The IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 (Office Assistant) selection process consists of two online stages: Prelims and Mains. The Prelims exam features 80 questions (40 Reasoning, 40 Numerical Ability) with a 45-minute composite duration. The Mains exam includes 200 questions across 5 sections (Reasoning, Quant, GA, English/Hindi, and Computer) to be solved in 120 minutes. Final selection is based 100% on Mains marks, as there is no interview for the Clerk post. A negative marking of 0.25 applies to all wrong answers.
Quick Facts: IBPS RRB Clerk 2026 (CRP RRB XV)
Feature | Details |
Official Website | |
Notification Release | August 2026 (Expected) |
Prelims Exam Dates | 6th, 12th, and 13th December 2026 |
Mains Exam Date | 30th January 2027 |
Language Option | Choose between English OR Hindi in Mains |
LPT (Language Proficiency Test) | Mandatory for the applied state's regional language |
1. Phase-I: IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Pattern 2026
The Prelims is a speed-based test. There is no English section, making it a favorite for students from regional backgrounds.
Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
Reasoning Ability | 40 | 40 | 45 Minutes |
Numerical Ability | 40 | 40 | (Composite) |
Total | 80 | 80 |
Critical Note: Unlike the IBPS Clerk (CRP), there are NO sectional timers here. You can jump between Reasoning and Quant freely.
2. Phase-II: IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Pattern 2026
The Mains is an endurance test. The marks obtained here are the only marks that determine your final selection.
Section | Questions | Max Marks | Time Allotted (Suggested) |
Reasoning Ability | 40 | 50 | 30 Mins |
Numerical Ability | 40 | 50 | 30 Mins |
General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 15 Mins |
English/Hindi Language* | 40 | 40 | 30 Mins |
Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | 15 Mins |
Grand Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Mins (Composite) |
Sectional Weightage & Syllabus Breakdown (2026 Trends)
- Reasoning: $50\%+$ weightage to Puzzles (Floor, Flat-box, Uncertain Linear).
- Numerical Ability: Focus on Arithmetic Word Problems and Data Interpretation (DI).
- Computer Knowledge: Shift toward Cloud Computing, Networking, and Shortcut keys.
- General Awareness: 6-8 months of Current Affairs prior to January 2027.
Emotional Intent: The "No-English" Advantage
Many aspirants ask on Quora, "Is bank exam possible without English?" The answer is IBPS RRB Clerk. By choosing Hindi in the Mains and having no English in the Prelims, this exam removes the biggest barrier for millions of Indian students. It is truly the "People's Bank Exam."
Beginner Doubts
- RRB Clerk me interview hota hai kya? (Is there an interview in RRB Clerk?)
- No. Selection depends solely on Mains.
- Can I give the exam in my mother tongue?
- Yes, for the first time in 2026, all regional languages (Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, etc.) are fully supported.
- What is the minimum age?
- 18 to 28 years (General).
Master FAQs
- What is the negative marking in RRB Clerk? 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
- Is RRB Clerk 2026 easier than SBI Clerk? Generally, yes, due to the absence of English in Prelims.
- What is the total time for RRB Clerk Prelims? 45 Minutes (Composite).
- Can I choose Hindi in RRB Clerk Mains? Yes, it is an optional section alongside English.
- What are the passing marks for IBPS RRB Clerk? It varies by state; usually 70-75/80 in Prelims.
- Does RRB Clerk have sectional cut-offs? Yes, both sectional and overall.
- Is there any change in RRB Clerk 2026 pattern? No major change, but difficulty is "Moderate."
- What is the education qualification? Graduation in any stream.
- What is the expected salary? ₹35,000 - ₹38,000 (In-hand).
- Is the RRB Clerk exam held online or offline? Online (Computer Based Test).
- How many attempts are allowed? No limit as long as you meet the age criteria.
- What is LPT in IBPS RRB? Language Proficiency Test to check your local language skills.
- Can final year students apply? Only if result is declared before the application deadline.
- Is Computer Knowledge mandatory? Yes, 40 questions in Mains.
- What is the difficulty of Quant in RRB Clerk? Easy to Moderate.
- How much current affairs should I read? Past 6 months.
- Which state has the lowest cut-off? Usually North-Eastern states like Assam/Meghalaya.
- Can I change the language of the exam during the test? Yes (Bilingual).
- What is the role of an Office Assistant? Cashier, clerical work, and customer handling.
- Is there a sectional timer in Mains? No, it is a 120-minute composite time.
- Best Youtube channel for RRB Clerk? Mahendras, Adda247, and Banking Wallah.
- RRB Clerk 2026 notification kab aayega? Expected in August 2026.
- Is 12th percentage important for RRB? No, only graduation is required.
- How many banks participate in RRB? Approx 43 Regional Rural Banks.
- Is there a bond in RRB Clerk? Usually, a 1-year service bond exists in some banks.