RRB ALP Exam 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Salary, Vacancy & More

Updated 3 June 2026

Table of Contents

The RRB ALP 2026 notification was released on 15 May 2026 for 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies. The online application process is currently active at rrbapply.gov.in, and the CBT 1 exam is expected to be held in August 2026.

What is RRB ALP?

RRB ALP (Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot) is a popular railway recruitment exam conducted to recruit candidates for the Assistant Loco Pilot post in Indian Railways. ALPs assist in train operation and help the Loco Pilot during train operation. RRB has recently released 11,127+ ALP vacancies for 2026, which is one of the biggest railway recruitments for ITI and diploma candidates for this year.

RRB ALP 2026 Highlights

Here’s everything you need to know about RRB ALP 2026. See the highlights table before reading the full details.

Particular	Details
Exam Name	RRB ALP (Railway Recruitment Board – Assistant Loco Pilot)
Conducting Body	Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) - Ministry of Railways
Official Website	rrbapply.gov.in / indianrailways.gov.in
Active Cycle	CEN 01/2026 - 11,127 vacancies (apply May 15 – Jun 14, 2026)
Previous Cycle	CEN 01/2025 - 9,970 vacancies (CBT 2 done, result awaited)
Post	Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) - assists in driving trains
Qualification	10th Pass + ITI (NCVT/SCVT) OR Diploma/Degree in Engineering
Age Limit	18 to 28 years (as on 01-07-2026)
Selection Stages	CBT 1 → CBT 2 (Part A + Part B) → CBAT → Document Verification + Medical
CBT 1 Pattern	75 questions \| 75 marks \| 60 minutes \| –1/3 negative marking
Final Merit Formula	70% from CBT 2 Part A + 30% from CBAT
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT) - Online
Salary	Pay Level 2 \| Basic Pay: ₹19,900/month + Running Allowance
Job Location	Any railway zone across India

CEN 01/2025 vs CEN 01/2026 - Two Cycles Explained

Presently, two RRB ALP recruitment cycles are active. Many of the candidates get confused between the two. Here’s a simple comparison so you know which one is for you:

Feature	CEN 01/2025 (Ongoing)	CEN 01/2026 (New)
Total Vacancies	9,970 posts	11,127 posts
Notification	Released 2025	Released May 14, 2026
Application	Closed	May 15 - June 14, 2026
CBT 1 Date	Feb 13–18, 2026 (Done)	Late 2026 (expected)
CBT 2 Date	May 2 & 6, 2026 (Done)	2027 (expected)
Answer Key	Released Mar 20, 2026	Not yet
Result	CBT 2 result awaited	Process not yet started
Apply Now?	No - closed	Yes - apply by Jun 14, 2026

If you have already applied for CEN 01/2025, wait for your CBT 2 result. If you have not applied yet, this is your opportunity. Apply before June 14, 2026, at rrbapply.gov.in.

RRB ALP vs Technician - Which One Should You Choose?

The same notification is for the RRB ALP and Technician posts. Many aspirants are confused as to which one to choose. The biggest difference is that ALP candidates have to clear CBAT (a psychometric test) while technician candidates do not.

Feature	Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)	Technician
Role	Assist in driving trains	Technical maintenance of railway equipment
Qualification	10th + ITI / Diploma / Degree	10th + ITI in relevant trade / Diploma
CBAT Required	Yes - mandatory for ALP	No - not required
Selection Stages	CBT 1 - CBT 2 - CBAT - DV+Medical	CBT 1 - CBT 2 - DV + Medical
Final Merit	70% CBT 2 Part A + 30% CBAT	100% CBT 2 merit
Pay Level	Level 2 - ₹19,900 basic	Level 2 - ₹19,900 basic
Growth Path	ALP - Loco Pilot - LP Senior	Tech - Sr. Tech - JE (via LDCE)

If you want to drive trains and are confident about the CBAT, choose ALP. Want a technical maintenance role without the psychometric test? Choose Technician.

