Quick answer
IBPS RRB PO & Clerk Prelims has 80 questions for 80 marks in 45 minutes (25 + 20). Sections: Reasoning (40 questions, 25 min), Quantitative Aptitude / Numerical Ability (40 questions, 20 min). +1 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer. Separate cutoffs for each section.
Section-wise pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 25 min | 38 seconds |
| Quantitative Aptitude / Numerical Ability | 40 | 40 | 20 min | 30 seconds |
| Total | 80 | 80 | 45 minutes (25 + 20) |
Marking scheme
+1 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer. Separate cutoffs for each section.
On exam day
Reasoning opens first with 25 minutes, then Quant with 20 minutes. You cannot go back to a closed section.
Practise on the real IBPS RRB pattern
6 full mocks with the same sections, timer and marking. The first two are free.
Questions students ask
How many questions are there in IBPS RRB PO & Clerk Prelims?
80 questions for 80 marks, in 45 minutes (25 + 20).
Is there negative marking in IBPS RRB?
+1 for each correct answer, −0.25 for each wrong answer. Separate cutoffs for each section.
What is the IBPS RRB exam interface like?
Reasoning opens first with 25 minutes, then Quant with 20 minutes. You cannot go back to a closed section.
What is the IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Prelims pattern?
80 questions in 45 minutes: Reasoning (40 questions, 25 minutes) and Quantitative Aptitude or Numerical Ability (40 questions, 20 minutes), one mark each.
When are the IBPS RRB 2026 Prelims?
IBPS's tentative calendar puts RRB PO Prelims on 21–22 November and RRB Clerk Prelims on 6, 12 and 13 December 2026. Confirm on ibps.in.
Is the RRB PO prelims paper the same as RRB Clerk?
The pattern is the same: 40 Reasoning and 40 Quant questions in 45 minutes. The PO paper is usually a little harder.