RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 PDF: CBT 1 & CBT 2 Subject Wise Topics

Updated on 28.05.2026

RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 is the most critical thing to understand before beginning your preparation for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) examination. Studying without a clear roadmap often leads to wasted time on irrelevant chapters.

The RRB structures the ALP syllabus into different stages: the screening test (CBT 1) and the core examination (CBT 2), which is further divided into Part A and Part B.

While Part A tests your mathematical, reasoning, and foundational engineering knowledge, Part B is highly specialized and depends entirely on your chosen technical trade.

Let us break down the exact topics you need to cover according to the official Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) 01/2026, ensuring you channel your efforts directly into what matters.

Candidates preparing for the upcoming railway recruitment exams should also explore the latest Railway Jobs updates, detailed RRB ALP Notification 2026, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and preparation resources for a more complete preparation strategy.

Key Highlights of RRB ALP Syllabus 2026

Particulars	Details
Exam Stages Covered	CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A & Part B)
CBT 2 Part B	Qualifying Trade-Specific Syllabus
Subjects in CBT 1	Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science
Subjects in CBT 2 Part A	Mathematics, Gen. Intelligence & Reasoning, Basic Science & Engg.
Official Syllabus	Prescribed strictly under CEN 01/2026

RRB ALP CBT 1 Syllabus 2026

The First Stage CBT acts entirely as a screening mechanism.

The RRB designed this syllabus to test your baseline aptitude and general scientific understanding rather than deep technical expertise.

The questions conform to the educational standards expected of a candidate holding a Matriculation certificate.

Mathematics Syllabus for CBT 1

The mathematics section demands conceptual clarity and calculation speed. You must master the following conceptual areas:

Number system mechanics
BODMAS rule applications
Decimals and Fractions
LCM and HCF computation
Ratio and Proportion
Percentages and Mensuration
Time and Work
Time and Distance
Simple and Compound Interest
Profit and Loss
Foundational Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry
Elementary Statistics
Square Root calculations
Age Calculations
Calendar & Clock problem solving
Pipes & Cistern mechanics

Mental Ability / Reasoning Syllabus for CBT 1

This section evaluates your logical deduction and pattern recognition capabilities:

Analogies
Alphabetical and Number Series
Coding and Decoding
Mathematical operations
Relationships (including family trees)
Syllogism
Jumbling
Venn Diagrams
Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
Conclusions and Decision Making
Similarities and Differences
Analytical reasoning
Classification
Directions
Statement – Arguments and Assumptions

General Science Syllabus for CBT 1

You do not need advanced scientific degrees for this section. The official notification clearly states that the General Science syllabus shall cover:

Physics principles
Chemistry fundamentals
Life Sciences

All questions formulated under this specific section are based strictly on the 10th standard educational level.

General Awareness Syllabus for CBT 1

Note on General Awareness: The official CEN 01/2026 explicitly defines the CBT 1 syllabus around Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science.

Unlike some previous recruitment cycles or other RRB examinations where General Awareness on current affairs acts as a standalone section, the current official notification does not list General Awareness as a syllabus parameter for CBT 1.

You should focus your preliminary preparation strictly on the three listed core subjects.

RRB ALP CBT 2 Part A Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for CBT 2 Part A expands upon the foundation you built for CBT 1, introducing specialized engineering subjects. Thorough coverage here is non-negotiable, as your performance directly influences your progression.

Mathematics Syllabus for CBT 2 Part A

The mathematics syllabus mirrors the topics from CBT 1 but demands a much higher level of problem-solving proficiency:

Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions
LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion
Percentages, Mensuration
Time and Work, Time and Distance
Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss
Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry
Elementary Statistics, Square Root
Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern

General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus

Similarly, the reasoning section retains the core topics, requiring faster analytical processing for complex scenarios:

Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series
Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations
Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram
Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
Conclusions and decision making
Similarities and differences
Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions
Statement – Arguments and Assumptions

Basic Science & Engineering Syllabus

This is the most crucial and unique section of Part A. The broad topics covered include both pure science applications and engineering fundamentals.

