IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Complete Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern & Topics
Check IBPS Clerk 2026 syllabus with Prelims and Mains exam pattern, section-wise topics, marking scheme and official updates.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026: Complete Subject-Wise Prelims and Mains Syllabus
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 defines the subjects and topics candidates must prepare for the Preliminary and Main examinations conducted for Customer Service Associate recruitment in participating Public Sector Banks.
The syllabus covers five principal areas: English Language, Reasoning Ability, Numerical/Quantitative Aptitude, General and Financial Awareness, and Computer Aptitude. English, Reasoning and Numerical Ability are tested in Prelims, while Mains includes Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and General/Financial Awareness.
Although some subjects appear in both stages, their difficulty and depth are not the same. The Preliminary Examination primarily tests fundamental concepts, speed and accuracy. The Main Examination requires stronger analytical ability, advanced arithmetic, deeper reading skills, current financial knowledge and computer awareness.
Candidates should study the complete subject-wise syllabus instead of limiting preparation to a few frequently asked chapters. IBPS may vary the topic distribution and difficulty level across examination shifts.
IBPS Clerk Subject-Wise Syllabus Overview
Stage | Subjects |
|---|---|
Preliminary Examination | English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability |
Main Examination | Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and General/Financial Awareness |
Complete IBPS Clerk Syllabus at a Glance
Subject | Major topics |
|---|---|
English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Fillers, Para Jumbles, Phrase Replacement, Vocabulary and Grammar |
Reasoning Ability | Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Ranking, Series and Logical Reasoning |
Numerical/Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Mensuration and Data Sufficiency |
General and Financial Awareness | Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, RBI, Monetary Policy, Government Schemes, Financial Institutions, Reports, Appointments and Static Awareness |
Computer Aptitude | Computer Fundamentals, Hardware, Software, Operating Systems, Internet, Networking, MS Office, Cybersecurity, Databases and Digital Banking |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk Preliminary Examination syllabus includes three subjects:
- English Language
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning Ability
The Prelims syllabus primarily evaluates whether candidates possess the language, calculation and logical-reasoning abilities required to progress to the Main Examination.
IBPS Clerk English Language Syllabus 2026
The English Language syllabus evaluates reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and the ability to understand words and sentences in context.
Candidates should understand how grammatical rules operate within complete sentences. Vocabulary should also be studied through contextual usage rather than isolated word lists.
English Language Detailed Syllabus
Topic | Concepts covered |
|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Central idea, factual information, inference, tone, title, vocabulary and contextual meaning |
Cloze Test | Grammar, sentence flow, vocabulary and contextual word selection |
Error Detection | Tenses, articles, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions, modifiers and subject-verb agreement |
Sentence Improvement | Grammatical correction, appropriate expression and sentence clarity |
Fill in the Blanks | Single fillers, double fillers, grammar and contextual vocabulary |
Para Jumbles | Opening sentence, logical order, connectors, mandatory pairs and conclusion |
Phrase Replacement | Grammar correction and contextually appropriate phrases |
Word Usage | Correct use of words in different sentences |
Word Swap | Identification and rearrangement of incorrectly positioned words |
Sentence Rearrangement | Logical arrangement of sentence parts or complete sentences |
Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, phrasal verbs and one-word substitutions |
Grammar | Tenses, voice, narration, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, adjectives and adverbs |
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension passages may be based on banking, economics, society, technology, education, business, environment or current events.
Questions may test:
- Central theme
- Supporting facts
- Author’s opinion
- Tone of the passage
- Inference
- Suitable title
- Contextual vocabulary
- Synonyms and antonyms
- True-and-false statements
- Phrase interpretation
Grammar Topics
Grammar area | Subtopics |
|---|---|
Tenses | Present, past and future forms |
Subject-verb agreement | Agreement according to number and person |
Articles | Correct use of a, an and the |
Prepositions | Time, place, direction and relationship |
Pronouns | Reference, agreement and correct case |
Conjunctions | Coordinating, subordinating and correlative conjunctions |
Modifiers | Correct placement of adjectives and adverbs |
Voice | Active and passive voice |
Narration | Direct and indirect speech |
Parallelism | Consistency in grammatical structure |
IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus 2026
Reasoning Ability tests logical thinking, analytical ability, pattern recognition and the capacity to arrange information according to multiple conditions.
The syllabus includes both short, rule-based questions and longer sets such as puzzles and seating arrangements.
