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The RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) 2026 recruitment under CEN 01/2026 has 11,127 vacancies, and CBT 1 is scheduled for 3-5 November 2026. But CBT 1 is only the first gate. Your final rank comes from CBT 2 Part A and CBAT, which now carry equal weight in the merit list. That means a smart plan prepares you for the whole journey, not just the first exam. This 90-day RRB ALP 2026 study plan follows the latest syllabus and splits your time across the three stages. Use the Entri app for free notes, video classes, daily quizzes, PYQs and mock tests alongside this plan.
RRB ALP 2026 Selection Process and What’s New
Stages: CBT 1 → CBT 2 (Part A and Part B) → CBAT → Document Verification → Medical Examination
| Stage | Role | Counts in merit? |
|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | Screening for CBT 2 | No |
| CBT 2 Part A | Merit-deciding | Yes, 50% |
| CBT 2 Part B | Trade paper, qualifying only (35% minimum) | No |
| CBAT | Aptitude test, qualifying and merit | Yes, 50% |
| DV + Medical | Final eligibility | Gate |
What’s new this cycle
- Vacancies increased to 11,127.
- CBT 1 now covers Maths, Reasoning and General Science, with no General Awareness section.
- Merit weight is now 50% CBT 2 Part A and 50% CBAT (earlier 70:30).
- Each CBAT battery requires a minimum T-score of 42.
RRB ALP 2026 Latest Exam Pattern
1: Between the period of 1858-1947, how many Viceroys ruled over India?
| Stage | Subjects | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT 1 | Maths, Reasoning, General Science | 75 | 60 min |
| CBT 2 Part A | Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering | 100 | 90 min |
| CBT 2 Part B | Relevant trade (qualifying) | 75 | 60 min |
| CBAT | Multiple aptitude batteries | Battery-wise | Test-wise |
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark in CBT 1 and CBT 2. No negative marking in CBAT.
- CBT is available in multiple languages including English and Hindi. CBAT is in English and Hindi only.
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Join NowRRB ALP Study Plan 2026
Before moving on to the preparation, the candidates should prepare an active study plan which can help the candidates to crack the examination effectively. An active study plan can help the candidates to have a better comprehensive analysis of the upcoming examination 2025. Check out the detailed study plan here.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Study Plan 2026
| Week | Day | Subjects & Topics | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Number System, BODMAS | Concept + 20 practice Qs |
| Day 2 | Decimals & Fractions | Concept + Practice | |
| Day 3 | LCM & HCF | Concept + 20 Qs + Notes | |
| Day 4 | Ratio & Proportion | Concept + Mock Qs | |
| Day 5 | Percentages | Practice set + short notes | |
| Day 6 | Mental Ability: Analogies, Series | Concept + PYQs | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision + Mock Test | Full-length CBT-1 level test | |
| Week 2 | Day 1 | Time & Work | Concept + Word Problems |
| Day 2 | Time & Distance | Basic formulas + Practice | |
| Day 3 | Simple Interest | Concept + 25 Qs | |
| Day 4 | Compound Interest | Short tricks + Practice | |
| Day 5 | Algebra (basics) | Concept + Practice | |
| Day 6 | Mental Ability: Coding, Relations | Practice + Notes | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision + Mock Test | Timed CBT-1 style test | |
| Week 3 | Day 1 | Profit & Loss | Concept + Word Problems |
| Day 2 | Geometry (Lines, Angles) | Diagrams + Questions | |
| Day 3 | Trigonometry (basics) | Identities + Shortcuts | |
| Day 4 | Elementary Statistics | Mean, Median, Mode | |
| Day 5 | Age Problems | Practice set | |
| Day 6 | Mental Ability: Venn Diagrams, Puzzles | Mock sets | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision + Mock Test | Topic-wise test | |
| Week 4 | Day 1 | Calendar | Day & date Qs |
| Day 2 | Clock Problems | Angles + Practice | |
| Day 3 | Pipes & Cisterns | Formula revision | |
| Day 4 | General Science: Physics I | Motion, Light, Force | |
