IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has made a big change to the IBPS Regional Rural Banks (RRB) Exam 2024 by introducing sectional timing for each part of the Clerk and Probationary Officer (PO) Prelims and Mains exams. Previously, candidates had to finish all tests within a fixed 45-minute duration. Now, with specific time slots for different sections, the IBPS RRB Section Timing 2024 aims to create a fairer evaluation process, ensuring a balanced assessment of candidates’ skills and knowledge.
IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024
The main goal of the IBPS RRB Section Timing 2024 is to provide a more balanced evaluation of applicants. This affects both the IBPS RRB Clerk (Office Assistant) and IBPS RRB PO (Officer Scale I) exams. By setting specific time limits for each section, IBPS aims to ensure candidates do not overemphasize or neglect any part of the exam. This change highlights the need for candidates to manage their time well in each section, ensuring they perform consistently across all tested areas.
IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024 – Overview
The IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024 allocates specific time slots for each section in the prelims and mains exams. Candidates will have 45 minutes for prelims with 20 minutes for Quantitative Aptitude and 25 minutes for Reasoning Ability.
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Organization Name | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
Name of Posts | Officers Scale I, II & III, Office Assistant (Multipurpose) |
Total Vacancies | 10,313 Posts |
IBPS RRB Exam Date 2024 | 3rd, 4th, 10th, 17th, 18th August 2024 |
Mode of Exam | Online |
IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024 | Prelims: 45 minutes Quantitative Aptitude: 20 minutes Reasoning Ability: 25 minutes Mains: 2 hours Single-level exam: 2 hours |
IBPS Official Website Link | www.ibps.in |
Upcoming IBPS RRB Exam 2024
The IBPS RRB Clerk Exam 2024 is scheduled to be held on the 10th, 17th, and 18th of August 2024. This is a big upcoming exam conducted by IBPS under RRB CRP XIV. The exam will be held to recruit 5800 eligible candidates for the Office Assistant post. This will be a preliminary exam which will be held for 80 marks and will be qualifying in nature. Check the IBPS RRB Clerk Exam Pattern 2024 below.
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
Reasoning | 40 | 40 | – |
Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | – |
Total | 80 | 80 | 45 minutes |
Preliminary Exam Sectional Timing 2024
In the past, candidates had a single time limit for the entire Preliminary exam, allowing flexibility in how they used their time across different sections. For instance, you previously had 45 minutes for both Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude combined.
New Sectional Timing for Prelims 2024:
- Reasoning Ability: 25 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 20 minutes

Key Points:
- The total number of questions remains 80, and the total time is 45 minutes.
- With the new IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024, you now have less time for each section compared to before. This means you’ll need to refine your strategy.
- The updated timing is designed to make the exam more structured and time-bound, demanding precise time management during the test.
Mains Exam Sectional Timing 2024
The Mains exam will also follow the new IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024. Here is the time allocation for each section:
New Sectional Timing for Mains 2024:
- Reasoning Ability: 30 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 minutes
- Computer Knowledge: 15 minutes
- General Awareness: 15 minutes
- English/Hindi Language: 30 minutes each
Key Points:
- The total duration of the Mains exam remains 2 hours.
- The new IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024 includes specific time limits for sections like Computer Knowledge and General Awareness, ensuring that each section receives adequate focus.
- Effective time management will be crucial as you balance time across all sections.
Impact on IBPS RRB Preparation
Understanding the IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Syllabus 2024 significantly impacts your preparation by focusing your study on relevant topics.
- Adapt Your Strategy: The IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024 requires you to practice under timed conditions. Adjust your mock tests and practice sessions to reflect the new time allocations to build familiarity and speed.
- Focus on Time Management: Practice with sectional tests to get used to the new format. Allocate your time according to the new limits and work on improving your speed and accuracy.
- Mock Tests and Practice: Increase the number of mock tests and focus on sectional practice. Utilize updated test series that incorporate the IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024 to gauge your performance accurately.
IBPS RRB Clerk Mock Test | Click here to take free Mock Test |
IBPS RRB PO Mock Test | Click here to take free Mock Test |
Detailed IBPS RRB Sectional Breakdown for PO/Clerk Exams
Here are detailed IBPS RRB Sectional Breakdown for PO/Clerk Exams:
1. Quantitative Aptitude
Overview: Quantitative Aptitude evaluates your numerical skills and problem-solving abilities. This section includes questions on various topics such as Data Interpretation, Simplifications, Number Series, and Arithmetic.
Topic | Expected Number of Questions | Types | Difficulty |
Data Interpretation | 10 to 18 questions | Graphs (Bar, Line, Pie), Tables, Caselets | Moderate to High |
Simplifications | 5 to 8 questions | Basic arithmetic calculations, Fractions, Exponents, Roots | Moderate |
Number Series | 0 to 6 questions | Missing number, Wrong number series | Moderate |
Quadratic Equations | 0 to 6 questions | Equations with coefficients, Fractions, Decimals | Moderate |
Arithmetic | 8 to 15 questions | Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Ratio & Proportion, Mixtures, Allegations | Moderate to High |
Frequently Asked Topics:
- Venn Diagram-based Caselets: Analyzing data with Venn Diagrams.
- Quadratic Equations: Complex quadratic equations with indirect forms.
- Simplification: Problems involving fractions, exponents, and roots.
- Arithmetic with Variables: Questions on compound interest, percentage changes, etc.
- 2D-based Mensuration: Problems related to area, volume, and surface area.
- Table DI with Large Values: Interpretation of tables with large numbers.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice various formats of DI to become comfortable with data interpretation.
- Focus on quick simplification techniques to save time during the exam.
- Regularly solve number series and quadratic equations to build confidence.
- Revise key arithmetic concepts and solve problems involving different variables.
Table DI with “large values”

