RRB ALP Wireman Trade Syllabus

The RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B -- Wireman 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 Wireman trade at the ITI certificate level.

Quick Facts: ALP Wireman 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 Wireman trade theory and practical knowledge at the ITI level before the examination.

Detailed Wireman Trade Syllabus (Part B)

The Wireman 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. Electrical Fundamentals

•        Basic Electricity: current; voltage; resistance; power; energy -- units and formulae; Ohm's Law; series and parallel circuits; Kirchhoff's Laws

•        AC Fundamentals: generation of AC; sinusoidal waveform; frequency; RMS and average values; phasor; single-phase and three-phase systems

•        Magnetism and Electromagnetism: magnetic field; flux; Faraday's Laws; Lenz's Law; inductance; transformer principle

•        Capacitance: capacitor types; charging and discharging; energy stored; capacitors in AC circuits

•        Power Factor: real, reactive, and apparent power; power factor correction; capacitor bank sizing

2. Conductors, Cables, and Accessories

•        Conductors: copper and aluminium conductors; cross-sections (1.5, 2.5, 4, 6, 10, 16, 25, 35 sq mm); current carrying capacity; IS 8130; conductor types (solid, stranded, flexible, ACSR)

•        Cables: types (PVC insulated; XLPE insulated; armoured; unarmoured; fire retardant; fire resistant; oil-resistant); IS 1554; IS 7098; voltage ratings (1.1 kV, 6.6 kV, 11 kV)

•        Cable Selection: current rating; voltage drop calculation; type of installation (buried, conduit, tray, overhead); derating factors; short circuit rating

•        Conduits and Wiring Accessories: rigid PVC conduit; flexible conduit; GI conduit; junction boxes; inspection boxes; flexible conduit connectors; lugs and ferrules; cable glands; cable trays and ladder; cable ties

•        Switches: types (single pole, double pole, triple pole, DPDT, tumbler, piano key); ratings; application; IS 3854

•        Sockets and Plugs: 5A and 15A; 2-pin and 3-pin; industrial (CEE standard); IP ratings; IS 1293

3. Domestic Electrical Wiring

•        Wiring Systems: cleat wiring; casing-capping; CTS/TRS; conduit (surface PVC and concealed); comparison; regulations (IE Rules 1956 and 2020; NBC 2016)

•        Single Phase Distribution: service connection; energy meter; distribution board; MCB/RCCB/MCCB selection; protective devices

•        Domestic Circuits: lighting circuit; power circuit; fan circuit; air conditioner circuit; geyser circuit; plug points

•        Special Wiring: staircase wiring (two-way switching); godown wiring (series-parallel switching); hospital wiring (isolated power supply, IPS); two-way and three-way switching circuits with wiring diagrams

•        Load Calculation: connected load; demand factor; total load; consumer service rating; cable and MCB sizing

•        Earthing of Domestic Installation: plate, pipe, and strip earthing; separate and combined earthing; testing with earth tester; acceptable earth resistance

4. Industrial Electrical Wiring and Motor Control

•        Industrial Distribution: LV switchboard; bus bar sizing; cable selection; cable routing; cable dressing; cable marking

•        Motor Control Circuits: DOL starter (forward, reverse); star-delta starter; rotor resistance starter; push-button stations; limit switches; overload relay; NO and NC contacts

•        Contactor Logic: control circuit; main circuit; ladder diagram; interlock circuits; auto-restart prevention; STOP pushbutton always NC

•        PLC Basics: introduction to PLC; ladder logic; input/output modules; types of PLC; applications in motor control

•        Industrial Earthing: separate protective conductor (PE); equipotential bonding; IS 3043 for industrial installation

•        Power Factor Improvement: automatic power factor controller (APFC); capacitor bank; switching; relay logic

5. Electrical Installation and Maintenance

•        Installation Procedures: conduit bending; threading; pull-through; cable jointing (insulation tape, heat shrink, resin); lugs and crimping; ferrule marking

•        Switchboard Installation: assembly of switchboard; incomer and outgoing connections; bus bar jointing; CT and PT connection; cable termination

•        Testing Before Energisation: continuity test; insulation resistance test (megger); polarity test; earth loop impedance test; RCD testing

•        Commissioning: power-on sequence; voltage measurement; current measurement; phase sequence check; thermal imaging

•        Preventive Maintenance: periodic inspection; tightening of connections; thermal survey; insulation testing; oil level; battery float charge; contactor contacts

•        Fault Finding: no supply; partial supply; trip on overload; ground fault; intermittent fault; motor not starting; motor overheating

6. Protective Devices and IE Rules

•        Fuses: types (rewirable, HRC); ratings; breaking capacity; IS 13703; selection

•        MCB: tripping characteristics (B, C, D curve); Ics and Icu ratings; selectivity; grouping

•        RCCB and ELCB: operating principle (leakage current sensing); 30 mA for personal protection; 100/300 mA for fire protection; testing

•        MCCB: adjustable trip; thermal-magnetic; electronic trip unit; motor protection application

•        IE Rules 1956 and 2020: voltage classifications; earthing requirements; clearances; inspection and testing provisions; licensing of wiremen and electricians

7. Illumination and Lighting Design

•        Basic Concepts: lumen; lux; candela; foot-candle; luminous efficacy; colour rendering index (CRI); colour temperature (CCT)

•        Types of Lamps: incandescent; fluorescent (T8, T5); compact fluorescent (CFL); LED (types, efficacy, driver, heat sink); HPSV; HPMV; metal halide; induction lamp

•        Lighting Design: maintained illuminance; utilisation factor; maintenance factor; lumen method; number of fittings calculation; point-by-point method; emergency lighting

•        IS Standards: IS 3646 (interior lighting); NBC lighting requirements for different spaces

8. Safety and First Aid

•        Electrical Hazards: electric shock; burns; arc flash; fire; causes and prevention

•        Safe Working Practices: permit to work (PTW); LOTO; live working regulations; safe isolation procedure; voltage detectors

•        PPE: insulating gloves; safety shoes (anti-static); arc flash suit; insulating mat; insulating ladder

•        First Aid for Electric Shock: switching off supply; CPR; AED; hospital referral; do not touch victim without isolating

•        Fire Safety: Class C (electrical) fire; CO2 extinguisher; dry powder; fire blanket; prevention of electrical fires

Weightage Analysis and Preparation Strategy

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