RRB ALP Preparation 2024: Tips, Strategy & Guide

RRB Assistant Loco Pilot Exam 2024 ( RRB ALP )

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Exam On: 23 Dec '24 - 24 Dec '24

Anangsha Patra

Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial

Updated on Nov 8, 2024 17:18 IST

RRB ALP Preparation 2024: Aspirants appearing for the competitive Assistant Loco Pilot exam should devise an RRB ALP strategy to crack the exam. Cracking the RRB ALP exam serves as a gateway for getting a job in the prestigious Indian Railways. Candidates need to appear for three exam stages-CBT 1, CBT 2, and CBAT (Only for ALP post). To qualify for these stages, candidates need to prepare well. RRB ALP preparation should include revision, going through the exam pattern and syllabus, attempting the mock tests and analysing the preparation level. As the RRB ALP exam dates 2024 are announced by the RRBs, we have provided here RRB ALP preparation tips that will help candidates to sail through the exam. Scroll down to read more details on RRB ALP preparation tips 2024.

Q:   How to start RRB ALP preparation?

A:

To begin with RRB ALP preparation, candidates must refer to the exam pattern and syllabus. The exam pattern will help candidates to understand the overall structure of the exam. RRB ALP syllabus help candidates to know the topics from where questions are asked in the exam. Candidates must clear the concept of the topics given in the syllabus by going through good book. Candidates must attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

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Q:   What are the most important topics to focus on while preparing for the RRB ALP exam?

A:

The important topics for RRB ALP exam are given below:

CBT 1

TopicsSyllabus
MathsNumber system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion,  Percentages,  Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance,  Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss,  Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics,  Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.
General Intelligence and ReasoningAnalogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling,  Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.
General ScienceThe syllabus under this shall cover Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences of 10th standard level
General Awareness Current Affairs, Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics, etc.

CBT 2

Part A 

Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work; Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern etc.

General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and decision making, Similarities and differences, Analytical reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions etc.

Basic Science and Engineering: The broad topics that are covered under this shall be Engineering Drawing (Projections, Views, Drawing Instruments, Lines, Geometric figures, Symbolic Representation), Units, Measurements, Mass Weight and Density, Work Power and Energy, Speed and Velocity, Heat and Temperature, Basic Electricity, Levers and Simple Machines, Occupational Safety and Health, Environment Education, IT Literacy etc.

General Awareness: Current Affairs in Science & Technology, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics and any other subjects of importance.

Part B

The questions in this part are asked from the trade syllabus prescribed by Director General of Employment & Training (DGET). Candidates with ITI/Trade Apprenticeship qualification will be required to appear in the section having questions from the relevant trade. Candidates holding Degree, Diploma and HSC (10+2) having eligibility for the posts of ALP have to select relevant trade from the list of trades listed against their engineering discipline/HSC (10+2). 

 

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Q:   What is the best way to prepare for the RRB ALP exam?

A:

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP exam are given below:

  • Candidates need to prepare their own study schedule according to their daily routines
  • It is important to learn time management to solve the questions quicky in time
  • Make it a habit to read newspapers daily to stay updated with the current national and international events
  • Make notes regarding all the important topics
  • Revise the topics again and again
  • Practice previous year's question papers and mock tests to boost confidence level
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Q:   How do I prepare for RRB ALP CBT 1 exam?

A:

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP CBT 1 exam are given below:

  • Follow the RRB ALP exam pattern religiously 
  • Try to learn each topic, concepts, formulas, dates, events, etc.
  • Read RRB ALP books for each subject for building a solid foundation
  • Solve previous year questions and model question banks to understand the paper trends thoroughly
  • Complete all syllabus topics in scheduled time and then begin practice of important MCQs and revision 
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RRB ALP Preparation Tips

RRB ALP exam has three stages –

  • RRB ALP First Stage CBT
  • RRB ALP Second Stage CBT
  • RRB ALP CBAT

Candidates have to prepare themselves for all the three stages as qualifying all the stages is important for final selection. For different stages, the preparation strategy will also differ from one another. Let us discuss them in detail.

RRB ALP Preparation Tips for CBT 1

The first thing all candidates need to do is getting their hands on RRB ALP syllabus. The first stage is an MCQ based online test, the major topics covered in the exam would be from mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, Basic Science, General awareness & current affairs. Candidates must be aware of RRB ALP exam pattern so as to make a better understanding of the overall exam.

