IBPS RRB Clerk Marking Scheme
IBPS RRB Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Exam 2026 is conducted in two stages—Prelims and Mains, with Prelims covering Reasoning and Numerical Ability and Mains including Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and English/Hindi Language, along with 0.25-mark negative marking for each incorrect answer.
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IBPS RRB Clerk PYPs
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The IBPS RRB Clerk Exam 2026 is conducted in two stages: Preliminary and Main Examinations. Both stages are online and consist of objective-type questions. The Prelims carries 80 questions for 80 marks, while the Mains consists of 200 questions for 200 marks. Candidates must qualify in the Prelims to appear for the Mains, which determines the final selection. A negative marking of 0.25 marks applies to every incorrect answer in both stages. The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for 6th, 12th and 13th December 2026, while the Mains Examination will be conducted on 30th January 2027.
IBPS RRB Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Exam 2026 consists of two stages: Preliminary and Main Examinations. Both stages are conducted online and comprise objective-type questions. Candidates must qualify in the Prelims to appear for the Mains examination. The Mains score is considered for final selection, subject to local language proficiency requirements. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
- Exam Mode: Online
- Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Selection Stages: Prelims and Mains
- Prelims Duration: 45 minutes
- Mains Duration: 120 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer
- Language: English or Hindi (as applicable)
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What is the selection process for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026?
The selection process for Office Assistant posts is entirely merit-based and depends on exam scores. There is no interview for this post. Candidates must qualify in prelims to appear for mains, and final allotment is based on mains score, preference, and vacancy.
- Preliminary Exam: Qualifying stage, screening test
- Main Exam: Final selection based on marks secured
- Proficiency in Local Language: Essential for all candidates
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IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the IBPS RRB Clerk recruitment process and is scheduled for 6th, 12th and 13th December 2026. 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
| S. No. | Sections | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|
| 1 | Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 25 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 80 | 80 | 45 minutes |
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IBPS RRB Clerk Main Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination, which is scheduled for 30th January 2027. 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
| S. No. | Name of Tests | Medium of Exam | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|
| 1 | Reasoning | - | 40 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| 2 | Computer Knowledge | - | 40 | 20 | 15 minutes |
| 3 | General Awareness | - | 40 | 40 | 15 minutes |
| 4a | English Language | English | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| 4b | Hindi Language | Hindi | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| 5 | Numerical Ability | - | 40 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
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Is there any negative marking in the IBPS RRB Clerk Exam?
Yes, the IBPS RRB Clerk Exam follows a standard negative marking scheme. Candidates should note that unattempted questions carry no penalty.
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Wrong Answer: -0.25 marks
- Unattempted Question: 0 marks
- Prelims: Qualifying in nature
- Mains: Final selection based on total marks
IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a candidate's logical reasoning and numerical aptitude. The preliminary examination consists of Reasoning Ability and Numerical Ability, with 40 questions from each section. Since the Prelims is qualifying in nature, candidates should focus on improving both speed and accuracy to clear the sectional and overall cut-offs.
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|
| Reasoning Ability | Alphabet, Number & Symbol Series, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Blood Relations, Order & Ranking, Linear Seating Arrangement, Circular Seating Arrangement, Box-based Puzzles, Floor & Flat-based Puzzles, Day, Month & Age-based Puzzles |
| Numerical Ability | Simplification & Approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation (Table, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart), Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Age Problems, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Pipes & Cistern, Speed, Time & Distance, Boats & Streams, Trains, Mixture & Allegation, Probability |
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026 covers five sections and is the final stage of the recruitment process. The exam tests candidates on banking awareness, advanced reasoning, quantitative aptitude, language skills, and computer knowledge. A well-planned preparation strategy covering all sections is essential to secure a high score in the Mains examination.
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|
| Reasoning Ability | Direction Sense & Coded Direction, Blood Relations & Coded Blood Relations, Inequality & Coded Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Linear Seating Arrangement, Circular/Square/Rectangular/Triangular Seating Arrangement, Box & Floor-based Puzzles, Comparison & Ranking-based Puzzles, Statement & Assumption, Statement & Inference, Cause & Effect, Course of Action, Statement & Conclusion |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification & Approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation (Table, Pie, Bar, Line, Caselet, Arithmetic & Mixed DI), Data Sufficiency, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Age, Partnership, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Pipes & Cistern, Speed, Time & Distance, Boats & Streams, Trains, Mensuration (2D & 3D), Probability |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs (Last 6 Months), National & International News, Banking Awareness, Financial Awareness, RBI Policies, Government Schemes, Budget & Economic Survey, Static GK, Reports & Indexes, Sports, Defence, Awards, Important Days, Obituaries |
| English Language / Hindi Language | English: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Phrase Replacement, Word Swap, Sentence Rearrangement, Fillers, Match the Column, Connectors, Idioms & Phrases, Spelling Errors, One-word Substitution.
Hindi: अपठित गद्यांश, रिक्त स्थानों की पूर्ति, गद्यांश में रिक्त स्थान, वाक्य में त्रुटि, शब्द एवं वर्तनी त्रुटि, समानार्थक एवं विलोम शब्द, मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ, वाक्यांश के लिए एक शब्द |
| Computer Knowledge | Fundamentals of Computer, History & Generations of Computers, Hardware & Software, Operating System, Input & Output Devices, Memory & Storage Devices, Computer Languages, DBMS Basics, Computer Networks, Internet & Applications, Internet Terminology, Cyber Crime & Cyber Security, MS Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Shortcut Keys |
Check the IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus
What is the local language proficiency requirement for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026?
Proficiency in the local language is essential for recruitment as an Office Assistant (Multipurpose). Candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria:
- Studied the language of the State up to Standard VIII or above in a government-recognized board/school
- Possess a certificate indicating proficiency at Standard VIII or above
- If the candidate does not meet the above requirement at the time of selection:
- They are given 6 months from the date of joining to acquire proficiency
- The period may be extended by the RRB within the probation period
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FREE IBPS RRB Clerk Quiz
Use these topic-wise IBPS RRB Clerk quizzes to practise important questions from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English sections.
