February 10, 2026 
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RRB ALP Exam 2024–25: Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Cut Off — The Quick Answer
If you’re wondering, “What’s the RRB ALP syllabus, exam pattern, and cut-off for 2024–25?” — here’s a direct answer:
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) 2024–25 cycle included three stages: CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT. The syllabus covered Mathematics, Reasoning, General Science, Awareness, and Trade-specific topics. CBT 1 had 75 questions in 60 minutes; CBT 2 had two papers (Paper 1 with 100 questions in 90 mins and Paper 2 with 75 trade questions in 60 mins). Cut-offs varied across zones and categories — for example, CBT 1 UR cut-offs ranged from roughly 40 to 63 marks depending on region. CBAT stage cut-offs tended to be higher — up to the 70s in some zones. That sums up syllabus, exam pattern, and cut-offs.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus Breakdown
CBT 1 Overview
CBT 1 is a short, one-hour test with 75 multiple-choice questions and negative marking (–⅓ per wrong answer) . Topics include:
– Mathematics (20 Qs)
– General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Qs)
– General Science (20 Qs)
– General Awareness & Current Affairs (10 Qs)
Minimum qualification: 40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC/SC, and 25% for ST .
CBT 2 Structure
CBT 2 is split into two papers, totaling 175 questions in 150 minutes :
– Paper 1 (90 minutes): 100 questions in Mathematics, Reasoning & Basic Science & Engineering
– Paper 2 (60 minutes): 75 questions on Relevant Trade
Paper 1 is used for shortlisting to CBAT. Qualification barriers: 40% for UR/EWS, 30% for OBC/SC, 25% for ST in Part A; and a flat 35% qualifying in Part B . Only Part A scores determine advancement to CBAT.
CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)
CBAT assesses psychometric and cognitive ability under specialized batteries. A minimum T-score of 42 per battery is mandatory for eligibility; final cut-offs apply as per zone and category .
Cut-Off Trends & Zone Variations
CBT 1: Zone-wise Cut-Offs
Cut-offs differ significantly by region. UR cut-offs ranged roughly between 40 and 63 marks. For instance:
– Chandigarh: ~40.1 (UR)
– Mumbai: 57.17 (UR)
– Malda: 63.06 (UR) .
Minimum qualifying percentages must be surpassed and zone-specific cut-offs met to proceed .
CBT 2: Cut-Offs Continued
Cut-offs continued to vary. Examples include:
– Ahmedabad: 68.79 (UR)
– Bengaluru: 69.14 (UR)
– Bilaspur: notably lower at 41.48 (UR) .
CBAT: Final Benchmark
CBAT cut-offs spiked due to the aptitude nature of the test. Notable UR cut-offs:
– Muzaffarpur: 73.12
– Bengaluru: ~69.14
– Ahmedabad: 68.79 .
Interestingly, in some zones, EWS cut-offs fell below SC, ST — contrary to expectations. For example, at Ajmer the EWS cut-off (~68.55) was lower than ST (~70.35) .
Real Numbers, One Story
A quick narrative makes things clearer: Manish, from OBC category in Bengaluru, scored 45 in CBT 1. That cleared the minimum. Then in CBT 2 he scored 60 in Paper 1 – above the minimum required — and 40 in his trade paper. He moved to CBAT, then managed a T-score of 70+, well above the cut-off of ~69. That’s how tiered testing weeds candidates effectively.
“RRB’s tiered process, with different patterns and cut-offs across stages, ensures that only the sharpest make it to the aptitude test. It’s challenging, but fair,” says a former ALP selector. It’s a system designed to test both knowledge and on-the-job suitability.
Navigating Preparation Smartly
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Master Basics First
Solid arithmetic, reasoning, and basic science are your foundation. Short daily drills help. -
Prioritize Trade Paper
In CBT 2, Paper 2 can make or break your chances. Practice accuracy. -
Mock Aptitude Drills
CBAT is tricky. Simulate test conditions, time your reactions, and build composure. -
Aim Above Cut-Off
Don’t just meet the cut-offs — push past them. Margins matter a lot. -
Track Zone Patterns
Keep eye on regional trends. Bilaspur might need less than Muzaffarpur. It’s strategic data.
Summary & Strategic Next Steps
The RRB ALP 2024–25 process involves CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT. Syllabus is a mix of general subjects and trade-specific knowledge. Exam patterns change dramatically across stages. Cut-offs vary by zone and category — from the 40s in CBT 1 to the 70s in CBAT. Smart prep means focusing on basics, practicing aptitude, and tracking cut-off trends.
Next steps? Start with strong fundamentals. Then drill trade knowledge. Finally, devote time to aptitude. Stay aware of your zone’s cut-off history — it could guide you to aim just a bit higher.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the structure of RRB ALP CBT 1?
It’s a 60-minute test with 75 MCQs spanning Mathematics, Reasoning, Science, and General Awareness. Brut us just above 40% (UR) and meet your zone’s cut-off to move on.
Q2: How is CBT 2 different from CBT 1?
CBT 2 includes two papers: Paper 1 (general + science) and Paper 2 (trade). Paper 1 determines shortlist; Paper 2 is trade-specific.
Q3: What is CBAT, and why does its cut-off look so high?
CBAT is an aptitude test measuring psychometric and cognitive abilities. Cut-offs are high due to its nature — only top performers clear the T-score thresholds.
Q4: Why do cut-offs vary across zones so much?
Cut-offs reflect vacancies, competition, and regional performance. For example, Bengaluru tends to have higher cut-offs than Bilaspur.
Q5: Is there any exemption for EXSM or EWS categories?
No special relaxations in minimum scores — cut-offs apply uniformly. However, EWS cut-offs in some zones are lower than SC/ST, a curious but real trend from recent data.
Q6: How to approach preparation strategically?
Build your general knowledge and reasoning first, then tackle trade topics. Finish strong with CBAT practice. And always plan with zone-specific cut-off trends in mind.
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