Physics

Units and Measurements
Mass, Weight, and Density
Speed and Velocity
Work, Power, and Energy
Heat and Temperature

Chemistry

Basic chemical principles tied to environmental education and occupational health.

Engineering Basics

Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic Representation)
Basic Electricity concepts
Levers and Simple Machines
Occupational Safety and Health
Environment Education
IT Literacy

RRB ALP CBT 2 Part B Trade Syllabus

Part B serves only as a qualifying test and evaluates your practical, hands-on trade knowledge.

The syllabus comprises questions from various trade syllabi exactly as prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT).
Candidates with ITI or Trade Apprenticeship qualifications must appear in the section featuring questions directly from their certified trade.
Degree and Diploma candidates do not face a degree-level syllabus here; instead, they must select one specific trade from a predetermined list mapped against their engineering discipline.

For example, a candidate with a Mechanical Engineering background can choose to face the syllabus of Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Mechanic (Diesel), Turner, Machinist, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic, or Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic.

Best Preparation Strategy for RRB ALP Syllabus

Break the syllabus down into daily actionable units rather than reading reference books randomly.
Prioritize the “Basic Science & Engineering” section early in your study schedule. Topics like Engineering Drawing, Projections, and IT Literacy require fresh conceptual learning and cannot be crammed at the last minute.
Since Mathematics and Mental Ability overlap identically across CBT 1 and CBT 2, prepare for the higher difficulty level from day one.
For Part B, rely directly on DGT-approved trade manuals and official syllabus documents rather than generic guidebooks.

Important Topics for RRB ALP 2026

While you must cover the entire syllabus, historical trends and the nature of the ALP role dictate that certain areas hold immense practical value:

Engineering Drawing (specifically Projections, Views, and Symbolic Representation)
Basic Electricity and its safety applications
Work, Power, Energy, and Speed/Velocity mechanics
Mathematical BODMAS, Time and Distance, and Mensuration
Mental Ability Syllogisms, Data Interpretation, and Spatial Directions

RRB ALP Syllabus PDF 2026 Download

To ensure you maintain a precise roadmap, you must work from official documents.

The complete subject-wise breakdown is available in Para 12 of the Centralised Employment Notice. Furthermore, to access the exact, detailed chapter list for your specific CBT 2 Part B trade, you must visit the official Directorate General of Training (DGT) website (dgt.gov.in).

Downloading the official DGT trade syllabus PDF ensures you align your technical preparation perfectly with the government standard, preventing you from wasting time on outdated technical topics.

You can also download the syllabus from our portal: RRB ALP Syllabus Download

Important RRB ALP Links:

FAQ on RRB ALP Syllabus 2026

1. What subjects are included in RRB ALP syllabus?

CBT 1 includes Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science. CBT 2 Part A adds Basic Science & Engineering, while Part B focuses strictly on your technical trade.

2. Is current affairs included in ALP?

According to the official CEN 01/2026, General Awareness or current affairs is not explicitly listed in the syllabus for either CBT 1 or CBT 2.

3. What is asked in CBT 2 Part B?

Part B asks technical, trade-specific questions based on the ITI syllabus prescribed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) for your chosen discipline.

4. Is CBT 2 syllabus tougher than CBT 1?

Yes, while the core Math and Reasoning topics overlap, CBT 2 introduces advanced Basic Science & Engineering topics and demands a higher difficulty level overall.

5. Is trade syllabus important for ALP?

It is absolutely vital. Part B is qualifying in nature, meaning if you fail your trade syllabus section, your Part A marks will not be considered, regardless of how high they are.

6. Which subject is most important in ALP?

Basic Science & Engineering in CBT 2 Part A is heavily weighted and directly tests the foundational knowledge required for locomotive operations.

7. Is NCERT enough for General Science?

Yes, the official notification specifies that the General Science section in CBT 1 covers Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences at the 10th standard level, aligning perfectly with NCERT textbooks.

8. Where can I download RRB ALP syllabus PDF?

You can view the general syllabus in the official CEN 01/2026 document on participating RRB websites, and the specific trade syllabus PDFs on the DGT website (dgt.gov.in).