What is IBPS Clerk Exam?
The IBPS Clerk exam is a national-level competitive exam for recruitment of Customer Service Associates (Clerks) in public sector banks such as:
- State Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Canara Bank
- Union Bank of India
📌 Selection Stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Main Exam (Final Merit)
No interview is conducted for IBPS Clerk—your exam performance alone decides selection.
IBPS Clerk 2026 – Important Highlights
Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | IBPS Clerk (CRP Clerks – XVI) |
Conducting Body | IBPS |
Exam Level | National |
Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
Selection Process | Prelims + Mains |
Job Location | Across India |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
IBPS Clerk 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
- Basic computer knowledge mandatory
2. Age Limit (as per trends)
- Minimum: 20 years
- Maximum: 28 years
- Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen
3. Language Proficiency
- Must be able to read, write & speak the local language of the state applied for
IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern
IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 | ||||
S.No. | Name of Tests(Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes/1 Hour | |
⛔ Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025 | ||||
S.No. | Name of Tests (Objective) | 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 | 155 | 200 | 120 minutes | |
📌 Final selection is based only on Mains score
IBPS Clerk 2026 Detailed Syllabus
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Blood Relation
- Coding-Decoding
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification & Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Time & Work, Speed-Distance)
General & Financial Awareness
- Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
- Banking Awareness
- Static GK
- RBI & Financial Institutions
Computer Aptitude
- Basics of Computers
- Input-Output
- Networking & Internet
- MS Office
IBPS Clerk 2026 Preparation Strategy (First Attempt Focus)
Step 1: Understand the Exam Deeply
- Analyze previous year papers
- Identify high-weightage topics
Step 2: Build Strong Basics
- Arithmetic + Reasoning fundamentals
- Daily English reading (editorials)
Step 3: Practice Smart
- Topic-wise tests
- Sectional mocks
- Full-length mock tests
Step 4: Master Time Management
- Attempt easy-to-moderate questions first
- Avoid time-consuming puzzles initially
Step 5: Current Affairs Rule
- Daily current affairs notes
- Monthly PDF revision
90-Day IBPS Clerk Study Plan
Phase | Duration | Focus |
Phase 1 | 30 Days | Concept building + basics |
Phase 2 | 30 Days | Advanced practice + sectional tests |
Phase 3 | 30 Days | Full mocks + revision |
⏱️ Daily Study Time: 5–6 hours
Best Books for IBPS Clerk 2026
- Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal
- Reasoning Ability – M.K. Pandey
- English Language – Norman Lewis / SP Bakshi
- General Awareness – Lucent GK + Monthly CA PDFs
IBPS Clerk Salary & Career Growth
Salary Structure
- Basic Pay: ₹19,900
- Gross Salary: ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 (approx.)
Career Growth Path
- Clerk → Officer (via internal exams)
- Promotions to Assistant Manager, Branch Manager
IBPS Clerk 2026 Cut-Off (Expected Trend)
Category | Expected Cut-Off (%) |
General | 72–78 |
OBC | 68–73 |
SC | 60–65 |
ST | 55–60 |
(Cut-offs vary state-wise)
Why IBPS Clerk is a Smart Career Choice
✔ Government job security
✔ Fixed working hours
✔ Attractive salary & allowances
✔ Work-life balance
✔ Growth opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is IBPS Clerk easy to crack in first attempt?
Yes, with a structured strategy, daily practice, and mock analysis, first-attempt success is achievable.
Q2. Is there an interview in IBPS Clerk?
No. Selection is purely exam-based.
Q3. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, provided graduation is completed before document verification.
Final Words: Crack IBPS Clerk 2026 with Confidence
The IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 is not about brilliance—it’s about consistency, strategy, and smart practice. If you start early, follow a disciplined plan, and revise regularly, your first attempt can be your final attempt.
🎯 Start today. Stay consistent. Get selected.