RRB ALP Preparation 2025: Tips, Strategy & Guide

RRB Assistant Loco Pilot Exam 2025 ( RRB ALP )

Anangsha Patra
Updated on Nov 8, 2024 17:18 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

RRB ALP Preparation 2024: Aspirants appearing for the competitive Assistant Loco Pilot exam should devise an RRB ALP strategy to crack the exam. Cracking the RRB ALP exam serves as a gateway for getting a job in the prestigious Indian Railways. Candidates need to appear for three exam stages-CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT (Only for ALP post). To qualify for these stages, candidates need to prepare well. RRB ALP preparation should include revision, going through the exam pattern and syllabus, attempting the mock tests and analysing the preparation level. As the RRB ALP exam dates 2024 are announced by the RRBs, we have provided here RRB ALP preparation tips that will help candidates to sail through the exam. Scroll down to read more details on RRB ALP preparation tips 2024.

Q:   How to start RRB ALP preparation?
A: 

To begin with RRB ALP preparation, candidates must refer to the exam pattern and syllabus. The exam pattern will help candidates to understand the overall structure of the exam. RRB ALP syllabus help candidates to know the topics from where questions are asked in the exam. Candidates must clear the concept of the topics given in the syllabus by going through good book. Candidates must attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

Q:   What is the best way to prepare for the RRB ALP exam?
A: 

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP exam are given below:

  • Candidates need to prepare their own study schedule according to their daily routines
  • It is important to learn time management to solve the questions quicky in time
  • Make it a habit to read newspapers daily to stay updated with the current national and international events
  • Make notes regarding all the important topics
  • Revise the topics again and again
  • Practice previous year's question papers and mock tests to boost confidence level
Q:   What are the most important topics to focus on while preparing for the RRB ALP exam?
A: 

The important topics for RRB ALP exam are given below:

CBT 1

TopicsSyllabus
MathsNumber 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 and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics,  Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.
General Intelligence and ReasoningAnalogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling,  Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.
General ScienceThe syllabus under this shall cover Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th standard level
General Awareness Current Affairs, Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, etc.

CBT 2

Part A 

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 and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.

General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and decision making, Similarities and differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.

Basic Science and Engineering: The broad topics that are covered under this shall be Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic Representation), Units, Measurements, Mass Weight and Density, Work Power and Energy, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers and Simple Machines, Occupational Safety and Health, Environment Education, IT Literacy etc.

General Awareness: Current Affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and any other subjects of importance.

Part B

The questions in this part are asked from the trade syllabus prescribed by Director General of Employment & Training (DGET). Candidates with ITI/Trade Apprenticeship qualification will be required to appear in the section having questions from the relevant trade. Candidates holding Degree, Diploma and HSC (10+2) having eligibility for the posts of ALP have to select relevant trade from the list of trades listed against their engineering discipline/HSC (10+2). 

 

Q:   How do I prepare for RRB ALP CBT 1 exam?
A: 

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP CBT 1 exam are given below:

  • Follow the RRB ALP exam pattern religiously 
  • Try to learn each topic, concepts, formulas, dates, events, etc.
  • Read RRB ALP books for each subject for building a solid foundation
  • Solve previous year questions and model question banks to understand the paper trends thoroughly
  • Complete all syllabus topics in scheduled time and then begin practice of important MCQs and revision 
Table of content
  • RRB ALP Preparation Tips
  • RRB ALP Books
  • RRB ALP Preparation Tips 2024 FAQs
RRB ALP Logo

RRB ALP Preparation Tips

RRB ALP exam has three stages –

  • RRB ALP First Stage CBT
  • RRB ALP Second Stage CBT
  • RRB ALP CBAT

Candidates have to prepare themselves for all the three stages as qualifying all the stages is important for final selection. For different stages, the preparation strategy will also differ from one another. Let us discuss them in detail.

RRB ALP Preparation Tips for CBT 1

The first thing all candidates need to do is getting their hands on RRB ALP syllabus. The first stage is an MCQ based online test, the major topics covered in the exam would be from mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, Basic Science, General awareness & current affairs. Candidates must be aware of RRB ALP exam pattern so as to make a better understanding of the overall exam.