RRB ALP Notification 2026

RRB Alp recruitment Notification for CEN 01/2026 was released on 14th May 2026 on the official RRB website. RRB ALP notification has all details, vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, and how to apply online. RRB ALP online applications started on May 15, 2026, and the RRB ALP last date to apply is June 14, 2026. Applications are accepted only at the official portal - rrbapply.gov.in.

Key points in the CEN 01/2026 notification:

Total 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies in all railway zones
Online application period: May 15–June 14, 2026
RRB ALP correction date: Correction window will be opened after application deadline- usually 2 weeks after the last date
Eligible trades: 15 ITI trades listed + Diploma/Degree in Engineering
Exam will be held in Hindi, English, and 13 regional languages

RRB ALP Exam Dates 2026

For both active cycles, the RRB ALP exam date schedule is very important to know. Here is the complete timeline for CEN 01/2025 (ongoing) and CEN 01/2026 (new). The RRB ALP CBT 2 exam date for CEN 01/2025 was May 2 & 6, 2026. The RRB ALP CBT exam date will be announced after the results of CBT 2.

Event	CEN 01/2025	CEN 01/2026
Official Notification	2025 (released)	May 14, 2026
Online Application Start	Closed	May 15, 2026
RRB ALP last date to apply	Closed	June 14, 2026
CBT 1 Exam Date	Feb 13, 16, 17, 18, 2026	Late 2026 (expected)
CBT 1 Answer Key	Released Mar 20, 2026	-
CBT 1 Objection Last Date	March 26, 2026	-
RRB ALP CBT 1 Result 2026	Awaited (June 2026 exp.)	-
CBT 2 Exam Date	May 2 & 6, 2026	2027 (expected)
RRB ALP CBT 2 answer key	Expected May 2026	-
CBT 2 Result	Awaited	-
CBAT Exam Date	After CBT 2 result	-
RRB ALP final result	After CBAT + DV + Medical	-
Document Verification	After final result	-

The dates shown for the CEN 01/2026 CBT exams are estimates, based on the previous cycle. Keep visiting rrbapply.gov.in for official updates.

RRB ALP Vacancy 2026

The overall RRB ALP vacancy for CEN 01/2026 is 11,127 Assistant Loco Pilot posts in all the 19 railway zones in India. It’s one of the largest vacancy numbers for ALP in recent years. The vacancies are divided zone-wise, and candidates are allotted zones on the basis of merit rank and preference.

RRB Region			Category			Total
	UR	SC	ST	OBC	EWS
Secunderabad	625	209	102	390	94	1420
Ranchi	472	233	105	363	127	1300
Mumbai	336	219	106	380	152	1193
Kolkata	415	154	87	129	56	841
Bhubaneswar	548	70	36	48	99	801
Ajmer	318	115	59	174	52	718
Guwahati	272	109	63	164	68	676
Prayagraj	346	60	38	107	59	610
Siliguri	243	90	46	161	60	600
Malda	226	84	42	151	56	559
Bilaspur	271	106	66	53	26	522
Bhopal	209	82	23	123	16	453
Jammu	158	58	30	110	44	400
Bengaluru	80	31	15	54	20	200
Chandigarh	56	39	23	49	20	187
Chennai	93	24	14	41	14	186
Ahmedabad	62	22	11	38	14	147
Gorakhpur	28	11	37	17	12	105
Patna	41	16	8	28	10	103
Trivandrum	43	8	5	7	1	64
Muzaffarpur	18	6	3	11	4	42
Total	4860	1746	919	2598	1004	11127

RRB ALP Eligibility Criteria 2026

Please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. There are three basic requirements. Nationality, Age and Educational Qualification. The RRB ALP age limit is as of 1st July 2026.