Find the best books for each subject and develop fundamentals and clear concepts. This will be helpful in answering the questions. Solving previous years’ questions from the practice books available in the market will help in the type of questions being asked in the exam and also it will boost confidence. Try to focus on completing the entire syllabus within the scheduled time and then continue with your practice

RRB ALP Preparation Tips for CBT 2

The second stage exam is also a computer-based objective test which includes topics like mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, Basic Science and Engineering, General awareness & current affairs. For this stage as well, candidates have to focus mainly on syllabus and practice. As it has been seen that the syllabus of second stage CBT is a lot similar to the first stage CBT, candidates can utilize the time on practicing more number of questions along with revising the topics. Candidates can opt for online mock test series that are a great help in RRB ALP preparation.

RRB ALP Preparation Tips for CBT 3

This stage is primarily focused on the practical knowledge of the candidates. There are practice materials available in market, candidates must practice them several times before the final examination.


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Q:   How to prepare for RRB ALP General Science section?

A:

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP General Science section are given below:

  • Candidates can go through the Science textbook of NCERT
  • Questions are majorly asked from the texts of classes 8 to 10.
  • Make short notes on each topic
  • Read newspapers, journals, and columns on General Science subject areas.
  • Covering the basic concept of the section on General Science will be extremely beneficial for RRB ALP exam
  • Read and gather information about General Science topics like Energy, Work, Power, Human Body, and so on
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Q:   How do I prepare for RRB ALP CBT 2 exam?

A:

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP CBT 2 exam are given below:

  • Candidates must prepare notes for RRB ALP for the Basic Science & Engineering section. 
  • Focus on preparing those topics first that you have already dealt with in the earlier stage to strengthen your RRB ALP strategy
  • Go through all the specific RRB ALP books to prepare technical topics such as Engineering Drawings, Units and Measurement, Levers and Simple Machines, I.T Literacy, etc. 
  • Try to start with those general and technical Engineering topics that you are strong at to prepare confidently and waste less time. 
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Q:   How to prepare for RRB ALP General Intelligence and Logical Reasoning section?

A:

The tips and tricks to prepare for RRB ALP General Intelligence and Reasoning are given below:

Candidates need to increase their speed and accuracy of solving questions

General Intelligence & Logical Reasoning contains essential sections for the exam such as Syllogism, Data Interpretation, Decision-Making, Analytical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Instructions, Assertions, Arguments and many more to score more in RRB ALP exam

Candidates should not waste time on a single topic

Attempt one or two mocks on a daily or weekly basis in various order of attempts

For Stage-2, candidates must cover important topics such as  Matrix, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Order & Ranking, Blood Relation, etc.

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Q:   What are some tips for solving the RRB ALP exam's numerical ability section?

A:

The tips and tricks to solve the RRB ALP Numerical Ability section are given below:

  • Candidates need to take the help of the NCERT texts for preparing for Maths 
  • Clear the fundamental calculations of solving questions
  • Candidates must practice questions from the sections like Number Systems, Percentages, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple Interest, etc.
  • Candidates must cover important topics like Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Simplification, etc.
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RRB ALP Books

To clear the concept of the topics given in the syllabus, candidates can refer to the following RRB ALP books.

RRB ALP Subjects

RRB ALP Books

Mathematics

  • Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
  • Fast Track by Rajesh Verma
  • NCERT Maths from Grade 6 to Grade 11
  • Magical Books on Quicker Maths by M Tyra
  • Advance Maths by Rakesh Yadav

General Intelligence and Reasoning

  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
  • Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe
  • A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
  • New Approach to Reasoning Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical by BS Sijwali and Indu Sijwali.
  • Lucent’s General Intelligence and Reasoning

General Awareness and Current Affairs

  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Manorama Yearbook
  • Pratiyogita Darpan (Magazine) for Current Affairs

Basic Science 

  • NCERT Books – Class X, XII
  • General Science by Ravi Bhushan

RRB ALP Sample Papers

  • 101 Speed Test for Indian Railways (RRB) Assistant Loco Pilot Exam Stage I & II Paperback
  • Guide to Indian Railways (RRB) Assistant Loco Pilot Exam 2018 Stage I & II by Disha Experts
  • Technical Trades Railway Assistant Loco Pilot & Technician (Grade III) Examinations by Dilip Tiwari
  • Railway Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician 2018 (Hindi) by Arihant Experts
  • RRB: Assistant Loco Pilot & Technician (Gr. III) Recruitment Exam Guide by RPH Editorial Board

Q:   How to choose RRB ALP books?

