RRB ALP & Technician Syllabus 2026: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has announced a massive recruitment drive for Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) and Technician (Grade 1 Signal & Grade 3) posts in 2026. With over 17,000 combined vacancies, the competition is expected to be fierce. To secure a seat in the Indian Railways, candidates must master the updated syllabus and understand the different exam patterns for ALP and Technician roles.
In this exhaustive guide, we provide a subject-wise breakdown of the RRB ALP Syllabus 2026 and the RRB Technician Syllabus 2026, including the selection process, marking scheme, and the latest salary updates for 2026.
RRB ALP & Technician Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Feature | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | Technician (Grade 1 & 3) |
| Organization | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) | Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) |
| Total Vacancies | 11,127 (CEN 01/2026) | 6,280+ (CEN 02/2026) |
| Selection Stages | CBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, DV, Medical | CBT (Single Stage), DV, Medical |
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 (Level 2) | ₹29,200 (Gr 1) / ₹19,900 (Gr 3) |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in | indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates for Railway Exams 2026
| Event | Tentative Date |
| RRB ALP Notification Release | February 2026 |
| RRB Technician Notification Release | March 2026 |
| RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam | June – August 2026 |
| RRB Technician CBT Exam | October – November 2026 |
| RRB ALP CBT 2 Exam | September 2026 |
1. RRB ALP Selection Process & Exam Pattern 2026
The selection for Assistant Loco Pilot involves five stages. Understanding the CBT 1 (Qualifying) and CBT 2 (Merit) distinction is crucial.
Stage 1: CBT 1 Exam Pattern (Qualifying)
- Total Questions: 75 | Total Marks: 75
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd for each wrong answer.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Science | 20 | 20 |
| General Awareness (Current Affairs) | 10 | 10 |
Stage 2: CBT 2 Exam Pattern (Merit Based)
CBT 2 consists of two parts. Marks from Part A determine your merit, while Part B is qualifying in nature.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Time |
| Part A | Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Eng. | 100 | 90 Mins |
| Part B | Relevant Trade (Technical) | 75 | 60 Mins |
2. RRB Technician Exam Pattern 2026 (Updated)
Unlike the ALP, the Technician 2026 Recruitment follows a single-stage CBT pattern (separate for Grade 1 and Grade 3).
Technician Grade 1 Signal (Level 5)
- Total Questions: 100 | Duration: 90 Minutes
- Sections: General Awareness (10), Reasoning (15), Basics of Computers (20), Mathematics (20), Basic Science & Engineering (35).
Technician Grade 3 (Level 2)
- Total Questions: 100 | Duration: 90 Minutes
- Sections: Mathematics (25), Reasoning (25), General Science (40), General Awareness (10).
3. Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus 2026
Mathematics (Common for ALP & Tech)
- Arithmetic: Number System, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM-HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest.
- Advanced: Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics, Square Root, Age Calculations, Calendar & Clock, Pipes & Cistern.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Topics: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation, Conclusions and Decision Making, Similarities and Differences, Analytical Reasoning, Classification, Directions, Statement – Arguments and Assumptions.
General Science (CBT 1 & Tech Gr 3)
- Focus: Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of 10th Standard level (NCERT).
- Key Units: Light, Reflection, Human Eye, Chemical Reactions, Periodic Table, Life Processes, Genetics.
Basic Science & Engineering (CBT 2 Part A & Tech Gr 1)
- Topics: 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.
Basics of Computers (Technician Grade 1 Signal only)
- Syllabus: Architecture of Computers, Input/Output devices, Storage devices, Networking, Operating Systems (Windows, Unix, Linux), MS Office, Data representation, Internet and Email, Web Browsers, Computer Virus.
4. RRB ALP CBAT (Psycho Test) Details
The Computer-Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) is only for ALP candidates who clear CBT 2.
- Objective: To test spatial awareness, reaction time, and memory.
- Batteries: Memory Test, Following Directions, Depth Perception, Concentration, Perceptual Speed.
- Qualifying Marks: 42 Marks in each test battery (no relaxation).
- Weightage: 70% from CBT 2 Part A + 30% from CBAT = Final Merit.
5. Railway Salary Structure 2026 (After 53% DA)
As of 2026, the salary for Railway employees has seen a significant boost due to updated Dearness Allowance (DA).
| Post | Basic Pay | Expected In-Hand (City X) |
| Assistant Loco Pilot | ₹19,900 | ₹35,000 – ₹42,000* |
| Technician Grade 1 | ₹29,200 | ₹52,000 – ₹58,000 |
| Technician Grade 3 | ₹19,900 | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000 |
*Note: ALP salary includes “Running Allowance” based on kilometers traveled, which can add ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 extra per month.
6. Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit to handle the rigorous duties of the Railways.
- ALP (A-1 Category): Physically fit in all respects. Distant Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses. Must pass tests for Color Vision, Night Vision, and Mesopic Vision.
- Technician (A3/B1/B2): Standards vary by trade. Generally requires 6/9 or 6/12 vision with or without glasses.
7. Recommended Books for RRB 2026 Preparation
- Mathematics: Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma.
- Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal.
- General Science: Encyclopedia of General Science for General Competitions (Arihant).
- Technical Trade: ITI Nimmi Pattern books for specific trades (Electrician, Fitter, etc.).
- Previous Year Papers: Kiran RRB ALP & Technician Solved Papers.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
| Download RRB ALP Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
| Download RRB Technician Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
| Official RRB Exam Calendar 2026 | Check Here |