The ALP syllabus looks deceptively similar to other railway CBT exams at a glance. The divergence becomes stark at CBT 2 Part A — Basic Science and Engineering (BSE) is 40 of the 100 merit-determining marks, and it tests applied engineering content (circuit analysis, orthographic projections, mechanical advantage) that has no equivalent in NTPC, Group D, or JE examinations.
CBT 1 Syllabus (Screening Only — Marks Do Not Carry Forward)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | Number System, BODMAS, Percentages, LCM/HCF, Ratio and Proportion, SI/CI, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time–Speed–Distance, Trigonometry |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 | Analogies, Number and Alphabetical Series, Coding–Decoding, Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Venn Diagrams, Statements and Conclusions, Mirror Image, Non-verbal Reasoning |
| General Science | 20 | 20 | Physics: Motion, Force, Electricity, Light, Sound; Chemistry: Atoms, Acids/Bases, Periodic Table, Reactions; Biology: Cell Structure, Human Systems, Diseases |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 10 | 10 | Science and Technology, Sports, Awards, Important Appointments, Railway-focused Static GK, last 6–12 months current affairs |
| Total CBT 1 | 75 | 75 | Duration: 60 Minutes | Negative Marking: −1/3 |
CBT 2 Part A Syllabus (Merit-Determining)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 | Same as CBT 1 arithmetic topics; slightly higher difficulty. Geometry, Mensuration, and Trigonometry more prominent. |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 | Same topic range as CBT 1; non-verbal component (figure series, pattern completion) typically heavier in Part A. |
| Basic Science and Engineering | 40 | 40 | Engineering Drawing (orthographic/isometric projections, views, dimensioning); Basic Electricity (Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, power); Units and Measurements; Levers and Simple Machines; IT Literacy; Safety, Health and Environment |
| General Awareness and Current Affairs | 15 | 15 | Recent 6–12 months; Railway-specific GK; Science and Technology; Government schemes |
| Total CBT 2 Part A | 100 | 100 | Duration: 90 Minutes | Negative Marking: −1/3 |
CBT 2 Part B Syllabus (Trade-Specific — Qualifying at 35%)
Part B consists of 75 questions in 60 minutes drawn from the candidate's declared ITI trade or engineering branch. The qualifying threshold is 35% (approximately 26.25/75) uniformly across all trades. Part B marks are not added to merit. Common trade topics include:
- Electrician: Wiring systems, motors, transformers, protection devices, circuit analysis
- Electronics Mechanic: Components, PCB, digital basics, oscilloscope use, signal tracing
- Fitter: Fitting operations, gauges, limits and tolerances, surface finishing, assembly
- Diesel Mechanic: Engine systems, fuel injection, lubrication, cooling, overhauling
- Mechanic Motor Vehicle: Chassis, transmission, brakes, steering, vehicle electrical systems
- Turner/Machinist: Lathe operations, cutting tools, measurement, machining processes
- Refrigeration and AC Mechanic: Refrigeration cycle, components, leak detection, troubleshooting
For Diploma and BTech holders, Part B covers the relevant engineering branch (Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, etc.) at an equivalent depth to ITI trade content.
Topic Prioritization for CBT 2 Part A
Engineering Drawing and Basic Electricity together account for approximately 18–22 of the 40 BSE marks based on 2018 and 2024 cycle analysis. A candidate who masters these two areas has effectively secured 45–55% of BSE before attempting any other section. Simple Machines and Units add another 8–10 marks with moderate preparation. IT Literacy and Safety, while lower in question count, are straightforward once you cover workshop safety standards and basic computer concepts.