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian / Nepali / Bhutanese / Tibetan refugee (pre-1962) / Person of Indian origin from specified countries
Age Limit	18 to 33 years as on 01-07-2026
Minimum Qualification	10th Pass (Matriculation) from a recognised board
ITI Route	10th + ITI from NCVT/SCVT in eligible trades (Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, etc.)
Diploma Route	10th + 3-year Diploma in Engineering from a recognised board/university
Degree Route	10th + B.E./B.Tech Degree in Engineering from a recognised university
Number of Attempts	No limit - apply every cycle as long as within age limit
Physical Fitness	Must meet basic medical standards for railway service

RRB ALP Age Limit 2026

The RRB ALP age limit for general category is 18 to 28 years. The government gives age relaxation to reserved categories as shown below:-

Category	Upper Age Limit	Relaxation Given
General (UR) / EWS	33 years	Base limit (30) + 3-year special relaxation
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	36 years	Base (33) + 3 years relaxation
SC / ST	38 years	Base (33) + 5 years relaxation
Ex-Servicemen	36 Years + Service	Actual service deducted + 3 years

RRB ALP ITI Trade Eligibility - Which Trade Qualifies?

Which ITI trade is eligible for ALP? This is the most common question asked about the RRB ALP qualification. Complete list of ITI trades eligible under NCVT/SCVT. If your trade is in this list, then you are eligible to apply for RRB ALP.

ITI Trade (NCVT/SCVT)	Also Acceptable Under
Armature and Coil Winder	Electrical Engineering group
Electrician	Electrical / Electronics group
Electronics Mechanic	Electronics / Electrical group
Fitter	Mechanical / General Engineering group
Heat Engine	Mechanical Engineering group
Instrument Mechanic	Electronics / Instrumentation group
Machinist	Mechanical Engineering group
Mechanic Diesel	Mechanical / Automobile group
Mechanic Motor Vehicle	Automobile / Mechanical group
Millwright Maintenance Mechanic	Mechanical Engineering group
Mechanic Radio and TV	Electronics / Electrical group
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic	Mechanical / HVAC group
Tractor Mechanic	Mechanical / Automobile group
Turner	Mechanical Engineering group
Wireman	Electrical Engineering group

If your trade is not in this list, check if you have a Diploma or Degree in Engineering - that also qualifies. Always confirm from the official CEN notification before applying. Candidates with a Diploma or B.E./ B.Tech Degree in any Engineering discipline are also eligible - no ITI certificate required. The degree or diploma must be from an recognised institution.

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 - CBT 1

The first obstacle is the RRB ALP exam pattern for CBT 1. It checks basic knowledge of 4 subjects. There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for each incorrect answer. It’s a qualifying exam. Your CBT 1 score does not count in the final merit.

Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration	Negative	Min. Qualifying %
Mathematics	20	20	60 min (combined)	–1/3	UR/EWS: 40%
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	25	-	–1/3	OBC/SC: 30%
General Science	20	20	-	–1/3	ST: 25%
General Awareness & Current Affairs	10	10	-	–1/3	ExSM: per community
Total (CBT 1)	75	75	60 minutes	–1/3 per wrong	Qualifying only

Important Tips for CBT 1

Reasoning has the highest weightage (25Q) - focus on this section
General Science (Class 10 level - Physics, Chemistry, Biology) - 20Q
Mathematics - 20Q - basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry
General Awareness + Current Affairs - 10Q - read daily for 3–4 months
No sectional cutoff - total score matters
Aim for 55–60+ marks (not just 40% minimum) - higher CBT 1 score increases CBT 2 shortlisting chances

RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The RRB ALP CBT 2 syllabus is more advanced than CBT 1 and is the merit-deciding stage. CBT 2 has two parts - Part A (general technical subjects) and Part B (your specific ITI trade/engineering discipline). Part B is only for qualifying.

