Railway Recruitment ALP Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025
Embarking on your Railways Recruitment ALP exam preparation journey, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the Railways Recruitment ALP exam pattern 2025. Understanding the format, sections, and marking scheme is vital to a strategic and well-informed approach to optimize your performance in this highly anticipated examination. The Railways Recruitment ALP 2025 selection process comprises five stages:
- First Stage (CBT-1)
- Second Stage (CBT-2)
- Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (ME)
Your next important task is to delve into the Railways Recruitment ALP syllabus 2025 thoroughly. This marks the initial and crucial step in initiating your exam preparation journey. Familiarizing yourself with the comprehensive Railways Recruitment ALP syllabus is vital for shaping an effective preparation strategy. Seize this opportunity, grasp the Railways Recruitment ALP syllabus, and promptly kickstart your preparation to gain a competitive edge in the upcoming examination.
Railway Recruitment ALP First Stage (CBT-1) Exam Pattern
The very first step in the RRB ALP 2025 selection process is the CBT-1 exam. Think of this as a screening test — it is designed mainly to shortlist candidates for the next stage (CBT-2). The marks scored in CBT-1 will not be counted in the final merit list. This test will be held online and will consist of 75 multiple-choice questions. Candidates will get 60 minutes to complete it. The questions will test basic knowledge and will cover subjects like Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science (10th standard level), and General Awareness (current affairs, sports, politics, etc.).
There is negative marking in CBT-1 — for every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted.
To qualify, candidates must score minimum marks depending on their category:
- UR & EWS: 40%
- OBC (NCL): 30%
- SC: 30%
- ST: 25%
Only those who score above these minimum marks (after normalization if exams happen in multiple shifts) will move on to the next round.
Railway Recruitment ALP First Stage (CBT-1) Syllabus
In the First Stage of Railways Recruitment ALP, the examination consists of four subjects. The subjects covered in this stage are Mathematics, testing numerical and mathematical ability; Mental Ability, assessing cognitive skills; General Science, evaluating knowledge in scientific disciplines; and General Awareness, testing candidates' awareness of current affairs and general knowledge. A comprehensive understanding of these subjects is crucial for candidates aiming to excel in the initial stage of the Railways Recruitment ALP examination. Take a look at the table below for the detailed Railway Recruitment ALP First Stage (CBT-1) syllabus.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th standard level. |
| General Awareness | Current affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and other subjects of importance |
Railway Recruitment ALP Second Stage (CBT-2) Exam Pattern
If you clear the first screening round (CBT-1), you move on to the most crucial step of the RRB ALP 2025 selection process — the Second Stage CBT or CBT-2. This is where your preparation and technical knowledge are truly put to the test because the marks you score here will play a direct role in your final selection.
The CBT-2 is divided into two distinct parts — Part A and Part B. And both parts come with their own purpose and rules. The total duration of this stage is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and candidates will have to attempt a total of 175 questions. Specifically, Part A will last for 90 minutes and will have 100 questions, while Part B will be for 60 minutes with 75 questions.
As with the earlier test, negative marking will apply here too — for every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
Part A is the most important in terms of scoring. The marks secured in Part A will be counted towards shortlisting for the next stages of the selection process. However, to even be considered for that, candidates must first clear Part B, which is qualifying in nature. In Part B, candidates must score at least 35% marks, regardless of their category.
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum qualifying percentage required for Part A of CBT-2 based on category:
- UR & EWS: 40%
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 30%
- SC: 30%
- ST: 25%
This rule also applies to ex-servicemen candidates as per their respective community. Normalization of marks will be done in CBT-2 as well — this means if the exam happens in multiple shifts, scores will be adjusted to ensure fairness.
| S. No. | Subjects | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mathematics | 100 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes |
| 2. | General Intelligence & Reasoning | ||
| 3. | General Science and Engineering |
| S. No. | Subjects | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Questions from the trade syllabus | 75 Questions | 1 Hour |
Railway Recruitment ALP Second Stage (CBT-2) Syllabus
As previously stated, the Second Stage (CBT-2) exam is divided into two parts - Part A and Part B. Part A includes three subjects: Mathematics, Basic Science and Engineering, and General Intelligence & Reasoning. Meanwhile, Part B features questions based on the trade syllabus specified by the Director General of Employment & Training (DGET). A thorough grasp of these subjects is essential for candidates aspiring to perform exceptionally well in the Railways Recruitment ALP examination's subsequent stage. Refer to the table below for the complete Second Stage (CBT-2) syllabus.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Railway Recruitment ALP Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Shortlisting for the Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) will involve selecting candidates at a ratio of 8 times the number of ALP vacancies in each community/category (UR, OBC(NCL), SC, ST, and EWS, including ExSM). This selection will be based on their scores in Part-A of CBT-2, adhering to reservation rules, provided they meet the qualification criteria in Part-B of CBT-2.
