IBPS RRB PO Syllabus: The IBPS RRB PO exam stands for Institute of Banking Personnel Selection—Regional Rural Bank. It is the self-governing institute of IBPS, which is a research-based organization that brings a lot of job opportunities across the banking sector. The organizations that manage and administer IBPS include RBI, NIBM, and the Finance Ministry of India.
Thousands of vacancies are released for IBPS RRB PO exams every year, but it would also vary from time to time depending on the open positions. Candidates appearing for the IBPS RRB PO exam need to ensure that they are aware of the latest syllabus and exam pattern. An official notification is released.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration | 1 Aug 2025 – 30 Aug 2025 |
| Prelims Exam | 22 Nov 2025 – 23 Nov 2025 |
| Mains Exam | 28 Dec 2025 |
The IBPS RRB PO exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Understanding the IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern 2024 is essential for effective preparation, as it provides insights into the subject-wise sections, number of questions, maximum marks, and time duration.
The IBPS full form is the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, which conducts the IBPS RRB PO exam in an online multiple-choice question (MCQ) format. Except for the English and Hindi Language sections, all other subjects are available in both English and Hindi. The exam follows a structured marking system, including both sectional and overall cutoffs. Additionally, there is a negative marking scheme, where 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer in the IBPS RRB PO Syllabus.
The IBPS RRB PO exam pattern, as outlined in the syllabus, provides candidates with a clear understanding of the mark distribution across various topics. The exam consists of three different stages. For detailed information and updates, candidates should refer to the official website of IBPS.
The candidate must clear each step to move on to the next. In the sections below, we have discussed the IBPS RRB PO exam pattern in detail across different units.
Prelims are one of the most important stages for candidates appearing in the IBPS RRB Prelims PO exam pattern. The prelims exam is held for 45 minutes and is divided into two sections: Reasoning and Numerical Ability. Each section carries 40 marks, bringing the total to 80 marks. As per the RRB PO Prelims Syllabus, the exam is conducted online in Hindi, English, or the Regional language. In the event of a wrong answer, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks in the IBPS RRB PO exam pattern.
Refer to the table below for the detailed exam pattern of the IBPS RRB PO Prelims exam 2025:
| Name of the test | Medium of Exam | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning | Hindi/English/Regional Language* | 40 | 40 | Composite time of 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Hindi/English/Regional Language* | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 80 | 80 |
The aspirants must clear this stage to proceed to the next round, the final interview. The key to clearing this round is to be familiar with the IBPS RRB PO Syllabus and exam pattern. All aspirants must carefully read the 200 questions before answering them. There is no official information yet on whether there is a negative marking for the 2025 Mains exam or not in the IBPS RRB PO Syllabus.
Candidates can find the detailed IBPS RRB PO Mains exam pattern in the table below:
| Name of the Test | Medium of the exam | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning Ability | Hindi/English | 40 | 50 | Composite time of 120 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Hindi/English | 40 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | Hindi/English | 40 | 40 | |
| English Language | English | 40 | 40 | |
| Hindi Language | Hindi | 40 | 40 | |
| Computer Knowledge | Hindi/English | 40 | 20 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
IBPS RRB PO Syllabus for Prelims Exam is Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude, or Numerical Ability, are the main parts of the RRB PO Prelims Syllabus. The candidates must be familiar with each topic and its weight, as this will make it easier for them to understand how to prepare for the exam. Once the candidates are familiar with what topics to learn in the RRB PO Prelims Syllabus, they will be able to create a proper preparation strategy.
The weightage will help students get an idea of the marking across each topic in the IBPS RRB PO exam pattern. Hence, they can streamline their preparation based on that. Candidates must ensure that they are going through every section and unit outlined in the IBPS RRB PO exam pattern so that they can prepare for the exam accordingly.
