IBPS RRB Exam Pattern 2026 – Complete Detailed Guide
Overview
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Regional Rural Banks (RRB) examination every year to recruit candidates for various posts such as Office Assistant (Clerk), Officer Scale I (Probationary Officer), Officer Scale II, and Officer Scale III in Regional Rural Banks across India.
Understanding the IBPS RRB 2026 exam pattern is essential because the structure varies depending on the post applied for. The selection process includes Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview (for Officer posts).
This article explains the IBPS RRB 2026 exam pattern in a detailed and clear manner.
Important Dates
The official IBPS RRB 2026 notification is expected to be released between May and June 2026.
Tentative schedule:
Notification Release: May–June 2026
Online Application Start Date: May–June 2026
Preliminary Exam: August 2026 (Expected)
Main Exam: September–October 2026
Interview (Officer Posts): November–December 2026
Final Result: Late 2026
Candidates should regularly check the official IBPS website for confirmed dates and updates.
Eligibility
To apply for IBPS RRB 2026, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria based on the post.
For Office Assistant and Officer Scale I, the minimum educational qualification required is a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
For Officer Scale II and III, additional qualifications and work experience are required as specified in the official notification.
The minimum age limit for Office Assistant is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 28 years.
For Officer Scale I, the minimum age limit is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 30 years.
For Officer Scale II, the age limit is generally 21 to 32 years.
For Officer Scale III, the age limit is generally 21 to 40 years.
Age relaxation is provided as per government norms for OBC, SC, ST, PwBD, and other reserved categories.
Candidates must meet nationality requirements as specified in the official notification.
Application Process
The IBPS RRB 2026 application process is conducted online through the official IBPS website.
Candidates must register online by providing personal details, educational qualifications, and other required information.
Applicants need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per IBPS guidelines.
Application fees vary depending on the post and category.
After submission, candidates should download and keep a copy of the application confirmation for future reference.
Selection Process
The IBPS RRB selection process depends on the post applied for.
For Office Assistant (Clerk), the selection process includes Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. There is no interview stage for this post.
The Preliminary Examination for Office Assistant includes Reasoning Ability and Numerical Ability.
Candidates who qualify in the Prelims are shortlisted for the Main Examination, which includes sections such as Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, English or Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge.
For Officer Scale I, the selection process includes Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview.
The Preliminary Examination for Officer Scale I includes Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude.
Candidates who qualify in the Prelims appear for the Main Examination, which includes sections such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English or Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge.
Candidates who clear the Main Examination are called for the Interview stage.
For Officer Scale II and III, there is no Preliminary Examination. Candidates directly appear for the Main Examination followed by Interview.
The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview (where applicable).
Salary
The salary structure varies depending on the post.
For Office Assistant, the starting basic pay is approximately ₹19,900 per month.
For Officer Scale I, the starting basic pay is approximately ₹36,000 per month.
Officer Scale II and III posts receive higher basic pay depending on scale and experience.
In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Special Allowance, and other benefits.
The in-hand salary varies depending on posting location and allowances.
Employees also receive benefits such as medical facilities, pension benefits, and career growth opportunities within Regional Rural Banks.
Direct Official Link
Candidates must refer only to the official Institute of Banking Personnel Selection website for accurate and updated information regarding IBPS RRB 2026:
Always verify exam pattern and eligibility details through the official notification before applying.