2. Reasoning Ability
Overview: The Reasoning Ability section tests logical thinking and problem-solving skills through questions on puzzles, logical reasoning, and pattern recognition.
Topic | Expected Number of Questions | Types | Difficulty |
Puzzles | 18 to 27 questions | Floor puzzles, Seating arrangement, Blood relations, Scheduling | Moderate to High |
Logical Reasoning | 10 to 20 questions | Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense | Moderate |
Alphabet/Number-based | 1 to 4 questions | Series completion, Coding-Decoding, Number series | Moderate |
Frequently Asked Topics:
- Syllogism (only a few, a few type): Logical relationships between statements.
- Individual Questions (Puzzles, Blood Relation, Direction Sense): Standalone questions on specific reasoning concepts.
- Floors + Flats-based Puzzles: Complex puzzles involving multiple floors or flats.
- More than one option type questions in puzzles: Multiple correct answers or solutions.
- Either/Or case-based inequality: Problems with multiple possible scenarios.
- Odd one out (3 to 4 letter-based): Identifying the odd term from a set of words or letters.
- Possibility case in coding decoding: Exploring possible codes.
- Direction Sense with two persons: Problems involving directions and movements of individuals.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice a variety of puzzles to improve speed and accuracy.
- Memorize key logical reasoning techniques and rules.
- Solve individual questions related to syllogism, inequalities, and coding-decoding regularly.
- Focus on complex reasoning puzzles to enhance problem-solving skills.
Less Time-Taking & High-Scoring Topics for IBPS RRB PO/Clerk Exams
When preparing for the IBPS RRB PO and Clerk exams, focusing on topics that are both high-scoring and less time-consuming can significantly boost your overall score. Here is a breakdown of such topics, ranked from the most high-scoring and least time-consuming to others:

IBPS RRB PO Syllabus 2024 | Click here to Check |
IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2024 | Click here to Check |
Understanding the Effects of the New IBPS RRB Exam Pattern on Candidates
Below table provides a clear overview of how the changes in the IBPS RRB exam pattern affect candidates and offers practical advice on adapting to the new format.
Aspect | Implications for Candidates |
Focused Preparation | Tailor study sessions to address strengths and weaknesses in each section. Practice with timed sectional tests to improve time management. |
Balanced Evaluation | Sectional timing ensures fair assessment across all sections, preventing over-reliance on strong areas and neglect of weaker sections. |
Reduced Exam Stress | Fixed time limits for each section help candidates manage stress better and focus on one section at a time without the pressure of overall exam duration. |
Improved Concentration | Concentrate fully on one section at a time, which enhances accuracy and performance. |
Adapting Strategies | Adjust exam strategies to fit the new pattern, including focusing on high-scoring sections and managing time effectively. |
Timed Practice | Practice with time constraints for each section to simulate actual exam conditions, aiding in building speed and accuracy. |
Key Updates for 2024
The IBPS RRB exam for 2024 introduces revised sectional timings to enhance the efficiency of the testing process. These changes include adjusted time limits for each section, aiming to improve the balance between speed and accuracy for both PO and Clerk exams.
- Increased Focus on Speed and Accuracy: With the new timings, candidates must improve their speed and accuracy to ensure they complete each section effectively within the given time limits.
- Sectional Cut-Offs: Each section will have a separate cut-off, emphasizing the importance of balanced performance across all sections.
- Strategic Time Management: Candidates should practice managing their time wisely across different sections to avoid spending too long on any one part of the exam.
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IBPS RRB Sectional Timing 2024 – FAQs
Ans. Reasoning Ability: 25 minutes; Quantitative Aptitude: 20 minutes.
Ans. Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude: 30 minutes each; Computer Knowledge and General Awareness: 15 minutes each; English/Hindi Language: 30 minutes each.
Ans. No, the number of questions and marks remains the same.
Ans. You need to manage your time effectively for each section.

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