The RRB ALP (Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot) exam is one of the most sought-after government job exams in India. With 9,970 vacancies announced for 2025, competition is fierce, and understanding the exam pattern is the first step to cracking it. The selection process includes CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test), and Document Verification .
This guide breaks down the RRB ALP 2025 exam pattern, including section-wise weightage, marking scheme, and preparation tips. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a repeat candidate, this article will help you strategize effectively.
Key Highlights📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Vacancies | 9,970 (as per 2025 notification) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1 → CBT 2 → CBAT → Document Verification |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Negative Marking | ⅓ mark deduction per wrong answer |
| CBT 1 Total Questions | 75 (60 minutes duration) |
| CBT 2 Total Questions | 175 (150 minutes duration) |
| CBAT Qualifying Marks | 42 in each test battery |
| Official Website | https://www.rrbcdg.gov.in |
RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2025 📝
The first stage (CBT 1) is a screening test with 75 questions across four subjects. Here’s the breakdown:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 75 | 75 | 1 hour |
Key Details:
- Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Qualifying Marks:
- UR/EWS: 40%
- OBC/SC: 30%
- ST: 25% .
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2025 📚
Candidates who clear CBT 1 move to CBT 2, which has two parts:
Part A (Merit-Based)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 90 minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 | |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1.5 hours |
Part B (Qualifying Trade Test)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant Trade (ITI/Degree-based) | 75 | 60 minutes |
Key Details:
- Part A is merit-based, while Part B is qualifying (35% needed).
- Negative Marking: ⅓ deduction for wrong answers in Part A.
- Qualifying Marks for Part A:
- UR/EWS: 40%
- OBC/SC: 30%
- ST: 25% .
Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for ALP 🧠
Only ALP candidates face the CBAT, which tests:
| Test Battery | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| Memory Test | 42 |
| Following Directions Test | 42 |
| Depth Perception Test | 42 |
| Observation Test | 42 |
| Perceptual Speed Test | 42 |
Key Details:
- No negative marking.
- Final Merit: 70% weightage from CBT 2 (Part A) + 30% from CBAT .
Subject-Wise Weightage & Preparation Tips 🎯
1. Mathematics (High Weightage in Both CBTs)
- Key Topics: Number System, Time & Work, Algebra, Geometry.
- Tip: Practice speed calculations—time is crucial!
2. General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Key Topics: Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams.
- Tip: Solve previous year papers for pattern familiarity.
3. Basic Science & Engineering
- Key Topics: Engineering Drawing, Basic Electricity, IT Literacy.
- Tip: Focus on NCVT/SCVT syllabus if from ITI background .
Final Thoughts
The RRB ALP 2025 exam pattern is structured to test technical knowledge, reasoning, and aptitude. With smart preparation, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of the marking scheme, you can ace this exam.
🚀 Pro Tip: Start with CBT 1’s high-weightage sections (Math & Reasoning) and gradually shift to trade-specific topics for CBT 2.