IBPS RRB PO is one of the most competitive opportunities among banking students. The selection process includes three stages, which are Prelims, Mains and Interview. The preliminary exam is going to be conducted on 22 & 23 November. The prelims exam consists of two sections: Reasoning and Quants. Out of this, today we are going to discuss the strategy to score 40/40 in RRB PO Reasoning section.
IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern: Reasoning Section
Before starting the IBPS RRB PO reasoning preparation, candidates can check the IBPS RRB PO Reasoning exam pattern and syllabus 2025. Candidates can check the Prelims and Mains pattern overview in the section below.
- Prelims: The Reasoning section consists of 40 questions carrying 40 marks, with a sectional time limit of approximately 22–23 minutes (out of the total 45-minute duration for Prelims).
- Mains: The Reasoning section includes 40 questions for 50 marks, with a sectional time limit within the 120-minute total duration.
- Negative Marking: A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer in both stages.
- Difficulty Level: The Prelims Reasoning section is typically Easy to Moderate, while the Mains is Moderate to Difficult, requiring deeper analytical skills.
IBPS RRB PO Prelims Topic Wise Weightage – Reasoning
In the table below, we have given IBPS RRB PO Prelims Topic-wise Weightage of the reasoning section.
| IBPS RRB PO Prelims Topic Wise Weightage – Reasoning | |||||||
| Topics | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Puzzles and Seating Arrangement | 20-25 | 20-25 | 20-22 | 20-25 | 20-25 | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| Direction & Distance | 2-4 | 0-3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Alphabet Test | – | 0-1 | – | 2 | 2 | – | 2 |
| Coding-Decoding | 0-5 | 0-5 | – | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Inequality | 3-5 | 3-5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Syllogism | 3-5 | 3-5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Blood Relation | 3-4 | 2-4 | 3 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 3 | 2-3 |
| Alphanumeric Test | – | – | – | 2-3 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Order Ranking | 0-3 | 0-2 | – | 3-4 | 3-4 | 3-5 | 3-4 |
| Number Arrangement | – | 0-1 | – | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2 |
| Miscellaneous | 3-4 | 2-5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Strategy to score 40/40 in RRB PO Reasoning Section
In this section, we are going to discuss how you should strategise your preparation for the upcoming exam. So that you can gear up your preparation and perform better in the examination. Generally RRB PO reasoning section overall score goes up to 38-39 marks. So you can target to score of 40 by using the preparation strategy below. One more thing to note, you’ve to devote 4 hours to the reasoning section to score this many marks.
Start your preparation by solving number series and other miscellaneous topics
Some people have just given the LIC AAO exam, and they must have done rigorous practice of puzzles and seating arrangements. After such a hectic period, you need to slow down your preparation pace. But make sure that your preparation is continuous. To maintain consistency, you need to practice daily. While puzzles and seating arrangements might feel heavy this time. Start solving miscellaneous problems such as odd one out, number series, pair formation, word formation, etc.
Solve at least 100 questions of each puzzle type before the examination
The most asked seating arrangement types are linear seating arrangement, circular seating arrangement, and square seating arrangement. Whereas when it comes to puzzle types, then Flat and floor-based arrangements, box-based puzzles, uncertain, day and month-based puzzles are the most asked ones. To get a better score, you need to solve at least 100 questions of each type. This will help you master the art of selecting questions to solve.
Practice topic tests or sectional tests at regular intervals
Reasoning is a subject that can be mastered by practice only. The more you practice, the better you will solve the questions in the real examination. Also, if you practice in an exam-like environment, you will get accustomed to handling exam pressure, and this will help you a lot on the actual exam.
Analyse the answers and revisit the mistakes you made before giving another test
Taking mock tests without doing any thorough analysis is a waste of your time and effort. It is necessary to analyse each mock answer very carefully. See how many questions are left unattempted and how many questions are wrong. Take note of all these parameters and revisit them before you take another mock. This will ensure that you won’t repeat the same mistakes again and again.
Mistakes to avoid while preparing for IBPS RRB PO Reasoning section
Let’s discuss some of the common mistakes that aspirants generally commit while preparing for the examination. We advise you to go through these sections of the blog and keep these things in mind while you’re preparing the reasoning section to avoid the wastage of time and effort.
1. Starting with Puzzles Without Basics
Many aspirants begin preparation directly with puzzles and seating arrangements. Without mastering basics like syllogism, inequality, and direction sense, it becomes difficult to solve complex questions accurately.
2. Ignoring Miscellaneous Topics
Focusing only on puzzles is not enough. Miscellaneous topics such as blood relation, coding-decoding, and order ranking can help you get quick and sure-shot marks.
3. Skipping Mock Analysis
Attempting mock tests without proper analysis is a common error. Reviewing each test helps identify weak areas and improve accuracy for the next attempt.
4. Lack of Time Management
Spending too long on a single puzzle can lower your attempts. Learn to switch between questions wisely to maintain speed and balance.
5. Irregular Practice
Reasoning requires daily practice. Inconsistent preparation reduces problem-solving efficiency and affects performance in the actual exam. Also, when you’re inconsistent, you’ve to revise the concepts or tricks each time before practising the questions.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed in detail about the strategy to score 40/40 marks in the reasoning section of RRB PO exam. We know that scoring 40 is not a piece of cake, but if you’re consistent in your preparation, then it is very much possible to achieve. To practice questions, you can take our test series, and to understand the concepts, you can take a subscription to our banking courses.
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IBPS RRB PO 2025 Related Link
| IBPS RRB PO Salary | IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern |
| IBPS RRB PO Cut Off | IBPS RRB PO Previous Year Question Papers |
FAQs
To score 40/40, focus on concept clarity, consistent practice, and mock test analysis. Prioritise high-weightage topics like puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogism, and inequality.
Puzzles and seating arrangements dominate the section, followed by coding-decoding, blood relation, direction & distance, and syllogism. Practice at least 100 questions from each major topic to build accuracy.
Devote at least one hour daily. Divide your time between practising puzzles, revising basics, and taking sectional or topic tests to strengthen both speed and accuracy.
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