A complete RRB ALP 2026 strategy: the CBT-1 and CBT-2 pattern with one-third negative marking, the 2026 change that dropped General Awareness, a section-wise plan for Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science and Basic Science and Engineering, and mock-test strategy.
The RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) exam, conducted by the Railway Recruitment Boards, is one of the largest recruitment tests in India. Selection is multi-stage, so you prepare for a screening CBT-1 first, then the merit-deciding CBT-2. Because every paper has one-third negative marking, a clear attempt strategy matters as much as your speed at the Class 10 level.
CBT-1 (Stage 1, screening): 75 questions in 60 minutes, one-third negative marking. Note the important 2026 change: General Awareness was dropped, so CBT-1 now has three sections: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Science, all at the Class 10 level. CBT-1 marks are normalised and used only to shortlist candidates.
CBT-2 (Stage 2): Part A is the merit paper of 100 questions in 90 minutes covering Mathematics, Reasoning and Basic Science and Engineering. Part B is a trade-based qualifying paper. Assistant Loco Pilot candidates then take a Computer Based Aptitude Test.
Mathematics is at the Class 10 level and appears in both CBT-1 and CBT-2. Master number system, simplification, percentage, ratio and proportion, average, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, time-speed-distance, mensuration, and basic algebra and trigonometry. The questions are straightforward but time-sensitive, so practise short-cut methods and aim for high accuracy on every attempt.
Reasoning is usually the highest-scoring section for well-prepared candidates. Practise analogies, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, mathematical operations, syllogism, Venn diagrams, data interpretation and direction sense. Most questions are quick once the pattern is familiar, so regular timed practice is the key.
General Science is Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at the Class 10 level. Revise motion, force, electricity, light, heat and sound in Physics; the periodic table, reactions, acids-bases and metals in Chemistry; and the human body systems, life processes and important discoveries in Biology. Keep it at the matriculation level and do not over-pitch.
This CBT-2 Part A section is at the ITI and diploma foundation level. Cover units and measurements, mass, weight and density, work, power and energy, speed and velocity, heat and temperature, basic electricity, levers and simple machines, engineering drawing conventions, occupational safety, environment and IT literacy. Practise the numerical topics with SI units and revise the drawing and safety facts carefully.
With one-third negative marking, attempt a question only when you can eliminate at least two options. A realistic target is to attempt around 75 to 85 percent of the paper with high accuracy. Since CBT-1 is only a screening test that is normalised, focus on clearing it comfortably, then put your depth into CBT-2 Part A, which decides the merit.
Full-length mocks on the exact RRB ALP pattern, with the same one-third negative marking, are the single most useful tool. They train your time management, tell you which topics still leak marks, and build the stamina for the CBT. After every mock, analyse your wrong answers and revise that topic before the next test. Quiz4Exam gives you starter mocks, full mocks, PYQ-pattern mocks and sectional tests for both CBT-1 and CBT-2, in English and Hindi, with detailed solutions.
Candidates who clear CBT-2 Part A and the qualifying Part B, and the Computer Based Aptitude Test for Assistant Loco Pilot, are called for document verification and a medical examination at the prescribed standard. Prepare your documents early so the final stages are smooth.
RRB ALP rewards a steady, honest routine: fast and accurate Class 10 Mathematics, well-drilled reasoning, solid general and basic science, and disciplined mock practice with negative marking. Start early, be consistent, and use full-length practice to convert knowledge into a normalised score and a strong CBT-2 merit.
For the other railway route, see our RRB NTPC strategy guide.
Yes. RRB ALP has one-third negative marking in both CBT-1 and CBT-2. You get one mark for a correct answer and lose one-third of a mark for a wrong answer, while unattempted questions score zero.
CBT-1 is a screening test of 75 questions in 60 minutes with one-third negative marking. From the 2026 cycle it has three sections: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Science, at the Class 10 level. General Awareness was removed. CBT-1 marks are normalised and used only for shortlisting.
CBT-2 has a merit-deciding Part A of 100 questions in 90 minutes covering Mathematics, Reasoning and Basic Science and Engineering, and a trade-based qualifying Part B of 75 questions in 60 minutes. Both parts carry one-third negative marking, and only Part A counts towards merit.
RRB ALP Mathematics is at the Class 10 or matriculation level and covers number system, percentage, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, interest, time and work, time-speed-distance, mensuration and basic algebra and trigonometry.
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There are multiple stages: CBT-1 screening, CBT-2 with Part A merit and Part B trade-qualifying, a Computer Based Aptitude Test for Assistant Loco Pilot candidates, and finally document verification and a medical examination.
