IBPS RRB exam pattern comprises information on the mode of exam, medium of language, type of questions, marks allotted to each question or section, negative marking etc. This year, IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) is planning to conduct the IBPS RRB Prelims exam on 1st August, 7th August, 8th August, 14th August and 21st August 2021.
The Prelims exam will be held in the CBT or Computer Based Test mode in more than 150 cities in India. However, the Mains exam will be held across 70 cities. The exam pattern for various exams has been revised this year. However, there is no change for IBPS RRB exam pattern. Besides, IBPS has added regional languages in addition to Hindi and English so that candidates can find it easy to understand the questions.
As per the IBPS RRB exam pattern, the question paper in the Prelims exam contains 80 questions, which have to be attempted in 45 minutes. In case of IBPS RRB Mains exam, 120 minutes will be allotted to answer 200 questions for all grades.
IBPS RRB is a national level recruitment exam, which is held annually. This year, this exam will be conducted to fill more than 9000 Officers and Assistant Officers vacancies in the Indian Banking Sector (Government). In this article, Buddy4Study has compiled all the information related to IBPS RRB exam pattern that will benefit all the aspiring candidates.
IBPS RRB Exam – Key Highlights
Candidates who have registered and applied for the IBPS RRB exam should pay heed to a few basic points mentioned below:
IBPS RRB Key Highlights
| Name of Examination | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Officers (Scale-I, II & III) and Office Assistant (Multipurpose) in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) – CRP RRBs X 2021-22) |
| Exam Conducting body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| IBPS RRB Recruitment Official Website | http://www.ibps.in/ |
| IBPS RRB Total Vacancies | 9698 (tentative) |
| IBPS RRB Exam Date – Prelims | 1st August, 7th August, 8th August, 14th August and 21st August 2021 |
| IBPS RRB Exam Date – Mains | Officer Scale I – 25th September 2021
Office Assistant – 3rd October 2021 |
| Mode of Exam | Online (computer-based test) |
| Credentials required to download IBPS RRB Admit Card | Registration Number
Date of Birth or Password |
| Compulsory documents to carry on exam day | Admit Card
Valid Photo ID Proof Photocopy of Photo ID Proof |
| Duration of IBPS RRB Exam – Prelims | 45 minutes |
| Duration of IBPS RRB Exam – Mains | 2 hours (120 minutes)
2.30 hours or 150 minutes for Generalist Cadre for Officer Scale-II (Specialist) |
| Duration of IBPS RRB Exam – Single level | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Section-wise Distribution of Questions (Prelims)
As per the announcement by IBPS and the official IBPS RRB exam pattern, there will be 3 stages of the IBPS RRB exam – Prelims, Mains and Interview Round.
All candidates will receive common questions in IBPS RRB Prelims exam. The questions asked in the IBPS RRB Mains exam will be of Graduation level. The Prelims paper will have 80 questions, while the Mains paper will have 200 questions. Candidates will have the freedom to attempt or move onto the next question anytime they want.
The questions asked in the Prelims exam will be presented to candidates as objective-type questions (MCQ). Each question will have 4 options. Among the 4, candidates will have to select one option that they consider as the most appropriate answer.
Candidates can know more about the IBPS RRB exam pattern in the table below, and check the sectional distribution of questions and marks for both Prelims and Mains.
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern for Prelims Exam
Officer Scale-I (Prelims)
| Serial No | Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| 1. | Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 45 minutes |
| 2. | Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 80 | 80 |
Note – Candidates applying for Officer Scale-II and III will have to appear for a single online examination. Successful candidates will be shortlisted to appear for Common Interview for final recruitment in various rural regional banks.
