IBPS RRB Clerk

How to Score 40/40 in RRB Clerk Reasoning Section?

Home » IBPS RRB Clerk » How to Score 40/40 in RRB Clerk Reasoning Section?

RRB Clerk 2025 is scheduled to be conducted from December 6 onwards. In such a scenario, there are almost two months left. And to ace this exam, two months are more than sufficient if you utilise this properly. Another important thing to note is that the cutoff usually goes very high. It has often been noticed that the cutoff goes to approximately 38-39, and in some cases, it is 40 out of 40. In such a situation, it has become necessary to aim for 40 out of 40 and cover the syllabus. Now the question comes, how to prepare to score maximum in the RRB Clerk reasoning section? In this blog, let’s decode the pathway to score 40/40 in the RRB Clerk Reasoning Section.  

IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Reasoning Exam Pattern 2025

The IBPS RRB Clerk prelims reasoning section consists of 40 questions of 40 marks. Candidates can check the prelims reasoning section exam pattern below.

  • Name of the Section: Reasoning
  • Number of Questions: 40
  • Total Marks: 40
  • Time Duration: 25 minutes
  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims: Topic-wise weightage of the Reasoning section

In the table below, we have given topic-wise weightage of the Reasoning section for RRB Clerk Prelims exam.

                    IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Topic Wise Weightage – Reasoning
Topics20242023202220212020
Puzzles and Seating Arrangement15-2015-2015-2215-2015-20
Syllogism3-52-54-555
Inequality3-52-53-545
Direction Sense0-33-50-53
Pairing0-10-11
Blood Relation0-31-30-32
Word Formation0-10-31
Coding-Decoding0-51-50-55
Order and Ranking0-30-3
Alpha-Numeric series553-545
Alphabet/Number Series54-50-545
Misc2-32-50-20-20-1

Strategy to score 40/40 in RRB Clerk Reasoning Section

In this section, we are talking about the strategy to score 40/40 in RRB Clerk Reasoning section. Almost two months are left. Use this strategy and make the most of this time period and opportunity. 

Start your preparation with miscellaneous topics

If you’re someone who has just taken IBPS Clerk exam after preparing properly, a majority of your preparation is already done. Even if you haven’t prepared properly, there is still time. The point we are trying to make is that you can get started with miscellaneous topics such as pair formation, odd one out, alphanumeric series, blood relation, coding decoding, word formation and order & ranking. This way, you will not get bored solving puzzles & seating arragement again & again. Please note that we are not suggesting to skip puzzles & seating arrangement topic. You may practice it after a week.

Start solving seating arrangement puzzles first

Whenever you’re starting to solve the puzzle questions, try to solve linear seating arrangement, then move to circular seating arrangement, and after this, you should solve parallel seating arrangement puzzles. Similarly, in flat and floor-based puzzles, solve the easy ones and then gradually increase the difficulty level. 

Practising questions can help in the right selection of questions

As you practice questions, you will get an idea of where you are lacking in terms of question selection. You need to understand that this exam demands speed and accuracy. Now, having a balance of speed and accuracy is like walking on a tightrope. As you practice more questions, you will gain proficiency in understanding questions of different difficulty levels which will make your job of selecting questions easier. If you get stuck on a single question for too long, then you might miss 3-4 easy ones where you can get the marks very easily.

Mock test to analyse the performance and become exam-ready

Mock tests help the students to get accustomed to the real exam environment. It helps aspirants to get habituated to exam pressure and learn the art of handling it. You can take our mock tests as they are designed by exam experts who have been tracking this exam for almost a decade. It also provides you with an AIR to get an idea of your examination level based on which you should prepare accordingly. 

How to Approach the Reasoning section while giving a Mock test

Use this step-by-step process to approach the reasoning section while taking the mock test, so that you’ll get habituated with this method and use this on the exam day as well. In the first mock, you might end up solving only 40% of the questions in 25 minutes, but as you solve more mocks (coupled with your analysis of attempts and working on weak areas), you might achieve an 80% score.

  • In the first minute, select the miscellaneous one-liner questions, such as alphanumeric series, word formation, pair formation, odd one out and solve them.
  • Now move towards solving Blood Relation, Order and Ranking, Direction-distance questions.
  • Once you’re done with this, move towards puzzles and seating arrangements. While you were practising the questions, you got an idea of which patterns you’re able to solve quickly and where you get stuck. So in the examination, make sure to use that knowledge and solve those puzzles first, which will take less time.
  • Try to use slow systems and smaller text in practice so your pace doesn’t depend on ideal conditions. Try to remain calm while you’re choosing the questions, use keyboard/mouse efficiently, and keep a short buffer for marking and final revisits before you tap on the submit button.
  • This is an indicative strategy. You can try different strategies in different mock tests and select the one which suits you the best.

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided all the necessary details regarding the strategy or approach to score 40/40 in the RRB clerk reasoning section under 25 minutes. To practice more such reasoning questions, you can take one full-length mock test and 3 topic tests absolutely free! Additionally, you can buy our test series for more practicing sessions.

Join our exclusive Telegram group where our experts are ready to answer all your queries, guide you in banking exam preparation, and give personalised tips to boost your success. Get access to real-time solutions, expert advice, and valuable resources to improve your study journey. [Click here to join now

IBPS RRB PO 2025 Related Link

IBPS RRB PO SalaryIBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern
IBPS RRB PO Cut OffIBPS RRB PO Previous Year Question Papers

FAQs

What are the most important topics in the RRB Clerk Reasoning section?

The key topics include Puzzles & Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Inequality, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, and Alphanumeric Series. These areas collectively carry the highest weightage in the exam.

Are puzzles really that important for scoring 40/40?

Yes, Puzzles and Seating Arrangements make up 50–60% of the Reasoning section. Mastering different types like Circular, Linear, Floor, Box, and Day-Based puzzles can help you achieve a perfect score.

How many mock tests should I attempt before the exam?

At least 15–20 full-length mocks and 30–40 sectional tests are recommended. Reviewing each mock is more important than the number of tests you take — this helps improve time management and reduces silly mistakes.

Muskan Sharma

A passionate content writer with diverse domain expertise, I bring with me the analytical rigor of a former UPSC and Banking aspirant. Having prepared for exams like SBI PO, Clerk, and other banking and insurance exams, I understand the mindset, challenges, and strategies needed to crack them. My journey from exam halls to content creation is fueled by a deep curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for learning. I believe in growing continuously and exploring new knowledge across fields, making every piece of content both insightful and relatable for aspirants.

Recent Posts

IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, 7th December, Check Shift 1 Good Attempts

Click on the Blog to check IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims 2025 Shift 1 section‑wise analysis,…

2 hours ago

How to Start Your Reasoning Preparation for SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam?

Prepare for SSC CHSL Tier 2 Reasoning with syllabus, study plan, tips, and free mock…

3 hours ago

History Questions for RRB NTPC, Download Free PDF

Download free History PDF for RRB NTPC, practice top repeated questions, attempt free topic tests,…

14 hours ago

OICL AO 2025 Study Plan, Complete 30-Day Preparation Guide

OICL AO 2025 study plan with strategy, important topics to be prepared on priority and…

16 hours ago

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Analysis 2025, Check Good Attempt & Difficulty Level

RBI Grade B Phase 2 Exam Analysis 2025: Check section-wise difficulty level, expected good attempts,…

19 hours ago

IBPS RRB Clerk 2025 Cut Off, Prelims State-Wise Expected Marks

IBPS RRB Clerk Expected Cut Off 2025 has been released based on the previous year's…

22 hours ago