IBPS RRB Syllabus – Topics, Books, Question Papers, Exam Pattern

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is in charge of releasing the IBPS RRB syllabus along with the IBPS RRB notification. The IBPS RRB syllabus is huge and is divided between Prelims and Mains exams. 

The IBPS RRB Mains syllabus comprises sections related to Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English/ Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge. However, in case of Specialist Cadre Officer posts, the syllabus consists of one additional section, Professional Knowledge. It mainly comprises questions based on financial awareness, a section important for the banking profession.

Candidates must note that the IBPS RRB notification does not mention the exact IBPS RRB syllabus. So, to assist candidates with a proper syllabus, Team Buddy4Study has mentioned a list of topics as per the previous examination trend.  

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IBPS RRB Syllabus – Sections

IBPS has not set any specific syllabus for the IBPS RRB entrance examination. So based on previous years’ question papers, it can be established that the IBPS RRB Mains question paper consists of 6 major sections. 

  1. Reasoning Ability
  2. English/Hindi language
  3. Quantitative Aptitude or Numerical Ability
  4. Computer Knowledge
  5. General Awareness
  6. Financial Awareness (For Specialist Cadre)

Note: Apart from these 5 sections, an additional section, Professional Knowledge (Financial Awareness), is a part of IBPS RRB Mains exam for the candidates who have applied for the post of Officer Stage-I Specialist Cadre.

 IBPS RRB Prelims comprise 2 sections:

  1. Quantitative Aptitude
  2. Reasoning Ability

IBPS RRB Syllabus – Section-wise Topics

IBPS RRB Mains exam assesses the technical knowledge of the candidates. The candidates are required to go through a subject knowledge test in IBPS RRB Mains. In other words, the syllabus is completely subject centric.

The standard of IBPS RRB question paper will be of graduation level. Candidates will be judged based on their professional knowledge in their respective fields. Candidates, who are gearing up for the upcoming Mains examination must see the section-wise topics and the expected number of questions.  

1. IBPS RRB Syllabus for Reasoning Ability*

Odd man out Sitting Arrangements Analogy
Syllogism Decision Making Blood Relation
Coding-Decoding Figure Series Series Test
Alphabet Test Assertion and Reason Direction Test
Blood Relation Word Formation Statement and Assumption
Ranking and Time Statements and Action Courses Statement and Conclusion
Causes and Effects Puzzles Inequalities

*Applicable for both Prelims and Mains

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Expected Number of Questions for IBPS RRB Mains Exam (Reasoning Ability)

Data Sufficiency Expected number of questions – 3 to 4 

Data sufficiency contains 2 Statements, but sometimes 3 statement questions are also asked.

Alphanumeric Series Expected number of questions – 5

Pattern-based Alphanumeric questions with 2 or 3 steps.

Verbal/Logical Reasoning Expected number of questions – 5 to 7 

Questions based on Assumptions, Cause & Effect, Inference, Course of Actions, etc.

Coding-Decoding Expected number of questions – 5

Questions based on LSN type coding-decoding

Input-Output Expected number of questions – 5

2. IBPS RRB Syllabus for English Language 

Cloze Test Reading Comprehension Para Jumbles Antonyms
Fill in the Blanks Phrase Replacement Rearrangement of Sentences Synonyms
Error Spotting Sentence completion

3. IBPS RRB Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude*

Number System Profit and Loss HCF and LCM
Decimal Fractions Compound Interest Simple Interest
Time and Work Average Time and Distance
Age Problems Partnership Simplification
Percentage Data Interpretation Ratio and Proportion
Permutation and Combination Quadratic Equations Probability

*Applicable for both Prelims and Mains

Expected Number of Questions for IBPS RRB Mains Exam (Quantitative Aptitude)

Misspelt word/ Idiom-Phrase/ Odd one out Expected number of questions – 5 
Para jumbles Expected number of questions – 5
Sentence Improvement Expected number of questions – 5 to 10
Spotting Errors Expected number of questions – 5 to 10
Cloze Test Expected number of questions – 10

4. IBPS RRB Syllabus for Computer Knowledge

Computer Fundamentals Networking Computer Abbreviations Security Tools
History of Computer MS Office Shortcut Keys Computer Languages
Software and Hardware Fundamentals Number System and Conversions Basic Knowledge of Internet Input and Output Devices
Computer Fundamentals Internet Database

5. IBPS RRB Syllabus for General Awareness

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries India and International Current Affairs Government policies
Finance Banking Awareness Banking Terms and Abbreviations
Books and Authors Countries and Currencies Banking History
Agriculture Budget RBI
Fiscal Policies Government schemes Sports
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries India and International Current Affairs

6. IBPS RRB Syllabus for Financial Awareness

Latest Topics in News in Financial World Monetary Policy Bad Loans Bank Accounts and Special Individuals
Overview of Banking and Banking Reforms in India Organizations Deposits Credit Loans
Advanced Non-Performing Assets BASEL I Asset Reconstruction Companies
NPAs BASEL II Restructuring of Loans
Latest Topics in News in Financial World Monetary Policy BASEL II Risk Management
Overview of Banking and Banking Reforms in India Budget and Economic Survey Accords

IBPS RRB Syllabus – Sectional Weightage

According to IBPS’s official announcement, there will be 2 sections in IBPS RRB Prelims examination. Each section will carry a different number of questions to test the skills of the candidates. The Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude section will carry a similar number of questions.

