Latest verified update
The 2026 CBT I syllabus explicitly lists Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. Part B of CBT II follows the applicable DGT trade syllabus; it is not one identical paper for every qualification.
Syllabus at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CBT I | Mathematics, Mental Ability, Class 10 Science |
| CBT II Part A | Mathematics, Reasoning, Basic Science and Engineering |
| CBT II Part B | Mapped DGT trade; 35% qualifying |
| CBAT | Every aptitude battery must be qualified |
What changed from ALP 2025?
The two detailed notices contain material differences. CEN 01/2025 gives CBT II Part A and CBAT a 70:30 final-merit weighting. CEN 01/2026 paragraph 12.4 specifies 50:50. Do not carry the old ratio into 2026 preparation advice.
The 2025 CBT I syllabus includes General Awareness as a separate heading. The 2026 CBT I list names Mathematics, Mental Ability and General Science. The 2026 notice also sets out self-screening medical reports in Annexures VIII A and VIII B for CBAT. Use the instructions for your own CEN; the older-cycle CBAT schedule instead refers to its prescribed vision certificate.
Official reference: 2025 notification, paragraphs 12.1 and 12.3.
Official reference: 2026 notification, paragraphs 12.1–12.4.
Syllabus: what to prepare
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CBT I Mathematics | Number system, BODMAS, fractions/decimals, HCF/LCM, ratio, percentages, mensuration, work and time, speed/distance, interest, profit/loss, algebra, geometry/trigonometry, statistics, age, calendars/clocks and pipes/cisterns. |
| CBT I Mental Ability | Analogies, series, coding, operations, relationships, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, data interpretation/sufficiency, classification, directions, statements and analytical reasoning. |
| CBT I General Science | Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences at Class 10 level. |
| CBT II Part A | Mathematics; General Intelligence and Reasoning; Basic Science and Engineering, including drawing, units/measurements, work/power/energy, heat, electricity, machines, safety, environment and IT literacy. |
| CBT II Part B | The applicable DGT trade syllabus. ITI/apprenticeship candidates take their trade; diploma/degree candidates choose from the trades mapped to their engineering discipline in the notice. |
The notification’s topic examples guide preparation; they do not promise a fixed number of questions for each topic. Map your trade before buying a Part B course. Passing general aptitude alone does not remove the trade-test requirement.
Official reference: Paragraphs 12.1–12.2.
Exam pattern and marking
| Stage | Questions / marks | Duration | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBT I | 75 questions / 75 marks | 60 minutes | Screening; not counted in final merit |
| CBT II Part A | 100 questions | 90 minutes | Scored for further shortlisting and final weighting |
| CBT II Part B | 75 questions | 60 minutes | Qualifying trade test: 35% for every category |
| CBAT | Separate aptitude batteries | Follow the official stage instructions | Minimum T-score 42 in each battery; no category relaxation |
Both CBTs deduct one-third mark per wrong answer. CBAT has no negative marking. The minimum percentage in CBT I and CBT II Part A is UR/EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30% and ST 25%. These are qualifying minima, not predictions of the competitive cut-off. Marks are normalized where the CBT runs in multiple shifts.
Official reference: Paragraphs 12.1–12.4.
Choosing the correct Part B trade
For Electrical Engineering, the notice maps trades including Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Wireman, Armature & Coil Winder and Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic. Electronics maps to Electronics Mechanic or Mechanic (Radio & TV). Mechanical and Automobile have their own listed options. Check the complete mapping before choosing: eligibility for an engineering route does not make every trade selectable.
Official reference: Paragraph 12.2, qualification-wise trade table.
Preparation resources and previous cut-offs
Start with the stage-specific syllabus, take a timed diagnostic test and keep an error log by topic. Practise CBT I within 60 minutes, then review accuracy and negative-marking losses. For CBT II, allocate separate practice to Part A and your qualifying trade. Use official aptitude familiarisation for CBAT; general reasoning mocks do not reproduce every aptitude battery.
Read ALP eligibility, ALP exam pattern and ALP syllabus. For historical context, the 2025 Chandigarh CBT II cut-off concerns a different cycle and cannot forecast the 2026 threshold. Keep the year, stage and shift on every historical paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is ALP 2026 application still open?
The original window closed on 14 June 2026. The cited November schedule concerns CBT I, not fresh registration.
What is the latest verified CBT I window?
3–5 November 2026, expressly tentative in the 21 September notice. Your individual allotted date comes from the official candidate documents.
Is the final weighting still 70:30?
That is the 2025 rule. Paragraph 12.4 of CEN 01/2026 states 50:50 for CBT II Part A and CBAT.
Is a 2027 ALP cycle confirmed here?
No. This article covers CEN 01/2026. No 2027 vacancy or application date is inferred.
Official sources and review scope
- CEN 01/2026 detailed notification
- CEN 01/2025 detailed notification
- 21 September 2026: ALP CBT I schedule
Later official amendments take precedence. Regional results are identified as Chandigarh records and must not be treated as the outcome for every RRB. This guide does not determine an individual candidate’s eligibility or selection.