The RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Exam is conducted to recruit individuals who can operate trains. The Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the country and conducts various recruitments across the diverse departments within the railway ministry. The Railway Recruitment Board, responsible for conducting recruitment exams, releases notifications about the selection of RRB Assistant Loco Pilots every year. If you are an aspirant seeking solid information and guidance on preparation, this article best caters to your needs.
The Assistant Loco Pilot exam is an annually held examination, conducted by the RRB to select candidates capable of assisting Loco pilots in operating and managing trains. The major tasks of an ALP are to monitor the speed and signals of the train, operate the train's equipment and controls, and maintain communication with crews and passengers. Additionally, ALPs are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of trains. These railway personnel are essential for the smooth, safe and effective operation of the trains.
Educational Qualification: To be eligible for the RRB ALP examination, the aspiring candidates must possess any of the following educational qualifications:
a) 10 or 10+ 2 plus ITI from a National Council for Vocational or State Council for Vocational Training(NCVT/SCVT) recognized institution in the areas of Fitter, Instrument Mechanic, Mechanic (Radio & TV), Electrician, Millwright/ Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic ( Motor Vehicle), Tractor Mechanic, Wireman, Heat Engine, Armature and Coil Winder, Turner, Mechanic (Refrigeration and Air-conditioning) Machinist,
or
10/10+2 with Course Completed Act Apprenticeship in the above-mentioned trades
or
b) 10/ 10+2 with three years Diploma in Engineering - Mechanical/Electronics/ Electrical/Automobile
or
Combination of the various engineering streams from a recognised institution in place of ITI
Physical Fitness: Must be physically fit in all aspects and fulfil the specific vision standards as given below:
Nationality: Candidates must be Indian Citizens or Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan/ Tibetan Refugees who had come to India before January 1, 1961, intending to settle in India permanently. Person of Indian origin who has migrated from other countries, but intends to settle permanently in India. Countries are East African Countries of Kenya, Pakistan, Srilanka, Burma, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zaire, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, and Vietnam.
Age Limit: 18 to 30 years as of July 1, 2024.
Similar to other RRB Recruitments, the Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment also follows the three stages of the selection method.
CBT 1 exam will be for 1 hour ( 60 minutes) with 75 questions in total, carrying 1 mark each. A negative mark of 1/3rd will be deducted for every wrong answer. Candidates will be required to attain a certain passing percentage to qualify for the first stage.
Categories | Passing Percentage |
Unreserved (UR) & Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 40% |
OBC ( Non-Creamy Layer) and SC | 30% |
ST | 25% |
Subjects | Topics |
Mathematics | Number System |
BODMAS | |
Decimals | |
Fractions | |
LCM and HCF | |
Ratio and Proportions | |
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 and Clock | |
Pipes and Cistern | |
Mental Ability | Analogies |
Alphabetical and Number Series | |
Coding and Decoding | |
Mathematical Operations | |
Relationships | |
Syllogism | |
Jumbling | |
Venn Diagrams | |
Data Interpretation and Sufficiency | |
Conclusion and Decision-Making | |
Similarities and Differences | |
Analytical Reasoning | |
Classification | |
Directions | |
Statement- Arguments and Assumptions | |
General Science | Physics (10 standard level) |
Life Science (10 standard level) | |
General Awareness | Current Affairs |
Science and technology | |
Sports | |
Culture | |
Personalities | |
Economics | |
Politics and other subjects of importance |
Candidates who make it to the qualifying list will be eligible to sit for the Stage 2 CBT exam. The pattern of the CBT-2 slightly varies from the stage 1. The CBT-2 exams consist of two parts - Part A and Part B. Candidates who qualify the Part A will be allowed to sit for the Part B exam.
Exam Scheme
Exams | No. of Questions | Time Duration |
Part A | 100 | 90 minutes |
Part B | 75 | 60 minutes |
Total | 175 | 150 minutes ( 2 hrs 30 Mins) |
The Minimum qualifying percentage of Part A across different categories:
Categories | Passing Percentage |
UR & EWS | 40 % |
OBC ( Non Creamy Layer) | 30 % |
SC | 30 % |
ST | 25 % |
For further qualification to the next levels, only the marks scored in the Part A exam of CBT 2 will be counted.
