IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will release the IBPS Clerk 2026 exam pattern along with the notification. It is expected that the IBPS Clerk notification will be released soon on the official website at ibps.in. Candidate who is interested in preparing for the exam, must be well versed with the syllabus and pattern of an exam.
The candidates are suggested to practice with the previous year question papers and the mock test paper to prepare in a better way. The internalisation of IBPS clerk exam pattern will help the candidates to score bettern in the exam. As per the existing exam pattern, the total marks of the IBPS Clerk exam will be 200 and the duration of the exam will be 60 minutes only. The IBPS will conduct the exam online only at the designated exam centres.
- IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
- IBPS Clerk Marking Scheme
- IBPS Clerk 2026 Syllabus
- IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026
- IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
IBPS Clerk exam pattern is such that it is divided into prelims and mains exams. The prelims exam comprises three sections and the total marks allotted to the test are 100. The mains exam comprises four sections and carries 200 marks. Both the exams are conducted online in multiple shifts, therefore, normalisation process is followed to calculate the scores of candidates. The exam will be conducted in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages. IBPS Clerk exam is a highly competitive exam and candidates should begin their preparation to score well.
To understand the IBPS Clerk exam pattern for both prelims and mains is important for cracking the exam. It helps to strategise the preparation and time management. Candidate with the help of exam pattern come to know about the marking scheme, negative marking, types of questions asked, sectional weightage and exam duration.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
The prelims exam as per IBPS Clerk exam pattern comprises three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates need to answer 100 questions within 60 minutes of IBPS clerk exam time. Candidates get 20 minutes to answer each section. The score of the prelims exam is calculated out of 100 marks. The structure of IBPS Clerk prelims exam pattern is given below.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Time Duration (In Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 |
| Numerical Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 |
| Reasoning Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 |
| Total |
100 |
100 |
60 Minutes |
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
IBPS Clerk mains pattern comprises four sections: General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude. IBPS Clerk mains time duration is 160 minutes with IBPS clerk mains sectional timing. The test carries a total of 190 questions and total marks are 200. The structure of IBPS Clerk mains pattern is given in the table below as per IBPS clerk mains sectional timing, IBPS clerk mains total marks, IBPS clerk mains time duration
| S.No. | Name of Tests | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 35 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| 4 | General/ Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 120 minutes | |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
IBPS Clerk exam is conducted in 13 regional languages. Earlier, the question papers are framed in English and Hindi only.
The Mains exam of is divided into four sections. The total marks allotted to the exam are 200. The marks obtained at stage is considered for final selection.
IBPS Clerk exam pattern two parts-prelims and mains. The prelims test comprises three sections and carries 100 marks. The Mains comprises four sections and carries 200 marks.
IBPS Clerk Marking Scheme
IBPS Clerk sum total are fixed as per the given process. Candidates are given one for right answer. For wrong answer, they 0.25 are deducted. Calculation is done based on the right and wrong answers.
Commonly asked questions
There is no difference between IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk exam patterns. Level of both exams is the same. Pattern of both the exams is divided into prelims and Mains. Total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. Total marks allotted to the mains exam are 200. The duration of the test is 160 minutes. The difficulty level of both the exams vary.
Yes, there are sectional timings in IBPS Clerk exam. In prelims exam, candidates will get 20 minutes to answer each section. In the Mains exam, 35 minutes each will be given to answer questions from General/Financial Awareness, General English and 45 minutes each will be given to attempt Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude and Quantitative Aptitude questions. The section-wise exam timings for prelims and mains exam are given below.
Prelims Exam
Sections | IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Time Duration (In Minutes) |
English Language | 20 |
Numerical Ability | 20 |
Reasoning Ability | 20 |
Total | 60 Minutes |
Mains Exam
Sections | IBPS clerk mains sectional timing |
General/Financial Awareness | 35 minutes |
General English | 35 minutes |
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 45 minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude | 45 minutes |
Total | 160 minutes |
There are negative marking in IBPS Clerk exam. 0.25 marks are deducted as penalty for wrong answers. For correct answers, candidates score one mark. Candidates are advised to mark their answers carefully as there are negative markings. For wrong answers marked in the exam, the marks of candidates will be deducted. Candidates are required to secure both overall and sectional cut off marks.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Syllabus
IBPS Clerk syllabus comprises the subjects that candidates need to study for the exam. The syllabus is almost same for the prelims and mains exams. However, the difficulty level varies. Candidates can check below IBPS Clerk exam syllabus.
