For ALP CEN 01/2026, CBT 2 Part A and CBAT have equal weight in the combined merit calculation. An older guide showing a 70:30 split should not be used for this cycle.
This article follows the Assistant Loco Pilot CEN 01/2026 notice, checked on 20 September 2026. The cycle number matters because the selection rules can change.
The stages and their different purposes
CBT 1 is a screening test with 75 questions in 60 minutes. CBT 2 has Part A with 100 questions in 90 minutes and Part B with 75 questions in 60 minutes. Part B is the trade-based qualifying paper, requiring 35% for all categories. Wrong answers in the CBTs attract the specified one-third deduction.
CBAT requires a minimum T-score of 42 in each test battery and has no negative marking. Paragraph 12.4 gives 50% weight to CBT 2 Part A and 50% to CBAT among candidates qualifying CBAT. Read the complete scheme in the official ALP 2026 notice.
Keep a separate record for each stage. Keep your CBT 1 screening performance, Part A score, trade-paper qualification, and aptitude practice distinct. A single average can conceal a stage that still needs work.
Start with your trade and qualification
Before choosing study material, match your qualification to the accepted trades or engineering qualifications in the notice. Then identify the Part B syllabus applicable to your route. A broad “ALP technical” book may contain useful material, but its cover cannot establish which trade paper you should prepare for.
For trade revision, build short sessions around tasks you repeatedly get wrong. Explain a circuit, tool, measurement, or safety principle in your own words before attempting questions on it. If you can recognise an answer only when the same wording returns, the concept needs another pass.
For Part A, use timed mixed sets after reviewing the basics. Record the questions that caused you to stall. Try leaving those earlier in the next set and check whether your overall accuracy improves. More attempts are useful only when they do not bring a larger penalty.
Practise aptitude through the official format
Use the familiarisation material referenced by the RRB, then read the instructions for each test battery carefully. General reasoning practice does not replace familiarity with a different task format. Avoid assuming that one strong battery compensates for a weak one when the notice requires separate qualification.
Keep practice honest. Use the stated time limit and avoid pausing midway. Review whether errors came from misunderstanding the rule, losing attention, or running out of time. Each suggests a different next session.
Medical requirements need an early reading
The notice specifies the A-1 medical standard and medical self-screening documents to be produced at CBAT. Read paragraph 3 and the relevant annexures before applying or making assumptions about suitability. This guide cannot determine your medical eligibility; the prescribed examination and authorities decide that.
Keep the required forms in a separate folder with your application records. A familiar personal medical report may not use the format requested by the recruitment notice.
Find current dates and results safely
Open the official unified RRB portal, select your board, and find CEN 01/2026. A notice for ALP CEN 01/2025 is a different cycle even if its test occurs during 2026. Read the latest schedule and result notices instead of relying on a predicted month.
The 18 August migration notice explains the move from old regional sites. Save each result with its CEN and stage, then follow the next reporting instructions.
Compare technical railway routes in the RRB JE guide, explore Railways resources, or browse the exam guides directory.