Railway Exams Syllabus: NTPC, ALP, JE & Group D Complete Guide

By Benjamin Hall
February 9, 2026
5 Min
No Comment

If you’re wondering about the Railway Exams Syllabus 2025 for NTPC, ALP, JE, and Group D, here’s a direct answer: each exam follows a tiered structure of CBT stages focusing on Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness, and, for technical posts, specialized subjects—with NTPC and Group D covering largely grade-level basics, while ALP and JE demand deeper trade or engineering knowledge. This guide breaks it all down plainly, so you can skim, understand, and plan your prep with confidence.

NTPC Syllabus Breakdown (CBT‑1 & CBT‑2)

CBT‑1: Core Concepts & Basics

90 minutes, 100 questions, negative marking of 1/3.
Subjects covered: Mathematics (~30 Qs), General Intelligence & Reasoning (~30 Qs), General Awareness (~40 Qs) .
Mathematics includes: Number System, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Geometry, Mensuration, Algebra, Statistics, along with practical shortcuts like BODMAS, Fractions, Time-Distance, Pipes & Cisterns .
Reasoning topics: Series, Coding-Decoding, Syllogisms, Puzzles, Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency, Direction Tests .
General Awareness spans current affairs, Indian polity, geography, history, environment, culture, and more .

CBT‑2: Advanced Applications

90 minutes, 120 questions, same negative marking.
Broader, deeper focus across the same three cores:
Mathematics: advanced algebra, probability, data interpretation, mensuration, trigonometry .
Reasoning: complex puzzles, decision-making, critical thinking, seating arrangements, blood relations .
GA: deep dive into banking, economics, science & tech, awards, books & authors—plus current affairs of previous 6 months .

ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) Syllabus Overview

Stage 1 CBT (Screening)

75 questions, 60 minutes. Negative marking of 1/3. Marks only decide eligibility for Stage 2; not counted in final merit .

Stage 2 CBT (Detailed)

Two parts over 2.5 hours: Part A — 100 questions (90 minutes), assesses math, intelligence, basic science, engineering; Part B — 75 questions (60 minutes), trade-specific knowledge .
Part A determines ranking; Part B has a minimum qualifying threshold (~35%) .
Negative marking applies across both parts .

Technical & Aptitude Content

Includes electrical, mechanical, civil, electronics engineering basics, electronics, workshop practices, automobile systems, computer science needs—depending on your trade .
Aptitude test (CBAT) follows after CBT stages, checking reaction and perceptual skills .

JE (Junior Engineer) Syllabus Outline

CBT‑1 (Screening):

100 questions, 90 minutes. Includes Maths, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, General Science—roughly 10th-grade level .

CBT‑2 (Main):

150 questions, 120 minutes.
Subjects include General Awareness, Physics & Chemistry, Computer Applications, and Technical Abilities—specific to engineering discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, etc.) .
Virtual calculator allowed .

Final Stages:

Document Verification and medical exam, ensuring fit standards (varies by post, e.g. A3 prohibits LASIK) .

Group D Syllabus & Process

CBT Stage

100 questions in 90 minutes: General Science, Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness (CBSE 10th level). Negative marking applies, pass marks vary by category (UR 40%, OBC/SC/ST 25–30%) .

PET (Physical Efficiency Test)

Males: lift 35kg, carry 100m in 2 min; Females: 20kg, similar standard. Skipped for PwBD .

Final Stages

Document and medical checks. Pregnant women be deferred, vacancy reserved .

Syllabus Themes

Mathematics: basics like fractions, ratios, percentages, time/distance, profit/loss.
Reasoning: puzzles, analogy, series, syllogism, Venn, blood relations.
GA/Science: current affairs, basic science, geography, history, polity, environment .

Quick Comparative Table

“Understanding the specific breakdown early is half the battle—each post has unique touchpoints and preparation needs.”

Preparation Tips That Work in Practice

Make a roadmap: Cover basics first (e.g., 10th-grade maths), then add complexity—especially for CBT‑2, ALP, and JE.
Mock tests are gold: They sharpen speed, negative marking strategy, and expose weak spots quickly.
Current affairs: For all non‑technical parts, stay updated. NTPC and Group D need 6 months’ worth. JE and ALP may need more in-depth.
Physical readiness: Group D candidates, start PET exercises early to clear the test easily.
Trade learning: ALP & JE aspirants should get hands-on with engineering topics—mechanics, electronics, civil, depending on your discipline.
Document check: For NVQ or paper-heavy roles, ensure your credentials, photos, medical forms are ready before exam dates.

Final Thoughts

Railway Exams 2025 ask you to balance breadth and depth. NTPC and Group D lean on mastery of basics. ALP and JE push it further into your field. Being clear on subjects, exam formats, and where modification applies is half your prep done. Combine this clarity with steady mock practice, and you’ll set yourself up to outperform.

FAQs

What’s common across all Railway exam syllabuses?

They all include Mathematics, Reasoning, and General Awareness—graded complexity varies by post.

How does negative marking affect your strategy?

Each wrong answer shaves off 1/3 of a mark, so accuracy matters more than random guessing—tackle your strengths confidently.

When should I start preparing technical portions for ALP and JE?

As soon as you’re clear on your trade—start early. Technical parts are heavier and take longer to master.

Any daily prep advice for General Awareness?

Follow one reliable monthly/current affairs recap and review headlines related to your exam, especially for NTPC and JE.

Do Group D candidates need to train physically?

Yes—physical ability is tested via PET. Start conditioning early to avoid last-minute stress.

How many mock tests should I attempt?

At least one test per week early on; ramp up to 2–3 per week closer to the exam, mimicking exam timing and conditions.

Concentrate on smart, segmented prep: understand what each stage tests, practice strategically, and sharpen both mind and body where needed. You’re set to get ahead — go crack it!