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration	Negative	Nature
Part A - Mathematics	25	25	90 min	–1/3	Merit-based
Part A - General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	25	-	–1/3	Merit-based
Part A - Basic Science & Engineering	40	40	-	–1/3	Merit-based
Part A - General Awareness	10	10	-	–1/3	Merit-based
Part A Total	100	100	90 min	–1/3	Counts for merit
Part B - Trade Syllabus (your ITI/trade)	75	75	60 min	–1/3	Qualifying - 35% min

CBT 2 Part A - subject-wise topics:

Mathematics: Same level as CBT 1 but slightly harder - 25Q
General Intelligence & Reasoning: 25Q - similar to CBT 1 but a few tougher questions
Basic Science and Engineering (BSE): 40Q - this is the hardest section - Units, Measurements, Mass/Weight/Density, Work, Power, Energy, Heat & Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers, Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Engineering Drawing basics
General Awareness: 10Q - Current Affairs, Science & Technology, Sports, Govt. Schemes

CBT 2 Part B - trade-wise qualifying:

Part B questions are from your ITI trade or Diploma/Degree engineering discipline. To qualify for Part B, a minimum of 35% marks is required. Even if your part A score is good, you will be disqualified if you score less than 35% in part B.

RRB ALP CBAT 2026

RRB ALP CBAT Result is one of the most searched topics after CBT 2. CBAТ (Computer-Based Aptitude Test) is only for ALP candidates and is of qualifying nature, but failing it means you cannot be selected as an ALP even if your CBT scores are excellent. Candidates of all categories must score a minimum 42 marks in each of the 5 test batteries.

The RRB ALP psycho test free practice tests are widely available on the preparation platforms and are highly recommended. The best way to prepare is to do regular practice of CBAT-style questions for 2-3 weeks before the exam.

Test Battery	What It Tests	How to Prepare
Memory Test	Memorise maps/structures, identify locations of objects	Study railway maps, practise memory exercises daily
Following Directions	Follow instructions quickly and accurately	Practise direction-based puzzles, distance problems
Perceptual Speed	Spot differences, match patterns fast	Spot-the-difference exercises, pattern recognition tests
Concentration	Sustained focus on a task without losing attention	Practise sustained attention tasks for 15–20 minutes daily
Spatial Scanning	Navigate routes on maps, find the shortest paths	Practice maze-solving and map-reading exercises
Minimum Score	42 marks per battery (all categories)	No negative marking in CBAT

CBAT has NO negative marking. Attempt all questions in each battery. The psychometric tests are designed to assess your natural aptitude - they cannot be 'studied' but can be improved with daily practice.

Important CBAT rules:

All 5 batteries are mandatory - missing one means disqualification
Minimum 42 marks per battery - no overall cutoff, only battery-wise
CBAT does NOT have negative marking - attempt all questions
70% weightage from CBT 2 Part A + 30% from CBAT = final ALP merit
Shortlisting for CBAT: Top 8x ALP vacancies per category from CBT 2

RRB ALP Apply Online 2026

The RRB ALP application process for CEN 01/2026 is entirely online at rrbapply.gov.in. The application period is May 15, 2026, through June 14, 2026. Carefully follow these steps:

Visit rrbapply.gov.in - Click 'New Registration' - Fill in name, DOB, mobile, and email
Complete One-Time Registration - Get Registration ID and password
Login - Select CEN 01/2026 - Click on 'Apply'
Select personal details, educational qualification (ITI trade/Diploma/Degree) and RRB zone preference
Upload photo (20–50 KB, JPG), signature (10–20 KB, JPG) and required certificate documents
Pay Application Fee by Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI
Submit form - Download and print confirmation page

Category	Application Fee
General / OBC / EWS (Male)	₹500 (₹400 refunded after CBT 1 appearance)
SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen	₹250 (₹250 refunded after CBT 1 appearance - full refund)
Female (all categories)	₹250 (₹250 refunded after CBT 1 appearance - full refund)
Minority / EBC candidates	₹250 (₹250 refunded after CBT 1 appearance)
PwBD candidates	₹250 (₹250 refunded after CBT 1 appearance)
Payment Mode	Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI (at rrbapply.gov.in)
Important Note	Fee is refunded to your bank account after CBT 1 - keep payment details safe

The fee refund is processed automatically after your CBT 1 attendance is confirmed. General candidates get Rs. 400 back; SC/ST/Female/ExSM/PwBD candidates get the full Rs. 250 back.

