IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 has been released by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) along with the official notification for the recruitment of Office Assistants (Multipurpose) in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across India. Candidates who are preparing for the IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 exam must have a thorough understanding of the complete syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, and topic-wise weightage to score well and secure their selection.
The IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 exam is conducted in two phases—Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. Unlike the IBPS RRB PO exam, there is no interview round for the Clerk (Office Assistant) post. The final selection is purely based on the combined marks of the prelims and mains examinations. The Prelims exam is scheduled for 6th, 12th, and 13th December 2026, while the Mains exam will be held on 30th January 2027.
In this article, we have provided the complete and detailed IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026, covering all sections, topic-wise breakdown, expected number of questions, difficulty level, marking scheme, and preparation tips to help aspirants ace the exam.
IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 – Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post Name | Office Assistant (Multipurpose) / RRB Clerk |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Number of Phases | 2 (Prelims + Mains) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 6th, 12th & 13th December 2026 |
| Main Exam Date | 30th January 2027 |
| Prelims Total Marks | 80 Marks |
| Prelims Duration | 45 Minutes |
| Main Total Marks | 200 Marks |
| Main Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for each wrong answer |
| Interview | Not Applicable for Clerk Post |
| Language | English & Hindi |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
IBPS RRB Clerk Selection Process 2026
The selection process for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 is straightforward and consists of two phases. Candidates must qualify in both the preliminary and main examinations to be considered for final appointment. Click here to know the detailed IBPS RRB Selection Process 2026.
- Phase 1 – Preliminary Examination: This is the first stage of the selection process. It is a qualifying exam, and the marks obtained in Prelims are NOT counted for the final merit list. Candidates who score above the cut-off in the prelims will be shortlisted for the mains examination.
- Phase 2 – Main Examination: The marks obtained in the Mains examination will be considered for the final merit list. There is no interview for the clerk post. The final ranking is purely based on the Mains exam score.
Note: Since there is no interview for the IBPS RRB Clerk post, candidates should focus entirely on scoring maximum marks in the Mains examination to secure their final selection.
IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims exam is the first stage of the selection process. It is designed to test the basic aptitude of candidates in reasoning ability and numerical ability. The exam is conducted online and consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 40 | 25 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 80 | 80 | 45 Minutes |
Key Points about IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2026:
- The Prelims exam consists of 80 questions for a total of 80 marks.
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- There is no sectional cut-off, but candidates must clear the overall cut-off to qualify.
- The exam is qualifying in nature—marks are not added to the final merit list.
- Questions are available in both English and Hindi languages (except the English Language section in Mains).
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS RRB Clerk Mains exam is the final stage of the selection process. The marks obtained in this exam will be considered for the final merit list. The Mains exam consists of five sections covering a wider range of topics.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 40 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 15 Minutes |
| English Language / Hindi Language | 40 | 40 | 30 Minutes |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | 15 Minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
Key Points about IBPS RRB Clerk Mains 2026:
- The Mains exam consists of 200 questions for a total of 200 marks.
- Each question carries 1 mark (except Computer Knowledge, where each question carries 0.5 marks).
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in all sections.
- Candidates can choose either the English Language or Hindi Language section.
- The General Awareness and Computer Knowledge sections are time-bound—candidates must manage time carefully.
- The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes (2 hours).
IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Prelims Exam
The Prelims exam for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 covers two main sections: Reasoning Ability and Numerical Ability. Below is the detailed topic-wise syllabus for both sections.
1. Reasoning Ability – Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Reasoning Ability section in the Prelims exam consists of 40 questions for 40 marks with a time limit of 25 minutes. This section tests the logical and analytical thinking ability of candidates.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 10 – 15 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Syllogism | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Inequality (Coded & Direct) | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Coding-Decoding | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Blood Relations | 2 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Direction Sense | 2 – 3 | Easy |
| Alphanumeric Series | 3 – 5 | Easy |
| Ordering & Ranking | 2 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Data Sufficiency | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Mirror / Water Image | 1 – 2 | Easy |
| Odd One Out / Classification | 1 – 2 | Easy |
| Input-Output | 0 – 5 | Moderate to Difficult |
2. Numerical Ability – Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Numerical Ability section in the Prelims exam consists of 40 questions for 40 marks with a time limit of 20 minutes. This section tests the mathematical and calculation skills of candidates.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Simplification / Approximation | 5 – 8 | Easy |
| Number Series | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Quadratic Equations | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Percentage | 1 – 2 | Easy |
| Profit & Loss | 1 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Simple Interest & Compound Interest | 1 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Ratio & Proportion | 1 – 2 | Easy |
| Average | 1 – 2 | Easy |
| Time & Work | 1 – 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Time, Speed & Distance | 1 – 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Mixture & Alligation | 0 – 2 | Moderate |
| Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Table, Pie) | 5 – 10 | Moderate |
| Quantity-Based Questions | 0 – 3 | Moderate |
| Miscellaneous (Age, Partnership, Boats & Streams, etc.) | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Mains Exam
The Mains exam for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 covers five sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, English Language / Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge. Below is the detailed topic-wise syllabus for all five sections.
