The IBPS Clerk 2026 Prelims are scheduled for October. Start your preparation early by mastering the official syllabus and understanding the updated exam patterns for both Prelims and Mains.
Comprehensive IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk examination is highly competitive, attracting lakhs of aspirants vying for positions in India's top public sector banks. Success in this exam demands more than just subject knowledge; it requires precision, speed, and a strategic approach to the entire syllabus.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body |
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
|
| Name of Exam | |
| 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 introduced strategic revisions to the Mains exam pattern, including an increased question count in the Quantitative Aptitude section and a 5-minute extension to the total duration. Review the latest exam structure below.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Selection Procedure
The IBPS Clerk recruitment process involves no interview stage. The selection is based exclusively on performance across two tiers: the Prelims and the Mains. Both stages feature objective-type questions, and candidates must secure the minimum sectional and overall cut-off marks to qualify.
Last year, IBPS updated the Mains exam framework, while the Prelims structure remains consistent. Adjustments to the marking scheme are critical for your success; please review the latest format details below.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 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) |
| 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 Exam 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 Marking Scheme & Penalties
Yes, the IBPS Clerk exam includes negative marking. For every incorrect response, 0.25 marks will be deducted from your final aggregate score.
To prevent unnecessary score depletion, prioritize accuracy over speed during your practice. Strategic question selection and avoiding random guesses are essential for maximizing your total marks.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Prelims syllabus covers three core domains: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. Detailed topics for each section are outlined below.
Reasoning Ability Syllabus
The Reasoning Ability syllabus evaluates logical deduction and analytical thinking. Key topics include Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Inequalities, and Number 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 assesses your grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and linguistic proficiency. Core areas include Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Cloze Tests, Fill-in-the-Blanks, 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
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Passage Completion
- Grammar
- Spelling Correction
- Word Usage
- Word Swap
- Tenses
Numerical Ability Syllabus
The Numerical Ability syllabus focuses on mathematical efficiency and speed. Expected topics include Simplification, Data Interpretation, Number Series, Arithmetic problems, and Quadratic Equations.
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Simplification/
- Quadratic Equation
- Data Sufficiency
- Mensuration
- 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 exam features four comprehensive sections with dedicated time limits: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General/Financial Awareness.
Mains Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus
- Seating Arrangements
- Puzzles
- Inequalities
- 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
- Data Interpretation
- Simplification/ Approximation
- Quadratic Equation
- Data Sufficiency
- Mensuration
- Average
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time and Distance
- Probability
- Relations
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Permutation and Combination
Mains General & Financial 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.
All prospective candidates must align their study plans with the official IBPS Clerk 2026 notification to ensure comprehensive and efficient preparation for the upcoming examination.
Download IBPS Clerk Syllabus PDF
The official IBPS Clerk 2026 Syllabus PDF will be available for download here immediately following the release of the official notification. In the meantime, use our detailed topic list—based on previous years' trends—to kickstart your preparation.
Exam Language Medium
The IBPS Clerk exam is provided in multiple regional languages alongside English and Hindi, depending on the state or Union Territory. Refer to our state-wise list to confirm the available language options for your region.
| 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 |
Can You Clear the Syllabus in 2 Months?
Yes, it is entirely possible if you already possess a foundational understanding of Quant, English, and Reasoning. With a disciplined 60-day study plan, candidates can cover the entire syllabus effectively.
| 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 |
Expert Preparation 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 tie in total marks, the candidate with the earlier date of birth (the older candidate) receives preference. If the tie persists, additional criteria such as alphabetical order or section-specific performance may be utilized to finalize merit rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the official IBPS Clerk Syllabus?
This guide provides the most up-to-date and detailed breakdown of the IBPS Clerk Syllabus for both Prelims and Mains stages to help you streamline your study process.
Is the IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 changed?
Yes, the Mains exam pattern has been revised with modifications to sectional question counts and time duration. The Prelims pattern remains unchanged.
What is the marking scheme for the exam?
The Prelims paper consists of 100 marks with a 1-hour duration, while the Mains examination is worth 200 marks with a total time of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, both the Prelims and Mains exams apply a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
What are the core topics for Prelims?
Reasoning includes Puzzles and Seating Arrangements; English covers Reading Comprehension and Error Spotting; Quantitative Aptitude focuses on Data Interpretation, Simplification, and Arithmetic.
What comprises the IBPS Clerk Syllabus?
The Prelims syllabus consists of three mandatory sections: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude.
How can I score 70+ marks in Prelims?
Achieving 70+ marks requires a blend of conceptual clarity, rigorous practice with mock tests, and a strategic approach that focuses on your areas of strength.
Is there a limit on attempts?
There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for the IBPS Clerk exam. However, candidates must adhere to the age bracket of 20 to 28 years.
In what language is the question paper available?
The paper is bilingual (English and Hindi), except for the English Language section, which is provided exclusively in English.