IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern 2026 Explained (Prelims + Mains + Interview)
Last Updated: February 2026
The IBPS RRB PO 2026 exam pattern consists of Prelims (Reasoning + Quant, 80 marks), Mains (5 sections, 200 marks), and Interview.
Prelims is qualifying; final merit is based on Mains + Interview performance.
The exam is conducted online by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Official updates are published at https://www.ibps.in (CRP-RRBs).
Quick Facts – IBPS RRB PO 2026 Pattern
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Stages | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
Prelims | 80 Q / 80 Marks / 45 Min |
Mains | 200 Q / 200 Marks / 120 Min |
Sections in Mains | Reasoning, Quant, GA, English/Hindi, Computer |
Negative Marking | 0.25 per wrong answer (objective tests) |
Final Merit | Mains + Interview |
Official: https://www.ibps.in
CRP-RRBs: https://www.ibps.in/crp-rrbs/
IBPS RRB PO 2026 Exam Pattern
🔹 Prelims Pattern (Officer Scale-I)
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 25 Min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | 20 Min |
Total | 80 | 80 | 45 Min |
✔ Prelims is qualifying (sectional + overall cut-offs typically apply).
🔹 Mains Pattern (Officer Scale-I)
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Reasoning | 40 | 50 | 30 Min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 30 Min |
General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 15 Min |
English / Hindi | 40 | 40 | 30 Min |
Computer Knowledge | 40 | 20 | 15 Min |
Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Min |
✔ Final merit = Mains + Interview.
🔹 Interview
Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
Mains | 80% |
Interview | 20% |
Interview is conducted by participating RRBs; language proficiency in the local language may be assessed as per bank norms.
Quick Summary
- 3 stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview
- Prelims: 2 sections, 80 marks, 45 minutes
- Mains: 5 sections, 200 marks, 120 minutes
- Negative marking: 0.25
- Final merit: Mains (80%) + Interview (20%)
Comparison Section
IBPS RRB PO vs IBPS PO (Pattern Focus)
Point | IBPS RRB PO | IBPS PO |
|---|---|---|
Prelims Sections | 2 (Reasoning + Quant) | 3 (Reasoning + Quant + English) |
GA in Prelims | No | No |
Mains Sections | 5 | 4 (varies structure) |
Difficulty | Moderate | Slightly Higher |
Final Merit | Mains + Interview | Mains + Interview |
Important Resource Links:
IBPS Official Website: | |
IBPS Exam Calendar Official Link: | https://www.ibps.in/wp-content/uploads/IBPS_CALENDAR_2026-27_final.pdf |
Upcoming Government Exam 2026: | |
IBPS RRB PO Age Limit: | |
IBPS RRB PO Salary Structure: | |
IBPS RRB PO Notification 2026 | https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ibps-rrb-2026-notification-exam-date-syllabus-eligibility |
IBPS RRB PO Preparation Strategy: | https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/how-to-crack-ibps-rrb-po-2026-in-first-attempt |
IBPS Best RRB PO Mock Test: | https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/best-test-series-for-govt-exams-bank-ssc-railways-and-state-exams |
IBPS RRB PO Best Coaching: | |
IBPS RRB PO Syllabus: | |
IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern: | https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ibps-rrb-po-exam-pattern-2026-explained-prelims-mains-interview |
IBPS RRB PO Eligibility Criteria: | |
IBPS RRB PO Exam Dates 2026: | https://www.mahendras.org/blogs/ibps-rrb-po-exam-date-2026-prelims-mains-schedule |
IBPS RRB PO Job Profile: | |
IBPS RRB PO Expected Cut Off 2026: | |
IBPS RRB PO Exam Cut Off Analysis: | |
IBPS RRB PO Registration Process: | |
IBPS RRB PO Current Affairs: |
Beginner Doubts
Is GA asked in RRB PO Prelims?
No. GA is asked in Mains.
Is Prelims marks added to final merit?
No. Prelims is qualifying.
Can I choose Hindi in Mains?
Yes, choose either English or Hindi.
Is there sectional timing?
Yes, both Prelims and Mains have sectional time limits.
Common mistakes
- Treating Prelims casually (speed loss)
- Ignoring Computer section in Mains
- Not practicing sectional timing
- Skipping GA revision cycles
Most Searchable FAQs
- What is the IBPS RRB PO 2026 exam pattern?
Prelims (80 marks), Mains (200 marks), Interview. - How many sections in Prelims?
Two: Reasoning and Quant. - Is GA asked in Prelims?
No. - Total marks in Mains?
- Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 per wrong answer. - Are there sectional cut-offs?
Usually yes; confirm in notification. - Does Prelims score count in final merit?
No. - What is interview weightage?
20%. - Can I choose Hindi instead of English?
Yes. - Is Computer Knowledge important?
Yes, 20 marks—often scoring. - RRB PO exam pattern Hindi me kya hai?
Prelims: Reasoning + Quant; Mains: 5 subjects. - RRB PO prelims kitne minute ka hota hai?
45 minutes. - RRB PO mains kitne minute ka hota hai?
120 minutes. - Sectional timing hota hai kya?
Yes. - Final merit kaise banta hai?
Mains + Interview. - RRB PO tough hai kya?
Moderate difficulty. - GA kitne marks ka hota hai?
40 marks (Mains). - Reasoning mains me kitne marks ka hota hai?
50 marks. - Quant mains me kitne marks ka hota hai?
50 marks. - Computer kitne marks ka hota hai?
20 marks. - RRB PO pattern change hota hai kya?
Rarely major changes; verify notification. - Local language check hota hai kya?
Yes, during LPT/Interview stage as per RRB norms.
Official Authority Links
- IBPS Official: https://www.ibps.in
- CRP-RRBs: https://www.ibps.in/crp-rrbs/