| Day 5 | General Science: Chemistry I | Matter, Elements | |
| Day 6 | Mental Ability: Syllogism, Assumptions | Concept + PYQs | |
| Day 7 | Full Mock Test + Analysis | CBT-1 pattern | |
| Week 5 | Day 1 | General Science: Life Sciences | Human Body, Plants |
| Day 2 | General Science: Revision | Important formulas | |
| Day 3 | General Awareness: Polity | Constitution, Articles | |
| Day 4 | General Awareness: Geography | Continents, India Maps | |
| Day 5 | General Awareness: History | Indian Freedom Struggle | |
| Day 6 | Reasoning: Statement-Arguments | Logical reasoning | |
| Day 7 | Revision + Test | Mixed subjects | |
| Week 6 | Day 1 | Environmental Issues | Notes + MCQs |
| Day 2 | Current Affairs: Jan–Mar 2025 | Monthly PDFs | |
| Day 3 | Indian Economy | Budgets, Schemes | |
| Day 4 | Scientific & Tech Development | ISRO, DRDO updates | |
| Day 5 | Sports, Awards, Culture | Important Events | |
| Day 6 | Mock Test Practice | Full test | |
| Day 7 | Full Revision + Doubt Clearing | Self-review | |
| Week 7–12 | Mon–Fri | Daily Practice: 1 subject/day (rotate topics) | 2 hours revision + 1 hour mock |
| Saturday | Mixed Mock Test + Weak Topic Practice | Identify errors | |
| Sunday | Current Affairs + Rest + Revision | 1 hour reading + relaxation |
RRB ALP CBT 2 Study Plan 2026
| Week | Day | Subjects & Topics | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Mathematics: Number System, BODMAS | Learn concepts, Practice 30 questions |
| Day 2 | Mathematics: Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF | 30 Qs practice, formulas revision | |
| Day 3 | Mathematics: Ratio & Proportion, Percentages | Practice word problems | |
| Day 4 | Mathematics: Mensuration (Area, Volume) | Formula revision + Practice | |
| Day 5 | Mathematics: Time and Work, Time and Distance | Short tricks, 25 Qs | |
| Day 6 | Mental Ability: Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding | Practice 25 Qs from previous exams | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision & Mock Test | Timed test on Mathematics & Reasoning | |
| Week 2 | Day 1 | Mathematics: Simple & Compound Interest | Theory & practice 25 Qs |
| Day 2 | Mathematics: Profit and Loss, Algebra | Word problems practice | |
| Day 3 | Mathematics: Geometry & Trigonometry | Diagrams & 25 Qs | |
| Day 4 | Mathematics: Elementary Statistics, Square Root | Practice 25 Qs | |
| Day 5 | General Intelligence & Reasoning: Syllogism, Venn Diagrams | Theory + 25 Practice | |
| Day 6 | General Intelligence & Reasoning: Data Sufficiency, Analytical Reasoning | Solve 30 mock questions | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision & Mock Test | Practice with timer | |
| Week 3 | Day 1 | Basic Science & Engineering: Engineering Drawing | Projections, Views, Lines, Symbols |
| Day 2 | Basic Science & Engineering: Units & Measurements | Practice numerical questions | |
| Day 3 | Basic Science & Engineering: Work, Power, Energy | Theory + Qs practice | |
| Day 4 | Basic Science & Engineering: Heat, Temperature, Speed, Velocity | Short tricks & practice | |
| Day 5 | Basic Science & Engineering: Basic Electricity | Formula revision & 25 questions | |
| Day 6 | General Awareness: Polity & Constitution | Important articles, previous Qs | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision & Mock Test | General Science + Reasoning | |
| Week 4 | Day 1 | Basic Science & Engineering: Levers, Simple Machines | Learn concepts + solve 25 questions |
| Day 2 | Basic Science & Engineering: Environmental Education | Theory + MCQs | |
| Day 3 | Basic Science & Engineering: IT Literacy | Concepts + Practice questions | |
| Day 4 | General Awareness: Current Affairs (National & International) | 3 months review | |
| Day 5 | General Awareness: Economy & Scientific Developments | Key points, practice MCQs | |
| Day 6 | Part-B Trade-Specific: Electrical Engineering | Electrician, Wireman practice | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision & Mock Test | Part-A + Part-B mock test | |
| Week 5 | Day 1 | Part-B Trade-Specific: Electronics Engineering | Electronics Mechanic practice |
