The Railway Recruitment Board's (RRB) examination for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) and Technician is a highly competitive, multi-stage process designed to select technically proficient candidates. A thorough understanding of the detailed exam pattern and the comprehensive syllabus for each stage is the most critical first step for any serious aspirant. The selection process tests a candidate's general aptitude, technical knowledge, and psychometric abilities.
This guide provides a complete and highly detailed breakdown of the RRB ALP & Technician syllabus and the stage-wise exam structure for 2025. It is designed to help you create a robust and effective preparation strategy by covering every aspect of the examination in detail.
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RRB ALP & Technician Selection Process & Exam Pattern 2025
The selection process for both ALP and Technician posts involves multiple stages. The process is slightly different for each post, with the ALP selection including an additional psychometric test (CBAT).
- First Stage CBT (CBT-1): Common for both ALP and Technician (Qualifying in nature).
- Second Stage CBT (CBT-2): Common for both ALP and Technician (Merit deciding).
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): **Only for ALP candidates** (Qualifying in nature).
- Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination.
First Stage CBT (CBT-1) Pattern
This is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the second stage. The marks from this stage are not used for the final merit list.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 75 | 75 |
Key Details for CBT-1:
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of a mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Total Duration: 60 minutes.
Second Stage CBT (CBT-2) Pattern
This is the main merit-deciding stage. It consists of two parts, Part A and Part B, which are conducted on the same day.
CBT-2 Part A (Merit Deciding)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| Basic Science & Engineering | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
CBT-2 Part B (Qualifying Trade Test)
This part is only qualifying in nature, but failure to secure the qualifying marks (35% for all candidates) will lead to disqualification.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Qualifying Marks | Duration (for both parts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relevant Trade Syllabus (as prescribed by DGT) | 75 | 35% (26.25 Marks) | 2 Hours 30 Minutes (Total for Part A & B) |
RRB ALP & Technician Syllabus 2025: In-Depth Topic Breakdown
A thorough understanding of the syllabus for both CBT-1 and CBT-2 is essential for a focused preparation.
Detailed Topic-wise Syllabus
| Subject | In-Depth Topics & Chapters |
|---|---|
| Mathematics (for CBT-1 & CBT-2 Part A) |
The syllabus covers topics up to the 10th standard level.
|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning (for CBT-1 & CBT-2 Part A) |
This section tests a candidate's logical and analytical thinking.
|
| General Science (for CBT-1) |
The syllabus under this shall cover Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of the 10th standard level. |
| Basic Science & Engineering (for CBT-2 Part A ONLY) |
This is a high-scoring and critical section for the merit list.
|
| Relevant Trade (for CBT-2 Part B ONLY) |
The syllabus for the trade test is as prescribed by the Director General of Training (DGT). Candidates with different qualifications (ITI/Diploma/Degree) can choose their relevant trade.
|
(Candidates are advised to download the official syllabus PDF for complete details.)
FAQs: RRB ALP & Technician Syllabus 2025
Q1: Are the marks of CBT-1 counted for the final merit list?
Ans: No, the First Stage CBT (CBT-1) is only a screening test. Its purpose is to shortlist candidates for the Second Stage. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in CBT-2 (and CBAT for ALPs).
Q2: What is the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) and who is it for?
Ans: The CBAT is a psychometric test designed to assess a candidate's aptitude for the demanding job of a Loco Pilot. It is mandatory **only for candidates who have applied for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) post**. It is qualifying in nature, but 30% of its score is added to the CBT-2 Part A marks to prepare the final merit list for ALP.
Q3: How is the final merit list for a Technician prepared?
Ans: The final merit list for a Technician is prepared based **solely on the marks obtained in Part A of the Second Stage CBT (CBT-2)**, provided the candidate has also secured the minimum qualifying marks (35%) in Part B (the trade test).
Q4: Can I choose any trade for the CBT-2 Part B test?
Ans: Yes, you can choose a trade from the list relevant to your engineering discipline. For example, a Mechanical Engineering degree holder can choose from trades like Fitter, Turner, Machinist, etc. The choice of trade must be made during the application process.
Q5: Is there negative marking in the trade test (CBT-2 Part B)?
Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3rd of a mark for each incorrect answer in all stages of the Computer Based Tests, including CBT-2 Part B.