Reasoning Ability Detailed Syllabus
Topic | Concepts covered |
|---|---|
Puzzles | Floor, box, scheduling, designation, comparison, distribution and mixed-variable puzzles |
Seating Arrangements | Linear, circular, square, rectangular, parallel-row and uncertain-number arrangements |
Inequality | Direct, coded and multiple-statement inequality |
Syllogism | Conclusions, possibility cases and statement relationships |
Coding-Decoding | Traditional, conditional, substitution and pattern-based coding |
Blood Relations | Family trees, coded relations and generation-based relationships |
Direction Sense | Direction, distance, turns and final position |
Order and Ranking | Position, comparison, total persons and rank from different ends |
Alphanumeric Series | Letter, number and symbol sequences |
Input-Output | Step-based arrangements of words, letters and numbers |
Data Sufficiency | Determining whether the supplied statements are sufficient |
Logical Reasoning | Assumptions, conclusions, arguments, courses of action and cause-effect |
Analogy | Relationships among words, numbers and symbols |
Classification | Identification of the odd element |
Word Formation | Creating words from letters or combinations |
Statement-Based Questions | Conclusions, inferences and decision-making |
Puzzle Syllabus
Puzzle type | Description |
|---|---|
Floor Puzzle | People or objects arranged on different floors |
Box Puzzle | Boxes arranged vertically or according to properties |
Scheduling Puzzle | Events arranged by day, date, month or time |
Designation Puzzle | People matched with posts or ranks |
Comparison Puzzle | Age, height, weight, marks or other comparisons |
Distribution Puzzle | Objects distributed among different individuals |
Selection Puzzle | People assigned to groups, teams or categories |
Mixed-Variable Puzzle | Multiple attributes combined in one arrangement |
Seating Arrangement Syllabus
Arrangement type | Possible variations |
|---|---|
Linear Arrangement | Single row, double row and uncertain-number arrangement |
Circular Arrangement | Facing inward, facing outward or mixed direction |
Square Arrangement | Corners, sides and different facing directions |
Rectangular Arrangement | Placement on longer and shorter sides |
Parallel Rows | Two rows facing each other or facing opposite directions |
Triangular Arrangement | Placement at corners and sides |
Uncertain Arrangement | Total number of persons not directly provided |
IBPS Clerk Numerical Ability Syllabus 2026
Numerical Ability is included in Prelims and focuses on fundamental calculation, arithmetic and basic data-analysis skills.
Candidates need a strong command of mathematical operations, commonly used formulas and quick calculation techniques.
Numerical Ability Detailed Syllabus
Topic | Concepts covered |
|---|---|
Simplification | BODMAS, fractions, decimals, surds and basic operations |
Approximation | Rounding, estimation and simplified calculations |
Number Series | Missing term, wrong term and pattern identification |
Quadratic Equations | Solving and comparing roots |
Percentage | Percentage value, increase, decrease and successive change |
Profit and Loss | Cost price, selling price, profit, loss and discount |
Ratio and Proportion | Comparison, direct proportion and inverse proportion |
Average | Simple, combined and weighted averages |
Simple Interest | Principal, rate, time, interest and amount |
Compound Interest | Annual, half-yearly and periodic compounding |
Time and Work | Efficiency, combined work and work completion |
Pipes and Cisterns | Filling, emptying, leakage and net efficiency |
Speed, Time and Distance | Relative speed, average speed and journey problems |
Trains | Crossing a pole, platform, person or another train |
Boats and Streams | Upstream speed, downstream speed and stream speed |
Partnership | Investment, time period and profit distribution |
Mixture and Allegation | Ratio, concentration, price and replacement |
Ages | Present, past and future age relationships |
Mensuration | Area, perimeter, volume and surface area |
Data Interpretation | Tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts and caselets |
Data Sufficiency | Sufficiency of quantitative statements |
Quantity Comparison | Comparison of two calculated quantities |
Arithmetic Syllabus
Arithmetic area | Chapters |
|---|---|
Commercial Mathematics | Percentage, profit and loss, discount, simple interest and compound interest |
Ratio-Based Mathematics | Ratio, proportion, partnership, mixture and allegation |
Work-Based Mathematics | Time and work, work efficiency, wages and pipes-cisterns |
Movement-Based Mathematics | Speed, time, distance, trains and boats-streams |
Measurement | Two-dimensional and three-dimensional mensuration |
Human-Relationship Problems | Ages and partnership |
Statistical Applications | Average, data interpretation and comparison |
Data Interpretation Syllabus
DI format | What candidates may be required to do |
|---|---|
Table DI | Read and compare values from tabular data |
Bar Graph | Analyse single, double or multiple bars |
Line Graph | Interpret trends and changes |
Pie Chart | Calculate ratios, percentages and angles |
Caselet DI | Extract numerical information from paragraphs |
Missing DI | Determine missing values from available relationships |
Mixed DI | Combine two or more presentation formats |
Arithmetic DI | Apply percentage, ratio, average or profit-loss concepts |
IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The Main Examination syllabus includes:
- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General and Financial Awareness
Mains questions may require deeper conceptual understanding and stronger analytical ability than Prelims. Candidates should therefore prepare advanced reasoning sets, complex data interpretation and detailed banking awareness.