Find the best books for each subject and develop fundamentals and clear concepts. This will be helpful in answering the questions. Solving previous years’ questions from the practice books available in the market will help in the type of questions being asked in the exam and also it will boost confidence. Try to focus on completing the entire syllabus within the scheduled time and then continue with your practice

RRB ALP Preparation Tips for CBT 2

The second stage exam is also a computer-based objective test which includes topics like mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, Basic Science and Engineering, General awareness & current affairs. For this stage as well, candidates have to focus mainly on syllabus and practice. As it has been seen that the syllabus of second stage CBT is a lot similar to the first stage CBT, candidates can utilize the time on practicing more number of questions along with revising the topics. Candidates can opt for online mock test series that are a great help in RRB ALP preparation.

RRB ALP Preparation Tips for CBT 3

This stage is primarily focused on the practical knowledge of the candidates. There are practice materials available in market, candidates must practice them several times before the final examination.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to prepare for RRB ALP General Intelligence and Logical Reasoning section?
A: 

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP General Intelligence and Reasoning are given below:

Candidates need to increase their speed and accuracy of solving questions

General Intelligence & Logical Reasoning contains essential sections for the exam such as Syllogism, Data Interpretation, Decision-Making, Analytical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Instructions, Assertions, Arguments and many more to score more in RRB ALP exam

Candidates should not waste time on a single topic

Attempt one or two mocks on a daily or weekly basis in various order of attempts

For Stage-2, candidates must cover important topics such as  Matrix, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Order & Ranking, Blood Relation, etc.

Q:   How do I prepare for RRB ALP CBT 2 exam?
A: 

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP CBT 2 exam are given below:

  • Candidates must prepare notes for RRB ALP for the Basic Science & Engineering section. 
  • Focus on preparing those topics first that you have already dealt with in the earlier stage to strengthen your RRB ALP strategy
  • Go through all the specific RRB ALP books to prepare technical topics such as Engineering Drawings, Units and Measurement, Levers and Simple Machines, I.T Literacy, etc. 
  • Try to start with those general and technical Engineering topics that you are strong at to prepare confidently and waste less time. 
Q:   What are some tips for solving the RRB ALP exam's numerical ability section?
A: 

The tips and tricks to solve the RRB ALP Numerical Ability section are given below:

  • Candidates need to take the help of the NCERT texts for preparing for Maths 
  • Clear the fundamental calculations of solving questions
  • Candidates must practice questions from the sections like Number Systems, Percentages, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple Interest, etc.
  • Candidates must cover important topics like Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Simplification, etc.
Q:   How to prepare for RRB ALP General Science section?
A: 

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP General Science section are given below:

  • Candidates can go through the Science textbook of NCERT
  • Questions are majorly asked from the texts of classes 8 to 10.
  • Make short notes on each topic
  • Read newspapers, journals, and columns on General Science subject areas.
  • Covering the basic concept of the section on General Science will be extremely beneficial for RRB ALP exam
  • Read and gather information about General Science topics like Energy, Work, Power, Human Body, and so on
RRB ALP Logo

RRB ALP Books

To clear the concept of the topics given in the syllabus, candidates can refer to the following RRB ALP books.

RRB ALP Subjects

RRB ALP Books

Mathematics

  • Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
  • Fast Track by Rajesh Verma
  • NCERT Maths from Grade 6 to Grade 11
  • Magical Books on Quicker Maths by M Tyra
  • Advance Maths by Rakesh Yadav

General Intelligence and Reasoning

  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
  • Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe
  • A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
  • New Approach to Reasoning Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical by BS Sijwali and Indu Sijwali.
  • Lucent’s General Intelligence and Reasoning

General Awareness and Current Affairs

  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Manorama Yearbook
  • Pratiyogita Darpan (Magazine) for Current Affairs

Basic Science 

  • NCERT Books – Class X, XII
  • General Science by Ravi Bhushan

RRB ALP Sample Papers

  • 101 Speed Test for Indian Railways (RRB) Assistant Loco Pilot Exam Stage I & II Paperback
  • Guide to Indian Railways (RRB) Assistant Loco Pilot Exam 2018 Stage I & II by Disha Experts
  • Technical Trades Railway Assistant Loco Pilot & Technician (Grade III) Examinations by Dilip Tiwari
  • Railway Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician 2018 (Hindi) by Arihant Experts
  • RRB: Assistant Loco Pilot & Technician (Gr. III) Recruitment Exam Guide by RPH Editorial Board
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is RRB ALP exam tough?
A: 

