With the IBPS RRB Clerk Mains exam is set to be held on 1 February 2026, candidates can focus fully on their preparation. The exam evaluates skills in Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Reviewing trends from previous years helps aspirants identify important topics, understand question patterns, and plan a targeted strategy to maximize their scores.
IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Analysis Trend of Last 3 Years (2022–2024)
With the IBPS RRB Clerk Mains exam dates now officially announced, candidates can concentrate fully on their preparation. The exam follows a consistent structure, covering Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. By reviewing previous years’ trends (2022–2024), aspirants can pinpoint high-frequency topics, recurring question types, and key areas to prioritize for effective preparation.
1. Reasoning Ability Trends
Reasoning continues to be puzzle-dominated, with 5–6 major puzzle sets contributing 20–30 questions
- Core puzzles/arrangements appear every year: Floor/Flat, Month/Day, Designation, Box, Linear, Circular, and Uncertain persons.
- Syllogism, Direction–Distance, Blood Relation are consistent but in small numbers (1–5 Qs).
- New-age elements like Chinese or condition-based coding and Data Sufficiency are emerging since 2023.
- Prepare 6–7 puzzle types thoroughly, as they form the backbone of the reasoning section.
| Year | Key Puzzle/Arrangement Types | Questions from Puzzles |
Other Major Topics (Qs)
|
| 2022 | Sequencing; Circular (11, facing center); Linear (9, N/S); Day–Color; Designation–City; Uncertain persons | 25–30 |
Direction & Distance – 4; Inequality – 5; Blood Relation – 1
|
| 2023 | Box-based (10 boxes); Floor–Flat (3×2, cities); Designation/Post (9 posts); Circle (8, in/out); Month-based (Mar–Sep) | 25 |
Syllogism – 3–4; Direction & Distance – 1–2; Blood Relation – 3; Chinese Coding – 5; Word-based – 1; Uncertain line – 1
|
| 2024 | Floor–Flat; Age-based; Month-based; Uncertain persons; Linear (9, N/S); Circular | 30 (6 sets + uncertain) |
Syllogism – 3; Data Sufficiency – 2; Condition-based Coding – 4; Number-based – 1; Pair formation – 1
|
2. Quantitative Aptitude / Numerical Ability Trends
The QA section maintains a stable structure: 3 sets of DI + Arithmetic + 1–2 small topics (series/approx/simplification).
- DI questions have slightly increased (18 in 2024 vs 15 earlier).
- Arithmetic remains stable at 10–12 questions; focus on P&L, SI/CI, TSD, Time & Work, Partnership, Mensuration, Ratio & Percentage.
- Series/Approx/Simplification are always 8–10 combined, with the flavor changing yearly:
- 2022: Quadratic + Missing series
- 2023: Approx + Missing series + 1 Quadratic
- 2024: Simplification + Wrong number series
| Year | DI Pattern | Series / Approx. / Other |
Arithmetic Focus
|
| 2022 | Caselet – 5; Tabular – 5; Pie + Line – 5 | Missing Series – 5; Quadratic – 5 |
10 Qs: Percentage, P&L, Mixtures, S-T-D, Partnership, Train, Mensuration
|
| 2023 | Line Graph – 5–6; Tabular (Business/Economy) – 5; Total DI – 15 | Approx – 5; Missing Series – 5; Quadratic – 1 |
10 Qs: Avg, Percentage, TSD, CI/SI, P&L, Time & Work, Partnership, Age, Mensuration
|
| 2024 | Line Graph – 6; Tabular – 6; Caselet – 6 | Wrong Number Series – 4; Simplification – 6 |
12 Qs: Same core Arithmetic chapters
|
3. English Language Trends
English remains Easy to Moderate, with a consistent mix of RC, grammar, vocab, and rearrangement/jumble questions.
- RC is always 10–12 questions, generally on general topics like environment or social themes.
- Grammar (Error Detection) is fixed at 5 questions.
- Vocab & fillers combined contribute 15–20 questions.
