Railway RRB ALP Exam Date 2026 Out: CBT 1 Schedule, Hall Ticket & City Intimation Details

By: jobalertsfree

On: January 8, 2026

The wait is finally over for millions of railway aspirants! The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially announced the RRB ALP Exam Date 2026 for the Assistant Loco Pilot (CEN 01/2025) recruitment cycle. If you have applied for this prestigious post, it is time to shift your preparation into high gear because the Computer-Based Test (CBT 1) is right around the corner.

According to the latest official notice released on January 7, 2026, the RRB ALP CBT 1 examination is scheduled to be conducted in mid-February 2026. This announcement comes as a massive relief to candidates who have been eagerly awaiting updates since the application process closed.

At jobalertsfree.com, we are committed to bringing you the fastest and most accurate updates on government job alerts. In this detailed post, we will cover everything you need to know about the exam schedule, how to download your admit card, city intimation dates, and the exam pattern to help you secure your seat in the Indian Railways.


Key Highlights: RRB ALP Exam 2026

Before diving into the minute details, here is a quick overview of the essential information regarding the RRB ALP 2026 examination.

FeatureDetails
OrganizationRailway Recruitment Board (RRB)
Exam NameAssistant Loco Pilot (ALP) CEN 01/2025
Total Vacancies18,799 (Revised) / 9,970 (Initial)
Exam Date (CBT 1)16th, 17th, and 18th February 2026
Exam City Intimation10 days before the exam (Expected: Feb 6, 2026)
Admit Card StatusTo be released 4 days before exam
Selection ProcessCBT 1, CBT 2, CBAT, DV, Medical
Official Websiteindianrailways.gov.in

RRB ALP 2026 Exam Date Announcement

The Railway Recruitment Board has formally released the schedule for the First Stage Computer Based Test (CBT 1). As per the official notice, the RRB ALP 2026 Exam will take place from February 16 to February 18, 2026.

The exam will be conducted in multiple shifts across various centers in India. This is a crucial phase, as CBT 1 is a screening nature exam. The marks secured here will not be counted for the final merit list but are mandatory to qualify for the next stage (CBT 2).

  • Dates: February 16, 17, & 18, 2026.
  • Mode: Online (Computer Based Test).
  • Shifts: Likely 3 shifts per day (Morning, Afternoon, Evening).

Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on their registered email and mobile numbers for official communication regarding their specific shift timings.


Important Dates: City Intimation & Admit Card

Understanding the timeline for your travel planning is vital. The RRB follows a strict timeline for releasing travel authority and hall tickets to prevent malpractice and ensure a smooth process.

Exam City Intimation Slip

The “Exam City and Date Intimation Slip” is not your admit card. It is a document that tells you where (City) and when (Date/Shift) your exam is.

  • Release Date: The link will be active 10 days prior to the exam date.
  • Expected Date: February 6, 2026.
  • Purpose: Allows candidates to book train/bus tickets in advance. SC/ST candidates can also download their free Travel Authority pass during this time.

RRB ALP Admit Card 2026

The actual e-Call Letter (Admit Card), which mentions your specific Exam Center Name and Address, will be released closer to the date.

  • Release Date: 4 days prior to your exam date.
  • Expected Date: February 12, 2026.
  • How to Access: You will need your Registration Number and Date of Birth to login.

RRB ALP Exam Pattern 2026 (CBT 1)

To crack the exam in the remaining days, you must understand the battlefield. The CBT 1 pattern focuses on speed and accuracy.

  • Total Duration: 60 Minutes.
  • Total Questions: 75 Questions.
  • Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
  • Qualifying Marks: UR-40%, OBC-30%, SC-30%, ST-25%.

Subject-wise Breakdown

SubjectNo. of QuestionsMarks
Mathematics2020
General Intelligence & Reasoning2525
General Science2020
General Awareness & Current Affairs1010
Total7575

Detailed Syllabus Overview

Knowing the syllabus is the first step toward success. Here is what you should revise in these final weeks:

  • Mathematics: Number system, BODMAS, Decimals, Fractions, LCM, HCF, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mensuration, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Elementary Statistics.
  • General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, Alphabetical and Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Mathematical operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Jumbling, Venn Diagram, Data Interpretation and Sufficiency, Conclusions and Decision making, Similarities and Differences.
  • General Science: This is a high-scoring section. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences of 10th-grade standard (CBSE syllabus). Physics problems (Light, Electricity, Motion) are frequently asked.
  • General Awareness: Current Affairs (Science & Tech, Sports, Culture, Personalities, Economics, Politics). Since the weightage is low (10 marks), limit your time here and focus more on the last 6-12 months of current affairs.

Selection Process Explained

The road to becoming an Assistant Loco Pilot involves multiple hurdles. The “Exam Date 2026” announced is just for the first stage.

