IBPS will conduct the IBPS Clerk 2026 Prelims in October 2026. Mastering the official IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 is your first step toward success. Review the latest exam patterns, subject-wise topics, and recommended study resources here.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk exam is highly competitive, with lakhs of aspirants vying for positions across India's Public Sector Banks. Success demands more than just subject knowledge; it requires a strategic focus on speed, accuracy, and rigorous preparation across the entire syllabus to outperform the competition.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body |
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
|
| Name of Exam | IBPS Clerk 2026 |
| Post | Clerk |
| Selection Process | Prelims and Mains |
| Number of Questions | Prelims: 100 Mains: 160 (Revised) |
| Marks Segregation for IBPS Clerk Exam |
Prelims: 100 Marks
Mains: 200 Marks |
| Duration of Exam |
IBPS Clerk Prelims: 1 Hour
IBPS Clerk Mains: 2 Hours 5 Minutes (Revised) |
| Marking scheme |
1 mark each for every correct answer in the Online Test
|
| Negative marking |
1/4th of the marks assigned to the question in MCQs
|
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
IBPS has implemented strategic adjustments to the Mains exam pattern. The Quantitative Aptitude section now features 5 additional questions, and the total exam duration has been extended by 5 minutes. Find the comprehensive breakdown of the updated pattern below.
IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026
The selection process for the IBPS Clerk exam consists of two stages: Preliminary and Main examinations; there is no interview round. Candidates must qualify through objective-type papers by meeting the prescribed cut-off marks.
While the Prelims structure remains consistent, IBPS has updated the Mains examination pattern and internal marking schemes. Please review the latest IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern below to ensure your preparation is aligned with the current standards.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 60 minutes (1 hour)
- Total Questions: 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer
| Sections | Questions/Marks | Duration (in minutes) |
| English Language | 30 Questions/30 Marks | 20 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 Questions/35 Marks | 20 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 Questions/35 Marks | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 60 |
IBPS Clerk Mains Pattern (Revised)
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Duration: 125 minutes
- Total Questions: 160 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Sectional Timing: Separate time limit allotted for each section
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer (as per the prescribed marks)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer
| Sections | No. of Questions | Duration (in minutes) |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 40 Questions/60 Marks | 35 |
| English Language | 40 Questions/40 Marks | 35 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 Questions/50 Marks | 35 |
| General/ Financial Awareness | 40 Questions/50 Marks | 20 |
| Total | 160 Questions/200 Marks | 125 Minutes |
IBPS Clerk Negative Marking
Yes, the IBPS Clerk exam utilizes a negative marking system. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from your final score.
To protect your score from unnecessary deductions, answer questions with precision and avoid guessing. Prioritizing accuracy is the most effective strategy to maximize your marks and navigate the negative marking system successfully.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Preliminary exam syllabus focuses on three core areas: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. Detailed subject-wise topics are outlined below.
Reasoning Syllabus
The Reasoning Ability syllabus assesses your logical, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities. Key topics include Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Inequalities, and Number/Alphabetical Series.
- Seating Arrangements
- Puzzles
- Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Blood Relations
- Order and Ranking
- Alphanumeric Series
- Distance and Direction
- Verbal Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Logical Reasoning
- Classification
- Odd One Out
- Series Completion
English Language Syllabus
The English Language syllabus evaluates your linguistic proficiency, including grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Essential topics cover Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Cloze Tests, and Sentence Improvement.
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para/Sentence Completion
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One Word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
- Phrase Replacement
- Error Detection
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Passage Completion
- Grammar
- Spelling Correction
- Word Usage
- Word Swap
- Tenses
Numerical Ability Syllabus
The Numerical Ability syllabus measures your mathematical speed and accuracy. Core topics include Simplification, Data Interpretation, Number Series, Arithmetic, and Quadratic Equations.
- 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
IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The Mains examination is divided into four distinct sections with individual sectional timings: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General/Financial Awareness & Computer Aptitude.
Mains Reasoning Syllabus
- Seating Arrangements
- Puzzles
- Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Blood Relations
- Order and Ranking
- Alphanumeric Series
- Distance
- Direction Sense
- Verbal Reasoning
- Classification
- Simplification
- Coded Inequalities
- Machine Input-Output
- Statements and Arguments
- Assertion and Reasoning
- Passage and Conclusions
- Decision Making
Mains English Language Syllabus
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para/Sentence Completion
- Vocabulary
- Word Formation
- Misspelt Words
- Phrases and Idioms
- Passage Completion
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Active/Passive Voice
Mains Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
- 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
Mains General Awareness Syllabus
- Current Affairs
- Banking Awareness
- GK Updates
- Currencies
- Important Places
- Books and Authors
- Awards
- Headquarters
- Prime Minister Schemes
- Important Days
- National & International Current Affairs
- Central Government Schemes
- Banking and Financial Awareness,
- Recent RBI Circulars-Based Questions,
- Business & Economy Related News
- Important Appointments, Important
- Union Budget
Mains Computer Aptitude Syllabus
- Basics of Hardware and Software
- Windows operating system basics
- Internet terms and services
- Basic Functionalities of MS Office (MS Word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint)
- History of Computers
- Networking and communication,
- Database basics
- Basics of Hacking
- Security Tools and Viruses.