Apart from the IBPS RRB Syllabus, candidates must know about the details of the exam structure, how it will be conducted, post-wise and section-wise distribution of questions and marks, etc. This will help the candidates to prepare strategically for IBPS RRB Prelims and Mains exam.

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Post-Wise & Section-Wise Distribution of Question and Marks – IBPS RRB Prelims

IBPS RRB Syllabus – Officer Scale-I

Section No. of Questions Total Marks Duration
Reasoning 40 40 45 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 40 40
Total 80 80

Note – Candidates applying for Officer Scale-II and  III will need 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.

IBPS RRB Syllabus – Office Assistant (Multipurpose)

Section No. of Questions Total Marks Duration
Reasoning 40 40 45 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 40 40
Total 80 80

Post-Wise & Section-Wise Distribution of Question and Marks – IBPS RRB Mains

IBPS RRB Syllabus – Officer Scale-I

Name No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
Reasoning 40 50 2 hours or 120 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 40 50
General Awareness 40 40
English/ Hindi Language 40 40
Computer Knowledge 40 20
Total 200 200

Generalist Cadre for Officer Scale-II and III

Name No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
Reasoning 40 50 2 hours or 120 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 40 50
Financial Awareness 40 40
English Language 40 40
Computer Knowledge 40 20
Total 200 200

Generalist Cadre for Officer Scale-II (Specialist)

Name No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
Reasoning 40 40 2.30 hours or 150 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 40 40
Financial Awareness 40 40
English Language 40 20
Professional Knowledge 40 40
Computer Knowledge 40 20
Total 240 200

IBPS RRB Syllabus –Recommended Books

IBPS RRB exam syllabus is vast since the questions asked in this examination are not limited to a fixed course or curriculum, especially in the case of Financial and General Awareness. Candidates need to prepare well from the topics highlighted above to score well in the upcoming IBPS RRB Mains exam.

To get a better grip on various IBPS RRB subjects, candidates can find several expert-recommended books and online study resources in the tables below.

IBPS RRB Syllabus – 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 Syllabus – 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 Syllabus – 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 Syllabus – 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 Syllabus – Books on Hindi Language (Mains)

Name of the Book Author/Publisher
IBPS RRBs Objective General Hindi Kiran Editorial

IBPS RRB Syllabus – 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

Candidates who have registered and applied for the IBPS RRB exam 2021 should go through the exam pattern thoroughly and practice well with the help of online mock tests before attempting the exam. Here are a few key points that they should definitely keep in mind:

IBPS RRB Exam Pattern

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 IX 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 Syllabus – 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 Clerk Prelims 2019 Memory Based Paper IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2018 Memory Based Paper IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2017 Memory Based Paper
IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Prelims Question Paper 2019 PDF (Hindi) IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Prelims Question Paper 2019 PDF (English)

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 Syllabus – FAQs

How many questions will be asked in the IBPS RRB exam 2021?

A total of 80 questions will be asked in the IBPS RRB Prelims exam, while 200 questions will be asked in the Mains. However, candidates appearing for Office 2 (Stage II – Specialist Cadre) will be asked 240 questions in the Mains exam. These questions will be asked in MCQ format.

What are the different sections in IBPS RRB syllabus?

As per the IBPS RRB syllabus, Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude are the basic two sections that form part of Prelims exam. For the Mains exam, the topics are Quantitative Aptitude or Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, English/ Hindi language, Computer Knowledge, with Professional Knowledge (Financial Awareness) and additional sectional for the post of IBPS RRB Officer Stage-I Specialist Cadre.

What is the standard of questions asked in the IBPS RRB Exam?

The basic standard of questions asked in the IBPS RRB exam is up to the level of graduation.

What is the negative marking scheme in the IBPS RRB exam?

1/4th mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in the IBPS RRB exam, which means -1 mark for every 4 wrong answers. It is applicable for both IBPS RRB Prelims and Mains examinations.

Will Non-MCQ type questions be asked in the IBPS RRB Mains exam?

No. Only MCQ-type or multiple-choice questions are asked in both IBPS RRB Prelims and Mains examination.

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