Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
RRB ALP recruits Assistant Loco Pilots responsible for operating high-speed express trains, Vande Bharat rakes, freight trains, and passenger trains across Indian Railways. Due to high safety responsibilities, candidates must meet the strict A-1 medical vision standard (6/6 eye vision without corrective glasses or surgery).
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 70% CBT-2 Part A + 30% CBAT Composite Score| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT-1: Math, Reasoning, Science, GA | 75 Questions | 75 Marks | 60 Minutes |
| CBT-2 Part A: Math, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering | 100 Questions (Basic Science & Engg carries 40 Qs) | 100 Marks (Decides Merit) | 90 Minutes |
| CBT-2 Part B: Relevant Trade Technical Test | 75 Questions (ITI Trade Syllabus) | 75 Marks (Need 35% to qualify) | 60 Minutes |
| CBAT: Computer Based Aptitude Test | 5 Psycho Battery Tests | T-Score Battery | Battery Tests |
One-third (-1/3) negative marking in CBT-1 and CBT-2 Part A & B. Final selection formula: 70% weightage of CBT-2 Part A score + 30% weightage of CBAT score.
Negative Marking Rule: One-third (-1/3 mark) penalty for incorrect responses
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
CBT-2 Part A normalized cutoff typically ranges between 68 and 78 out of 100.
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vision medical standard for RRB ALP?
Candidates must strictly qualify the A-1 Medical Standard: Distant vision of 6/6, 6/6 without glasses (no fogging test), near vision Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses, and must pass tests for Color Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision, and Night Vision. Candidates who have undergone Lasik surgery are not eligible.
Related Examinations & Pathways
Explore other national, state-level, or professional examinations in this discipline.
UPSC CAPF (AC) (Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandants)
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) examination is conducted by UPSC for direct entry as Assistant Commandants (equal in rank to Assistant Commissioner of Police / Captain in the Army) in India's elite border guarding and internal security forces: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Selection Exam
The Indian Coast Guard (Ministry of Defence) conducts the CGCAT examination for commissioning dynamic young officers as Assistant Commandants. Officers safeguard India's 7,500+ km coastline, conduct high-seas maritime search and rescue operations, intercept international smuggling, and enforce marine environmental protection.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS/IPS)
Widely regarded as India's most prestigious and intellectually challenging competitive examination. Conducted annually by UPSC, CSE selects administrative leaders who formulate policy, govern districts, direct national policing, and represent India abroad as ambassadors.