Office Assistant (Multipurpose) Prelims
| Serial No | Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| 1. | Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 45 minutes |
| 2. | Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 80 | 80 |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern for Mains Exam
Officer Scale-I (Mains)
| Serial No | Name | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1. | Reasoning | 40 | 50 | 2 hours or 120 minutes |
| 2. | Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | |
| 3. | General Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
| 4. | English/ Hindi Language | 40 | 40 | |
| 5. | Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | ||
Generalist Cadre for Officer Scale-II and III (Mains)
| Serial No | Name | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1. | Reasoning | 40 | 50 | 2 hours or 120 minutes |
| 2. | Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | |
| 3. | Financial Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
| 4. | English Language | 40 | 40 | |
| 5. | Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | ||
Generalist Cadre for Officer Scale-II (Specialist) Mains
| Serial No | Name | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1. | Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 2.30 hours or 150 minutes |
| 2. | Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | |
| 3. | Financial Awareness | 40 | 40 | |
| 4. | English Language | 40 | 20 | |
| 5. | Professional Knowledge | 40 | 40 | |
| 6. | Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | |
| Total | 240 | 200 | ||
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Interview Round
Under the recent IBPS RRB exam pattern, shortlisted candidates in the IBPS RRB Mains exam will be called for the Interview round. However, the interview round is not applicable for candidates who have applied for the post of Office Assistant. This round is applicable only for the posts of Officers Scale – I, II and III.
The interview will be coordinated by the Nodal Regional Rural Bank in association with NABARD. Candidates must know that the interview round will be conducted in selected centres only. The total marks allotted for the Interview round is 100 marks.
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Syllabus in Brief
IBPS has yet to released the IBPS RRB syllabus 2021 along with the IBPS RRB notification. However, it is expected that no changes will be observed in the syllabus. Nevertheless, candidates can find the up-to-date syllabus in due time by visiting the official website.
As per the IBPS RRB notification, IBPS RRB syllabus (Prelims) is divided into 2 sections:
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude (Officer Scale – I)
- Numerical Ability (Office Assistant (Multipurpose))
The IBPS RRB Mains syllabus is divided into 6 sections:
- Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
- Financial Awareness
- English/ Hindi Language
- Computer Knowledge
- Professional Knowledge (Specialist Cadre)
Candidates can find below all the topics related to each subject covered in the prescribed syllabus of IBPS RRB Prelims exam.
IBPS RRB 2021 Syllabus (Prelims and Mains)
| Reasoning | English | Quantitative Aptitude |
| Odd man out
Syllogism Coding-Decoding Alphabet Test Blood Relation Ranking and Time Causes and Effects Sitting Arrangements Decision Making Figure Series Assertion and Reason Word Formation Statements and Action Courses Puzzles Analogy Blood Relation Series Test Direction Test Statement and Assumption Statement and Conclusion Inequalities |
Cloze Test
Fill in the Blanks Error Spotting Reading Comprehension Phrase Replacement Sentence completion Para Jumbles Rearrangement of Sentences Antonyms Synonyms |
Number System
Decimal Fractions Time and Work Age Problems Percentage Permutation and Combination Profit and Loss Compound Interest Average Partnership Data Interpretation Quadratic Equations HCF and LCM Simple Interest Time and Distance Simplification Ratio and Proportion Probability |
| Computer Knowledge | General Awareness | Financial Awareness |
| Computer Fundamentals
History of Computer Software and Hardware Fundamentals Networking MS Office Number System and Conversions Internet Computer Abbreviations Shortcut Keys Basic Knowledge of Internet Database Security Tools Computer Languages Input and Output Devices |
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Finance Sports Books and Authors Agriculture Fiscal Policies India and International Current Affairs Banking Awareness Countries and Currencies Budget Government schemes Government policies Banking Terms and Abbreviations Banking History RBI Sports |
Latest Topics in News in Financial World Monetary Policy
Overview of Banking and Banking Reforms in India Advanced Non-Performing Assets NPAs Bad Loans Organizations Deposits Credit BASEL I BASEL II BASEL II Budget and Economic Survey Bank Accounts and Special Individuals Loans Asset Reconstruction Companies Restructuring of Loans Risk Management Accords |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Marking Scheme
As per the IBPS RRB exam pattern, candidates will get 4 options for every question. For every correct answer, they will be awarded 1 mark. However, ¼ (0.25) mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – IBPS RRB Marking Scheme
| Type of Answers | Marks Allotted |
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Wrong Answer | 1/4 mark deducted for every wrong answer (-0.25) |
| Unattempted | NIL |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Previous Years’ Question Papers
Buddy4Study has compiled previous years’ question papers in the below table. Candidates can download these to understand the IBPS RRB exam pattern thoroughly and prepare for the examination accordingly.
IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains 2018
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains 2018 Papers (English) | IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains 2018 Papers (Hindi) | IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains 2018 Answer Key |
IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Mains 2017
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains 2017 Papers (English) | IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains 2017 Papers (Hindi) | IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains 2017 Answer Key |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – General Instructions for Online Test
Candidates must follow the online test instructions and guidelines set by the IBPS RRB authority. The test instructions will help the candidates to attempt the computer-based exam without any hassles. Given below is a list of online test instructions set by the IBPS panel:
- The candidate/s must report at the examination centre at least an hour and a half (1.5 hours) before the allotted exam time
- Candidates reporting after the exam commencement will not be allowed to enter the examination hall
- The candidate/s must compulsorily bring the admit card (hard copy). The test centre officials will verify it and then allow the candidate to sit for the examination
- The candidate must show, on-demand, the Admit Card downloaded/printed from the IBPS’s website
- Admit cards must be in good condition. Dismantled, disfigured or mutilated admit cards compromising the details of the candidate will not be accepted
- A seat with Roll Number will be allotted to each candidate. They should find and sit on their allocated seats only
- No baggage is allowed inside the examination hall
- Candidates will be allowed to carry only a photo ID proof and hard copy of admit card inside the examination hall
- Candidates will not be allowed to carry mathematical/log tables, electronic watches, calculator, slide rules, pager, pen, bits of papers and cell phone inside the examination hall
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – COVID-19 Guidelines (2021)
Candidates must check out these general COVID-19 related guidelines (new normal) and follow them at all the IBPS RRB exam centres:
- Social distancing would be maintained strictly at the exam centres. Candidates have to maintain at least 6 feet or 2-metre distance from other candidates.
- All candidates will be checked for temperature with Thermo guns at the entry point.
- The Arogya Setu App must be installed on the candidate’s mobile phone.
- After the Aarogya Setu status display at the entry gate, candidates need to switch off their mobile phones and deposit them at the designated location. The same has to be collected while exiting.
- Exam authority will ensure that monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, desk, chair, etc. are thoroughly sanitised.
- A significant gap has to be present between two seats inside the exam hall.
- Besides the admit card and photo ID card, gloves, a personal transparent water bottle, personal hand sanitizer (50 ml), and a pen will also be allowed in the exam hall.
- Invigilators will distribute rough sheets to candidates wearing gloves.
- To avoid crowding, exam room numbers would not be displayed outside the centre.
- Candidates violating COVID-19 directives/advisories would not be allowed to sit for the exam
- Candidates would be allowed to leave the test centre one at a time to avoid the rush and maintain social distancing.
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Recommended Books
Candidates need to prepare well from the topics highlighted as per the IBPS RRB exam pattern and syllabus to score well in the upcoming entrance test. Buddy4Study advises candidates to prepare well for their upcoming exam with the help of the below-mentioned books that are recommended by candidates who cracked the exam successfully in the previous years.
