How to Prepare for RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) 2026

Before anything else — get your eyes and ears tested at a private clinic. If your distance vision is worse than 6/9, you have any colour vision issues, or your glasses power is above ±2D, A-1 medical will eliminate you no matter how well you score. Many ALP aspirants waste 1-2 years on prep only to fail at this gate; do the 15-minute check first.

CBT 1 is qualifying only — DON'T over-prepare. Target 60+ out of 75 with 75-80% accuracy on Math + Reasoning + General Science (NCERT Class 8-10 level). General Awareness is the weakest section for most candidates; budget steady current-affairs reading rather than cramming.

CBT 2 Part A is the merit-deciding section — it counts 70% in final selection. Spend the bulk of your time here. Mathematics + Reasoning are the highest-scoring sections (do 50-60 PYQs from each Kiran / Disha previous-year compilation). Basic Science & Engineering needs separate dedicated study from Disha or Kiran's BSE book — it's not covered by general NCERT.

CBT 2 Part B (Trade) is qualifying at 35%, but DON'T leave it until the end. Study your specific ITI trade book — Electrician Theory by SK Garg / Theraja, Fitter Theory NIMI books, ITI workshop calculation textbooks. PYQs for your specific trade exist on most coaching websites — solve all available previous years.

CBAT is the silent killer — 30% weightage but no separate prep material is widely available. Practice picture-matching, depth perception (3D image identification), memory tests and rapid decision-making questions from any RRB ALP CBAT mock package (Adda247, Oliveboard, Testbook). 42-mark minimum in EACH sub-test means a single weak battery disqualifies you — practice all sub-tests, not just your strongest.

Indian Railways General Awareness deserves a separate notebook — questions on Railway zones (18), divisions, Vande Bharat routes, longest/highest railway bridges, fastest trains, important railway personalities (first Railway Minister, current CRB) appear EVERY year. Read the Indian Railways Wikipedia page once and the official Indian Railways yearbook summary.