- Shortlisted candidates must present their Vision Certificate in the prescribed format during the CBAT; failure to do so will result in non-admittance.
- Each test battery/section of CBAT must be cleared separately for qualification.
- The CBAT will be conducted in English and Hindi, with no negative marking.
- For detailed information on CBAT, candidates are advised to refer to the following website links of RDSO: (i) rdso.indianrailways.gov.in -> Verticals -> Traffic and Psychology -> Psychology-Candidate's Corner, and (ii) https://rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,456,5821,6119
- Qualifying Marks: All candidates, regardless of community, must achieve a minimum T-score of 42 marks in each test battery separately to pass the CBAT.
- The merit list will be compiled only from candidates who qualify in the CBAT, with 70% weightage given to marks obtained in Part-A of CBT-2 and 30% weightage for the score obtained in the CBAT.
Railway Recruitment ALP Document Verification
- Shortlisting for Document Verification will be based on candidates' marks and merit in Part-A of CBT-2, qualification in Part-B of CBT-2, and scores in CBAT. The number of candidates shortlisted will be equal to the number of vacancies.
- If two or more candidates secure equal marks, their merit position will be determined by age criteria, with the older candidate given a higher merit position than the younger one.
- The appointment of selected candidates is contingent on passing the required Medical Fitness Test conducted by the Railway Administration and the final verification of all essential documents and the verification of antecedents/character of the candidates.
- Candidates should note that RRBs recommend the names of empanelled candidates to the respective Railway Zone. The issuance of appointment offers is solely the responsibility of the respective Railway Zones.
- In the event of any shortfall in empanelment or other exigencies, RRBs reserve the right to utilize candidates from the merit list if required, based on merit and the options of such candidates. However, this action will not confer any vested right on such candidates to be considered for appointment.
Railway Recruitment ALP Marking Scheme
Candidates must be aware that for each incorrect answer in the Railways Recruitment ALP 2025 exam, a penalty of 1/3rd marks will be applied. Therefore, it is crucial to answer questions accurately to avoid any deduction in the final scoring. A careful approach to selecting the correct responses is essential to maximize the overall performance in the examination. The marking scheme of the Railway Recruitment ALP exam is as follows.
Railway Recruitment ALP Exam Language
You have the flexibility to choose between English or Hindi while attempting the Railways Recruitment ALP exam. This option empowers you to showcase your proficiency and comfort in the language of your preference. Whether you are more adept in English or Hindi, this choice ensures that you can express your understanding and knowledge effectively, contributing to a smoother examination experience tailored to your linguistic capabilities.
Railway Recruitment ALP Books
Achieving success in the Railway Recruitment ALP exam 2025 demands access to top-notch study materials. The right books can provide authentic guidance and knowledge, significantly improving your chances of success. Crucial for exam preparation, these resources play a pivotal role in shaping your understanding and approach. Consult the following table for a meticulously selected array of valuable books tailored for the Railway Recruitment ALP exam. These recommended readings aim to elevate your preparation by offering comprehensive insights and aligning with the exam's requirements. Invest judiciously in these resources to optimize your study routine and enhance your performance.
Railway Recruitment ALP Free Mock Tests
In the face of increasing competition, candidates must exert additional effort to secure a position in the Railways Recruitment ALP post. After covering the syllabus, practicing questions becomes paramount for success. Practice can be undertaken through two methods: offline and online. To assess a candidate's preparation level effectively, taking mock tests is of utmost importance. Given that the examination is conducted online, it becomes crucial to practice with online mock tests.
ixamBee is facilitating this preparation process by offering the Railways Recruitment ALP free mock tests. Candidates can easily log in to the website and promptly commence attempting the Free Online Mock Test. This invaluable resource aids candidates in familiarizing themselves with the online examination environment, enhancing their readiness for the actual test. Engaging in regular mock tests is a strategic approach that ensures candidates are well-prepared and confident to face the challenges of the Railways Recruitment ALP examination.
