Every exam is an opportunity, but knowing which door to open first is crucial. Many aspirants focus only on which exam is easier to crack, forgetting that career growth and postings matters most. RRB Clerks enjoy calm rural postings with less pressure, whereas IBPS Clerks face competitive urban postings but climb faster. 

Which Exam is Easier to Crack? RRB Clerk vs IBPS Clerk

This blog gives a 360 degree view of RRB Clerk and IBPS Clerk exams, working environment, salary, and promotions, so you can choose the path that balances both success in exams and long term career goals.

Overview: IBPS RRB Clerk vs. IBPS Clerk

Exam Pattern Comparison - IBPS Clerk vs RRB Clerk

Before talking about difficulty, it is essential to understand how both exams are structured.

IBPS RRB Clerk Exam Pattern:

Prelims: Two sections, 

• Reasoning Ability  (40 Q/40 M)
• Numerical Ability (40 Q/40 M)
• Duration: 45 Minutes
• No English section in prelims (a big relief for many applicants)

Mains: Five sections

• Reasoning Ability
• Quantitative Aptitude
• General Awareness
• English/Hindi Language 
• Computer Knowledge 

Total Number of Questions = 200 for 200 marks, taking 2 hours. 

Download Topic wise MCQs/Practice Sets 

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern:

• Prelims: Three sections, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English/Hindi Language, with 35 questions each and a total of 100 marks in 1 hour. 
• Mains: Four sections, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, General/Financial Awareness, and English Language, with a total of 190 questions for 200 marks, taking 160 minutes. 

Attempt a Full Length/Sectional Mock Test to Test Your Performance 

• IBPS Clerk
• RRB Clerk

Key Differences:

• Number of Sections: IBPS RRB Clerk Mains has one more section (Computer Knowledge) than IBPS Clerk Mains. 
• Questions per Section: The number of questions per section varies in both exams, especially in Mains. 
• Time Allocation: The time allocated for each section in the Mains exam differs between the two exams. 
• Language Options: Both exams offer English and Hindi language options in the Mains exam. 
• Marking Scheme: Both exams have a negative marking scheme, with 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer. 

Double Tab to check detailed Exam Pattern and Syllabus 

Syllabus & Difficulty Level – IBPS Clerk vs RRB Clerk

• Talking about the exam difficulty, RRB clerk is easier but requires more speed than IBPS Clerk and there is no English section in RRB Clerk Prelims exam.
• IBPS Clerk, however, tests deeper conceptual clarity, especially in the English and Quant section.

Excess Previous Year Question Papers Here 

Selection Process - IBPS Clerk vs RRB Clerk

IBPS Clerk and RRB Clerk both exams have no interview round, so your final selection is purely marks based. 

Job Profile Comparison: IBPS Clerk vs IBPS RRB Clerk

• If applicants prefer peaceful lifestyle and limited transfers – RRB Clerk is better 
• If applicants want dynamic work experience and fast promotions – IBPS Clerk suits you.

IBPS Clerk vs RRB Clerk Salary Structure Comparison

IBPS Clerk Detailed Salary 

IBPS Clerk Salary in India: Complete Breakdown

IBPS RRB Clerk Detailed Salary 

Although RRB Clerks earn slightly more initially, the IBPS Clerk salary grows faster due to urban posting and promotion benefits.

IBPS Clerk vs IBPS RRB Clerk: Career Growth and Promotions 

 The different posts through which candidates can be promoted from the post of IBPS Clerk are as follows:

• Officer
• Senior Officer
• Assistant Manager
• Manager
• Senior Manager
• Chief Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Deputy General Manager
• General Manager

IBPS RRB Clerk: Promotions

Candidates selected for the IBPS RRB Clerk position can expect to be promoted to higher positions over time. The different posts to which candidates can be promoted based on experience level are listed below:

• Officer Scale I
• Officer Scale-II
• Officer Scale III
• Assistant Manager
• Deputy Manager
• Branch Manager
• Senior Branch Manager
• Chief Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Deputy General Manager
• General Manager

For Long term growth and Exposure – IBPS Clerk clearly wins 

For local service stability – RRB Clerk is the easier and more stable path.

Experts Tips to Choose between IBPS Clerk and RRB Clerk 

• If you are from a rural background or not confident in English, start with RRB Clerk – it’s your best Launchpad.
• If you are fluent in English and want faster growth, go for IBPS Clerk.
• Attempt IBPS Clerk and RBB clerk both exams because the syllabus is 80% similar.
• Use mock tests and previous year papers to analyze weak and strengthen areas.
• Join reliable platforms like Bhagya Achievers Community to get free handwritten, mock tests, and daily quizzes.

Join Bhagya Achievers Community – Your Complete Bank Exam Preparation Hub

To Conclude:

Choosing between RRB clerk and IBPS Clerk is not just about which exam is easier. It’s all about your strengths, career goals, and lifestyle preference. If you prefer a calmer work environment with less pressure, RRB Clerk is ideal. If you aim for faster growth and don't mind unban postings, IBPS Clerk is the better option. 

Focus on your strengths, weak areas, speed and remember your preparation is what truly decides your success, not just the exam name.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1: What is the difference between IBPS RRB Clerk and IBPS Clerk job roles? IBPS

Ans: RRB Clerk works in regional rural banks with basic banking tasks, while IBPS Clerk serves in urban commercial banks and handles broader financial  and customer services.

Q2: Which job is more challenging: IBPS RRB Clerk or IBPS Clerk?

Ans: The IBPS Clerk role is generally more challenging due to higher competition and urban banking complexities whereas RRB Clerks has less work pressure.

Q3: Which exam is easier, RRB Clerk or IBPS Clerk?

Ans: The RRB Clerk exam is generally considered easier compared to the IBPS Clerk exam as it has no english section and slightly simpler reasoning and quant section.

Q4: Which salary is more, IBPS Clerk or RRB clerk?

Ans: The basic salary of IBPS Clerk and RRB Clerk is INR 19,900. The in-hand salary for both posts varies depending on the HRA component of the salary. As RRB Clerks are mostly posted in rural areas, they receive less HRA compared to IBPS Clerks.

Q5: Which exam has a simpler syllabus from IBPS Clerk or RRB Clerk bank exam?

Ans: RRB Clerk bank exam has slightly simpler syllabus, especially in prelims with more focus on reasoning and quant.

Q6: Which bank exam required stronger English skills – IBPS Clerk or RRB Clerk?

Ans: RRB Clerk bank exam has no english section, which makes it easier while IBPS Clerk exam requires English knowledge.

Also Check:  

• Toughest Bank Exam in India: Which One is the Hardest to Crack?
• IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Guide
• IBPS Clerk Previous Year Cut-offs: What to Expect in 2025?
• RRB PO vs IBPS Clerk Are They Same
• IBPS PO vs IBPS Clerk: Which Banking Career is better?
• IBPS Clerk Salary in India: Complete Breakdown
• SBI Clerk vs IBPS Clerk: Which Exam is Tougher?
• The Hardest IBPS Exam: Which One Tops the List?