RRB ALP (CEN 01/2025) Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Exam Pattern

The recruitment process for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) under Centralized Employment Notice (CEN) No. 01/2025 consists of the following stages:

1. First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-1)
2. Second Stage Computer Based Test (CBT-2)
3. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
4. Document Verification (DV)
5. Medical Examination (ME)

1. First Stage CBT (CBT-1)

• Purpose: Preliminary screening.
• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT).
• Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with scribe).
• Total Questions: 75 (Multiple Choice Questions).
• Total Marks: 75.
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
• Qualifying Marks:
  • UR & EWS: 40%
  • OBC (NCL): 30%
  • SC: 30%
  • ST: 25%
  • 2% relaxation for PwBD candidates in respective categories.
• Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for CBT-2 at 15 times the number of vacancies per RRB (subject to variation). Marks are normalized for multi-shift exams.

2. Second Stage CBT (CBT-2)

• Purpose: Detailed assessment of technical and general knowledge.
• Mode: Computer Based Test.
• Structure: Divided into two parts:
  • Part A:
    • Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with scribe).
    • Total Questions: 100.
    • Total Marks: 100.
    • Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
    • Qualifying Marks:
      • UR & EWS: 40%
      • OBC (NCL): 30%
      • SC: 30%
      • ST: 25%
      • 2% relaxation for PwBD candidates.
  • Part B:
    • Purpose: Assess technical knowledge relevant to ALP.
    • Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with scribe).
    • Total Questions: 75.
    • Total Marks: 75.
    • Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
    • Qualifying Marks: 35% (no relaxation for any category).
• Shortlisting: Candidates qualifying in both Part A and Part B are eligible for CBAT.

3. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)

• Purpose: Evaluate aptitude for safety-critical ALP role.
• Mode: Computer Based Test.
• Languages: English and Hindi only.
• Structure: Multiple test batteries assessing cognitive and psychomotor skills.
• Negative Marking: None.
• Qualifying Marks: Minimum 42 marks in each test battery (applicable to all candidates, no relaxation).
• Weightage:
  • CBAT: 70%
  • CBT-2 (Part A): 30% for final merit list.
• Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for Document Verification based on combined performance.

4. Document Verification (DV)

• Purpose: Verify eligibility through original documents.
• Requirements:
  • Original certificates (educational, technical, caste, age, etc.) with two sets of self-attested photocopies.
  • Scanned photo and signature to be uploaded before DV.
  • No additional time provided for missing documents.
• Outcome: Failure to produce valid documents results in disqualification.

5. Medical Examination (ME)

• Purpose: Ensure A-1 medical standard compliance.
• Standards:
  • General Fitness: Physically fit in all respects.
  • Vision Standards:
    • Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses (fogging test: must not accept +2D).
    • Near Vision: Sn. 0.6, 0.6 without glasses.
    • Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, Night Vision: Normal.
  • Note: Candidates with LASIK or corrective eye surgeries are ineligible.
• Process:
  • Conducted by Railway Administration.
  • One appeal allowed if failing initial examination (with charges).
  • No alternative appointment for medical failures.

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Syllabus

1. CBT-1 Syllabus

CBT-1 tests general awareness, reasoning, and quantitative aptitude at a 10th-standard level.

• Mathematics:
  • 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 and Cisterns
• General Intelligence and Reasoning:
  • Analogies
  • Alphabetical and Number Series
  • Coding and Decoding
  • Mathematical Operations
  • Relationships
  • Syllogism
  • Jumbling
  • Venn Diagram
  • Data Interpretation and Sufficiency
  • Conclusions, Decision Making
  • Similarities, Differences
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Classification
  • Directions
  • Statement – Arguments, Assumptions
• General Science:
  • Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences (10th standard CBSE syllabus).
  • Key Topics:
    • Mechanics
    • Heat, Thermodynamics
    • Electricity, Magnetism
    • Optics
    • Atomic Structure
    • Chemical Reactions
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Human Body, Health
    • Environment, Ecology
• General Awareness and Current Affairs:
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • Personalities
  • Economics
  • Politics
  • National and International Events

2. CBT-2 Syllabus

CBT-2 includes two parts with advanced topics.

• Part A:
  • Mathematics: Same as CBT-1 (higher difficulty).
  • General Intelligence and Reasoning: Same as CBT-1 (increased complexity).
  • Basic Science and Engineering:
    • Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Instruments, Lines, Geometric Figures)
    • Units, Measurements
    • Mass, Weight, Density
    • Work, Power, Energy
    • Speed, Velocity
    • Heat, Temperature
    • Basic Electricity
    • Levers, Simple Machines
    • Occupational Safety, Health
    • Environment Education
    • IT Literacy
  • General Awareness and Current Affairs: Same as CBT-1 (focus on recent developments).
• Part B (Trade-Specific):
  • Relevant to ALP qualifications (ITI/Apprenticeship/Diploma).
  • Trades:
    • Fitter
    • Electrician
    • Instrument Mechanic
    • Millwright/Maintenance Mechanic
    • Mechanic (Radio & TV)
    • Electronics Mechanic
    • Mechanic (Motor Vehicle)
    • Wireman
    • Tractor Mechanic
    • Armature & Coil Winder
    • Mechanic (Diesel)
    • Heat Engine
    • Turner
    • Machinist
    • Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic
  • Engineering Disciplines:
    • Mechanical
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Automobile
  • Topics:
    • Core concepts of the trade/discipline.
    • Locomotive operations, maintenance.
    • Safety protocols, tools, equipment.

3. CBAT Syllabus

• Purpose: Assess psychomotor and cognitive skills for safety-critical roles.
• Topics:
  • Memory: Pattern/sequence recall.
  • Concentration: Attention under time constraints.
  • Perception: Speed, accuracy in visual stimuli.
  • Reasoning: Logical decision-making.
  • Motor Skills: Hand-eye coordination, reaction time.
• Note: Practice aptitude tests for railway safety roles.