ALP has a 4-stage selection process. Each stage is designed to eliminate a specific risk category: CBT 1 filters volume; CBT 2 Part A determines merit; Part B confirms trade competence; CBAT assesses aptitude for locomotive driving duties; and A1 Medical confirms physical fitness. Understanding the design logic helps calibrate preparation intensity at each stage rather than spreading effort uniformly.
Stage 1 – CBT 1 Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 60 Minutes |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | |
| Total CBT 1 | 75 | 75 | Screening only — marks do not carry forward |
Stage 2 – CBT 2 Pattern
| Component | Questions | Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A – Mathematics | 20 | 20 | 90 Minutes | Merit-Determining |
| Part A – Reasoning | 25 | 25 | ||
| Part A – Basic Science and Engineering | 40 | 40 | ||
| Part A – General Awareness | 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Part A | 100 | 100 | — | Rank-determining |
| Part B – Trade/Technology | 75 | 75 | 60 Minutes | Qualifying (min 35%) |
Stage 3 – CBAT (ALP Candidates Only)
Computer-Based Aptitude Test conducted at Railway Psychological Units. Tests: vigilance, memory for sequences, concentration, following directions, perceptual speed. Minimum qualifying score: T-42 in each individual test battery (T-score, where T-50 is average). CBAT is qualifying only — clearing T-42 in all batteries is the objective. No merit ranking is derived from CBAT performance. Shortlist: 8× ALP vacancies from CBT 2 Part A merit.
Stage 4 – Document Verification and Medical
Document Verification confirms all eligibility claims. Medical examination at Railway Hospital applies A1 Standard for ALP: distant vision 6/6 both eyes, no colour blindness, normal hearing, full physical fitness within cardiovascular and metabolic norms. Candidates failing A1 medical are not appointed as ALP but may be considered for Technician posts subject to B1 medical standard and availability.
Marking Scheme
Correct answer: +1 mark. Wrong answer: −1/3 mark. Unattempted: 0 marks. The −1/3 penalty means that random guessing across 3 uncertain questions yields 0 net marks in expectation. Where you can eliminate 2 of 4 options, guessing among the remaining 2 carries a positive expected value. The practical rule: attempt with confidence, skip only when genuinely uncertain about all options.