IBPS RRB Clerk 2026-27 : Exam Pattern & Syllabus

IBPS RRB Clerk 2026-27 : Exam Pattern & Syllabus

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IBPS RRB Clerk 2026-27 : Exam Pattern & Syllabus
  • The IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 is divided into two stages: the preliminary examination and the mains examination. The prelims syllabus includes reasoning ability and numerical ability, while the mains syllabus covers reasoning ability, numerical ability, general awareness, English/Hindi language, and computer knowledge. Candidates should prepare every section thoroughly, as the mains examination plays a crucial role in the final selection. The detailed subject-wise IBPS RRB Clerk syllabus is provided below.
IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The preliminary examination is the first stage of the IBPS RRB clerk recruitment process. It is conducted online and consists of objective-type questions from two sections. Candidates are given sectional timing, and each section must be attempted within the allotted time.
  • Mode of Examination: Online
  • Type of Questions: Objective
  • Total Questions: 80
  • Total Marks: 80
  • Duration: 45 Minutes
  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer
Section
No. of Questions
Marks
Duration
Reasoning Ability
40
40
25 Minutes
Numerical Ability
40
40
20 Minutes
Total
80
80
45 Minutes
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination. The mains exam is objective in nature and includes five sections. The marks obtained in this stage determine the final merit list.
  • Mode of Examination: Online
  • Type of Questions: Objective
  • Total Questions: 200
  • Total Marks: 200
  • Duration: 2 Hours
  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer
Section
No. of Questions
Marks
Duration
Reasoning Ability
40
50
30 Minutes
Computer Knowledge
40
20
15 Minutes
General Awareness
40
40
15 Minutes
English Language / Hindi Language
40
40
30 Minutes
Numerical Ability
40
50
30 Minutes
Total
200
200
120 Minutes

IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims exam consists of two sections: Reasoning Ability and Numerical Ability, with 40 questions each, making a total of 80 questions. The prelims exam is qualifying in nature, and candidates must clear both sectional as well as overall cut-offs to qualify for the Mains exam. The difficulty level of the prelims paper generally ranges from easy to moderate, but speed and accuracy play a crucial role.
Reasoning Ability 
The reasoning section tests candidates' logical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability. Most questions are puzzle-based and require regular practice.
  • Alphabet, Number & Symbol Series
  • Inequality
  • Syllogism
  • Coding–Decoding
  • Direction Sense
  • Blood Relations
  • Order and Ranking
  • Linear Seating Arrangement
  • Circular Seating Arrangement
  • Box-based Puzzles
  • Floor-based and Flat-based Puzzles
  • Day, Month, and Age-based Puzzles
Numerical Ability 
The numerical ability section evaluates calculation speed, number sense, and basic arithmetic concepts. This section is scoring if candidates have strong fundamentals.
  • Simplification and Approximation
  • Number Series (Missing & Wrong Number)
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Data Interpretation (Table, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart)
  • Percentage
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Average
  • Age Problems
  • Profit and Loss
  • Simple Interest and Compound Interest
  • Time and Work
  • Pipes and Cistern
  • Speed, Time and Distance
  • Boats and Streams
  • Trains
  • Mixture and Allegation
  • Probability
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Mains exam is the final and deciding stage of the selection process. The difficulty level of the Mains exam ranges from moderate to difficult, and candidates must prepare current affairs and banking awareness thoroughly. The Mains syllabus includes five sections:
Reasoning Ability
The reasoning section in the Mains exam is more complex and lengthy compared to prelims, with an emphasis on analytical and logical reasoning.
  • Direction Sense and Coded Direction
  • Blood Relations and Coded Blood Relations
  • Inequality and Coded Inequality
  • Coding–Decoding (General & Coded)
  • Syllogism
  • Input–Output (Word & Number Based)
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Linear Seating Arrangement (Single & Double Row)
  • Circular, Square, Rectangular & Triangular Seating Arrangements
  • Box-based and Floor-based Puzzles
  • Comparison, Categorized & Ranking-based Puzzles
  • Statement and Assumption
  • Statement and Inference
  • Cause and Effect
  • Course of Action
  • Statement and Conclusion

Quantitative Aptitude
This section focuses on advanced arithmetic and data interpretation, requiring accuracy along with speed.

  • Simplification and Approximation
  • Number Series (Double Pattern & Statement-based)
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Data Interpretation (Table, Pie, Bar, Line, Caselet, Arithmetic DI, Mixed DI)
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Percentage
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Average
  • Age
  • Partnership
  • Profit and Loss
  • Simple and Compound Interest
  • Time and Work
  • Pipes and Cistern
  • Speed, Time and Distance
  • Boats and Streams
  • Trains
  • Mensuration (2D & 3D)
  • Probability
General Awareness
The general awareness section is one of the highest-scoring sections if prepared well, especially current affairs related to banking and finance.
  • Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
  • National and International News
  • Banking Awareness
  • Financial Awareness
  • RBI Policies and Banking Terms
  • Government Schemes and Initiatives
  • Budget and Economic Survey
  • Static GK (Countries, Capitals, Currencies, National Parks)
  • Reports, Indexes, and Rankings
  • Sports, Defence, and Awards
  • Important Days
  • Obituaries
English Language/ Hindi Language (Mains Only - Choose One) 
The English language section mainly tests reading, grammar, and vocabulary skills.
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Cloze Test
  • Error Detection and Correction
  • Sentence-based Errors
  • Phrase Replacement
  • Word Swap
  • Sentence Rearrangement
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Match the Column
  • Connectors and Starters
  • Idioms and Phrases
  • Spelling Errors
  • One-word Substitution
 Hindi Language
Candidates opting fothe Hindidi language can prepare the following topics:
  • अपठित गद्यांश
  • रिक्त स्थानों की पूर्ति
  • गद्यांश में रिक्त स्थान
  • वाक्य में त्रुटि
  • शब्द और वर्तनी त्रुटि
  • समानार्थक एवं विलोम शब्द
  • मुहावरे और लोकोक्तियाँ
  • वाक्यांश के लिए एक शब्द
Computer Knowledge
The computer section is generally easy to moderate and can be scoring with basic preparation.
  • Fundamentals of Computer
  • History and Generations of Computers
  • Hardware and Software
  • Operating System
  • Input and Output Devices
  • Memory and Storage Devices
  • Computer Languages
  • DBMS Basics
  • Computer Networks
  • Internet and Its Applications
  • Internet Terminology
  • Cyber Crime and Cyber Security
  • MS Windows
  • MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Shortcut Keys
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