RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date has been officially announced by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, for candidates applying under Centralised Employment Notice (CEN) 01/2024. The computer-based examination will take place across designated testing centres in India to fill 18,799 Assistant Loco Pilot posts. Candidates can check their allocated exam city, test date, and download their City Intimation Slip 10 days before their exam on the official centralized portal at rrbapply.gov.in and their respective regional RRB websites. Individual e-call letters will be available for download exactly 4 days before each candidate’s exam date.
Latest status — verified on September 30, 2026: Railway Recruitment Boards have confirmed the RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date schedule for 18,799 Assistant Loco Pilot vacancies. The exam city intimation slip download link is activated 10 days before the exam, and the official admit card link goes live 4 days before the exam date. SC and ST candidates can also download their free sleeper class railway travel pass along with the city slip.
The Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment is one of the most popular railway exams in India. Qualifying in CBT 1 is the mandatory first step. It acts as a screening test to select candidates for the CBT 2 stage. In this comprehensive guide, you will find complete details on shift timings, exam pattern, subject-wise marks, qualifying cutoffs, Aadhaar biometric verification rules, and official links for all 21 regional RRBs.
1. RRB ALP Recruitment and Exam Highlights
Here is a quick overview of the key facts regarding the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot recruitment drive and CBT 1 examination:
| Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Ministry of Railways |
| Post Name | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) |
| Notification Reference | CEN 01/2024 (Revised) |
| Total Vacancies | 18,799 Posts (Enhanced from initial 5,696) |
| Pay Scale | Level 2 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Initial Basic Pay: ₹19,900 plus allowances) |
| Exam Stage | First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 1) |
| Mode of Examination | Online Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 75 Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Test Duration | 60 Minutes (80 Minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with scribe) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd (0.33 mark deducted for each incorrect answer) |
| Official Application Portal | rrbapply.gov.in |
Source: Railway Recruitment Boards Centralised Employment Notice 01/2024
2. Critical Schedule and RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date Timeline
Candidates tracking the RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date must follow the schedule below to download their city slip and e-call letter on time without last-minute rush:
| Recruitment Event | Official Timeline | Status / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | Published in Employment News | Completed |
| Online Application Window | Standard Registration Period | Closed |
| Vacancy Revision to 18,799 | Approved by Railway Board | Confirmed |
| City Intimation Slip Release | 10 Days Prior to Candidate Exam Date | Live on Regional RRB Portals |
| SC/ST Free Travel Pass Download | Along with City Intimation Slip | Online Download |
| E-Call Letter (Admit Card) Download | 4 Days Prior to Candidate Exam Date | Candidate Login Portal |
| CBT 1 Examination Window | Multiple Shifts across India | Scheduled by RRBs |
Source: Railway Recruitment Boards CEN 01/2024 Examination Schedule
3. Zone-Wise Enhanced Vacancy Distribution (18,799 ALP Posts)
The Ministry of Railways increased the total number of ALP vacancies across Indian Railways from 5,696 to 18,799 to meet operational needs. Here is the zone-wise quota breakdown across participating Railway Recruitment Boards:
| Railway Zone / Participating RRB | Headquarters | Original Vacancies | Revised Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Railway (CR) | Mumbai | 545 | 1,783 |
| East Central Railway (ECR) | Hajipur / Patna / Muzaffarpur | 104 | 747 |
| East Coast Railway (ECoR) | Bhubaneswar | 280 | 1,595 |
| Eastern Railway (ER) | Kolkata / Malda | 415 | 1,382 |
| North Central Railway (NCR) | Prayagraj | 241 | 807 |
| North Eastern Railway (NER) | Gorakhpur | 43 | 143 |
| Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) | Guwahati / Siliguri | 129 | 424 |
| Northern Railway (NR) | Chandigarh / Jammu | 424 | 1,348 |
| North Western Railway (NWR) | Ajmer | 228 | 761 |
| South Central Railway (SCR) | Secunderabad | 758 | 2,514 |
| South East Central Railway (SECR) | Bilaspur | 1,192 | 3,973 |
| South Eastern Railway (SER) | Kolkata / Ranchi | 300 | 1,001 |
| Southern Railway (SR) | Chennai / Thiruvananthapuram | 218 | 726 |
| South Western Railway (SWR) | Bengaluru | 473 | 1,576 |
| West Central Railway (WCR) | Bhopal / Jabalpur | 219 | 729 |
| Western Railway (WR) | Ahmedabad | 238 | 798 |
| All India Total Vacancies | 5,696 | 18,799 | |
Source: Railway Board Official Corrigendum on CEN 01/2024 Vacancy Revision
4. RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Pattern and Subject Weightage
The CBT 1 exam is a screening test consisting of 75 multiple choice questions. You will get 60 minutes to complete the test. Every correct answer gives you 1 mark, while 1/3rd of a mark (0.33 mark) is deducted for every incorrect response.
