RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2025 is significant for those candidates who want to get one of the most coveted jobs in Indian Railways. The exam is organized by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) to appoint candidates for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot, where the major duties are to assist in driving trains, handling locomotives, and maintaining the safe running of train services on the vast railway network. As the railway industry has a huge role to play in India’s transport sector, it is a highly competitive yet very rewarding career.
For students who are appearing for the RRB ALP Exam 2025, knowing the pattern of the exam is vital to success. A complete awareness of the RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2025 will enable students to prepare effectively, focus on the correct areas, and boost their chances of being selected. This article gives a detailed overview of the RRB ALP Exam Pattern, every stage, the marking system, subject-wise question allocation, minimum marks required, and essential dates for the 2025 recruitment. Whether you are an initial applicant or a re-applier, this guide is aimed at preparing you with all the necessary information to crack the RRB ALP 2025 exam.
After reading this article, you will have a good idea about what to anticipate from the RRB ALP Exam 2025 so that you can make an effective study plan and face the exam confidently.
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2025
The RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2025 is made up of four most important phases that evaluate a candidate’s technical knowledge, reasoning skill, general awareness, and practical ability. The selection phases are:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) Stage 1
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) Stage 2
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) – Only for ALP
- Document Verification and Medical Examination
Each stage must be cleared to move forward in the recruitment process. Let’s take a detailed look at each stage.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern 2025
The CBT 1 test is the initial phase of the selection process and is qualifying in nature. It is a screening round to shortlist candidates for CBT 2.
Highlights of CBT 1:
Before diving into the subjects, here’s an overview of the key features of the CBT 1 exam:
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Questions: 75
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for each incorrect answer
Subjects Covered:
The CBT 1 tests the candidate on four major sections:
- Mathematics
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Science
- General Awareness and Current Affairs
Minimum Qualifying Marks for CBT 1:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
| General | 40% |
| OBC/SC | 30% |
| ST | 25% |
Note: CBT 1 is qualifying in nature and the marks are not considered for the final merit list.
RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates who qualify CBT 1 are eligible to appear for CBT 2. This stage is conducted in two parts – Part A and Part B – both held on the same day.
Part A (Scoring and Merit-Based):
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Total Questions: 100
- Subjects:
o Mathematics
o General Intelligence and Reasoning
o Basic Science and Engineering
o General Awareness and Current Affairs
Part B (Qualifying in Nature):
Part B tests the technical knowledge of the candidate as per their relevant trade.
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Questions: 75
- Subject: Relevant Trade
- Qualifying Marks: 35% for all categories (no relaxation)
Note: Marks obtained in Part A are considered for shortlisting to the next stage. Part B is only qualifying.
RRB ALP CBAT Exam Pattern 2025
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is only for candidates applying for the Assistant Loco Pilot post and who qualify for CBT 2.
Important Points:
- There is no negative marking in CBAT.
- Candidates need to score a minimum of 42 marks in each test battery to qualify (applicable to all categories).
- Questions are available in English and Hindi.
- The final merit list is prepared with:
o 70% weightage to Part A of CBT 2
o 30% weightage to CBAT
Only those candidates who qualify for CBAT and feature in the final merit list will proceed to Document Verification.
RRB ALP Important Dates and Vacancy 2025
To help you plan your preparation better, here are the key dates and official updates for RRB ALP 2025:
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification | 24 March 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 April 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 10 May 2025 |
| CBT 1 Exam Date | 15 July 2025 |
| CBT 2 Exam Dates | 19 & 20 September 2025 |
| CBAT Exam Date | 10 October 2025 |
| Document Verification | 25 October 2025 |
| Final Result Announcement | 10 November 2025 |
| Total Vacancies (Tentative) | 18,799 |
RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2025?
The RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2025 consists of CBT 1, CBT 2 (Part A and Part B), CBAT, and Document Verification. Each stage tests different abilities, and all stages must be qualified.
Q2. Is there any negative marking in RRB ALP exams?
Yes, negative marking of 1/3rd mark is applicable in both CBT 1 and CBT 2. There is no negative marking in CBAT.
Q3. What is the minimum qualifying mark for Part B of CBT 2?
Candidates must score at least 35% in Part B of CBT 2. These marks are not considered in the final merit list but are mandatory to qualify.
Q4. How is the final merit list prepared in RRB ALP 2025?
The final merit list is prepared based on 70% weightage from Part A of CBT 2 and 30% from CBAT marks.
Q5. What is the total number of vacancies in RRB ALP 2025?
As per the latest update, there are a total of 18,799 vacancies for the Assistant Loco Pilot post in RRB ALP 2025.