RRB ALP Admit Card 2026

RRB ALP Admit Card is released on the respective RRB zone website (Not a single central website). You need to download your admit card from the website of the RRB zone you had applied to. RRB ALP CBT 2 Admit Card CEN 01/2025 released before May 2, 2026

How to download RRB ALP admit card:

Go to your RRB zone website (e.g. rrbahmedabad.gov.in, rrbpatna.gov.in, etc.)
Click on the link ‘Admit Card’ or ‘Download Hall Ticket’
Enter Registration Number and DOB
Click Submit – download and print 2 copies on A4 paper

Documents to carry on exam day:

RRB ALP admit card (printed in colour, if possible)
One original Government issued Photo ID – Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence
One recent passport size photograph (same as uploaded in form)

RRB ALP CBT City Intimation Note: Before the admit card, RRB releases the RRB ALP CBT city intimation slip showing your exam city. This is released before 10-15 days of the admit card. Check it and arrange travel.

RRB ALP Answer Key 2026

The RRB ALP CBT 1 (CEN 01/2025) answer key was released on 20th March 2026 on the official RRB website rrb.digialm.com. Candidates can submit objections till March 26, 2026. RRB ALP CBT 2 answer key for the May 2026 examination is likely to be released in 2-3 weeks after the examination.

How to download the answer key:

Go to rrb.digialm.com - Login with Registration Number and Password
Select 'Answer Key' section - Download your question paper + response sheet PDF
Compare your marked answers with the official answer key
If you find an error, click 'Raise Objection' and pay Rs. 50 per question (refunded if upheld)

RRB ALP Selection Process 2026

THE RRB ALP selection process is done in 4 major stages. It is important to understand how each of the stages works - especially the final merit formula, which is different from most other government exams.

Stage 1: CBT 1

CBT 1 is qualifying in nature and is conducted to shortlist candidates for CBT 2. It has 75 questions for 75 marks to be completed in 60 minutes. The marks secured are not counted for the final merit list.

Stage 2: CBT 2

CBT 2 has Part A and Part B. Part A marks will be considered for final merit, and Part B is qualifying in nature with trade-related questions. Candidates have to secure the minimum qualifying marks for Part B.

Stage 3: CBAT

The Computer-Based Aptitude Test is conducted only for ALP candidates. A list of candidates who qualify for CBT 2 is shortlisted for this stage as per the vacancy requirements.

Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Exam

Those candidates who clear all previous stages are called for the document verification and medical examination to check the eligibility and fitness of the candidate for the railway duties.

Final Merit Formula: 70% for CBT 2 Part A + 30% for CBAT score. The marks for CBT 1 are not counted. Part B is qualifying only.

RRB ALP Result 2026

The RRB ALP result is published in the form of PDF merit lists on the official RRB zone websites. CEN 01/2025 RRB ALP CBT 1 Result 2026 is to be announced after completion of CBT 2. The RRB ALP CBT 2 Result will be announced after the CBT 2 answer key and objections.

How to check RRB ALP result:

Visit RRB zone website - Select ‘Results’
Locate the CEN number result link
Download the result PDF - To find your roll number, use Ctrl+F

RRB ALP result date for CBT 2 (CEN 01/2025) is around June-July 2026 (Expected). The score card will show your section-wise marks, normalized total score and rank. RRB ALP Final Result will be released after CBAT + Document Verification + Medical.

RRB ALP Cutoff 2026

The RRB ALP Cut Off will vary from zone to zone and category to category. CBT 1 cut off the short list of candidates for CBT 2. CBT 2 Part A cut-off is used to find eligibility for the next stage. The higher mark scorers are shortlisted for CBAT depending upon the zone and category. Below is the previous year cut off trends for reference.