| Subject / Section | Number of Questions | Total Maximum Marks | Test Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 Questions | 20 Marks | 60 Minutes (80 Minutes for PwBD candidates with scribe) |
| Mental Ability & General Reasoning | 25 Questions | 25 Marks | |
| General Science (Class 10th CBSE Level) | 20 Questions | 20 Marks | |
| General Awareness on Current Affairs | 10 Questions | 10 Marks | |
| Total CBT 1 Structure | 75 Questions | 75 Marks | 60 Minutes |
Source: Railway Recruitment Board CEN 01/2024 Exam Pattern Guidelines
5. Section-Wise Syllabus Topics for CBT 1
The syllabus is designed around standard Class 10 concepts. Here is what you need to study for each subject:
| Subject | Detailed Topics and Core Syllabus Focus |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM and 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 and Clock, Pipes and Cistern. |
| Mental Ability | 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 covering standard 10th standard CBSE curriculum (Motion, Force, Work and Energy, Electricity, Magnetism, Chemical Reactions, Periodic Table, Acids and Bases, Human Anatomy, Ecology). |
| General Awareness | Current affairs in Science and Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, and any other subjects of national importance. |
Source: Railway Recruitment Boards Official Curriculum CEN 01/2024
6. Minimum Qualifying Percentage and CBT 2 Shortlisting Ratio
To qualify CBT 1, candidates must score at least the minimum percentage prescribed for their category. Candidates equal to 15 times the category-wise vacancies will be shortlisted for CBT 2 based on normalized marks in CBT 1.
| Candidate Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Marks out of 75 | Shortlisting Multiplier for CBT 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) / General | 40% | 30.00 Marks | 15 Times the category-wise vacancies for each RRB zone |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 40% | 30.00 Marks | |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 30% | 22.50 Marks | |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 30% | 22.50 Marks | |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 25% | 18.75 Marks | 15 Times vacancies |
Source: Railway Board Official Qualifying Guidelines CEN 01/2024
7. CBT 1 Shift Timings, Reporting Time, and Gate Closure Schedule
The CBT 1 examination is conducted in three distinct shifts across test centres. You must reach the exam centre well before the gate closing time because late entry is strictly prohibited under Railway Board rules.
| Examination Shift | Candidate Reporting Time | Gate Closing Time | Examination Start Time | Examination End Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning) | 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon) | 11:15 AM | 12:15 PM | 12:45 PM | 01:45 PM |
| Shift 3 (Evening) | 03:00 PM | 04:00 PM | 04:30 PM | 05:30 PM |
Source: Railway Recruitment Boards Standard CBT Operating Instructions
8. Direct Links for All 21 Regional RRB Portals to Check City Slip and Admit Card
Candidates can check their exam city intimation slip and download their e-call letter through the centralized portal or via their regional RRB website:
Source: Railway Recruitment Control Board (RRCB) Master Directory
9. Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Verification and Entry Checklist
The Railway Recruitment Boards enforce strict digital security protocols. Every candidate appearing on their allocated test date must complete Aadhaar-linked biometric fingerprint authentication at the examination venue.
