RRB ALP Exam Pattern: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts the ALP exam to recruit candidates for driving and operating trains, ensuring smooth and safe railway operations. This role is not just about driving but also about handling technical issues, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining locomotive efficiency.
The RRB ALP Exam attracts thousands of candidates every year due to stability, various perks, and the opportunity to work in the core technical field of Indian Railways. It’s crucial to understand the RRB ALP exam pattern thoroughly, as it helps in effective preparation.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern
RRB Assistant Loco Pilot examination is conducted to recruit candidates for the crucial role of operating and assisting in locomotive engines. Understanding the RRB ALP Exam Pattern is important. Let’s break down the RRB ALP Exam Pattern in detail, covering all three main stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern Overview
Candidates aspiring to apply for RRB ALP should familiarize themselves with the essential details regarding the RRB ALP Exam Pattern. The following table presents key highlights for their reference:
| RRB ALP Exam Pattern Overview |
| Organization |
Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Posts Name |
Assistant Loco Pilots |
| Category |
Exam Pattern |
| Application Mode |
Online |
| Exam Stages |
CBT I, CBT II, CBAT, DV |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern Details
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, featuring four 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
The first stage is an online exam that tests candidates on four subjects: General Awareness, 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 |
| Subjects |
No. of Qs |
Marks |
Duration |
| Mathematics |
75 |
75 |
60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning |
| General Science |
| General Awareness |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern for CBT 2
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. 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.
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 |
| 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 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:
- 70% weightage from marks obtained in Part A of CBT 2
- 30% weightage from CBAT scores
Effective Preparation Tips for the RRB ALP Exam
Preparing for the RRB ALP exam requires dedication and strategic planning due to its extensive RRB ALP syllabus. 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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