RRB ALP CBT 1 Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Quick Answer
For the RRB ALP CBT 1 (scheduled for 3 to 5 November 2026), carry your e-call letter printout, one original valid photo ID and a recent colour passport photograph, leave every electronic item, bag, pen and water bottle outside, and write the self-declaration paragraph, sign and affix your left thumb impression (LTI) on the e-call letter at the exam hall only. The paper is 75 questions in 60 minutes with 1/3 negative marking, and your biometrics are captured at the centre.
Key takeaway: Every rule below comes from the official CEN 01/2026 (paras 12, 17 and instruction (xix)), not from coaching blogs. The e-call letter carries your reporting time and gate-closing time; the CEN does not fix one number for all centres, so follow your own letter. As of 29 October 2026.
Official source: CEN 01/2026 (ALP) detailed notice (official RRB PDF as hosted on the Testbook CDN, a mirror). Always cross-check your own RRB's notice and e-call letter.
RRB ALP Admit Card (E-Call Letter) 2026: When and How
| Item | What the CEN says |
|---|---|
| Name of the document | E-call letter, downloaded from the official website of your RRB |
| Download window | About 4 days before the CBT date (para 17(b)) |
| City intimation | About 10 days in advance (para 17(b)) |
| Delivery | SMS and email alerts, but check the RRB website regularly because delivery can fail |
| By post? | No call letter is sent by post |
| Change of centre, date or shift | Not entertained under any circumstances |
The CEN also warns that issue of an e-call letter does not mean your candidature is accepted; it can still be rejected at any stage if you do not meet the eligibility conditions.
Documents to Carry to the RRB ALP Exam
| Document | Rule |
|---|---|
| E-call letter (printout) | Mandatory. Only the e-call letter is allowed inside the test centre |
| Original photo ID | Voter ID, Aadhaar card, printout of e-Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN card, passport, employer ID (government employees) or school/college/university ID (if studying). Without it you are not allowed to appear |
| Colour passport photograph | Not older than two months from the date of the CBT |
| Community certificate (SC/ST free travel) | Carry the original certificate on the journey if you use the free travel authority printed on the e-call letter |
Aadhaar or DigiLocker: the CEN advises candidates to authenticate identity through DigiLocker or Aadhaar. Those who use an alternate photo ID are warned of stricter and more detailed scrutiny at every stage. Make sure the name on your ID matches your application.
The Self-Declaration on the E-Call Letter
At the venue, in front of the invigilator, you must write the self-declaration paragraph, sign it and put your LTI on the e-call letter, then hand the letter over before the exam ends. The CEN says declarations written in advance, or signed in capital letters, are rejected. Practise a normal signature that matches your application.
Reporting Time and Gate Closing
The CEN does not print one reporting time for all candidates. Your e-call letter states the shift, reporting time and gate-closing time for your centre. Plan to reach the centre early, because biometric capture, document checks and seating take time. Do not rely on a figure quoted on a blog; the number on your letter is the only valid one.
What Is Not Allowed in the RRB ALP Exam Hall
| Banned item | Note |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone, pager, smart watch, health band, earphone, Bluetooth device, microphone | Electronic gadgets of any kind |
| Calculator | Banned (the exam is calculator-free) |
| Books, paper, pen, pencil, eraser, pouch, scale, writing pad | Do not carry a pen or pencil; a pen is provided during the exam |
| Belt, handbag, cap, purse, camera | Leave outside |
| Water bottle, packaged or open food | Leave outside |
| Henna on hands or feet | Blocks biometric capture; avoid it |
The CEN adds that cloakroom arrangements may not be available, so do not bring valuables at all. Violations can lead to disqualification, legal action and debarment from future railway exams.
RRB ALP CBT 1 Pattern on Exam Day
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| Questions and marks | 75 questions, 75 marks (1 mark each) |
| Time | 60 minutes |
| Subjects | Mathematics, Mental Ability, General Science (no General Awareness listed) |
| Negative marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer |
| Normalisation | Applied when the exam runs in several shifts |
| Qualifying percentage | UR and EWS 40%, OBC-NCL 30%, SC 30%, ST 25% |
| Purpose | Screening for CBT 2 (up to 15 times the RRB's vacancies); marks not counted in the final panel |
For the topic list, see our RRB ALP syllabus 2026.
Last-Night Checklist for ALP CBT 1
- Print the e-call letter; check name, RRB, date, shift and venue.
- Keep the original ID in the same folder with the passport photo.
- Check the route to the centre; the CEN warns you may be allotted a centre in another city or state.
- Do not apply henna; trim long nails to help biometrics.
- Sleep well: a calm start is worth more than one more mock.
RRB ALP Exam Day FAQs
What time should I reach the ALP exam centre?
Follow the reporting and gate-closing time printed on your e-call letter. The CEN does not give one common time.
Can I carry a calculator to the RRB ALP exam?
No. Calculators, watches, phones and all electronic devices are banned inside the test centre.
Is Aadhaar needed for the ALP exam?
Aadhaar or DigiLocker authentication is advised, but a valid original photo ID such as a voter ID, PAN card, passport or driving licence is accepted; alternate IDs face stricter checks.
RRB ALP admit card kab aayega?
E-call letter exam date se lagbhag 4 din pehle official RRB website par milta hai, aur city intimation lagbhag 10 din pehle aati hai.
Will a pen be given in the exam?
Yes. Do not carry any pen or pencil; one is provided at the centre.
Practice Next for RRB ALP
- Salary: RRB ALP salary 2026
- Pattern: RRB ALP syllabus 2026
- Practice: RRB ALP Maths Mock Test 02, RRB ALP Reasoning Mock Test 02, Science Numericals Test 01
- Hub: RRB exams hub, all study notes
Sources: CEN 01/2026 (ALP) paras 12, 17 and instructions (xix), (xx) (mirror of the official RRB PDF). Last checked 29 October 2026.