1. Reasoning Ability – Mains Syllabus 2026
The Reasoning Ability section in the Mains exam consists of 40 questions for 50 marks with a time limit of 30 minutes. The difficulty level of this section is higher compared to the prelims exam.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzles (Linear, Circular, Box-based, Floor-based, Day/Month/Year-based) | 10 – 15 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Seating Arrangement (Linear, Circular, Dual Row, Parallel Row) | 8 – 10 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Syllogism | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Inequality (Coded) | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Coding-Decoding (Advanced) | 3 – 5 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Blood Relations (Coded) | 2 – 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Direction Sense (Coded) | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Ordering & Ranking | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Data Sufficiency | 2 – 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Input-Output (Machine-based) | 3 – 5 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Alpha-Numeric-Symbol Series | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning / Statement & Assumption / Cause & Effect | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Coded Inequality | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
2. Numerical Ability – Mains Syllabus 2026
The Numerical Ability section in the Mains exam consists of 40 questions for 50 marks with a time limit of 30 minutes. The questions in this section are more complex and time-consuming compared to the Prelims.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Table, Pie, Caselet, Mixed DI) | 10 – 15 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Number Series (Missing & Wrong) | 3 – 5 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Quadratic Equations | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Simplification / Approximation | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Percentage | 1 – 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Profit & Loss | 1 – 3 | Moderate |
| Simple Interest & Compound Interest | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Ratio & Proportion | 1 – 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Average | 1 – 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Time & Work | 1 – 3 | Moderate |
| Time, Speed & Distance (Boats & Streams, Trains) | 1 – 3 | Moderate |
| Mixture & Alligation | 1 – 2 | Moderate |
| Permutation & Combination / Probability | 1 – 2 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Partnership | 1 – 2 | Moderate |
| Age Problems | 1 – 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Quantity Based / Data Sufficiency | 2 – 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
3. General Awareness – Mains Syllabus 2026
The General Awareness section in the Mains exam consists of 40 questions for 40 marks with a time limit of 15 minutes. This section tests the awareness of candidates about current affairs, banking knowledge, and static GK.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs (Last 6 months) | 10 – 15 | Moderate |
| Banking Awareness | 8 – 10 | Moderate |
| Financial Awareness | 5 – 7 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Static GK (Countries, Capitals, Currencies, Awards, etc.) | 5 – 7 | Easy to Moderate |
| Economy & Budget 2026 | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Government Schemes & Policies | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| RBI & Its Functions / Monetary Policy | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Important Days & Events | 1 – 3 | Easy |
| Books & Authors / Sports / Honors & Awards | 1 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Abbreviations & Important Organizations | 1 – 2 | Easy |
4. English Language / Hindi Language – Mains Syllabus 2026
Candidates can choose either the English Language or Hindi Language section in the Mains exam. Both sections consist of 40 questions for 40 marks with a time limit of 30 minutes.
English Language Syllabus:
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 8 – 10 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Cloze Test | 5 – 8 | Moderate |
| Error Detection / Sentence Correction | 5 – 7 | Moderate |
| Fill in the Blanks (Single & Double) | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Usage) | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Phrase Replacement / Sentence Improvement | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| Connectors / Linkers | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Word Rearrangement / Sentence-Based Fillers | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Idioms & Phrases | 1 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
Hindi Language Syllabus:
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| गद्यांश (Reading Comprehension) | 8 – 10 | Moderate to Difficult |
| रिक्त स्थान पूर्ति (Cloze Test) | 5 – 8 | Moderate |
| वाक्य में त्रुटि (Error Detection) | 5 – 7 | Moderate |
| विलोम शब्द (Antonyms) | 2 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| पर्यायवाची शब्द (Synonyms) | 2 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| मुहावरे एवं लोकोक्तियाँ (Idioms & Phrases) | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| वाक्य पुनर्व्यवस्था (Sentence Rearrangement) | 3 – 5 | Moderate |
| एक शब्द में उत्तर (One Word Substitution) | 2 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| संधि / समास (Sandhi / Samas) | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| अनेक शब्दों के लिए एक शब्द | 2 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
5. Computer Knowledge – Mains Syllabus 2026
The Computer Knowledge section in the Mains exam consists of 40 questions for 20 marks with a time limit of 15 minutes. Each question carries 0.5 marks. This section tests the basic computer knowledge of candidates.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Computer & History | 2 – 3 | Easy |
| Computer Hardware & Software | 4 – 6 | Easy to Moderate |
| Operating System (Windows, Linux, etc.) | 4 – 6 | Easy to Moderate |
| MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) | 6 – 8 | Easy to Moderate |
| Internet & Networking | 5 – 7 | Easy to Moderate |
| Database Management System (DBMS) | 3 – 4 | Moderate |
| Computer Security (Virus, Firewall, Malware, etc.) | 3 – 5 | Easy to Moderate |
| Keyboard Shortcuts & Abbreviations | 3 – 5 | Easy |
| Number System & Computer Codes | 2 – 3 | Moderate |
| Memory & Storage Devices | 2 – 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Input & Output Devices | 2 – 3 | Easy |
| Software Development & Programming Languages | 1 – 2 | Easy to Moderate |
IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 – Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for effective exam preparation and attempt strategy. Below is the detailed marking scheme for both the Prelims and Mains examinations:
| Particulars | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 80 | 200 |
| Total Marks | 80 | 200 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +1 | +1 (0.5 for Computer Knowledge) |
| Marks Deducted per Wrong Answer | -0.25 | -0.25 |
| Duration | 45 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Sectional Timing | Yes (25 + 20 min) | Yes (30 + 30 + 15 + 30 + 15 min) |
| Sectional Cut-off | No | No |
| Nature | Qualifying | Merit-based |
Note: Candidates must be careful while attempting questions, as there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. It is advisable not to guess answers randomly, as it may lead to a reduction in the overall score.
IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 – Preparation Tips
Preparing for the IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 requires a strategic and disciplined approach. Here are some effective preparation tips to help candidates score well on the exam:
- Understand the Syllabus Completely: Before starting preparation, go through the complete IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 and understand the weightage of each topic. Focus more on high-weightage topics like puzzles, seating arrangements, data interpretation, and current affairs.
- Create a Study Plan: Prepare a daily study schedule covering all subjects. Allocate at least 2-3 hours for reasoning, 2 hours for numerical ability, 1 hour for general awareness, and 1 hour for English/Hindi and computer knowledge.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year question papers helps in understanding the exam pattern, difficulty level, and type of questions asked. Aim to solve at least 10-15 previous year papers.
- Take Mock Tests Regularly: Online mock tests are the best way to improve speed and accuracy. Take at least 2-3 mock tests every week and analyze your performance after each test.
- Focus on Time Management: Since the exam has sectional time limits, practice solving questions within the given time. Develop the habit of attempting easier questions first and moving to difficult ones later.
- Read newspapers and current affairs: For the General Awareness section, read at least one newspaper daily and follow monthly current affairs magazines. Focus on banking news, government schemes, and economic developments.
- Revise Regularly: Make short notes of important formulas, tricks, and current affairs. Revise them regularly to retain the information for a longer time.
- Strengthen Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas through mock test analysis and work on improving them. Do not ignore any section, as all sections are important for the final score.
- Learn Shortcuts for Calculations: For the Numerical Ability section, learn Vedic Maths tricks and shortcut methods for calculations to save time during the exam.
- Stay Healthy and Confident: Take care of your physical and mental health during the preparation period. Get adequate sleep, eat healthy food, and stay positive throughout the preparation journey.
Important Links
| Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| IBPS Official Website | www.ibps.in |
| IBPS RRB Notification 2026 | IBPS RRB Official Notification |
| Apply Online for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 | Apply Online |
| IBPS RRB Clerk Cut Off 2026 | Check RRB Clerk Cut-Off |
| IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 (This Page) | RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 |
| IBPS RRB PO Syllabus 2026 | RRB PO Syllabus 2026 |
| IBPS RRB Selection Process 2026 | RRB Selection Process |
| JobsAlertsIndia Home | Home |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026?
The IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 covers topics from reasoning ability, numerical ability, general awareness, English/hindi language, and computer knowledge. The Prelims exam includes only reasoning and numerical ability, while the Mains exam includes all five sections.
2. Is there any interview in IBPS RRB Clerk 2026?
No, there is no interview for the IBPS RRB Clerk (Office Assistant) post. The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the Mains examination only. Candidates must qualify for both the prelims and the mains to secure their selection.
3. What is the exam date for IBPS RRB Clerk 2026?
The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims exam is scheduled for 6th, 12th, and 13th December 2026, and the Mains exam will be held on 30th January 2027.
4. Is there negative marking in IBPS RRB Clerk 2026?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both the Prelims and Mains examinations. Candidates should avoid guessing answers randomly to prevent unnecessary mark deduction.
5. What is the total number of questions in the IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims and Mains?
The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims exam consists of 80 questions for 80 marks, while the Mains exam consists of 200 questions for 200 marks.
6. Can I choose the Hindi language instead of English in the IBPS RRB Clerk Mains 2026?
Yes, candidates can choose either the English Language or Hindi Language section in the IBPS RRB Clerk Mains examination. Choose the language you are most comfortable with to maximize your score.
7. What is the time duration for the IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims and Mains exams?
The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims exam has a total duration of 45 minutes (25 min for Reasoning + 20 min for Numerical Ability). The Mains exam has a total duration of 120 minutes (30 + 30 + 15 + 30 + 15 minutes for each section, respectively).
Conclusion
The IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics across multiple sections. With the Prelims exam scheduled for December 2026 and the Mains exam in January 2027, candidates have sufficient time to prepare thoroughly for the exam. Since there is no interview for the clerk post, the Mains examination carries the entire weightage for final selection. Therefore, candidates should focus on scoring maximum marks in the Mains exam by covering the complete syllabus and practicing regularly.
We recommend candidates start their preparation early, follow a structured study plan, take regular mock tests, and stay updated with current affairs to maximize their chances of selection. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on the IBPS RRB Clerk Syllabus 2026 and other related information.
All the best for your IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 preparation!