The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS RRB Clerk (Office Assistant) exam every year to recruit clerical staff for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across India. It is one of the most sought-after banking exams for candidates aiming to start their career in the rural banking sector. To prepare effectively for the upcoming recruitment, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the IBPS RRB Clerk syllabus 2026 and exam pattern.
IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk exam is conducted in two stages: prelims and mains. There is no interview round for the Office Assistant post. Candidates who clear both stages are considered for final selection based on their Mains exam marks. As per the latest exam schedule, the IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 6th, 12th, and 13th December 2026, while the Mains exam is scheduled for 30th January 2027.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Name | IBPS RRB |
| Post | Office Assistant (Clerk) |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Exam Date 2026 | 6th, 12th & 13th December 2026 |
| IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Exam Date 2026 | 30th January 2027 |
| Major Sections | Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, English/Hindi, Computer Knowledge |
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.
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Reasoning Syllabus for Prelims?
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
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Numerical Ability Syllabus for Prelims?
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
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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
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Awareness
- English Language / Hindi Language
- Computer Knowledge
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Reasoning Syllabus for Mains?
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
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Mains?
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
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk General Awareness Syllabus for Mains?
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
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk English Language Syllabus for Mains?
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
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What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Hindi Language Syllabus for Mains?
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
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Computer Knowledge Syllabus for Mains?
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
IBPS RRB Clerk Topic-Wise Weightage
Understanding the IBPS RRB Clerk topic-wise weightage helps candidates identify the most important areas in the exam and plan their preparation strategically. By analyzing previous years' question trends, aspirants can focus more on high-scoring and frequently asked topics in both quantitative aptitude and reasoning ability. Below, we have provided the IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims and Mains topic-wise weightage based on previous years' papers.
IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Topic-Wise Weightage – Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section mainly tests candidates' calculation speed, accuracy, and command over basic arithmetic concepts. Topics like Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, and Simplification dominate the prelims paper every year.
| Topic | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|
| Data Interpretation (DI) | 10–13 | 10 | 10–13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Arithmetic | 10–15 | 10–15 | 10–13 | 13 | 10–15 | 10–15 | 10–15 |
| Quadratic Equation | – | – | – | – | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Number Series | 5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Simplification / Approximation | 10–15 | 10–15 | 12–15 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 10–15 |
| Data Sufficiency | – | – | – | – | 5 | 5 | 5 |
IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Topic-Wise Weightage – Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning Ability section is puzzle-heavy, with seating arrangements and puzzles forming the core of the paper. Candidates should practice a variety of puzzle types to maximise their score.
| Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 15–20 | 15–20 | 15–22 | 15–20 | 15–20 | 15–20 | 15–20 |
| Syllogism | 3–5 | 2–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 3–5 | 3–5 |
| Inequality | 3–5 | 2–5 | 3–5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Coding–Decoding | 0–5 | 1–5 | 0–5 | – | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Direction Sense | 0–3 | 3–5 | 0–5 | – | 3 | 3 | – |
| Word Formation | 0–1 | – | 0–3 | – | 1 | – | – |
| Pairing | 0–1 | – | 0–1 | – | 1 | – | – |
| Order & Ranking | 0–3 | 0–3 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Blood Relation | 0–3 | 1–3 | 0–3 | 2 | – | – | – |
| Alphabet / Number Series | 5 | 4–5 | 0–5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Alpha-Numeric Series | 5 | 5 | 3–5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | – |
| Miscellaneous | 2–3 | 2–5 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 |
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Topic-Wise Weightage – Reasoning Ability
The reasoning section in mains is lengthy and analytical, with puzzles and seating arrangements carrying maximum weightage every year.
| Topic | Questions (2024) | Questions (2023) | Questions (2022) | Questions (2021) |
|---|
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 15–29 | 25 | 27 | 20–25 |
| Syllogism | 3 | 4 | – | 4 |
| Order & Ranking | 0–4 | – | 1 | 1 |
| Direction & Distance | 0–3 | 1 | 4–5 | 3 |
| Machine Input–Output | – | – | – | 5 |
| Inequality | – | – | 3 | 5 |
| Blood Relation | – | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Coding–Decoding | 4–5 | 5 | – | – |
| Miscellaneous | 3 | 2 | 1–3 | 1 |
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Topic-Wise Weightage – Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section in mains is dominated by Data Interpretation and Arithmetic, requiring strong conceptual clarity and calculation speed.
| Topic | Questions (2024) | Questions (2023) | Questions (2022) | Questions (2021) |
|---|
| Data Interpretation | 17–18 | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| Arithmetic | 12–13 | 10 | 10 | 14 |
| Quadratic Equation | 0–4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Missing/Wrong Number Series | 0–4 | 5 | 5 | – |
| Q1–Q2 (Caselet Type) | – | – | 5 | – |
| Simplification / Approximation | 5–6 | 5 | – | 5 |
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Topic-Wise Weightage – English Language
The English section mainly focuses on reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary-based questions. RC remains the most consistent and scoring topic.
| Topic | Questions (2024) | Questions (2023) | Questions (2022) | Questions (2021) |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 10–12 | 8–9 | 8 | 9 |
| Cloze Test | 5–8 | – | 6 | 5 |
| Error Detection | 3–5 | 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Phrase Replacement | – | 3–4 | 6–7 | 8 |
| Sentence Correction | – | – | – | 4 |
| Sentence Rearrangement | – | 5 | – | – |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | 3–5 | 3–4 | – | – |
| Misspelt Words | 0–5 | – | 5 | 6 |
| Word Usage | 0–2 | – | – | 3 |
| Word Swap | – | 4–5 | – | – |
| Fillers | 0–4 | 2–3 | 6–7 | – |
| Para Jumble | 0–5 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Topic-Wise Weightage – Hindi Language
Candidates opting for Hindi language can focus on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary-based topics, as these areas consistently appear in the exam.
| Topic | Questions (2021) | Questions (2020) |
|---|
| गद्यांश | 10 | 10 |
| रिक्त स्थान पूर्ति (Cloze Test) | 10 | 10 |
| वाक्यों में त्रुटि चयन | 4 | 5 |
| रिक्त स्थान | 4 | 5 |
| पर्यायवाची / विलोम / समानार्थी | 5 | 5 |
| अव्यवस्थित वाक्य खंड | 5 | 3 |
| विविध | 2 | 2 |
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways for this article:
- The IBPS RRB Clerk exam is conducted in two stages (Prelims & Mains), and only Mains marks are considered for final merit, making Mains preparation crucial.
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement dominate the Reasoning section in both Prelims and Mains and should be treated as a high-priority scoring area.
- In Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Arithmetic consistently carry the highest weightage across all years and stages.
- Current Affairs, Banking, and Financial Awareness are key to scoring well in the General Awareness section of the Mains exam.
- English/Hindi sections rely heavily on Reading Comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary, making regular reading and practice essential.
