RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) is a technical-track railway recruitment leading to train-operating roles. CBT-1 is a shorter screening paper - 75 questions in 60 minutes, weighted toward Mathematics and Reasoning - with a −1/3 penalty per wrong answer. It's followed by a tougher CBT-2 (which adds a Basic Science & Engineering section for candidates from a relevant technical background) and then a Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), a psychometric-style test specifically designed to assess suitability for a safety-critical, high-alertness role like operating a train.
CBT-1 is a screening-level paper: 75 questions in 60 minutes, split across Mathematics (~20), General Intelligence & Reasoning (~25), General Science (~20) and General Awareness & Current Affairs (~10) in most recent cycles - with Mathematics and Reasoning together forming the bulk of the paper. A wrong answer costs one-third of a mark. CBT-2 goes further: alongside a similar objective paper, it adds a Basic Science & Engineering part (for candidates who don't hold a relevant ITI/diploma qualification exempting them) covering topics like engineering drawing, mass-weight-density, units, IT literacy, and electrical/electronics/mechanics fundamentals. The final stage, CBAT, is a psychometric aptitude test - it doesn't test syllabus knowledge but rather cognitive traits like attention, reaction time and situational judgment relevant to safely operating a locomotive.
| Section (CBT-1) | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 |
| Mathematics | 20 |
| General Science | 20 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 |
| Total | 75 |
Mathematics covers number systems, BODMAS, decimals, fractions, LCM/HCF, ratio-proportion, percentages, mensuration, time-work, time-distance, simple/compound interest, algebra and elementary geometry. Reasoning covers analogies, alphabetical/number series, coding-decoding, mathematical operations, relationships, jumbling, syllogism, data sufficiency and figural classification - one of the heavier reasoning weightages among RRB exams. General Science draws from Class 10-level Physics, Chemistry and Biology. General Awareness & Current Affairs covers science & technology, sports, culture, personalities and current events, though it carries the lightest weight of the four sections here.
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test is unique to safety-critical technical posts like ALP - it measures psychomotor and cognitive traits (perception, memory, reasoning speed, decision-making under time pressure) through specialised test batteries rather than syllabus questions, and candidates must meet a minimum qualifying score. Unlike CBT-1/CBT-2, CBAT can't be "studied" in the traditional sense, but familiarity with the test formats (through official mock CBATs, which RRBs sometimes provide) and general mental-alertness practice helps reduce the unfamiliarity factor on test day.
Given CBT-1's heavier lean toward Mathematics and Reasoning (45 of 75 questions between the two), prioritise speed-building drills in those sections first - the 60-minute, 75-question format is a faster pace than NTPC or Group D, so timed practice matters more here than elsewhere. Candidates without a relevant technical diploma should start Basic Science & Engineering preparation early for CBT-2 rather than treating it as an afterthought after CBT-1 clears, since it's a genuinely separate syllabus from general science.
Reviewed by the Pareeksha Exam Content Team - SSC & RRB pattern specialists. Patterns below reflect recent notification cycles; always cross-check the exact dates, vacancies and marking scheme in your cycle's official notification before applying.
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test is a psychometric stage after CBT-2, assessing cognitive and psychomotor traits relevant to safely operating a locomotive. It has a qualifying minimum score and isn't syllabus-based like CBT-1/CBT-2.
Candidates holding a relevant ITI/diploma qualification are often exempted from this specific CBT-2 section - check your notification; others need to prepare it as a distinct subject.
ALP's CBT-1 is shorter (75 Qs/60 min vs NTPC's 100 Qs/90 min) and weighted more toward Mathematics and Reasoning, whereas NTPC weights General Awareness the heaviest.