RRB ALP Previous Year Question Paper 2026 (CBT 1 All Shifts PDF Download)

RRB ALP CBT 1 2026 Detailed Exam Analysis

The RRB ALP CBT 1 exam conducted in February 2026 followed a predictable yet competitive pattern. Across 13th, 16th, and 17th February shifts, the paper maintained a balanced distribution between Mathematics, General Science, Reasoning, and General Awareness. However, the difficulty level varied slightly across different dates and shifts. Below is a subject-wise breakdown based on student feedback and question trends.

Mathematics Trend

The Mathematics section remained calculation-based but not overly lengthy. Most questions were asked from Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Simple & Compound Interest. On 13th February, the maths section was comparatively easier, focusing more on direct formula-based questions. The 16th February shifts introduced slightly trickier arithmetic word problems, increasing the time required per question. On 17th February, the difficulty was moderate, with 1-2 questions requiring deeper conceptual clarity. Overall, students who practiced previous year papers found the maths section manageable.

General Science Trend

General Science had a strong focus on Physics and basic Chemistry concepts. Questions from Motion, Force, Work & Energy, Electricity, and Basic Chemical Reactions were common. Biology questions were straightforward and mainly from Class 9 and 10 NCERT level. Across all shifts, science remained moderate in difficulty. On 16th February, a few conceptual physics questions increased the difficulty slightly, while 13th February remained relatively easier. Candidates with strong fundamentals performed well in this section.

Reasoning Trend

Reasoning was scoring in almost all shifts. Questions were asked from Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Number Series, Analogy, and Syllogism. The 13th February paper had simpler pattern-based questions. On 16th February, puzzles and statement-based reasoning required more attention but were still solvable within time. The 17th February shift maintained a moderate level, with no unexpected question types. Students who practiced mock tests reported that reasoning was the most time-efficient section.

Difficulty Comparison (13 vs 16 vs 17 February)

When comparing overall difficulty:

• 13 February: Easy to Moderate (most balanced paper)
• 16 February: Moderate (slightly time-consuming maths & physics)
• 17 February: Moderate (stable difficulty across sections)

There were no major surprises in any shift. The exam rewarded consistency and clarity of concepts rather than tricky problem-solving. Candidates who revised previous year papers had a clear advantage in recognizing repeated patterns and commonly asked topics.