Understand the comprehensive RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 for CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT. This guide covers the updated exam structure, section-wise weightage, marking schemes, duration, and the complete selection process for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) role.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026
The RRB ALP selection process is a multi-stage challenge comprising CBT 1, CBT 2, and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). Aspirants must successfully qualify for each stage to secure a position as an Assistant Loco Pilot. A negative marking scheme applies throughout the objective tests, with the final merit ranking determined by scores from CBT 2 Part A and the CBAT.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
Mastering the subject-wise weightage, marking protocols, and qualifying requirements is essential for a high-scoring strategy. Review the key exam information summarized below to optimize your preparation:
| Parameter | Details |
| Organisation |
Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)
|
| Post |
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)
|
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 |
| Pay Level |
Level-2 (₹19,900 initial pay)
|
| Medical Standard | A-1 |
| Age Limit (as on 01-07-2026) | 18 – 30 years |
| Selection Stages |
CBT 1 → CBT 2 → CBAT → DV → ME
|
RRB ALP Selection Process 2026
The comprehensive RRB ALP 2026 recruitment roadmap is divided into the following key stages:
- First Stage CBT (CBT 1): Screening test
- Second Stage CBT (CBT 2): Merit-based test (Part A + Part B)
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Aptitude test
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME)
CBT 1 Exam Pattern
RRB ALP CBT 1 acts as the initial screening phase. This paper consists of 75 objective-type questions totaling 75 marks, which must be completed within 60 minutes.
Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while a penalty of 1/3 mark is deducted for every incorrect entry. Notably, CBT 1 serves as a screening round, and its marks do not contribute toward the final merit list.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Mathematics | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | |||
| General Science | |||
| Total | 75 | 75 | 60 minutes |
Minimum Pass Percentage (CBT 1)
| Category |
Minimum Qualifying Percentage
|
| UR/EWS | 40% |
| OBC (NCL) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
Shortlisting for CBT 2
To proceed to CBT 2, candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in CBT 1, with the number of qualifiers being 15 times the total notified vacancies for that specific RRB.
CBT 2 Exam Pattern
Successful CBT 1 candidates advance to CBT 2, which is split into Part A and Part B. While Part A scores are critical for shortlisting for the CBAT, Part B is purely qualifying. The total exam duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a 1/3 mark deduction for every incorrect answer.
| Papers | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering. | 100 | 100 | 90 Minutes |
| Part B | Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 Minutes |
| Total | 175 | 175 | 150 Minutes | |
CBT 2 Part A Qualifying Marks
| Category |
Minimum Percentage
|
| UR/EWS | 40% |
| OBC (NCL) | 30% |
| SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
Shortlisting for CBAT
For the CBAT phase, candidates equivalent to 8 times the number of ALP vacancies per community/category are shortlisted based on their Part A scores, provided they also meet the minimum requirement in Part B.
CBAT Exam Pattern
After passing CBT 2, candidates face the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), often called the 'Psycho Test.' This crucial stage assesses mental faculties such as spatial concentration, memory, and cognitive decision-making, which are vital for the responsibilities of an Assistant Loco Pilot.
| Parameter | Details |
| Mode |
Computer Based Aptitude Test
|
| Language |
English and Hindi only
|
| Negative Marking |
No negative marking
|
| Qualifying T-Score |
Minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery separately
|
| Mandatory to clear |
Each test battery/section must be cleared separately
|
Final Merit List: Stage-wise Weightage
The final merit list is generated RRB-wise and includes only those candidates who have successfully qualified for the CBAT.
| Stage | Weightage |
| Part A of CBT 2 | 50% |
| CBAT Score | 50% |
Tie-Breaking Rule
In the event of a tie where two or more candidates achieve identical marks in the final merit list, age and seniority criteria are applied.
- The older candidate gets higher merit.
- If age is also the same, alphabetical order (A to Z) of the candidate’s given name (not surname) is used to break the tie.
FAQs
The recruitment sequence consists of five primary stages: CBT 1 (Screening), CBT 2 (Merit-based), CBAT (Aptitude), Document Verification (DV), and Medical Examination (ME).
No, CBT 1 is strictly for screening purposes and its marks are NOT factored into the final merit calculation. The final merit is derived from a combination of Part A of CBT 2 (50% weightage) and the CBAT (50% weightage).
CBT 1 features 75 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. CBT 2 is more extensive, featuring 175 questions in total: 100 in Part A (90 minutes) and 75 in Part B (60 minutes).
Yes, a penalty of 1/3 mark is applicable for every incorrect answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. Notably, there is NO negative marking implemented for the CBAT.
Regardless of their category or community, all candidates must secure at least 35% marks in Part B of CBT 2 to be eligible for consideration for the CBAT.
For the CBAT, candidates are required to achieve a minimum T-score of 42 in every test battery section independently. Failure to meet this benchmark in even one section will result in disqualification.
CBT 1 and CBT 2 are offered in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages, whereas the CBAT is conducted exclusively in English and Hindi.