The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2025 examination was conducted today across multiple centres, and candidates who appeared for the test have shared valuable feedback regarding the difficulty level, types of questions, and overall paper pattern. This shift-wise analysis will help aspirants appearing in upcoming slots understand the trend, set realistic expectations, and fine-tune their revision strategy accordingly. The overall structure of the exam remained consistent with the previous years, with two major sections: Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude.
As per initial responses, the exam remained moderate in difficulty, with a few variations across shifts. Some sections were slightly lengthier than expected, especially calculation-based questions in Quant. Below is the detailed breakdown of each shift along with the section-wise difficulty level and good attempts.
Table of Contents
Overall Difficulty Level – All Shifts
Shift 1: Easy to Moderate
Shift 2: Moderate
Shift 3: Easy to Moderate
Shift 4: Moderate
Candidates who prepared thoroughly for puzzles, number series, and simplification questions found the exam manageable. However, those who are less comfortable with speed maths faced time pressure in some shifts.
IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2025 Exam Pattern
The exam consisted of 80 questions for 80 marks, divided into two sections:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 40 | 45 minutes (combined) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 | |
| Total | 80 | 80 | 45 minutes |
There was no change in the pattern, and candidates had to manage both sections within a combined time limit.
Shift-Wise Exam Analysis
Shift 1 Analysis
Overall Level: Easy to Moderate
Reasoning Ability: Mostly easy. Questions were dominated by puzzles, syllogism, direction sense, and blood relation.
Quant Section: Moderate. Simplification and number series were easy, but arithmetic questions were slightly longer.
Good Attempts: 63–68
Shift 2 Analysis
Overall Level: Moderate
Reasoning Ability: Some puzzles were time-consuming, particularly the seating arrangement sets. Inequality and coding-decoding were easy.
Quant Section: Calculation-heavy arithmetic and DI made the paper moderate.
Good Attempts: 58–64
Shift 3 Analysis
Overall Level: Easy to Moderate
Reasoning Ability: Straightforward questions with a focus on linear seating arrangements, pair-based puzzles, and alphanumeric series.
Quant Section: Balanced paper with a mix of calculative and direct questions.
Good Attempts: 62–67
Shift 4 Analysis
Overall Level: Moderate
Reasoning Ability: Puzzle difficulty slightly increased. Input-output and direction sense were easy.
Quant Section: DI was trickier than other shifts, and arithmetic questions required more time.
Good Attempts: 57–63
Section-Wise Breakdown
Reasoning Ability
Key topics included:
Puzzles & Sitting Arrangements (40–50% of the section)
Syllogism
Direction & Distance
Blood Relation
Alphanumeric Series
Coding-Decoding
Most puzzles were 3–5 variable types, making them solvable within time.
Quantitative Aptitude
Frequently asked topics:
Simplification/Approximation
Number Series
Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work, Percentage)
Data Interpretation (Tabular, Bar Graph)
Simplification remained the scoring part, whereas DI varied in difficulty across shifts.
Conclusion
The IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2025 exam maintained a predictable pattern with a difficulty level ranging between easy to moderate across shifts. Candidates with strong command over basics, particularly puzzles and speed-based arithmetic, were able to attempt a high number of questions. For those appearing in upcoming shifts, maintaining accuracy, selecting manageable questions first, and avoiding lengthy puzzles can significantly improve score and confidence.