| Day 2 | Part-B Trade-Specific: Mechanical Engineering | Fitter, Mechanic (Diesel) practice | |
| Day 3 | Part-B Trade-Specific: Automobile Engineering | Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) practice | |
| Day 4 | Part-B: Trade-Specific Theory Revision | All trade subjects | |
| Day 5 | General Awareness: Sports & Cultural Events | Revision of recent events | |
| Day 6 | General Awareness: Geography & History | Quick revision & practice Qs | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision & Mock Test | Timed full mock test | |
| Week 6 | Day 1 | Basic Science & Engineering: Review of Key Topics | Focus on weak areas |
| Day 2 | Mental Ability: Syllogism, Classification | Concept & solve problems | |
| Day 3 | General Awareness: Environmental Issues, Polity | 30 Qs practice | |
| Day 4 | General Awareness: Current Affairs & Economic Reforms | Review latest news | |
| Day 5 | Part-B: Electrical Engineering (Advanced) | Focus on practice problems | |
| Day 6 | Part-B: Mechanical Engineering (Advanced) | Advanced practice | |
| Day 7 | Weekly Revision & Mock Test | Full-length practice test | |
| Week 7 | Day 1 | Mathematics: Final Revision | Concept revision & 40 questions |
| Day 2 | Reasoning: Final Revision | Practice advanced questions | |
| Day 3 | General Science & Engineering: Final Revision | Focus on tough topics | |
| Day 4 | General Awareness: Current Affairs (Final 2 months) | Quick revision, MCQs | |
| Day 5 | Part-B: Review All Trades | Quick review for all trades | |
| Day 6 | Mock Test: Full CBT-2 Pattern | Simulate real exam environment | |
| Day 7 | Final Revision & Doubt Clearing | Revision of weak areas |
RRB ALP Study Strategy 2026
- Prepare a well-structured and active study plan for better focus and direction.
- Ensure your preparation strategy is intact and covers all subjects systematically.
- Allocate extra time and effort daily, focusing on both weak and strong areas.
- Organize subjects topic-wise and create a proper study timetable.
- A good study plan improves time management and enhances productivity.
- Solve previous year question papers regularly to understand the exam pattern.
- Attend mock tests and test series consistently to evaluate performance.
- Watch relevant YouTube video lectures to understand tough concepts easily.
- Update your subject knowledge by accessing fresh data and new information.
- Use quality study materials to gain in-depth command over topics and subjects.
- Improve General Knowledge and Current Affairs by reading newspapers and magazines daily.
- Prepare crisp, easy-to-revise notes on current events and static GK.
- Regular revision using self-made notes will strengthen memory and retention.
- Though the syllabus is vast, constant preparation can make cracking the exam easier.
- For Stage-II CBT, candidates must score at least 40% qualifying marks (no negative marking).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Studying only for CBT 1 and ignoring CBT 2 and CBAT
- Neglecting CBAT despite its 50% weight
- Skipping Basic Science and Engineering because it’s not in CBT 1
- Buying too many books
- Not analysing mocks
- Studying new topics in the final week
- Ignoring health and sleep
Excel in your upcoming RRB Assistant Loco Pilot exam!
Prepare for Kerala PSC Technical Exams with Entri
സർക്കാർ ജോലി എന്ന സ്വപ്നം ഇനി സ്വപ്നം മാത്രമല്ല! Join Kerala's Top-rated PSC Coaching Programs
Join NowFrequently Asked Questions
Is 90 days enough for RRB ALP 2026?
Yes, if you study 4-6 focused hours daily and take regular mocks. With CBT 1 on 3-5 November, the first 35 days should be your CBT 1 sprint.
Does RRB ALP 2026 CBT 1 marks count in the final merit?
No. CBT 1 is a screening test. Merit is based on CBT 2 Part A and CBAT.
What is the CBT 2 pattern?
Part A has 100 questions in 90 minutes, and Part B has 75 questions in 60 minutes. Part B is qualifying.
What is the CBAT weightage in 2026?
Reports say final merit is 50% CBT 2 Part A and 50% CBAT. Confirm in the official notice.
Is there negative marking in RRB ALP?
Yes, 1/3 mark per wrong answer in CBT 1 and CBT 2. No negative marking in CBAT.
