RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026: Updated Marking Scheme & Selection Process

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially updated the exam pattern for the 2026 Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) recruitment. The selection process consists of three distinct stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), followed by Document Verification (DV) and Medical Examination (DME). Understanding the RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 is vital for candidates to master the marking scheme, time management, syllabus distribution, and overall selection criteria.

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026

The initial stage of the RRB ALP recruitment is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), an objective-type online assessment. This phase covers three sections to be completed within a 60-minute duration. The second stage, CBT 2, is bifurcated into two parts: Part A comprises 100 questions to be solved in 90 minutes, while Part B focuses on the relevant trade with 75 questions to be answered in 60 minutes.

RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The first stage of the RRB ALP 2026 exam features 75 questions worth 75 marks, focusing on Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science. Please note that there is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer provided.

Note: The CBT-1 serves as a preliminary screening stage. Candidates are shortlisted for CBT-2 based on their normalized marks. It is important to remember that scores from CBT-1 are not included in the final merit list preparation.

RRB ALP CBT 2 City Intimation Slip 2026 Out - Click Here to Check

RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The second stage of the ALP recruitment is divided into two segments. Part A evaluates candidates on Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering. Part B specifically assesses technical proficiency related to the candidate's chosen trade.

Note - An incorrect response in the examination results in a negative marking penalty of ⅓rd of the marks assigned to that specific question.

RRB ALP CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)

To succeed, candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying score of 42 marks in each test battery of the aptitude section. Eligibility for the final merit list requires successful qualification in the Aptitude Test. The final selection is based on a combined weightage of 50% from Part A of the Second Stage CBT and 50% from the Computer-Based Aptitude Test.

Also Read, RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 for CBT 1 and 2

What’s New in the RRB ALP Exam Pattern?

• General Awareness & Current Affairs removed from CBT 1: The paper now strictly covers Mathematics, Mental Ability, and General Science (75 questions, 75 marks).
• Updated Merit Weightage: The final merit now follows a 50:50 weightage split between CBT-2 (Part A) and the CBAT, replacing the previous 70:30 ratio.

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks

Beyond the overall cut-off, candidates are required to meet sectional qualifying criteria to progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The minimum qualifying marks mandated by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) apply to all candidates.

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 1

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 2 (Part A)

RRB ALP Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 2 (Part B)

RRB Normalization Method & Formula 2026 - Click to Check