The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) is running the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) 2025 recruitment exam to fill 9,970 vacancies. The sarkari exam will take place in end of 2025, with dates for CBT 1 and CBT 2 to be announced soon in the official website. This guide includes the exam pattern, detailed syllabus, and preparation tips.
Highlights
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The RRB is running the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) 2025 exam to fill 9,970 seats in this Sarkari Exam.
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The recruitment process: CBT 1, CBT 2, Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), followed by Document Verification and Medical Tests.
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Exams are likely to be scheduled in the second half of 2025, so early preparation is key.
Exam Structure and Syllabus Overview for the Sarkari Exam
RRB ALP 2025 Selection Process:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| CBT 1 | Preliminary exam (screening), 75 questions, 60 minutes |
| CBT 2 (Part A & B) | Part A: 100 questions (90 min), Part B: Trade Test (75 questions, 60 min) |
| CBAT | Aptitude test for qualified candidates of CBT 1 & 2 |
| Document Verification | Verification of academic and personal documents |
| Medical Examination | Mandatory medical fitness check based on ALP standards |
CBT 1 Syllabus (Class 10 Level)
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics (20 Qs) | BODMAS, percentages, SI/CI, algebra, time & distance, geometry |
| Reasoning (25 Qs) | Analogies, syllogism, coding-decoding, directions, series, puzzles |
| General Science (20 Qs) | Physics (motion, optics), Chemistry (acids, bases), Biology (organs) |
| General Awareness (10 Qs) | Current affairs, Railways, Government schemes, awards, summits e.g. |
CBT 2 Syllabus
Part A (Merit-Based)
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Similar to CBT 1 but more complex |
| Reasoning | Puzzles, blood relations, input-output, assumptions |
| General Science | Class 9–10 level Science books |
| Basic Science & Engineering | Engineering, measurements, levers, electricity |
Part B (Qualifying Nature)
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Trade-based questions with DGET syllabus.
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Minimum 35% marks required (no relaxation).
CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)
| Component | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 5 Test Batteries | Memory, concentration, perceptual speed, spatial skills |
| Scoring | minimum 42 marks per test battery – No negative marking in the test |
RRB ALP 2025 Preparation
4–6 Month Study Timeline
| Month | Target Area |
|---|---|
| Month 1–2 | Complete CBT 1 syllabus, mock practice |
| Month 3–4 | Focus on CBT 2 Part A, your trade subject |
| Month 5 | Start CBAT practice and revision |
| Month 6 | Intensive mocks and full syllabus review |
Daily Study Schedule
You can schedule your subjects, as example:
| Time Allotted | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 2 hrs | Mathematics |
| 2 hrs | General Science |
| 1.5 hrs | Reasoning |
| 1 hr | General Awareness |
| 1–2 hrs (later) | Trade/Engineering/CBAT |
Preparation Tips
Mathematics
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Strengthen Class 8–10 basics.
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Solve 50 questions/day from question banks.
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study percentages, algebra, mensuration.
Reasoning
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Practice puzzles, series, coding-decoding daily.
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Use Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning.
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Time yourself to improve speed and accuracy.
General Science
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Stick to Class 9 & 10 level study materials.
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Focus: electricity, acids/bases, nutrition, motion.
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Attempt 20–30 MCQs or more daily.
General Awareness
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Read current affairs (e.g. April 2024–Nov 2025).
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Focus: Railway policies, major schemes, sports.
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Use: Lucent GK, Testbook, Adda247 compilations.
Basic Science & Engineering
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You may refer to Arihant books for advanced study materials.
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Study engineering basics as drawing, mechanics, IT.
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Practice numerical and theory-based questions.
Trade Syllabus
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Align with ITI/Diploma trade from DGET syllabus.
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Books: Arihant ITI Trade Theory.
CBAT
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Practice using simulators on Testbook, Cracku.
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improve on memory, depth perception, concentration.
Recommended Books & Platforms
Some advanced books you may refer to study:
| Category | Recommended Resources |
|---|---|
| Full Exam Guides | GK Publications, Ramesh Publishing House |
| Mathematics | R.S. Aggarwal, Kiran SSC Maths |
| General Science | NCERT Class 9–10, Testbook MCQs |
| GK & Current Affairs | Lucent, Adda247 PDFs, Vision IAS Monthly Compilations |
| Engineering Basics | Youth Competition Times, Arihant Engineering Books |
| Trade-Specific Content | ITI Trade Theory by Arihant |
| Mock Tests | Cracku, Testbook, Adda247 (free & paid versions) |
Test Day Guidelines
Before Exam
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Download admit card from rrbapply.gov.in.
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Carry a valid photo ID, passport-size photos.
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Avoid prohibited items as smartwatches, calculators, mobiles. (It will get you disqualified)
During Exam
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Prioritize easy questions first.
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You should avoid spending too much time on one question.
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Use the “mark for review” option wisely.
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Target 70–75 marks in CBT 1, 80–85 in CBT 2 (Part A).
If you feel weak in some subjects:
| Problem | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|
| Weak General Science | Stick to 9-10th subject + MCQ practice daily |
| Poor reasoning speed | Practice more puzzles daily, focus on timed solving |
| CBAT unfamiliarity | Use free online simulators regularly |
| Struggling with Current Affairs | Focus on news portals & newspapers |
Additional Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Age: 18–30 years, Qualification: 10th + ITI/Diploma |
| Vacancies | 9,970 across all zones |
| Salary | ₹19,900 (Level 2, 7th CPC); ₹24,000–₹34,000 in-hand with allowances |
| Application Dates | April 12 – May 11, 2025 |
| Exam Schedule | CBTs expected between Oct–Dec 2025 (tentative) |
| Medical Standard | Vision: 6/6 (with glasses), no color blindness |