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IBPS PO vs IBPS RRB
IBPS PO: 100 questions, 100 marks, 60 minutes. IBPS RRB: 80 questions, 80 marks, 45 minutes. Both test Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
| IBPS PO Prelims | IBPS RRB PO & Clerk Prelims | |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Marks | 100 | 80 |
| Time | 60 min | 45 min |
| Seconds a question | 36 | 34 |
| Marking | A wrong answer costs a quarter of that question's marks. IBPS publishes section totals, so we spread marks evenly within each section. | +1 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer. Separate cutoffs for each section. |
| Sections | English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability | Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Numerical Ability |
| Languages | English, Hindi | English, Hindi |
| Age (UR) | 20–30 | 18–28 |
| Qualification | Degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent; must be a graduate on the day of registration (result declared on or before 21-07-2026). | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent, plus proficiency in the local language prescribed by the participating RRB (computer knowledge desirable). |
| Next exam | Not announced | 21 – 22 Nov 2026 (tentative) |
| Last cut-off (UR) | 49.21 / 100 (IBPS PO 2025 Prelims cutoff (for Mains shortlist), UR) | Not published |
| Mocks on RankVyuh | 9 full (2 free) | 10 full (2 free) |
Which should you prepare for?
- Both test Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
- Age: IBPS PO allows up to 30 (unreserved), IBPS RRB up to 28. Past 28, only IBPS PO stays open without relaxation.
- Qualification: IBPS PO needs degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent; must be a graduate on the day of registration (result declared on or before 21-07-2026); IBPS RRB needs bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent, plus proficiency in the local language prescribed by the participating rrb (computer knowledge desirable).
Neither is "easier": cut-offs move with vacancies and candidates every year. Take a free mock of each and compare your two reports; the gap to each exam's last cut-off is the honest answer.
FAQ
- Can I prepare for IBPS PO and IBPS RRB together?
- Yes. Both test Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths. Prepare those once, then the sections only one of them has.
- Which has negative marking, IBPS PO or IBPS RRB?
- IBPS PO: A wrong answer costs a quarter of that question's marks. IBPS publishes section totals, so we spread marks evenly within each section. IBPS RRB: +1 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer. Separate cutoffs for each section.
- What are the age limits for IBPS PO and IBPS RRB?
- IBPS PO: 20 to 30 for unreserved candidates (as on 2026-07-01). IBPS RRB: 18 to 28 (as on 2026-09-01). Category relaxations apply; check with the age-limit calculator.
Sources: official notifications of Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (website ) and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (website ); IBPS Detailed Notification, CRP PO/MT-XVI, dated 01-07-2026 (registration 01-07-2026 to 21-07-2026); IBPS Detailed Notification, CRP RRBs-XV (Officers Scale I/II/III and Office Assistants), dated 01-09-2026. Age-limit calculator · All comparisons