IBPS Clerk 2026 Expected Cut Off (State-Wise) – Prelims & Mains Detailed Trend Analysis + Safe Score
IBPS Clerk 2026 expected cut off (Prelims) is likely to range between 74–80 for high competition states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and 63–70 for moderate states. Mains cut off may range between 82–92 depending on vacancies and difficulty level.
If you are serious about selection, you must understand:
- Why cut off changes every year
- How state competition impacts marks
- What is a safe score
- How much buffer you should maintain
Let’s break it down properly.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Expected Cut Off – Complete Overview
IBPS Clerk cut off is:
- ✅ State-wise
- ✅ Category-wise
- ✅ Based on normalization
- ✅ Influenced by vacancy distribution
- ✅ Sensitive to paper difficulty
Unlike IBPS PO, Clerk cut off varies heavily because state competition levels differ significantly.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Expected Cut Off – Prelims (Out of 100)
Prelims includes English, Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude.
🔹 High Competition States
(Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh)
Paper Level | Expected Cut Off (GEN) |
|---|---|
Tough | 70–74 |
Moderate | 74–80 |
Easy | 80–84 |
👉 Safe Target: 82+
🔹 Moderate Competition States
(Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab)
Paper Level | Expected Cut Off |
|---|---|
Tough | 65–70 |
Moderate | 70–75 |
Easy | 75–80 |
👉 Safe Target: 77+
🔹 Lower Competition States
(Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, North-East)
Paper Level | Expected Cut Off |
|---|---|
Tough | 58–63 |
Moderate | 63–70 |
Easy | 70–75 |
👉 Safe Target: 72+
Category-Wise Expected Relaxation (Prelims 2026)
Category | Expected Relaxation vs GEN |
|---|---|
OBC | 0–3 marks |
EWS | Similar to GEN |
SC | 5–8 marks |
ST | 8–12 marks |
Exact variation depends on state vacancies.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Expected Cut Off – Mains (Out of 200)
Mains determines final selection.
🔹 High Competition States
Expected Range: 82–92
Safe Target: 95+
🔹 Moderate States
Expected Range: 75–85
Safe Target: 88+
🔹 Lower Competition States
Expected Range: 70–80
Safe Target: 82+
Why IBPS Clerk Cut Off Changes Every Year
Cut off depends on:
- Total vacancies in each state
- Difficulty of Quant & GA
- Attempt vs accuracy balance
- Normalization process
- Number of repeat serious aspirants
If GA is factual and easy → Mains cut off rises.
If Quant is lengthy → Cut off drops.
Safe Attempt Strategy for Prelims 2026
For a moderate paper:
Section | Safe Attempts | Required Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
English | 22–25 | 85%+ |
Reasoning | 30–32 | 90% |
Quant | 25–28 | 85% |
Total Attempt Target: 80–85 with high accuracy
Remember:
Cut off depends on net score, not attempts.
5–7 Marks Buffer Rule (Most Important)
If expected cut off is 78 → Target 85
If expected cut off is 72 → Target 80
Never prepare to just “clear” cut off.
Prepare to stay comfortably above it.
If Your Score Falls in This Range
Your Score vs Expected | Meaning |
|---|---|
+5 or more | Safe Zone |
Equal | Risk Zone |
-3 to -5 | Borderline |
Below -7 | Prepare Again |
Prediction Confidence Meter
Based on previous trends and competition patterns:
Prediction Confidence Level: 8.5 / 10
(Final cut off will depend on official vacancy release and exam difficulty.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected cut off for IBPS Clerk 2026 Prelims?
It is likely to range between 74–80 for high competition states and 63–70 for moderate states.
Is IBPS Clerk cut off state-wise?
Yes, IBPS Clerk cut off is completely state-wise and category-wise.
What score is safe for IBPS Clerk 2026 selection?
For high competition states, aim for 95+ in Mains for safer selection chances.
Can IBPS Clerk cut off cross 85?
Yes, especially in high competition states if the paper is easy and vacancies are limited.
Final Target Summary
Stage | Minimum Target | Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
Prelims | 75 | 82+ |
Mains | 85 | 95+ |
If you stay above safe target, your probability of final selection increases significantly.