English Language: Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Cloze Test, Sentence Formation, etc.
Reasoning Ability: Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Blood Relation, Coding Decoding, Syllogism, etc.
Quantitative Aptitude: Number Series, Data Interpretation, Simplification/ Approximation, Quadratic Equation, Data Sufficiency, Mensuration, Average, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Work, Time, and Energy, Time and Distance, Probability, Relations, Simple and Compound Interest, Permutation and Combination.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Monetary Plans, Indian Financial System, Introduction to National Institutions, Indian Banking System, Banking Terms.
Commonly asked questions
IBPS Clerk syllabus PDF comprises the important topics for the prelims and Mains exams in PDF form. ThePDF can be downloaded for free only by registering on Shiksha. Candidates can download the IBPS Clerk exam syllabus PDF and start practising for the exam. They must also attempt mock tests.
IBPS Clerk prelims syllabus comprises topics from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language. IBPS Clerk syllabus of Mains exam is divided into four sections: Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General/ Financial Awareness. The chapter-wise IBPS Clerk syllabus is given below:
English Language: Reading Comprehension, Error Detection/ Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Error Correction, Para Jumbles, Cloze Test.
Reasoning: Inequality, Seating Arrangement, Alphanumeric Series, Miscellaneous, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Data Sufficiency,
Numerical Ability: Number Series, Simplification/ Approximation, Data Sufficiency, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Distance, Relations and Permutation and Combination, Data Interpretation, Puzzles.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Monetary Plans, Indian Financial System, Introduction to National Institutions, Indian Banking System, Banking Terms.
Computer Aptitude: Basics of Hardware and Software, Operating Systems, Internet and Associated Topics, Microsoft Office and Other Word Processing Software, History of Computing, Basic Computer Networking, Basics of Databases, Basics of Cyber Security Tools and Processes.
Both the IBPS Clerk and the SSC CGL exams cover similar topics. There is a variation in the difficulty level of the exam. Candidates need to prepare well inorder to crack the exam. They should understand the topics given in the syllabus. Besides, candidates must also know the exam pattern.
IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026
The IBPS Clerk selection process consists of Prelims and Mains exam. The Prelim exam is of qualifying in nature. The Prelim marks are not included in the IBPS Clerk final merit list. Therefore, the selection is based on the marks scored in the mains exam.
Also Read: IBPS Clerk Selection Process
Commonly asked questions
IBPS Clerk is a permanent job. All candidates selected for IBPS Clerk exam will be on a probation period of six months. After this period, candidates are confirmed as permanent employees only after an assessment through a test or review of their performance in the probation period. Candidates for the post of IBPS Clerk is selected based on the performance in the Mains exam. The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. IBPS Clerk prelims exam pattern is such that it is divided into three sections-Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and English Language. The total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. The mains exam comprises General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude. The total marks allotted to the test are 200.
IBPS Clerk is an entry-level post. This post offers a lot of learning and opportunities. They are asked to verify documents and proofs submitted by customers. They also maintain cash and Demand Drafts. Recruitment is done as per selection process.
The selection process of IBPS Clerk includes preliminary and Mains exams. The final selection is done based on the Mains exam. The prelims exam marks are not counted for the merit list. Candidates selected through IBPS Clerk exam will be recruited to the 11 participating public sector banks in India. Candidates can ace the exam with good preparation.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Candidates can check the IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern FAQs below.
The important topics for are below:
- Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fillers, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, etc.
- Number Series, Simplification/ Approximation, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, etc.
- Puzzle and Arrangements, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction sense and Order and Ranking, etc.
- History and Generation of Computers, Introduction to Computer Organisation, etc.
- Banking and Insurance Awareness, Financial Awareness, Current Affairs government. Schemes and Policies, Static Awareness, etc.