RRB ALP Year-Wise Cut-Off Trend (All-India Average)

Year	Exam Cycle	CBT 1 (Qualifying)	CBT 2 Part A (Merit)	Weightage (CBT:CBAT)
2014	CEN 01/2014	35 – 42	52 – 60	70 : 30
2018	CEN 01/2018	40 – 58	68 – 78	70 : 30
2024	CEN 01/2024	48 – 65	72 – 82	70 : 30
2026	CEN 01/2026	55 – 72+	78 – 88+	50 : 50

CBT 2 Part A (Out of 100) - Merit Stage (Detailed Category Breakdown)

Category	2018 Actual (Avg)	2024 Estimated (Avg)	2026 Targeted (Safe)
General (UR)	72.5	77.0	82+
OBC (NCL)	68.2	73.5	78+
EWS	N/A	72.0	76+
SC	59.8	64.5	68+
ST	52.4	58.0	62+

Minimum qualifying percentage (CBT 1 and CBT 2):

UR / EWS: 40% minimum in CBT 1 and CBT 2 Part A
OBC (NCL): 30% minimum
SC: 30% minimum
ST: 25% minimum
Ex-Servicemen: as per their community percentage
CBAT: 42 marks per battery for all categories - no relaxation

RRB ALP Salary 2026

One of the most attractive features is the RRB ALP salary. ALP comes under Pay Level 2 (Basic Rs. 19,900) as per the 7th Pay Commission. However, the ALP salary is special in comparison to other Level 2 jobs because of the running allowance – extra money paid for every km driven that can add Rs. 6,000-Rs. 15,000+ to your salary every month.

Pay Component	X City (Metro)	Y City	Z City (Others)
Basic Pay	₹19,900	₹19,900	₹19,900
Dearness Allowance (DA 46%)	₹9,154	₹9,154	₹9,154
HRA	₹4,776	₹3,184	₹1,592
Transport Allowance	₹1,350	₹900	₹900
Running Allowance (approx.)	₹6,000–₹12,000+	Same	Same
Approx. In-Hand Salary	₹42,000–₹48,000+	₹38,000–₹44,000+	₹35,000–₹40,000+

Other benefits and perks of the RRB ALP job:

CGHS medical benefits for self and family
Free or subsidised railway passes for self and family (travel across India)
Leave Travel Concession (LTC) every 4 years
Uniform allowance
Night Duty Allowance and Overtime Allowance
NPS (National Pension Scheme) contribution
Subsidised railway staff canteen and housing in some zones

RRB ALP Career Growth - From ALP to Senior Loco Pilot

One of the biggest plus points of the RRB ALP job is the clear career progression pathway. ALP assists the main Loco Pilot first and then goes on to drive more important train categories. Each promotion carries a higher pay grade and improved allowances.

Stage	Post	Years of Service	Pay Level
Entry	Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP)	0–3 years	Level 2 - ₹19,900
Stage 1	Loco Pilot Shunting (LPS)	3–5 years	Level 4 - ₹25,500
Stage 2	Loco Pilot Goods (LPG)	5–10 years	Level 5 - ₹29,200
Stage 3	Loco Pilot Mail/Express (LPME)	10–18 years	Level 6 - ₹35,400
Stage 4	Loco Pilot Superfast/Rajdhani (LPSF)	18+ years	Level 7 - ₹44,900
Top	Sr. Loco Pilot / Instructor (via LDCE)	20+ years	Level 8+ - ₹47,600+

Promotions are based on seniority, vacancies, and passing departmental examinations (LDCE). Good performance and a safe driving record accelerate career growth.

What does an Assistant Loco Pilot do day-to-day?

Assist the main Loco Pilot in operating the train on designated routes
Monitor engine gauges, signals, and track conditions
Handle minor technical issues during the journey
Complete pre-departure safety checks on the locomotive
Communicate with control rooms and station masters

After getting experience of 2-3 years and qualifying the promotional exam, an ALP is promoted to Loco Pilot (Shunting) and is entrusted with independent charge of shunting operations in railway yards.

