As you are gearing up for the RRB ALP CBT 2 in 2025, buckle up. This blog is going to be your no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point survival guide along with all the generic pep talk. You want the real syllabus breakdown with a human touch? You will get it.
RRB ALP CBT 2: What’s The Deal?
So, the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) runs this CBT 2 gig as round two for the Assistant Loco Pilot selection. It’s not just about mugging up facts, either. They want to see if you actually know your stuff — both the bookish bits and the hands-on, technical bits. They split it into two parts:
Part A: Everyone gets this. Stuff like Math, Reasoning, and Basic Science & Engineering. You can’t dodge it.
Part B: This one’s tailored to your trade — you know, electrician, mechanic, whatever your flavor is.
Just so you know, Part A is what decides your rank. Part B? You gotta clear it, or you’re out, but it won’t boost your score.
Exam Pattern — Don’t Sleep On This
Look, if you don’t know the pattern, you’re basically walking in blind. Here’s the skinny:
Part A: Math, Reasoning, Science/Engineering — 100 questions, 90 mins.
Part B: Trade stuff — 75 questions, 60 mins.
Grand Total: 175 questions, 2.5 hours. No, you can’t take a nap in between.
Random notes: There’s a 1/3rd mark penalty if you screw up, so don’t go guessing like a wild monkey. Oh, and 35% in Part B is a must, no matter who you are.
Section-Wise Syllabus Breakdown (The Meat & Potatoes)
Part A — The Universal Stuff
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Maths
If you thought you left 10th-grade math behind, surprise! It’s back. Stuff like:
– Numbers, LCM, HCF, Decimals, Fractions — basically, math you’ll use to split the bill at a dhaba.
– Ratios, Percentages, Averages — all that percentage-off shopping mall math.
– Speed, Time, Distance — like, how late you’ll be if your train’s delayed.
– Pipes, Cisterns, Time & Work — classic “who’ll finish the job faster” questions.
– Interest, Profit & Loss, Discounts — so you don’t get scammed IRL.
– Geometry, Mensuration, Trigo, Algebra, Linear Equations — I know, groan.
– Data Interpretation, Stats, Probability — for when life throws dicey situations.
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General Intelligence & Reasoning
This is all about how sharp you are. Think:
– Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations — the usual brain teasers.
– Directions, Distances — don’t get lost.
– Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams — logic puzzles.
– Series, Statements, Conclusions — keeps you on your toes.
– Non-verbal stuff: Mirror Images (remember those as a kid?), Cubes, Dice.
– Decision Making — because, well, life.
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Basic Science & Engineering
– Engineering Drawings, Measurements
– Units, Dimensions, Work, Power, Energy — no, you can’t skip Newton’s laws.
– Electricity, Circuits, Metals, Alloys — basically, don’t electrocute yourself.
– Heat, Expansion, Tools, Workshop Practices
– Simple Machines — pulleys, levers, the whole shebang.
Part B — The Trade-Specific Gauntlet
This is where you show what you actually trained for. Each trade gets its own set of topics.
Electrical & Friends
– Electrician, Wireman, etc.
– Stuff like: Basics of electricity, Power generation, Circuits, Machines, Transformers, Fault-finding.
Mechanical
– Fitter, Diesel Mechanic, Turner, all those hands-on folks.
– Topics: Thermodynamics (sounds fancy, isn’t always), Engines, Machine Tools, Maintenance, Hydraulics (not hydras), Welding, Fitting, Fabrication.
Electronics
– Electronics Mechanic, Radio/TV Repair, etc.
– You get: Semiconductors, Digital Electronics, Microprocessors, Communication systems, Testing, Troubleshooting (aka “why won’t this work?”).
Automobile
– Motor Vehicle, Tractor, Diesel Mechanics.
– Expect: IC Engines, Fuel Systems, Vehicle Maintenance, Engine Overhauling, Emission Controls (because even trains care about the environment now).
And yeah, depending on your trade, the questions will change. So don’t bother memorizing stuff from someone else’s syllabus.