IBPS Clerk Mains Subject-Wise Syllabus
Section | Major areas |
|---|---|
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | Advanced puzzles, arrangements, logical reasoning, data sufficiency, computer fundamentals and digital banking |
English Language | Advanced comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and contextual usage |
Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, advanced data interpretation, data sufficiency and comparison |
General/Financial Awareness | Banking, current affairs, RBI, economy, government schemes and financial institutions |
IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
Quantitative Aptitude in Mains extends beyond basic calculation. It can combine multiple arithmetic concepts within data interpretation, quantity comparison and data-sufficiency questions.
Quantitative Aptitude Detailed Syllabus
Topic group | Included chapters |
|---|---|
Calculation | Simplification, approximation, number series and quadratic equations |
Arithmetic | Percentage, profit-loss, ratio, average, interest, partnership and mixture |
Work and Efficiency | Time and work, wages, pipes and cisterns |
Speed and Movement | Speed-time-distance, trains and boats-streams |
Measurement | Mensuration |
Data Analysis | Table, bar, line, pie, caselet, mixed and missing DI |
Analytical Mathematics | Data sufficiency, quantity comparison and mathematical inequality |
Numerical Ability vs Quantitative Aptitude
Area | Numerical Ability in Prelims | Quantitative Aptitude in Mains |
|---|---|---|
Calculation | Fundamental and speed-oriented | Complex and application-oriented |
Arithmetic | Basic to moderate | Moderate to advanced |
Data Interpretation | Direct and basic | Multi-layered and arithmetic-based |
Data Sufficiency | Fundamental | Analytical |
Question structure | Relatively short | May involve multiple steps |
IBPS Clerk General Awareness Syllabus 2026
General Awareness covers important national and international events, government schemes, appointments, awards, reports and static knowledge.
General Awareness Detailed Syllabus
Area | Topics |
|---|---|
National Current Affairs | Government decisions, programmes and important national developments |
International Current Affairs | Global events, summits, agreements and organisations |
Appointments | Important government, banking and institutional appointments |
Awards and Honours | National and international awards |
Sports | Tournaments, winners, venues and records |
Books and Authors | Important books and their writers |
Obituaries | Important personalities |
Days and Themes | National and international observances |
Reports and Indices | Major reports, rankings and releasing organisations |
Static Awareness | Capitals, currencies, institutions and headquarters |
Science and Technology | Major developments relevant to current affairs |
Government Schemes | Welfare, financial and development programmes |
IBPS Clerk Financial Awareness Syllabus 2026
Financial Awareness evaluates a candidate’s understanding of banking, the economy, financial institutions and major policy developments.