- Rearrangement/Para-based questions are 9–10 per year.
| Year | RC | Grammar & Error | Vocab / Word-based | Rearrangement / Para Types | Other |
| 2022 | 12 Qs; single RC | Error Detection – 5 | Misspelt – 2; Fillers – 6; Cloze – 6 | Sentence Rearrangement – 5 |
4 new-type questions
|
| 2023 | 10 Qs; Nature & Environment | Error Detection – 5 | Syn/Ant – 6; Fillers – 5; Word Swap – 5 | Sentence Rearrangement – 4; Para Jumbles – 5 | Easy–Moderate |
| 2024 | 10 Qs RC | Error Detection – 5 | Cloze – 5; Vocab – 3; Inappropriate word – 5; Word usage – 2; Idioms – 1 | Para Jumble – 5; Para Completion – 4 |
Moderate but student-friendly
|
4. General Awareness Trends
GA is highly dynamic, but core areas remain stable: banking & regulatory awareness, government schemes, appointments, awards, and current affairs (last 4–6 months).
- Strong emphasis on banking/financial awareness: RBI terms, D-SIBs, KYC, scheduled/foreign banks, insurance, CEO/MD appointments.
- Government schemes & committees, international summits, awards, and sports are consistent.
- Current affairs from the last 4–6 months dominate, sometimes clustered heavily in a single month.
| Year | Focus Areas |
| 2022 |
Days & Events; Schemes (PMEGP, IGSRY, DDUGKY); Banking & RBI terms; Important posts; Sports & International bodies
|
| 2023 |
Intl/National Affairs (G20, BRICS, UNGA); Banking & economy; Awards & sports; Polity & offices
|
| 2024 |
GST Council; Scheme/insurance (Jeevan Raksha); Abbreviations; Awards; Sports; 40% questions from April
|
5. Computer Knowledge Trends
Computer Knowledge is considered the easiest section, with high repeat value.
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint features) and shortcut keys are highly repeated.
- Basic hardware/memory, input/output devices, and storage hierarchy are frequent.
- Internet & Networking, along with cybersecurity concepts (virus, phishing, hacking), are regularly tested.
| Year | Focus Areas |
| 2022 |
Networking, Shortcut keys, MS Office, Internet
|
| 2023 |
Basics (RAM, storage units, input devices), History (Babbage), OS, MS Office features, UPI Apps, Printers, Modem
|
| 2024 |
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Shortcut keys, Internet, Cybersecurity, Networking fundamentals
|
Key Areas for IBPS RRB Clerk Mains Preparation
The IBPS RRB Clerk Mains exam follows a fairly consistent pattern across sections, with some shifts in topics each year. Understanding high-frequency areas and recurring question types can help candidates prioritize their preparation and maximize scoring potential. The following actionable insights highlight what to focus on in each section.
Puzzle-heavy Reasoning, DI-focused Quant, and current affairs-rich GA are the scoring sections. English and Computer sections are moderate but predictable; regular practice ensures speed and accuracy.
- Reasoning: Master 6–7 core puzzle types, plus basic Syllogism, Direction-Distance, and Blood Relation. Include practice for new coding/Data Sufficiency.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on DI sets and 10–12 Arithmetic questions, while practicing changing patterns in series, approximation, or simplification.
- English Language: RC + Error Detection + Vocab + Rearrangement/Para-based questions dominate. Stick to 10–12 RCs, 5 grammar, 15–20 vocab/fillers, 9–10 rearrangements.
- General Awareness: Prioritize banking awareness, schemes, international summits, awards, and sports, especially latest 4–6 months.
- Computer Knowledge: Focus on MS Office, shortcut keys, basic hardware, networking, Internet, and cyber security.
High-Scoring Areas in IBPS RRB Clerk Mains
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Each Section
1. Reasoning Ability
- Ignoring puzzle patterns or overcomplicating easy sets.
- Skipping coding/data sufficiency practice.
- Blind guessing can lead to negative marking.
Tip: Focus on 6–7 puzzle types and practice regularly.
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Neglecting DI sets or pattern changes in series/approx.
- Calculation mistakes and poor time management.
Tip: Revise core arithmetic and practice shortcut methods.
3. English Language
- Spending too long on RCs, ignoring grammar or para jumbles.
- Random guesses can reduce marks.
Tip: Practice RCs, error detection, and rearrangement daily.
4. General Awareness
- Ignoring recent current affairs or banking updates.
- Memorizing irrelevant/outdated facts.
Tip: Focus on last 4–6 months of current affairs and banking terms.
5. Computer Knowledge
- Overlooking MS Office shortcuts and networking basics.
- Neglecting cybersecurity questions.
Tip: Revise basics and solve 10–15 MCQs daily.
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