PART A Syllabus
Part A -The Mathematics and General Intelligence and Reasoning syllabus is the same as that of the CBT1. However, in addition to the two subjects, Basic Science and Engineering are added to the CBT-2 Part A exam
Subject | Topics |
Basic Science and Engineering (Covering a broad range of the domain)
|
Drawing
|
Units | |
Measurements | |
Mass Weight and Density | |
Work Power and Energy | |
Speed and velocity | |
Heat and Temperature | |
Basic Electricity | |
Levers and Simple Machines | |
Occupational Environment Education | |
IT Literacy |
Part B of CBT-2
Part B of the CBT 2 will be a qualifying test which will cover topics across the various trade syllabi which is established by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). Candidates with a Degree/Diploma are to choose one trade from the list outline respective to their engineering discipline. Candidates with qualification of ITI/Trade Apprenticeship will have to choose the section that has questions from their trade.
Qualification-wise Syllabus ( Grouping) for Part B
Candidate's Qualification | Subjects/Trade |
Electrical Engineering and Combination of Varied Streams of Electrical Engineering |
Wireman |
Electrician | |
Instrument Mechanic | |
Armature and Coil Winder | |
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic | |
Electronics Engineering and Combination of Various Streams of Elec. Engg | Electronics Mechanic |
Mechanic (Radio & TV) | |
Mechanical Engineering and Combination of various streams of Mechanical Engineering | Fiitter |
Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | |
Tractor Mechanic | |
Mechanic (Diesel) | |
Turner | |
Machinist | |
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic | |
Heat Engine | |
Millwright/ Maintenance Mechanic | |
Automobile Engineering and Combination of Various Streams of Automobile Engineering | Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) |
Tractor Mechanic | |
Mechanic (Diesel) | |
Heat Engine | |
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Mechanic |
The RRB shortlists candidates for the third stage of CBT - for a Computer-based Aptitude Test, where their performance and scores in stage 2- Part A and Part B are taken into account. For this stage, candidates need to produce their Vision certificate proving their fitness for the post. To qualify for this round, candidates must clear the different sections/test batteries separately. Only those candidates who make clear all the test batteries will be taken forward to the merit list.
Given the extensive and vastness of the syllabus, preparing for the exam requires diligent effort and hard work.
RRB ALP CBT -1 Prep Tips
The first and foremost step for your Stage 1 preparation is to go through the exam syllabus. As the exam is Objective type questions, you must practice solving as many questions within the restricted time frame. Practising regularly will improve your speed and accuracy. Some key points for your preparation are:
RRB ALP CBT-2 Prep Tips
The second stage will have questions in a similar format as stage 1. However, candidates will need to answer in total of 175 questions within 2 and a half hours. Hence daily preparation and consistency with daily reading and practice is essential. Pro-tips for CBT 2:
RRB ALP CBAT Prep Tips
This stage is only for those candidates who have made it through all the other stages of the exam. The test is typically to evaluate the candidate's technical skills and behavioural and personality traits. Incorporating expert notes in your preparation with a focus on the Depth perception test will be of massive help. Pro-Tips include:
Follow the above tips for your preparation and keep yourself updated by regularly checking the RRB's official website.
CSIR CEERI Scientist Recruitment 2024-25 Notification
National Testing Agency CSIR-UGC NET December 2024 Exam Registration Begins
NHPC Limited Recruitment 2024-25: 118 SMO, Trainee Officer Vacancies
GIC Officer Recruitment 2024-25 Notification
IIFCL Assistant Manager Recruitment 2024-25 Notification
PWD Tamil Nadu Apprentice Recruitment 2024-25: 660 Apprentice Vacancies
Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam Apprentice Recruitment 2024-25: 275 Positions
ICMR-NIV Project Technical Support Recruitment 2024-25 Application Form
GGU Non Teaching Recruitment 2024-25 Application Form
Ordnance Factory Chanda Project Engineer Recruitment 2024-25 Application Form
What are the Recent Employment Trends in Health Sector in India
IBPS Specialist Officers Preliminary Exam 2024 Result Announced
Skill Development Opportunities and its Influence on Employability
How to Prepare for Railways Constable and SI in Railway Protection Force Exam
How to Prepare for Railway Exam After 12th
How to Prepare for RRB Technician Exam
HAL Joins 'Maharatna' Club: Becomes 14th PSU to Attain Maharatna Status
How to Prepare for RRB NTPC 10+2 Under Graduate Exam 2024 Pattern, and Tips
Preparation Tips for the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Exam 2024