A:

The books for RRB ALP exam are given below:

  • Best books for RRB ALP exam should cover the RRB ALP Syllabus to help aspirants to cover all of their bases
  • RRB ALP books should have sample question papers. These books are considered best for the preparation 
  • The content given in the RRB ALP Books should be exact and easy to understand.
  • Candidates should select the latest edition of books in which all important information is gathered in one place.
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Q:   Is RRB ALP exam tough?

A:

It is not tough to crack RRB ALP exam if you prepare well as per proper study routine. The tips and tricks to crack RRB ALP exam are given below:

  • Understand the exam pattern and syllabus
  • Clear the concept of the topics given in the RRB ALP syllabus
  • Practice previous years' question papers and mock tests
  • Focus on improving speed and accuracy
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Q:   What types of books are recommended for RRB ALP preparation

A:

The books recommended for RRB ALP preparation are given below.

Mathematics
  • Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
  • Fast Track by Rajesh Verma
  • NCERT Maths from Grade 6 to Grade 11
  • Magical Books on Quicker Maths by M Tyra
  • Advance Maths by Rakesh Yadav
General Intelligence and Reasoning
  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
  • Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe
  • A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
  • New Approach to Reasoning Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical by BS Sijwali and Indu Sijwali.
  • Lucent’s General Intelligence and Reasoning
General Awareness and Current Affairs
  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Manorama Yearbook
  • Pratiyogita Darpan (Magazine) for Current Affairs
Basic Science
  • NCERT Books-Class X, XII
  • General Science by Ravi Bhushan
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RRB ALP Preparation Tips 2024 FAQs

Candidates can check below RRB ALP preparation tips 2024.

Q:   What is RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus?

A:

RRB ALP CBT 1 syllabus is given below.

SectionsTopics
Mathematics
  1. Simplification and Approximation
  2. Coordinate Geometry
  3. Mensuration
  4. Arithmatic
  5. Trigonometry
  6. Number Series
  7. Probability
  8. Algebra
  9. Ratio and Proportion
  10. Speed, Distance & Time
  11. Number System
  12. Profit and Loss
  13. Time and Work
  14. Interest
  15. Percentages
  16. Averages
General Intelligence and Reasoning
  1. Analogy
  2. Classification
  3. Coding-Decoding
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Blood Relation
  6. Venn Diagram
  7. Alphabet & Word Test
  8. Non-Verbal Reasoning
  9. Verbal Reasoning
  10. Direction & Distance
  11. Series
  12. Missing Numbers
  13. Order & Ranking
General Science
  1. Biology
  2. Physics
  3. Chemistry
  4. Environment
General Awareness on Current Affairs
  1. Polity
  2. Economy
  3. Award & Honors
  4. Art & Culture
  5. Sports
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Q:   What is RRB ALP marking scheme?

A:

CBT 1 will have 75 questions for 75 marks and the duration granted to resolve the questions is 60 minutes. 1/3rd ? marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in CBT 1. The CBT 2 will have two parts- Part A and B for 175 marks. 1/3rd? marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in CBT 2. The marks of candidates are calculated based on the correct and incorrect answers. Normalisation of marks is done to calculate the scores of candidates.

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Q:   What is the pattern of question papers in RRB ALP?

A:

In first two CBTs questions will come in MCQ format. The third stage is CBAT, where candidates will be given five test batteries. The CBT carries 75 objective-type multiple-choice questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence, and Reasoning, General Science and General awareness on current affairs. The test carries a total of 75 marks. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. The standard of questions in first stage CBT is framed as per the educational qualification prescribed for the posts. The pattern for second stage is divided into parts-A and B. Part A of the second stage CBT comprises 100 objective-type questions from Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering and General Awareness on Current Affairs. Part B carries questions based on the candidate's discipline.

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Q:   what is RRB ALP qualifying marks?