It is not tough to crack RRB ALP exam if you prepare well as per proper study routine. The tips and tricks to crack RRB ALP exam are given below:

  • Understand the exam pattern and syllabus
  • Clear the concept of the topics given in the RRB ALP syllabus
  • Practice previous years' question papers and mock tests
  • Focus on improving speed and accuracy
Q:   How to choose RRB ALP books?
A: 

The books for RRB ALP exam are given below:

  • Best books for RRB ALP exam should cover the RRB ALP Syllabus to help aspirants to cover all of their bases
  • RRB ALP books should have sample question papers. These books are considered best for the preparation 
  • The content given in the RRB ALP Books should be exact and easy to understand.
  • Candidates should select the latest edition of books in which all important information is gathered in one place.
Q:   What types of books are recommended for RRB ALP preparation
A: 

The books recommended for RRB ALP preparation are given below.

Mathematics
  • Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
  • Fast Track by Rajesh Verma
  • NCERT Maths from Grade 6 to Grade 11
  • Magical Books on Quicker Maths by M Tyra
  • Advance Maths by Rakesh Yadav
General Intelligence and Reasoning
  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
  • Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe
  • A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
  • New Approach to Reasoning Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical by BS Sijwali and Indu Sijwali.
  • Lucent’s General Intelligence and Reasoning
General Awareness and Current Affairs
  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Manorama Yearbook
  • Pratiyogita Darpan (Magazine) for Current Affairs
Basic Science
  • NCERT Books-Class X, XII
  • General Science by Ravi Bhushan
View list of Books
RRB ALP Logo

RRB ALP Preparation Tips 2024 FAQs

Candidates can check below RRB ALP preparation tips 2024.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are RRB ALP qualifying marks?
A: 

The qualifying marks of RRB ALP exam are the marks which candidates need to secure in order to qualify the exam. Besides, the cut off marks, candidates are also required to secure the cut off. The category-wise qualifying marks for RRB ALP exam are given below.

StagesQualifying Marks 
First stage

UR-40 per cent

OBC-30 per cent

SC-30 per cent

ST-25 per cent

Second stage

Part A

UR-40 per cent

OBC-30 per cent

SC-30 per cent

ST-25 per cent

Part B-35 per cent

CBAT42 marks
Q:   What is the pattern of question papers in RRB ALP?
A: 

In first two CBTs questions will come in MCQ format. The third stage is CBAT, where candidates will be given five test batteries. The CBT carries 75 objective-type multiple-choice questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence, and Reasoning, General Science and General awareness on current affairs. The test carries a total of 75 marks. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. The standard of questions in first stage CBT is framed as per the educational qualification prescribed for the posts. The pattern for second stage is divided into parts-A and B. Part A of the second stage CBT comprises 100 objective-type questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering and General Awareness on Current Affairs. Part B carries questions based on the candidate's discipline.

Q:   What is RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus?
A: 

RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus is given below.

SectionsTopics
Mathematics
  1. Simplification and Approximation
  2. Coordinate Geometry
  3. Mensuration
  4. Arithmatic
  5. Trigonometry
  6. Number Series
  7. Probability
  8. Algebra
  9. Ratio and Proportion
  10. Speed, Distance & Time
  11. Number System
  12. Profit and Loss
  13. Time and Work
  14. Interest
  15. Percentages
  16. Averages
General Intelligence and Reasoning
  1. Analogy
  2. Classification
  3. Coding-Decoding
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Blood Relation
  6. Venn Diagram
  7. Alphabet & Word Test
  8. Non-Verbal Reasoning
  9. Verbal Reasoning
  10. Direction & Distance
  11. Series
  12. Missing Numbers
  13. Order & Ranking
General Science
  1. Biology
  2. Physics
  3. Chemistry
  4. Environment
General Awareness on Current Affairs
  1. Polity
  2. Economy
  3. Award & Honors
  4. Art & Culture
  5. Sports
Q:   What is RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus?
A: 

RRB ALP CBT 2 syllabus is given below.