The IBPS RRB PO Prelims Logical Reasoning Syllabus tests problem-solving and analytical skills. It includes topics like Coding & Decoding, Inequalities, Syllogisms, Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, and Data Sufficiency. Other areas covered are Arrangement & Pattern, Blood Relations, Ordering & Ranking, Directions & Distances, and Verbal Reasoning. These topics assess logical thinking, relationships, sequences, and reasoning abilities.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Coding & Decoding | Letter shifting, analogy-based coding, fictitious language, word coding |
| Inequalities | Coded letter relations, mathematical operation-based inequalities |
| Syllogisms | Direct, possibility-based, and negative information-based questions |
| Seating Arrangements | Linear (single/double row), Circular (uni- & bi-directional), Blood Relations, Double Lineup |
| Puzzles | Floor-based, scheduling (work & departments), and double lineup |
| Data Sufficiency | Scheduling, Blood Relations, Directions, Arrangements, and Order & Ranking |
| Arrangement & Pattern | Alphabet & number sequences, mixed series, dictionary/alphabet-based arrangements |
| Blood Relations | Family tree problems, coded blood relations |
| Ordering & Ranking | Arranging by age, height, weight, rank, and position in a row |
| Directions & Distances | Questions on position, movement, and relative distances |
| Verbal Reasoning | Letter-based, meaningful words-based, general knowledge-based, and number-based reasoning |
The Quantitative Aptitude section of the IBPS RRB PO Prelims exam carries 40 marks and assesses candidates on various mathematical concepts. Key topics include Data Interpretation, Algebra, Number Series, Simplification, and Data Sufficiency. Candidates must be proficient in solving problems related to percentages, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, simple & compound interest, time & work, and mensuration. Additional areas covered include probability, selection & arrangement, averages, speed-related problems, and boat & river calculations. The section evaluates numerical ability and logical reasoning through diverse question types.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Line Graphs, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables, Infographics, Missing Data Caselets |
| Algebra | Linear Equations (one/two variables), Quadratic Equations |
| Number Series | Finding the missing/wrong term, completing the series |
| Simplification | BODMAS Rule, Approximation |
| Data Sufficiency | Questions on Number System, Averages, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Interest, Time & Work, Mensuration, Mixtures & Alligations |
| Miscellaneous | Problems on Age, Work Efficiency, Installments, Pipes & Cisterns, Relative Speed, Trains, Boats & Rivers, Basic Probability, Arrangements |
| Comparison of Quantities | Questions on Number System, Averages, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Interest, Time & Work, Mensuration, Mixtures & Alligations |
After the Prelims, the Mains is one of the most important and prominent exams for candidates. Once they clear their Prelims, they will be promoted to the Mains. The aspirants must prepare thoroughly and pass this stage. It allows them to prioritize their preparation. Below, we have provided the IBPS RRB PO syllabus for Mains based on their priority level:
The IBPS RRB PO Mains General Awareness section evaluates candidates on financial and banking awareness, current affairs, and general knowledge. It covers topics such as economic policies, budget details, roles of financial institutions like RBI and NABARD, international trade, and exchange rates. Candidates must stay updated on national and international news, government schemes, important appointments, and banking developments. Additionally, the section includes static general knowledge topics like capitals, currencies, famous landmarks, environmental facts, and major government initiatives.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial/ Banking Awareness | Covers banking and economic updates, budget insights, economic surveys, financial institutions (RBI, NABARD, SIDBI), global currencies, trade policies, acquisitions, GDP growth, and exchange rates. |
| Current Affairs | Focuses on recent events in banking, economy, politics, national and international news, books and authors, government schemes, new appointments, and policy changes. |
| General Knowledge/ Static Awareness | Includes science, environmental studies, important dams, power plants, stadiums, bank headquarters, airports, cabinet reshuffles, GST updates, and significant resignations and appointments. |
The IBPS RRB PO Mains Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section assesses logical thinking, analytical skills, and basic computer knowledge. It includes topics like syllogism, coding-decoding, inequalities, and puzzles such as linear and circular seating arrangements. Questions may involve blood relations, ordering and ranking, machine input-output, and data sufficiency. The verbal and critical reasoning part tests analytical decision-making, cause-effect relationships, and logical arguments. Computer aptitude covers fundamental computer concepts, number systems, and flowcharts. The section requires candidates to solve complex problems that may combine multiple reasoning elements to increase difficulty.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Syllogism | Includes reverse syllogism, possibility-based, and negative information-based questions. |
| Coding & Decoding | Involves fictitious language coding, new coding-decoding patterns, and clock-based coding. |
| Coded Inequalities | Requires decoding relationships between letters and solving logical inequalities. |
| Direction & Distance | Covers statement-based problems, route and network-based questions, and may include ranking elements. |
| Ordering & Ranking | Includes floor-based and box-based puzzles, arranging elements by age, height, weight, and rank. |
| Blood Relations | Questions based on family trees and coded relationships. |
| Machine Input & Output | Involves identifying patterns and applying operations to input-output problems. |
| Arrangement & Pattern | Covers number and alphabet sequences and various arrangement-based puzzles. |