A:

The qualifying marks of RRB ALP exam are given below:

StagesQualifying Marks 
First stage

UR-40 per cent

OBC-30 per cent

SC-30 per cent

ST-25 per cent

Second stage

Part A

UR-40 per cent

OBC-30 per cent

SC-30 per cent

ST-25 per cent

Part B-35 per cent

CBAT42 marks
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Q:   What is RRB ALP CBT 2 Syllabus?

A:

RRB ALP CBT 2 syllabus is given below.

SubjectsTopics
Maths, Basic Science and Engineering,  
General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness
Similar to CBT 1 Syllabus
Electrical
  1. Electrical India
  2. Rolls, cables
  3. Transfers
  4. Three Phase Motor Systems
  5. Light, Magnetism
  6. Fundamental Electric System
  7. Single phase motors
  8. Switches, Plugs and Electrical Connections
Electronics & Communication
  1. The Transistor
  2. Dias
  3. Digital Electronics
  4. Networking and Industrial Electronics
  5. Electronic Tube
  6. Semi Conductor Physics
  7. Robotic Radio Communication Systems
  8. Satellite Matters
  9. Computer & Micro Processor
Automobile
  1. Machine Design
  2. System Theory
  3. IC Engines
  4. Heat Transfers
  5. Thermodynamics
  6. Materials Applying Motion
  7. The Power Plant Turbines and Boilers
  8. Metallurgical Production Technology
Mechanical
  1. Dimensions
  2. Heat
  3. Engines
  4. Turbo Machinery
  5. Production Engineering
  6. Automation Engineering
  7. Kinetic Theory
  8. The Strength Of The Material
  9. Metal Handling
  10. Metallurgical
  11. Refrigerators And Air Conditioned
  12. Energy, Materials
  13. Energy Conservation
  14. Management
  15. Applied Mechanics
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Q:   Is RRB ALP conducted online or offline?

A:

All the stages of RRB ALP exam are conducted online. The language of the question paper is in Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Manipuri, Konkani.

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RRB ALP Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) for the latest updates-RRB ALP admit card.

The admit cards for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) exams, which have been scheduled for November 25 to 29, 2024, have now been published by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).

 The admit cards are issued a few weeks prior

...more

R

Rayamkula Harish

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To be included in the merit list, candidates must achieve a minimum percentage of marks, which varies by category. The qualifying percentages are:

  • UR (Unreserved)-40%
  • EWS (Economically Weaker Section)-40%
  • OBC (Other Backward Class, non-creamy layer)-30%
  • SC (Scheduled Caste)-30%
  • ST (Scheduled Tribe)- 25%

...more

A

Abhishek Kumar

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a week ago

If two or more candidates have the same Percentile Score, their ranks will be determined by their age. The older candidate will be given a higher rank. If the candidates are the same age, their names in alphabetical order (A to Z) will be used to break the tie.

I

Ishita Aggarwal

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a week ago

The formula for percentile based calculation is given below:

  • The percentile score indicates the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or below a particular score
  • The highest scorer in each shift gets a percentile score of 100

B

Bhumika Lama

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a week ago

Marks normalization is a statistical process used to adjust the scores of candidates who appear for the same exam but in different shifts. This method ensures that no candidate is disadvantaged or advantaged due to the difficulty level of the question papers varying across different shifts. RRBs use

...more

C

Chanchal Jain

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, the railway does not provide free tickets for ALP exam for OBC candidates. This facility is only available to SC/ST candidates.

36067365
SACHIN SINGH

Guide-Level 13

Answered 3 weeks ago

To download the RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot) admit card, you will typically need the following details:

  1. Registration Number – The number you received when you successfully registered for the exam.
  2. Date of Birth – This is used as a security check alongside your registration number.
  3. Security Code/Passw

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The steps to fill RRB ALP application Part 2 are given below:

  • Candidates must submit their educational background, community, gender, religion, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, economically disadvantaged class, age eligibility category, and other information on Part I of the RRB ALP applicat

...more

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The process to fill the registration form of RRB ALP is given below:

  • Visit the RRBs' individual official webpages.
  • On the homepage, click the option that says “Apply Online.”
  • By checking the box, candidates must attest that they have properly read and understand the instructions.
  • Complete the registrati

...more

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Approximately, 47.45 Lacs candidates applied for RRB ALP exam. The application process of RRB ALP was completely online. Candidates were not required to send the hard copy of their application forms. The application fees were accepted both online and offline.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

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