The RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 gives you three different jobs to prepare for. In CBT 1, you need to solve school-level maths, reasoning and science questions while keeping up with current affairs. In CBT 2, you prepare for both a common paper and a paper linked to your technical trade. The Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) comes later and has its own rules.
Start by opening your application and writing down your qualification and selected trade. Then use the checklist below to decide which chapters you can revise together and which need a separate practice slot. The exam rules here come from sections 12.1 to 12.4 of the official RRB notice for CEN 01/2026. The study routine is a suggestion you can adapt.
RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 at a glance
| Stage | Questions and time | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | 75 questions in 60 minutes | Screens candidates for CBT 2. Its marks stay out of final merit. |
| CBT 2 Part A | 100 questions in 90 minutes | Tests maths, reasoning, and basic science and engineering. Its score counts for shortlisting and merit. |
| CBT 2 Part B | 75 questions in 60 minutes | Tests the relevant trade. Every candidate needs 35% to qualify. |
| CBAT | Separate aptitude test sections | Candidates must clear each section. The score also contributes to final merit. |
Both computer-based tests deduct one-third of a mark for each wrong answer. Try a short timed set first. If you keep losing marks by guessing, record how many guesses were right and wrong so you can adjust before your next mock.
RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus and how to study it
Maths and reasoning
Start with fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and basic arithmetic. Then work through topics such as time and work, speed and distance, profit and loss, mensuration and basic algebra. In reasoning, practise series, coding and decoding, analogies, directions and syllogisms. Use rough paper to draw a route or family tree when the question has several steps.
If you are comparing railway coaching in Jaipur, ask to see a practice set and its solutions. A useful solution shows the calculation you missed and gives you a way to recognise that type of question next time.
General science and current affairs
Revise physics, chemistry and life sciences at Class 10 level. For example, after studying electricity, work out what happens to current when resistance doubles at a fixed voltage. For current affairs, set aside a short daily slot for topics such as sports, science and technology, the economy and major public events. Test yourself from memory before reopening your notes.
Once you finish a chapter, mix five questions from it with five from an older chapter. A page headed “Percentages” tells you what method to try. A mixed set makes you work that out for yourself. When you miss a question, write the first step you should have taken and try it again the next day.
RRB ALP CBT 2 syllabus for Part A and Part B
Part A adds basic science and engineering
Keep revising maths and reasoning from CBT 1. Add engineering drawing, units and measurements, density, work and power, heat, basic electricity, simple machines, occupational safety, environmental education and IT literacy. When a question uses different units, convert them before putting numbers into a formula. For drawing, take a simple object and sketch its front and side views to see what changes.
If you need a fixed time for lessons and doubt sessions, compare the ALP batches listed under railway live online classes. Check whether the batch teaches common engineering basics and provides practice for your particular trade.
Part B depends on your trade
Use the Directorate General of Training syllabus for your trade. The RRB notice directs candidates with an ITI or trade apprenticeship qualification to their own trade. Degree and diploma candidates must choose from the trades listed against their engineering discipline. For example, Electrical Engineering lists Electrician and Wireman among its options. Mechanical Engineering lists Fitter, Turner and Machinist among others.
Read the full mapping in section 12.2 before buying a book. An Electrician candidate can start with circuit diagrams, measuring instruments and wiring safety. A Fitter candidate can start with marking, measuring tools and fitting operations. For each topic, write what the tool does, how you use it and what mistake could spoil the job.
Compare technical and non-technical ALP course options
How to prepare for RRB ALP CBAT
The official notice requires a minimum T-score of 42 in every CBAT section. The test is available in Hindi and English and carries no negative marking. Under CEN 01/2026, final merit gives equal weight to CBT 2 Part A and CBAT. Read the current notice for your recruitment cycle if you are using older preparation material.
Start with the sample material in the Research Designs and Standards Organisation’s Psychology Candidate’s Corner. Read the instructions for each test section, try a short set, and track the sections where you lose accuracy. Practise those again before switching to a different question type. If shortlisted, check the prescribed medical declaration documents before exam day.
A weekly plan for RRB ALP preparation
| When | Suggested practice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Wednesday | Alternate maths, reasoning and science. Keep a daily trade slot. | Can you redo yesterday’s mistakes from memory? |
| Thursday and Friday | Practise Part A engineering basics and a timed trade set. | Which topic still slows you down? |
| Saturday | Take a stage-specific mock and review the answers. | Did errors come from guessing, speed or weak concepts? |
| Sunday | Revise weak topics and try a short aptitude set. | What are your two priorities next week? |
Use the railway mock-test review guide to turn one mock into a short revision list. For example, if four mistakes came from unit conversions, practise those first before attempting another full paper. Then solve a few fresh questions on the same topic without looking at your notes. Check them the next day to see whether the method still comes back to you under a time limit.
Find an RRB ALP mock in the railway test series
Adjust the plan if you have only one hour
Try 30 minutes of common subjects, 20 minutes on your trade and 10 minutes reviewing mistakes. If basic electricity is a weak area in both Part A and your trade, start by revising a shared concept such as resistance. Then try one general science question and one trade question that asks you to apply it.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Which subjects are in the RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus?
Ans. Maths, general intelligence and reasoning, general science, and general awareness and current affairs. General science covers Class 10-level physics, chemistry and life sciences.
Q. Is CBT 2 Part B the same for everyone?
Ans. The qualifying percentage is the same, but the questions depend on the trade. Use the official qualification-to-trade table and the corresponding DGT syllabus.
Q. Do Part B marks count towards final merit?
Ans. Part B is qualifying. You need 35% in it. CBT 2 Part A and CBAT scores carry equal weight for merit under CEN 01/2026.
Q. Can a strong score in one CBAT section make up for another?
Ans. No. Each section must independently meet the minimum T-score of 42.
Q. Should I study my trade before the CBT 1 result?
Ans. Yes. Start with a few short sessions each week so you have time to identify weak areas. Keep most of your practice focused on CBT 1 while it is your next exam.