Financial Awareness Detailed Syllabus
Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
Banking Structure | Public Sector Banks, Private Banks, Cooperative Banks and Small Finance Banks |
Reserve Bank of India | Functions, regulation, supervision and policy role |
Monetary Policy | Repo rate, standing facilities, CRR, SLR and inflation |
Banking Accounts | Savings, current, fixed deposits and recurring deposits |
Loans and Advances | Types of loans, credit and basic lending terminology |
Non-Performing Assets | Meaning, classification and banking significance |
Payment Systems | NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, cards and digital wallets |
Financial Inclusion | Banking access, inclusion programmes and related schemes |
Financial Institutions | RBI, NABARD, SIDBI, SEBI, EXIM Bank and related bodies |
Money Market | Treasury bills, commercial paper and certificates of deposit |
Capital Market | Shares, bonds, mutual funds and market regulators |
Government Schemes | Insurance, pension, credit and inclusion schemes |
Budget and Economy | Union Budget, Economic Survey and policy decisions |
Banking Terminology | CASA, NPA, KYC, liquidity, assets and liabilities |
Basel Norms | Capital adequacy and risk-management fundamentals |
International Institutions | IMF, World Bank, ADB and related organisations |
RBI-Related Topics
Candidates should understand:
- Role and functions of RBI
- Monetary-policy framework
- Currency issuance
- Regulation of banks
- Payment-system supervision
- Inflation management
- Financial stability
- Policy rates
- Reserve requirements
- Banking licences
- Digital-payment initiatives
Important Banking Abbreviations
Abbreviation | Full form |
|---|---|
RBI | Reserve Bank of India |
CRR | Cash Reserve Ratio |
SLR | Statutory Liquidity Ratio |
NPA | Non-Performing Asset |
NEFT | National Electronic Funds Transfer |
RTGS | Real Time Gross Settlement |
IMPS | Immediate Payment Service |
UPI | Unified Payments Interface |
KYC | Know Your Customer |
CASA | Current Account Savings Account |
NABARD | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development |
SIDBI | Small Industries Development Bank of India |
SEBI | Securities and Exchange Board of India |
IBPS Clerk Computer Aptitude Syllabus 2026
Computer Aptitude covers fundamental computer knowledge and the use of technology in modern banking.
Computer Aptitude Detailed Syllabus
Topic | Concepts covered |
|---|---|
Computer Fundamentals | Definition, characteristics, generations and types of computers |
Computer Architecture | CPU, ALU, control unit, memory and storage |
Hardware | Input, output, processing and storage devices |
Software | System software, application software and utility programs |
Operating Systems | Functions, interfaces, files, folders and common operating systems |
Memory | Primary memory, secondary memory, RAM, ROM and cache |
Internet | Browsers, search engines, websites, URLs and email |
Networking | LAN, WAN, MAN, protocols and network devices |
Microsoft Office | Word, Excel, PowerPoint and basic commands |
Computer Security | Malware, antivirus, firewall, phishing and cyber safety |
Databases | Fields, records, tables, keys and database-management systems |
Keyboard Shortcuts | Common Windows and MS Office shortcuts |
Digital Banking | Internet banking, mobile banking, UPI and electronic payments |
Computer Abbreviations | Common technical abbreviations |
Cloud Computing | Basic cloud concepts and online storage |
Cybercrime | Phishing, identity theft, hacking and social engineering |
Hardware and Software Syllabus
Hardware | Software |
|---|---|
Keyboard | Operating system |
Mouse | Word processor |
Scanner | Spreadsheet |
Monitor | Presentation software |
Printer | Database software |
CPU | Antivirus |
Storage device | Browser |
Network device | Utility program |
Internet and Networking Syllabus
- Internet fundamentals
- World Wide Web
- Web browsers
- Search engines
- Domain names
- IP addresses
- Network topologies
- LAN, MAN and WAN
- Routers, switches and modems
- HTTP and HTTPS
- Wi-Fi
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
Digital Banking Topics
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking
- UPI
- NEFT
- RTGS
- IMPS
- Automated Teller Machines
- Debit and credit cards
- Digital wallets
- Point-of-sale systems
- QR-code payments
- Banking cybersecurity
- Two-factor authentication
- One-time passwords
IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains Syllabus Comparison
Subject | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
English Language | Yes | Yes |
Reasoning Ability | Yes | Yes |
Numerical Ability | Yes | No |
Quantitative Aptitude | No | Yes |
Computer Aptitude | No | Yes |
General Awareness | No | Yes |
Financial Awareness | No | Yes |
Current Affairs | No | Yes |
Topic Classification by Subject
Subject | Fundamental topics | Advanced or expanded topics |
|---|---|---|
English | Grammar, fillers and vocabulary | Comprehension, inference and paragraph arrangement |
Reasoning | Inequality, syllogism and direction | Advanced puzzles, arrangements and logical reasoning |
Mathematics | Simplification, series and arithmetic | Data interpretation, sufficiency and comparison |
General Awareness | Static awareness and current events | Reports, schemes, appointments and economic developments |
Financial Awareness | Banking terms and RBI basics | Monetary policy, markets and financial institutions |
Computer Aptitude | Hardware, software and operating systems | Networking, security, databases and digital banking |
This classification is intended to organise the syllabus. It does not represent an official IBPS topic-wise weightage.