SubjectsTopics
Maths, Basic Science and Engineering,  
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Similar to CBT 1 Syllabus
Electrical
  1. Electrical India
  2. Rolls, cables
  3. Transfers
  4. Three Phase Motor Systems
  5. Light, Magnetism
  6. Fundamental Electric System
  7. Single phase motors
  8. Switches, Plugs and Electrical Connections
Electronics & Communication
  1. The Transistor
  2. Dias
  3. Digital Electronics
  4. Networking and Industrial Electronics
  5. Electronic Tube
  6. Semi Conductor Physics
  7. Robotic Radio Communication Systems
  8. Satellite Matters
  9. Computer & Micro Processor
Automobile
  1. Machine Design
  2. System Theory
  3. IC Engines
  4. Heat Transfers
  5. Thermodynamics
  6. Materials Applying Motion
  7. The Power Plant Turbines and Boilers
  8. Metallurgical Production Technology
Mechanical
  1. Dimensions
  2. Heat
  3. Engines
  4. Turbo Machinery
  5. Production Engineering
  6. Automation Engineering
  7. Kinetic Theory
  8. The Strength Of The Material
  9. Metal Handling
  10. Metallurgical
  11. Refrigerators And Air Conditioned
  12. Energy, Materials
  13. Energy Conservation
  14. Management
  15. Applied Mechanics
Q:   Is RRB ALP conducted online or offline?
A: 

All the stages of RRB ALP exam are conducted online. The language of the question paper is in Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Manipuri, Konkani.

Q:   What is RRB ALP marking scheme?
A: 

CBT 1 will have 75 questions for 75 marks and the duration granted to resolve the questions is 60 minutes. 1/3rd marks are deducted for each wrong answer in CBT 1. The CBT 2 will have two parts- Part A and B for 175 marks. 1/3rd marks are deducted for each wrong answer in CBT 2. The marks of candidates are calculated based on the correct and incorrect answers. Normalisation of marks is done to calculate the scores of candidates.

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RRB ALP Exam

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Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

RRB ALP exam dates 2025 (CEN 02/2025) for CBT 1 will be announced soon. The CBT 1 exam of RRB ALP comprises a total of 75 objective-type multiple choice questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence, and Reasoning, General Science and General awareness on current affairs. A total of 75 marks are

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Jasleen Harsha

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

RRB ALP CBAT admit card 2025 (CEN 01/2024) was released on July 11, 2025. Candidates appearing for the exam can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of their

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Sumridhi Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe who have given consent for availing free travel facility only can avail 'Free Travel Authority' (free Railway Pass).

 

 

B

Bhumika Lama

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates cannot edit the details after submission of RRB ALP application form. Candidates are advised to re-check the detailed filled by them in application preview at Preference and Preview & Submit page for correctness and further submit application if all the information is correct since no cha

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Chanchal Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates can reset the password using 'Change Password' option available on the upper right hand side of the application page. Candidates cannot change the chosen RRB after submission of application.

 

J

Jasleen Harsha

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Click on the 'Forgot Password' option at 'Sign into Your Account' of login page. Enter either Aadhaar number or registered email/mobile number and date of birth. The revised password will be sent to the candidate's registered email ID only. Candidates have to login with revised password sent on thei

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R

Raushan Pradhan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

To login for RRB ALP exam, candidates need to go to the application link on the home page. Under the 'Apply' tab select 'Already have an account' from the dropdown menu. Sign in to your account by entering registered mobile number or email ID, followed by Password, Captcha and then login. 

S

Sumridhi Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Aadhaar validation is required for smoother process at different stages of recruitment for the candidates themselves. Further, to ensure genuineness of candidature and to curb impersonation during exam. RRBs will not share Aadhaar details with any third party or use them for any purpose other than t

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I

Indrani Thakur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Applicants must possess a Gazette Notification or any other legal document as applicable for name changes and should be submitted at the time of CBT-1, CBT-2, CBAT & DV. Date of such change or application for change should be prior to the date of submission of online application. Applicants should a

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Bhumika Arora

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Before filling the RRB ALP application form, candidates must create an account by clicking the 'Apply' tab. To create an account, candidates need to fill in the required details. Candidates must also create a password. 

A

Abhishek Kumar

Contributor-Level 6

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