There is no interview in IBPS Clerk exam. The selection process comprises two stages-prelims and Mains. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the Mains exam. The final selection of candidates is done based on the Mains exam. The marks obtained in the Mains exam are not counted for final selection. Allotment of candidates in the participating banks is done based on merit-cum-preference. The process of conducting interviews in Clerical level jobs was discontinued in 2015. The list of participating banks is given below:
- Bank of Baroda
- Canara Bank
- Indian Overseas Bank
- UCO Bank
- Bank of India
- Central Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Bank of Maharashtra
- Indian Bank
- Punjab & Sind Bank
Check tips below:
- English Language: Focus on improving Vocab and comprehension
- Reasoning Ability: Practice previous papers
- Numerical Ability: Learn Shortcuts
Check exam timings below:
Prelims:
Shift 1: 9-10 am
Shift 2: 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Shift 3: 2 pm-3 pm
Shift 4: 4:30 pm-5:30 pm.
Mains exam: Single shift
Candidates can check below few important points related to IBPS Clerk exam pattern:
- IBPS Clerk Mains exam pattern comprises current affairs and computer knowledge
- Only three sections will be asked in the prelims exam
- The score of the preliminary exam will not be taken into consideration for the final selection. The score of the Mains exam will be taken into consideration for the final allotment
- There will be a penalty for wrong answers marked in the objective tests
The best books for IBPS Clerk exam are given below: English Language High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin Objective General English by Arihant Publications Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis Quantitative Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude by R S Agarwal Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams by Tarun Goal Fast Track Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma Reasoning Ability Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Agarwal Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal by BS Sijwali and Indus Sijwali General and Financial Awareness India Year Book Manorama Yearbook Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications Lucent's GK book Computer Aptitude Banking & Computer Aptitude for IBPS Bank Clerk/PO Exams Paperback Computer Knowledge by Odisha Publication Computer Awareness by Arihant Publication Objective Computer Knowledge and Literacy by Kiran Publication.
The exam pattern is given below.
| Specifications | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
Number of sections | Three | Four |
IBPS clerk exam time duration | 60 minutes | 160 minutes |
IBPS Clerk sectional timing | 20 minutes | General/Financial Awareness and English: 35 minutes Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude and Quantitative Aptitude: 45 minutes |
Number of questions | 100 | 190 |
IBPS clerk total marks | 100 | 200 |
Language of question paper | 13 regional languages along with English & Hindi | |
Mode of exam | Online | |
The exam sof IBPS Clerk prelims comprises three sections. Total marks allotted to the exam are 100. The duration of the exam is one hour. Questions are asked from the syllabus.
The overall difficulty level of the prelims exam was easy to moderate. The difficulty of the Mains exam was moderate.
The provisional allotment is subject to the candidate fulfilling the criteria for Participating Bank and identity verification to the satisfaction of the allotted bank. This does not constitute an offer of employment. Verification of documents with regard to eligibility criteria will be carried out by the participating bank. The participating bank will also ascertain Proficiency of local language (reading, writing and speaking) of the State/UT for the provisionally allotted candidates. The participating bank reserves the right to cancel the candidature on account of deficiency of the same. Decision of the participating banks here shall be final and binding upon the candidates. In case it is detected at any stage of the recruitment process that, the candidate does not satisfy the eligibility criteria his/her candidature/chance in the process shall stand forfeited.
The increment offered to IBPS Clerk exam is done based on performance. This is decided by the Pay Commission. Candidates are also given various benefits as part of their salary.
IBPS Clerk selection process comprises filling the application form, downloading the admit card, appearing in the exam, declaration of result and release of marksheet and final allotment. The online exam is conducted in two stages-prelims andMainsexams. The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. Provisional allotment of candidates is done based on the marks obtained in theMainsexam. IBPS only conducts the prelims andMainsexams. The joining formalities are carried out by the participating banks.
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IBPS Clerk Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
The IBPS Prelims exam is conducted in two stages namely Preliminary and Mains exam. The Prelim exam is of 100 marks and Mains exam is of 200 marks. The Prelims exam is of qualifying in nature and the final selection is based on the Mains exam. Candidates are given one for right answer. For wrong ans
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The IBPS Clerk exam analysis helps candidates to know he difficulty level of the exam. It also help them to identify the expected cut off. Candidates appearing in the upcoming shifts can also plan their strategies.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The candidates should note that the topics stated in the syllabus are common to many exams. The candidates find the arithematic topics the difficult to solve during the examination.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
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What is the weightage of marks in IBPS Clerk exam?