IBPS RRB Clerk Difficulty Level, Check All Subject-wise Difficult Topics

There comes a time in every aspirant’s life during their preparation where they wonder about the IBPS RRB Clerk difficulty level. Honestly, the answer isn’t black or white. But we can surely say that it’s not impossible to crack. With smart preparation, the right resources, and proper strategy, you can definitely crack it on your first attempt. On a basic level, the RRB Clerk Exam is considered moderate in difficulty, especially when compared to other bank exams like IBPS PO or SBI PO. But that doesn’t give you the edge to be careless. The competition is still high, and even a single mark can make a huge difference. So, in this article, we’ll be discussing the IBPS RRB Clerk Difficulty Level, and you can also check all subject-wise difficult topics.

IBPS RRB Clerk Difficulty Level, Check All Subject-wise Difficult Topics

IBPS RRB Clerk is definitely a very competitive exam, but it’s not impossible to crack. The IBPS RRB Clerk exam has two stages: Prelims and Mains. Prelims includes Reasoning and Numerical Ability, while the Mains adds General Awareness, English/Hindi Language, and Computer Knowledge. Difficulty also depends on your personal strengths. But with a smart approach and consistency, anyone can crack it.

Reasoning Ability : Master with Practice

Reasoning is all about logic, patterns, and speed. While many find this section scoring, some topics can get a bit tricky. These types often come in sets, so if you can’t crack the logic quickly, time slips away fast. But the good news is, practice can make you a master of Reasoning Ability

Difficult Topics:

• Puzzles & Seating Arrangements (most time-consuming)
• Input-Output
• Blood Relations (when mixed with puzzles)
• Direction Sense (when lengthy)

Numerical Ability : Calculation is the Key

Numerical ability can be a nightmare if you’re not comfortable with numbers. But again, of course with practice, you can master it too. Candidates usually struggle with speed here. Make sure your basic arithmetic is strong, and learn a few quick tricks for calculations.

Difficult Topics:

• Data Interpretation (DI)
• Caselet DI
• Simplification & Approximation (when values are tricky)
• Quadratic Equations
• Missing/Wrong Number Series

General Awareness : Vast But Scoring

General Awareness appears in the Mains exam and can really boost your overall marks if done right. But the students often get lost since the syllabus isn’t well-defined and is so vast. It’s advised to not try to cram everything; instead, you need to follow a reliable source consistently.

Difficult Topics:

• Current Affairs (last 6 months minimum)
• Static GK (Banking Awareness, Important Days, etc.)
• Government Schemes
• RBI-related updates

Computer Knowledge – Easy to Moderate

Computer Knowledge is the shortest section and often considered the easiest, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. Most students score well here with just a week or two of focused prep.

Difficult Topics:

• Basics of Computer (Hardware and Software)
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Internet & Networking
• Shortcuts and Abbreviations
• Basics of DBMS and Cyber Security

IBPS RRB Clerk and Other Banking Exams : A Comparison

In the table below, you can see a comparison and key differences between different banking exams.

Exam	Difficulty Level	Key Differences
IBPS RRB Clerk	Easy to Moderate	Regional language option, simpler paper pattern, focused on rural banking awareness
IBPS PO	Moderate to Tough	Involves interview stage, more complex reasoning and quant sections
SBI Clerk	Moderate	Slightly more tricky reasoning/English, higher competition due to SBI’s brand value
RBI Assistant	Moderate	Similar pattern, but stricter cutoff and tighter selection process
LIC Assistant	Moderate	Involves Insurance-related questions, limited attempts

Is IBPS RRB Clerk easy?

Well, it’s considered easier than IBPS PO and SBI Clerk, mostly because there’s no interview round, the difficulty level of questions is lower, and the competition is more regionalized, as vacancies are state-wise. But that doesn’t mean that you can take it lightly. It’s still very competitive. Your speed, strategy, and consistency will decide everything.

Final Thoughts

The IBPS RRB Clerk exam tests your speed, accuracy, and strategy. It’s not always about studying harder but about knowing what to study and how much. Identify your weak areas, give them more attention, and play to your strengths in the exam. Prepare smart, not just hard. You need to remember that every topper once felt clueless. What sets them apart is consistency and the right approach.

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