RRB ALP Mock Test 2026

Regular RRB ALP mock test practice is one of the most important steps to clear this exam. The RRB ALP selection process is divided into 3 different stages, with different exam formats – and each requires a different type of practice. It's important to do mocks for all three (CBT 1, CBT 2 and CBAT) separately.

RRB ALP Previous Year Question Papers

Solving the RRB ALP previous year question paper is one of the most effective methods of preparation. The past papers show you exactly what type of questions are asked, which topics repeat themselves and the actual level of difficulty. For RRB ALP, solving the last 4–5 years of CBT 1 and CBT 2 papers is highly recommended.

RRB ALP Preparation Tips & Best Books 2026

RRB ALP exam is competitive, but can be easily cracked with a proper preparation strategy. The bottom line is that each stage requires a different approach - CBT 1 is qualifying, CBT 2 Part A is the rank stage and CBT 2 need daily practice.

For CBT 1:

CBT 1 is qualifying, but aim for 60+ out of 75 - not just 40% minimum
Reasoning (25Q) - highest section - practise daily for 30 minutes
General Science (20Q) - Class 10 Physics + Chemistry + Biology - NCERT is enough
Mathematics (20Q) - basic arithmetic - R.S. Aggarwal or Fast Track Arithmetic
GA (10Q) - last 4–6 months current affairs - read daily

For CBT 2 Part A:

Basic Science and Engineering (BSE) is the hardest and carries 40Q - start early
Topics: Units & Measurements, Basic Electricity, Engineering Drawing, Work-Energy-Power - study systematically
Mathematics and Reasoning in CBT 2 are slightly harder than CBT 1 - practise more

For CBT 2 Part B:

Use your ITI trade textbooks - this is qualifying (35% minimum needed)
Do not neglect Part B - failing here disqualifies you regardless of Part A score

For CBAT:

Search 'rrb alp psycho test free' and practise all 5 batteries daily for 15 minutes
Do NOT skip CBAT preparation - it is the stage where many candidates fail despite good CBT scores

Subject	Book Title	Author	Best Used For
Mathematics	Quantitative Aptitude	R.S. Aggarwal	Concepts + practice
Mathematics	Fast Track Arithmetic	Rajesh Verma (Arihant)	Speed and shortcuts
Reasoning	A Modern Approach to Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	All Reasoning topics
General Science	Lucent's Science (Physics/Chemistry/Bio)	Lucent	Class 10 level science
General Awareness	Lucent's General Knowledge	Lucent Publications	Static GK base
Current Affairs	Monthly GK Digest	Any reputed platform	Last 6 months CA
Basic Science & Engg	RRB ALP Guide (CBT 2)	Arihant / Disha	CBT 2 Part A - BSE section
Trade Syllabus	Trade-specific ITI guide	By your ITI trade	CBT 2 Part B
Full Preparation	RRB ALP Complete Guide	Disha / KiranPrakashan	One-stop reference

FAQ’s On RRB ALP Exam 2026

THE RRB ALP Exam Date has not been released yet. CBT 1 should be completed by the end of 2026, then CBT 2 and the rest of the selection process.

Candidates should have passed Class 10 and should possess a certificate of ITI in any relevant trade or a Diploma/Degree in Engineering from a recognised institute.

The basic pay of Assistant Loco Pilot is Rs. 19,900. Normally, the in-hand salary varies from Rs. 38,000 and Rs. 48,000 per month, including allowances.

In CBT 1, there are four subjects: Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science and General Awareness. In Part B, CBT 2 comprises of questions from Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, General Awareness and trade related questions.

CBAT (Computer Based Aptitude Test) is a test that is conducted for ALP candidates only. It measures candidates' aptitude and psychometric skills necessary for railway driving tasks.

The minimum age limit is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 28 years for candidates in the General category. Age relaxation is available for reserved category as per the Government Rules.

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online via the official RRB registration link by registering, filling application form, uploading documents, and paying the required fee.