  1. First Stage CBT (CBT 1): Screening only. Candidates 15 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for CBT 2.
  2. Second Stage CBT (CBT 2):
  • Part A: Scored (Decides merit for the next stage). 100 Questions, 90 Mins.
  • Part B: Qualifying (Trade Test). 75 Questions, 60 Mins. You must score 35% to pass.
  1. Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT): Also known as the “Psycho Test”. Only for ALP candidates. Marks obtained in Part A of CBT 2 and CBAT are used for the final merit list (70% weightage to Part A + 30% to CBAT).
  2. Document Verification (DV): Verification of original certificates.
  3. Medical Examination: Candidates must pass the A1 Medical Standard (highest fitness level), specifically regarding vision (6/6 without glasses).

How to Download RRB ALP Admit Card 2026

Follow these simple steps to download your hall ticket once it is released on jobalertsfree.com or official regional sites:

  1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the RRB region you applied for (e.g., RRB Mumbai, RRB Patna, RRB Chennai).
  2. Find the Link: Look for the notification section titled “CEN 01/2025 – E-Call Letter for CBT 1”.
  3. Login: Click the link and enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY) as the password.
  4. Dashboard: Once logged in, you will see options for “City Intimation” (if 10 days prior) or “E-Call Letter” (if 4 days prior).
  5. Download: Click on the “Download Admit Card” button.
  6. Print: Save the PDF and take a clear printout (preferably color) to carry to the exam center.

Note: Do not forget to carry a valid original Photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card) and a passport-size photo to the center.


Preparation Strategy for the Final Month

With the exam in February 2026, you have roughly 30-40 days. Here is a strategy to maximize your score:

  1. Focus on Science & Reasoning: These two sections carry 45 marks combined (20+25). They are high-scoring and less time-consuming than Maths.
  2. Mock Tests: Attempt at least one full-length mock test every alternate day. Analyze your weak areas. If you are scoring 40-50, aim to push it to 60+ in mocks.
  3. Time Management: You have less than 1 minute per question. Do not get stuck on complex math problems. Skip and move forward.
  4. Revision: Do not start new heavy topics now. Revise formulas for Maths and Physics.
  5. Current Affairs: Read monthly capsules for the last 6 months. Focus on Awards, Sports, and Government Schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the official RRB ALP Exam Date for 2026?

The Railway Recruitment Board has officially announced that the CBT 1 exam for the Assistant Loco Pilot (CEN 01/2025) will be conducted on 16th, 17th, and 18th February 2026.

Q2. When can I download the RRB ALP Admit Card 2026?

The e-Call Letter or Admit Card will be available for download 4 days before your scheduled exam date. For example, if your exam is on Feb 16, you can download it on Feb 12.

Q3. How can I check my Exam City and Shift timing?

You can check your Exam City and Date via the “City Intimation Slip” link, which will be activated on the official RRB websites 10 days before the exam (likely around February 6, 2026).

Q4. Is there negative marking in the RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam?

Yes, there is negative marking. 1/3rd of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer. It is advisable to avoid guessing unless you are reasonably sure.

Q5. What is the minimum qualifying percentage for CBT 1?

The minimum qualifying marks are: UR – 40%, OBC – 30%, SC – 30%, and ST – 25%. However, merely qualifying is not enough; you must clear the cutoff to move to CBT 2.

Q6. Is the 2026 notification different from the exam date announced now?

Yes. The current exam dates (Feb 2026) are for the CEN 01/2025 cycle. The new notification for the 2026 cycle (CEN 01/2026) is also expected to be released in Jan/Feb 2026 as per the annual calendar.

Q7. What documents must I carry to the exam center?

You must carry the printed Admit Card, a valid Original Photo ID (like Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID), and one recent passport-sized color photograph. Photocopies of IDs are usually not accepted.

Q8. Can I change my exam center after the City Intimation is out?

No, the exam center, date, and shift allotted by the RRB are final. Requests for changes are generally not entertained under any circumstances by the Railway Recruitment Board.


Conclusion

The announcement of the RRB ALP Exam Date 2026 is the signal thousands of aspirants have been waiting for. With the exam scheduled for mid-February, the remaining time is precious. Focus on your revision, practice mock tests diligently, and ensure your travel documents are ready once the city intimation is out.

Stay tuned to jobalertsfree.com for the direct link to download your Admit Card as soon as it goes live. We wish you the very best of luck—may you succeed in securing your dream job in the Indian Railways!


DescriptionDirect Link
Download Exam Date Notice 2026Click Here to Download PDF
Download Admit Card (Active Feb 12)Click Here to Download soon
Official RRB WebsiteVisit Official Site
RRB Mock Test SeriesStart Practice

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes

Join WhatsApp

Join Now

Join Telegram

Join Now

Leave a Comment