Where can I find IBPS Clerk syllabus PDF?

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.

What is IBPS Clerk syllabus chapter-wise?

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.

What are the common topics between IBPS Clerk and SSC CGL syllabus?

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.

Is there any negative marking in IBPS Clerk exam?

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.

Are there any sectional timings in the IBPS Clerk exam?

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

What is the difference between IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk paper pattern?

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.

What is IBPS Clerk job profile?

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.

How the candidates are selected against IBPS Clerk vacancies?

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.

What is IBPS Clerk Mains paper structure?

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.

What is IBPS Clerk exam pattern?

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.

What are the languages of IBPS Clerk question paper?

IBPS Clerk exam is conducted in 13 regional languages. Earlier, the question papers are framed in English and Hindi only.

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026: Check Paper Pattern for Prelims & Mains

259 Students Q&A

Updated on Apr 3, 2026 16:20 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

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.

Table of contents

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

Get the Top Score in DI and Logical Reasoning section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

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Get the Top Score in Numerical Ability section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

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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.

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.

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

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

Candidates can check the IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern FAQs below.

Q: What are the important topics for IBPS Clerk exam?

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.

Q: How can I crack IBPS clerk exam?

Check tips below:

English Language: Focus on improving Vocab and comprehension
Reasoning Ability: Practice previous papers
Numerical Ability: Learn Shortcuts

Q: What are IBPS Clerk shift timings?

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

Q: What are the important points related to IBPS Clerk exam pattern?

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

Q: What are the best books for IBPS Clerk exam?

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.

Q: What is the overview of IBPS Clerk exam pattern?

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

Q: What is prelims exam pattern for IBPS Clerk?

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.

Q: Is IBPS Clerk easy or tough?

The overall difficulty level of the prelims exam was easy to moderate. The difficulty of the Mains exam was moderate.

Q: Is there any interview for IBPS Clerk selection?

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

Q: Can I change IBPS Clerk provisional allotment list?

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.

Q: What is the increment offered to IBPS Clerk?

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.

Q: What are the stages included in the IBPS Clerk selection process?

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.