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Loco Pilot Exam Pattern 2025 for CBT 1, CBT 2 and CBAT

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern consists of three main stages i.e.., CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT. CBT 2 has Part A and Part B (trade-specific and qualifying). Negative marking is 1/3rd per wrong answer in both CBTs.
authorImageParul Rishi22 May, 2025
Loco Pilot Exam Pattern

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern: The Railway Recruitment Board conducts the Loco Pilot Exam to recruit candidates responsible for driving and operating trains while ensuring safe and efficient railway operations. This role involves not only driving but also handling technical issues, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining locomotive performance. 

Every year, thousands of candidates apply for the RRB ALP Exam due to get an opportunity to work in the technical sector of Indian Railways. Understanding the Loco Pilot exam pattern is essential for effective preparation.

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern 

The Loco Pilot Exam, conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), is a recruitment exam for candidates aspiring to become Loco Pilot in Indian Railways. The Loco Pilot selection process involves multiple stages, including Computer-Based Tests (CBT 1 & CBT 2), Computer-Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT), Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Check Loco Pilot Exam Pattern 2025 for each stage below.

Loco Pilot  Exam Pattern Overview

Candidates aspiring to apply for Loco Pilot should familiarize themselves with the essential details regarding the Loco Pilot Exam Pattern. The following table presents key highlights for their reference:
Loco Pilot  Exam Pattern Overview
Organization Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Posts Name RRB Loco Pilot
Category Exam Pattern
Exam Stages CBT I, CBT II, CBAT, DV

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern Details

The Loco Pilot Selection Process consists of three main stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT. The final stage, CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test), is specifically conducted for Loco Pilot posts to assess the candidate’s aptitude and decision-making skills.

The first stage, CBT 1, is a screening test that includes four sections and must be completed within 60 minutes. It is qualifying in nature, and candidates need to secure the minimum required marks to proceed further.

The second stage, CBT 2, is divided into two parts. Part A comprises different sections with a total of 100 questions, which candidates must complete within 90 minutes. Part B is a trade-specific test, consisting of 75 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. This stage plays a crucial role in determining the final merit of candidates.

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern for CBT 1

The CBT 1 is the first stage of the selection process. It is a screening test, meaning its marks are not considered for the final merit list. However, candidates must qualify in this stage to proceed to CBT 2. 

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern CBT 1
Subjects No. of Qs Marks Duration
Mathematics 75 75 60 minutes
General Intelligence & Reasoning
General Science
General Awareness 

Loco Pilot CBT 1 Exam Mode

The Loco Pilot Exam is conducted in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates must take the test at designated centers under strict examination guidelines.

Loco Pilot CBT 1 Exam Duration

The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes, but PwD candidates are given 80 minutes as per government guidelines to ensure fair assessment. Managing time efficiently is crucial for attempting all questions.

Loco Pilot CBT 1 Number of Questions

The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question has four options, and candidates must select the correct answer. Since there is negative marking, accuracy is important while attempting questions.

Loco Pilot CBT 1 Important Points 

This stage is only qualifying in nature. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks based on their category. The Loco Pilot Syllabus mainly covers basic concepts of mathematics, reasoning, science, and current affairs. The difficulty level is moderate, and candidates should focus on accuracy and speed.

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern for CBT 2 

Candidates who qualify for CBT 1 are shortlisted for CBT 2, which is more detailed and has a higher difficulty level. The marks obtained in CBT 2 are considered for the final merit list. CBT 2 is divided in 2 parts: Part A and B

Loco Pilot CBT 2 Part A

Part A of the Second Stage of CBT is crucial as it directly impacts the final merit list. It consists of three sections: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering. There are a total of 100 questions to be answered within 90 minutes. The marks obtained in Part A carry 70% weightage in the final merit list, making it essential for candidates to score well in this section to secure a higher rank.

Loco Pilot CBT 2 Part B 

Part B focuses on trade-specific knowledge and is qualifying in nature. This section contains 75 questions related to the trade chosen by the candidate, with a time limit of 60 minutes. To pass Part B, candidates must secure minimum marks. Although the marks obtained in this section do not contribute to the final merit list, qualifying in Part B is mandatory to move forward in the selection process.

Loco Pilot CBT 2 Exam Pattern
Papers Subjects No. of Questions Marks Duration
Paper 1 Mathematics 100 100 90 minutes
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Basic Science and Engineering
Paper 2 Relevant Trade 75 75 60 minutes
Overall Total 175 175 150 minutes

Loco Pilot CBT 2 Exam Mode

The Loco Pilot Exam is conducted in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates must appear for the exam at designated centers with proper verification of identity.

Loco Pilot CBT 2 Exam Duration

The total duration of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving candidates sufficient time to attempt all sections. Proper time management is essential to complete the paper within the given timeframe.

Loco Pilot CBT 2 Exam Sections

The exam is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A consists of general subjects, while Part B focuses on the relevant trade. Both parts are crucial for final selection.

Loco Pilot CBT 2 Important Points 

Part A marks are considered for merit ranking. Part B is a trade-specific test and is only qualifying in nature. Candidates must score at least 35% in Part B to proceed to the next stage. The exam requires in-depth knowledge of technical subjects, so candidates must prepare accordingly.

Loco Pilot CBAT Exam Pattern

Candidates applying for the Loco Pilot (Loco Pilot) post must appear for the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). To qualify, candidates must score a minimum of 42 marks in each test battery. Only those who clear the CBAT will be considered for the Loco Pilot merit list. The final merit list is prepared by combining:

  • 70% weightage from marks obtained in Part A of CBT 2
  • 30% weightage from CBAT scores

Loco Pilot Negative marking 2025

The Loco Pilot exam also includes negative markings. For every incorrect answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2 (Part A), 1/3rd of a mark is deducted. However, there is no negative marking in the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT). This makes accuracy critical, as guessing answers could significantly impact a candidate’s overall score.

The RRB Loco Pilot Exam Pattern 2025 is designed to assess candidates thoroughly in multiple stages, from CBT 1 (screening) to CBT 2 (merit-based), CBAT, and final selection through Document Verification and Medical Examination. PW provides Railway exam related content including sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today on Railway Online Coaching for preparation.

Loco Pilot Exam Pattern FAQs

How many stages are there in the Loco Pilot selection process?

Loco Pilot selection process has three stages: CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A and B), and CBAT.

Is Part B of CBT 2 considered for merit in Loco Pilot Exam?

No, Part B is qualifying in nature only.

How is the Loco Pilot merit list prepared?

The merit list is based on 70% weightage from Part A of CBT 2 and 30% from CBAT.

Is there negative marking in the Loco Pilot exam?

Yes, there is a 1/3rd mark deduction for each wrong answer in CBT 1 and Part A of CBT 2.
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