| Verification Item | Mandatory Requirement / Action | Alternative / Strict Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Original Aadhaar Card | Must carry original Aadhaar or printed e-Aadhaar with clear barcode | Biometric fingerprint capture done at entry gate |
| Printed E-Call Letter | Clear printout with self-declaration paragraph in candidate handwriting | Must NOT write declaration before reaching exam room |
| Passport Size Photographs | 1-2 recent colour photos matching application upload | Affixed on e-call letter in front of the invigilator |
| Secondary Photo Identity Proof | Voter ID / PAN Card / Driving Licence / Passport | Photocopies or digital phone scans are NOT accepted |
| Prohibited Items | Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, calculators, bags | Immediate debarment under Indian Railways rules |
Source: Railway Recruitment Board Candidate Code of Conduct
10. Free Sleeper Class Rail Travel Pass for SC and ST Candidates
Eligible SC and ST candidates who opted for free travel authority during application can download their travel pass along with their city slip:
| Feature / Rule | Travel Authority Provision | Verification Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Class Entitlement | Free Second / Sleeper Class train journey | Valid for travel between home station and exam city |
| Ticket Booking Process | Show printed travel pass at any railway reservation counter | Get confirmed or RAC sleeper ticket issued without cost |
| On-Board Inspection | Produce original caste certificate and original photo ID to TTE | Failure to show original certificate will treat travel as ticketless |
Source: Indian Railways Passenger Reservation Concession Rules for Recruitment Exams
11. Step-by-Step Selection Pipeline for Assistant Loco Pilot
The complete selection process for RRB ALP involves five stages. Here is the entire recruitment pipeline:
| Selection Stage | Exam Type / Structure | Shortlisting Ratio / Target | Final Merit Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: CBT 1 | 75 Objective Questions (60 Mins) | 15 Times Vacancies | Screening Only (Not in Final Merit) |
| Stage 2: CBT 2 Part A | 100 Questions on Math, Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering (90 Mins) | 8 Times Vacancies | 70% Weightage in Final Merit |
| Stage 2: CBT 2 Part B | 75 Questions on Trade Syllabus (60 Mins) | Must Score Minimum 35% | Qualifying Only (Mandatory for All) |
| Stage 3: CBAT (Aptitude Test) | 5 Test Batteries (Psychometric & Reaction Speed) | T-Score >= 42 in Each Battery | 30% Weightage in Final Merit |
| Stage 4: Document Verification (DV) | Scrutiny of Original Academic & Caste Certificates | 1:1 Ratio of Vacancies | Eligibility Validation |
| Stage 5: Medical Examination | A-1 Medical Standard (6/6 Distance Vision without Glasses, Fogging Test, Color Vision) | Fit in A-1 Category Only | Strict Fitness Requirement for Train Driving |
Source: Indian Railway Medical Manual (IRMM) and CEN 01/2024 Selection Pipeline
12. Percentile Score and Normalization Calculation Method
Because CBT 1 is held across multiple days and shifts with varying question papers, the Railway Recruitment Boards use standard percentile score normalization so that no candidate is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged by shift difficulty.
| Calculation Component | Mathematical Formula / Logic | Practical Impact on Candidate Score |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Score | (Correct Answers * 1) – (Wrong Answers * 0.33) | Base score earned in your allocated shift |
| Percentile Score Formula | (Total candidates in shift with raw score <= your raw score / Total candidates in shift) * 100 | Calculated up to 5 decimal places to avoid ties |
| Zone-Wise Merit Ranking | Merged percentile rankings across all shifts within your chosen RRB zone | Determines your qualification for CBT 2 |
Source: Railway Recruitment Boards Normalization Gazette Notification
13. Official Gazette and Statutory Notification References
All details regarding the RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Date and vacancy guidelines are cross-verified against official statutory notifications published by the Railway Recruitment Boards:
| Document Title | Issuing Authority | Key Subject Matter |
|---|---|---|
| CEN 01/2024 Master Notification | Railway Recruitment Boards | Original Recruitment Notification for ALP |
| Corrigendum on Vacancy Enhancement | Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) | Increase of ALP Posts from 5,696 to 18,799 |
| CBT 1 Examination Schedule Circular | Chairpersons, All Railway Recruitment Boards | City Intimation & Admit Card Release Protocols |
Source: Ministry of Railways Gazette Circulars and Railway Board Directives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Railway Recruitment Boards Centralised Application Portal (rrbapply.gov.in)
- Ministry of Railways, Government of India Official Portal
- Railway Recruitment Board Chandigarh Official Notification Archive
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the Railway Recruitment Boards issue a new circular, revised dates, or fresh CBT instructions.