For all candidates aspiring to clear the IBPS Clerk 2026 exam, reviewing the official syllabus mentioned in the upcoming IBPS notification is a mandatory step for structured and efficient preparation.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus PDF
Once the official notification is published, we will provide the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 PDF for download. Until then, candidates should use this guide—based on historical trends—to build a strong foundation and begin their study routine.
IBPS Clerk Exam Medium
The IBPS Clerk exam is available in multiple languages based on the state of the applicant. In Hindi-speaking regions, tests are provided in both English and Hindi, while in other states, they are available in English and the designated regional language.
| State Name | Medium of Examination |
|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar | English and Hindi |
| Arunachal Pradesh | |
| Bihar | |
| Chandigarh | |
| Chhattisgarh | |
| Delhi | |
| Haryana | |
| Himachal Pradesh | |
| Jharkhand | |
| Ladakh | |
| Madhya Pradesh | |
| Meghalaya | |
| Mizoram | |
| Nagaland | |
| Uttarakhand | |
| Rajasthan | |
| Sikkim | |
| Andhra Pradesh | English, Hindi, and Telugu |
| Assam | English, Hindi, and Assamese |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Konkani |
| Goa | English, Hindi, and Konkani |
| Gujarat | English, Hindi, and Gujarati |
| Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh | English, Hindi, and Urdu |
| Karnataka | English, Hindi, Kannada, and Konkani |
| Kerala, Lakshadweep | English, Hindi, and Malayalam |
| Maharashtra | English, Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani |
| Manipur | English, Hindi, and Manipuri |
| Odisha | English, Hindi, and Odia |
| Puducherry | English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam |
| Punjab | English, Hindi, and Punjabi |
| Tamil Nadu | English, Hindi, and Tamil |
| Telangana | English, Hindi, Telugu, and Urdu |
| Tripura, West Bengal | English, Hindi, and Bengali |
Is it possible to cover the IBPS Clerk Syllabus in 2 Months?
Yes, with a solid foundational knowledge of Quants, English, and Reasoning, it is entirely possible to cover the syllabus effectively within two months through a disciplined study plan.
| Week | Topics to Cover | Focus Area |
| Week 1 | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Number Series, Simplification, Reading Comprehension | Building basics |
| Week 2 | Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Simple/Compound Interest, Percentage, Cloze Test, Error Spotting |
Concept + vocabulary building
|
| Week 3 | Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Data Interpretation, Para Jumbles, Fillers |
Application-based practice
|
| Week 4 | Full syllabus revision + sectional mock tests |
Prelims-level testing
|
| Week 5 | Advanced Puzzles, Machine Input-Output, DI-heavy sets, Data Sufficiency, Advanced Grammar | Mains-level depth |
| Week 6 | General/Financial Awareness, Banking Terms, Computer Aptitude |
GA & Computer Knowledge
|
| Week 7 | Full-length Mains mocks, speed drills on weak sections | Test-taking speed |
| Week 8 | Revision, formula sheets, error log review, final mocks | Final revision |
Some Bonus Tips
- Prioritise high-weightage topics: Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (Reasoning) and Data Interpretation (Quant) carry maximum marks; allocate more time here.
- Start General Awareness from Week 1: daily short reading sessions prevent last-minute cramming.
- Attempt at least 1 mock test weekly from Week 3 onward to track accuracy and attempt strategy.
- Maintain error notes and revise recurring mistakes weekly instead of only solving new questions.
IBPS Clerk Tie-Breaking Policy
In the event of a score tie, the candidate with the earlier date of birth is given preference. If a secondary tie-breaker is required, additional criteria such as alphabetical name order or sectional performance may be utilized for final ranking.
FAQs
For a deep dive into the IBPS Clerk syllabus, refer to the detailed sections above, which cover both the Preliminary and Main exam requirements in full.
Yes, IBPS has officially revised the Mains exam pattern while maintaining the traditional Prelims format. The updates specifically impact sectional question counts and total marks distribution, as detailed above.
The IBPS Clerk Prelims consists of a 100-mark paper with a 60-minute duration, whereas the Mains Exam spans 200 marks with a total duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks is applied for every incorrect answer across both the Prelims and Mains stages of the IBPS Clerk examination.
The Reasoning section covers logical modules like Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, and Syllogism. The English Language section emphasizes comprehension and error detection. The Quantitative Aptitude section spans essential topics such as Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, and Simplification.
The IBPS Clerk Prelims syllabus is comprised of three core sections: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Achieving a high score in the Prelims requires a balanced strategy of consistent practice and identifying your personal strengths. Focusing on your weak areas while refining your speed can significantly improve your performance.
There are no restrictions on the total number of attempts for the IBPS Clerk exam, provided candidates fall within the eligible age bracket of 20 to 28 years.
The exam paper is bilingual (English and Hindi) for all subjects, with the exception of the English Language section, which is presented exclusively in English.