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Books on Quantitative Ability (Prelims and Mains)
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication |
| Quantitative Aptitude of Competitive Examination | R.S Aggarwal – S.Chand Publication |
| Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma – TMH Publication |
| Magic Book on Quicker Mathematics | M Tyra – BSC Publication |
| Quantitative Aptitude for all Competitive Examination | Abhijit Guha – McGraw Hill education |
| Objective Mathematics for Competitive Examination | Tarun Goyal – Arihant Publication |
| Arithmetic for General Competition | Neetu Singh |
| Rapid Quantitative Aptitude with Shortcuts and Tricks | Disha Publications |
| Quantitative Aptitude Test for Bank PO | N K Singh – Upkar Publication |
| Quantum Cat | Sarvesh Kumar Verma |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma |
| Objective Mathematics | Dhrmpat – Rai Publication |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Books on Reasoning Ability (Prelims and Mains)
| Name of Books | Author/Publication |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning | R.S Aggarwal |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K Pandey |
| Lucent’s Reasoning | Lucent |
| Logical Reasoning | K Kundan |
| How to Crack Test of Reasoning | Arihant Publication |
| A New Approach to Reasoning | B.S Sijwali – Arihant Publication |
| Reasoning Books for Competitive Examinations | Pearson |
| Multi-Dimensional Reasoning | Mishra and Kumar Dr. Lal |
| SSC Reasoning Chapterwise | S.N. Prasad – Kiran Publication |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Books on General Awareness (Mains)
| Name of Books | Author/Publication |
| Banking Awareness | Arihant publication |
| Dhankar Current Affairs | Dhankar Publication |
| Manohar Pandey Books for General Studies | Arihant Publication |
| Lucent General Knowledge | Lucent Publication |
| Basic Banking & Financial Issue | Gautam Majumdar – Upkaar’s Publication |
| Banking Awareness Handbook of Banking Information | N.S.Toor |
| Competition Infocus | Arihant Publication |
| Year Book 2015 – Manorama Year Book | Current Affairs Handout of Vanik |
| Lucent General Knowledge (for static GK) | Lucent Publication |
| The Pearson GK Manual | Edgar Thorpe & Showick Thorpe – Pearson Publication |
| General Studies | Manohar Pandey – Arihant Publication |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Books on General Awareness (Mains)
| Name of the Book | Author/Publisher |
| English Grammar and Composition | Wren and Martin |
| Objective English | R.S Aggarwal – S. Chand Publication |
| New Pattern English Language for SBI/IBPS Bank PO | Disha Experts |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| Descriptive General English | S P Bakshi and Richa Sharma – Arihant Publication |
| DGP English | R.S. Dhillon & S. Zareen – Dhillon Group of Publication |
| Objective English | Hari Mohan Prasad & U.R. Sinha – Tata McGraw Hill |
| General English | S. Gupta – Arihant Publication |
| High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Books on Hindi Language (Mains)
| Name of the Book | Author/Publisher |
| IBPS RRBs Objective General Hindi | Kiran Editorial |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – Books on Computer Awareness (Mains)
| Name of the Book | Author/Publication |
| Computer Awareness | Dhankar Publications for PO |
| Computer Awareness | Lucent Publications for Clerk |
| Objective Computer Knowledge | S.N. Prasad – Kiran Publication |
| Objective Computer Awareness | R. Pillai – Arihant Publication |
| Computer Knowledge for SBI/ IBPS Clerk/ PO/ RRB/ RBI/ SSC/ Insurance Exams | Sikha Aggarwal |
IBPS RRB Exam Pattern – FAQs
How many times is IBPS RRB conducted in a year?
IBPS RRB recruitment test is conducted once every year.
In which format are the questions asked in the IBPS RRB 2021 exam?
As per the IBPS RRB exam pattern, candidates will have to attempt the paper as per the Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) format.
What if I forget to bring my photo ID at IBPS RRB 2021 examination venue?
Photo ID is a mandatory document. If a candidate forgets to bring his/her photo ID card, they will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
What is the duration of the IBPS RRB exam?
According to the IBPS RRB exam pattern, the duration of the Prelims exam is 45 minutes. For the Mains exam, candidates will have to answer all the questions within 120 minutes. However, candidates appearing for Office 2 (Stage II – Specialist Cadre) will be given 150 minutes or 2.30 hours to complete their examination.
Is there any negative marking in the IBPS RRB exam?
Yes. As per the IBPS RRB exam pattern, for every incorrect answer in both Preliminary and Mains exam of IBPS RRB 2021, 1/4th mark will be deducted.
