RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026: Revised CBT 1, CBT 2 & CBAT Pattern, Marks, Duration
RRB ALP Exam Pattern: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the revised Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) exam pattern with the latest notification. Candidates preparing for RRB ALP 2026 must understand the changes in CBT 1, CBT 2, Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), marking scheme, and final merit calculation.
The RRB ALP selection process includes:
- CBT 1
- CBT 2 (Part A & Part B)
- CBAT
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (DME)
Understanding the latest exam pattern helps candidates prepare according to subject-wise weightage, question distribution, and qualifying requirements.
What's New in RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026?
Check the new changes in the RRB ALP exam pattern.
| Changes | Updated Details |
|---|---|
| CBT 1 Subjects | General Awareness & Current Affairs removed |
| CBT 1 Pattern | Now includes Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science |
| Final Merit Weightage | CBT 2 Part A and CBAT have equal weightage |
| CBAT Weightage | 50% |
| CBT 2 Part A Weightage | 50% |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
Candidates aspiring to apply for RRB ALP should familiarize themselves with the essential details regarding the RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026. The following table presents key highlights for their reference:| RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Posts Name | RRB ALP 2026 |
| Category | Exam Pattern |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Stages | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, DV, DME |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark |
| Final Merit | CBT 2 Part A + CBAT |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern Details 2026
The RRB ALP Selection Process comprises three main stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT. The final stage, CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test), is specifically designed for Assistant Loco Pilot posts.
- CBT 1 is the first stage of the RRB ALP selection process and consists of three sections that candidates must complete within a 60-minute time limit.
- CBT 2 is divided into two parts:
- Part A includes four sections with a total of 100 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.
- Part B focuses on the relevant trade, consisting of 75 questions to be completed within 60 minutes.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern for CBT 1 2026
The first stage is an online exam that tests candidates on four subjects: General Science, Arithmetic (Mathematics), and General Intelligence & Reasoning. Each question carries 1 mark. There is a negative marking: 0.33 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer. The test is available in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, and regional languages. Below is the detailed exam pattern for CBT 1.
| RRB ALP Exam Pattern CBT 1 2026 | ||
| Subjects | No. of Qs | Marks |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (Part A & Part B)
Candidates who qualify for CBT 1 are shortlisted for CBT 2. This stage is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.
RRB ALP 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. Part A of CBT 2 plays an important role in the final selection. The marks obtained in CBT 2 Part A are considered along with CBAT scores for preparing the final merit list. As per the revised pattern, CBT 2 Part A and CBAT carry equal weightage of 50% each.
RRB ALP 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.
| RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
| 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 | |
RRB ALP Negative marking
The RRB ALP exam 2026 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.
RRB ALP Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
Candidates applying for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) 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 ALP merit list. The final merit list is prepared by combining:
- 50% weightage from CBT 2 Part A marks
- 50% weightage from CBAT scores
Effective Preparation Tips for the RRB ALP Exam
Preparing for the RRB ALP exam 2026 requires dedication and strategic planning due to its extensive RRB ALP syllabus 2026. Here are eight essential tips to boost your preparation:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the official RRB ALP notifications and visit the RRB website to stay informed about important announcements.
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the RRB ALP exam pattern to tailor your study plan effectively.
- Master the Syllabus: Gain a strong grip on all the topics covered in the RRB ALP syllabus to strengthen your subject knowledge.
- Structured Study Plan: Create a well-organized RRB ALP study plan and stick to it consistently for better results.
- Solve Mock Tests: Regularly attempt RRB ALP mock tests to understand the exam pattern and gauge the difficulty level.
- Make Handy Notes: Prepare concise notes for quick revision. These notes will help simplify complex concepts and save time.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve ALP previous years’ question papers and take multiple mock tests to build problem-solving speed and accuracy.
- Assess Your Performance: Regularly review your progress and identify weak areas to focus on improving them.
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RRB ALP Exam Pattern FAQs
How many stages are there in the RRB ALP selection process?
Is Part B of CBT 2 considered for merit in RRB ALP?
Is there negative marking in the RRB ALP exam?