| Data Sufficiency | Involves determining whether given data is sufficient to answer questions related to ordering, coding, blood relations, and scheduling. |
| Verbal & Critical Reasoning | Includes analytical decision-making, cause-effect, assumptions, inferences, arguments, and logical reasoning. |
| Computer Aptitude | Covers basics of computers, number systems, and flowchart-related problems. |
| Scheduling | Includes complex scheduling problems with multiple variables and conditions. |
| Linear Seating Arrangement | Single or double rows with individuals facing in the same or opposite directions, sometimes combined with ranking or blood relations. |
| Circular Seating Arrangement | Problems involving people seated in circular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal formations, sometimes with additional complexities. |
| Puzzle | Includes floor puzzles, double lineup problems, and other multi-variable logic puzzles. |
The IBPS RRB PO Syllabus Mains English Language section evaluates candidates’ comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structuring abilities. It includes reading comprehension passages on topics like banking, economy, and social issues, with questions testing factual understanding, inferences, and vocabulary. Grammar-based questions focus on error spotting, phrase replacement, and sentence correction, covering concepts such as tenses, prepositions, and subject-verb agreement. The section also includes cloze tests, para jumbles, and fill-in-the-blank exercises to assess contextual understanding. Additionally, vocabulary-based questions like word association pairs test candidates’ ability to identify synonyms and antonyms.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Passages based on banking, economy, business, and social issues with fact-based, inference-based, and vocabulary-related questions. |
| Error Spotting & Phrase Replacement | Identifying grammatical errors and correcting phrases, covering tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, parallelism, pronouns, adverbs, and sentence construction. |
| Cloze Test | Passage with 5-10 blanks where candidates must choose the most suitable word, sometimes with suggested options in brackets. |
| Para Jumbles & Sentence Arrangement | Arranging sentences in the correct sequence or identifying the odd sentence in a given set. |
| Fill in the Blanks & Sentence Completion | Completing sentences or paragraphs by choosing the most appropriate word or phrase, including double filler exercises. |
| Word Association Pair | Identifying pairs of words that share synonym or antonym relationships, testing vocabulary knowledge. |
After passing the RRB PO Mains exam, eligible candidates are invited by IBPS to the Interview process. This critical stage has a weightage of 100 points. To qualify for this stage, candidates must score at least 40%, with ST/SC/OBC/PWD candidates scoring somewhat lower at 35%.
The interview is an important part of the RRB PO selection process because it helps assess candidates’ suitability for the position.
Here are some efficient preparation tactics for the IBPS Regional Rural Banks Probationary Officer (RRB PO) exam:
The IBPS RRB PO Syllabus 2025 is of utmost importance for aspirants looking to clear the exam with flying colors. A thorough understanding of the syllabus helps in strategic preparation, enabling candidates to score quickly in each subject. By focusing on the weightage of topics and the difficulty level of questions in each issue, candidates can plan their preparation accordingly. They can allocate more time to topics with a higher weight and practice more on topics they find difficult.
Moreover, knowing the exam pattern and syllabus helps candidates plan out the exam day. They can allocate time for each section and plan their approach for attempting questions in each section. This also helps in avoiding last-minute confusion and stress during the exam. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the IBPS RRB PO Syllabus 2025, coupled with strategic preparation, can help aspirants clear the exam with ease and achieve their desired score.
Recommended Read:
Ans. The syllabus for IBPS RRB PO for Prelims and Mains exam of all subjects is discussed above. Aspirants can scroll up to check the syllabus.
Ans. It is slightly difficult to compare the difficulty level of the RRB PO and IBPS PO exams. This is because both exams test different skill sets. The RRB PO exam is conducted for the recruitment of Probationary Officers in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), which primarily serve rural areas. On the other hand, the IBPS PO exam is conducted for the recruitment of Probationary Officers in public sector banks across the country.
Ans. Yes, the IBPS RRB PO prelims exam is qualifying in nature. The scores obtained in the IBPS RRB PO prelims exam are not considered for the final selection of candidates but are used to shortlist candidates for the next stage of the selection process, which is the IBPS RRB PO mains exam. Therefore, candidates need to prepare well for the IBPS RRB PO prelims exam to qualify for the next stage of the selection process.
Ans. The difficulty level of the IBPS RRB PO exam depends on the candidate’s preparation and understanding of the exam pattern. The RRB PO Prelims exam is relatively easier whereas the RRB PO Mains is tougher.
Ans. The initial in-hand salary for an IBPS RRB PO (Officer Scale I) ranges from ₹29,000 to ₹33,000 per month, with a gross salary potentially reaching ₹50,000 to ₹55,000, depending on allowances and location.
The IBPS RRB PO 2025 notification hasn’t been released yet. It’s expected to come out around August or September this year. The prelims are likely in November, so keep an eye on updates and stay prepared.
Authored by, Nidhi Kukreja
Exam Prep Advisor
Nidhi is a passionate writer who specializes in long-form, research-backed content that delivers real value. Whether she’s writing blog articles or creating educational modules, she focuses on making complex topics clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Her content is designed to build knowledge and credibility, helping readers gain deeper insights with every piece.
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