The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS RRB Clerk exam every year for the recruitment of Office Assistants (Multipurpose) in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The exam is conducted in multiple stages, including Prelims and Mains. This article provides a complete overview of the exam pattern, selection process, marking scheme, and language proficiency requirement. Keep reading to get all the details.
What is the exam pattern for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026?
The IBPS RRB Clerk exam is conducted in two stages: preliminary and main examination. Both exams are objective-type and must be cleared to qualify for the final selection. Candidates can attempt the language section in either English or Hindi in the Mains exam. The key highlights of the IBPS RRB Clerk exam are:
- Objective online exam for Office Assistant posts
- Prelims is a qualifying stage; Mains determines final selection
- Duration and number of questions vary by stage
- Bilingual exam: English/Hindi
Check the IBPS Calendar 2026
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
IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The preliminary exam is the first stage of selection. It consists of two sections: Reasoning and Numerical Ability, with a total of 80 questions to be solved in 45 minutes. Candidates must meet sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for the Mains Exam.
- Two sections: Reasoning and Numerical Ability
- Total 80 questions, 80 marks, 45 minutes
- Qualifying in nature
| 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 |
Enroll in the IBPS RRB Clerk Online Coaching
What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Main Exam Pattern 2026?
The Mains exam is conducted for candidates who clear Prelims. It has 200 questions covering reasoning, numerical ability, general awareness, English/Hindi language, and computer knowledge, to be completed in 120 minutes. Candidates can choose either English or Hindi for the language section.
- Total 200 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes
- Sections can be attempted in English or Hindi
| 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 |
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
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
Attempt a FREE IBPS RRB Clerk Mock Test
Candidates are encouraged to practice with mock tests to understand the exam pattern, improve speed, and manage time efficiently.
Attempt a FREE IBPS RRB Clerk Mock Test
Key Takeaways:
- Here are the key takeaways for this article:
IBPS RRB Clerk Exam consists of Prelims (qualifying) and Mains (final selection) - Prelims: 80 questions in 45 minutes (Reasoning & Numerical Ability)
- Mains: 200 questions in 120 minutes covering Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, Language, and Computer Knowledge
- Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer, unattempted questions carry no penalty
- Proficiency in local language is mandatory for final selection
