part A scores.

Q3. What medical standard is required for ALP posts?

ALP posts carry Alc medical standard, which is among the most stringent in Indian Railways. This includes strict vision requirements (no colour blindness, minimum visual acuity in both eyes). Candidates with any significant visual or other physical condition should check the medical standards in the official notification before applying.