RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) Examination — Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) conduct the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) examination to recruit candidates for one of the most critical roles in the Indian Railways. ALPs are responsible for assisting train drivers and ensuring the smooth and safe operation of trains. The selection process is technically oriented and involves multiple stages, including two computer-based tests (CBT-1 & CBT-2) and a mandatory Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT).
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.
Age Limit
A candidate must be between 18 and 30 years old. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories (OBC, SC/ST, PwBD) as per government rules.
Educational Qualification
A candidate must have passed Matriculation (10th Class) plus one of the following technical qualifications:
- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate from a recognized institution in specified trades like Fitter, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Millwright, etc.
- A 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering.
- A Bachelor's Degree (B.E./B.Tech) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering.
✍️ Exam Syllabus & Pattern
1. First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
This is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the second stage and is qualifying in nature.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 Minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
2. Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2)
This stage consists of two parts, conducted on the same day.
Part A (Merit Deciding)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 90 Minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 | |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Part B (Qualifying)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relevant Trade | 75 | 75 | 60 Minutes |
Part B is a qualifying test based on the trade syllabus prescribed by the DGET. Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in this part for their Part A scores to be considered.
3. Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
This stage is mandatory for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot and is qualifying in nature. It is conducted to assess a candidate's cognitive attributes, such as perception speed, depth perception, concentration, and memory. Candidates need to score a minimum T-Score of 42 in each test battery to qualify.
👉 Note
- The final merit list for the ALP post is prepared based on marks from CBT-2 Part A (70% weightage) and the CBAT (30% weightage), subject to clearing all other stages like Document Verification and Medical Examination.
- For full official syllabus & eligibility, refer to RRB official website .
☞ Tip for Aspirants: Always refer to the latest official notification for syllabus and eligibility details as they may change year to year.