IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 For Prelims and Mains Exam Check Pattern & Negative Marking
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk examination every year for the recruitment of Clerks in participating public sector banks across India. Candidates preparing for IBPS Clerk 2026 should understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern before starting their preparation. The Prelims and Mains examinations cover common subjects such as Reasoning Ability, English Language and Quantitative/Numerical Ability, while the Mains exam additionally includes Computer Aptitude and General/Financial Awareness.
IBPS Clerk Exam Overview 2026
| Post | Clerk |
| Selection Stages | Prelims, Mains and Language Proficiency Test (LPT) |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100 | Mains: 155 |
| Total Marks | Prelims: 100 | Mains: 200 |
| Duration | Prelims: 60 Minutes | Mains: 120 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer in both stages |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Final Merit Basis | Prelims is qualifying only; final selection is based on Mains marks, subject to clearing the LPT |
IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026
IBPS Clerk recruitment is completed through three stages. There is no interview in the IBPS Clerk selection process.
| Stage 1 - Preliminary Examination | The Prelims exam is an objective online test consisting of 100 questions for 100 marks. The total duration is 60 minutes. Prelims is qualifying in nature and its marks are not added to the final merit list. Candidates need to qualify the required sectional and overall cut-offs. |
|---|---|
| Stage 2 - Main Examination | The Mains exam consists of 155 questions for 200 marks with a total duration of 120 minutes. Marks obtained in the Mains examination are considered for preparing the final merit list. |
| Stage 3 - Language Proficiency Test (LPT) | The LPT is conducted by the allotted bank to check the candidate’s ability to read, write and comprehend the official regional language of the state applied for. The test is qualifying in nature. Candidates failing the LPT may be disqualified even after qualifying the Prelims and Mains examinations. |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination consists of three sections. Each section has an independent 20-minute sectional time limit.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Mains examination consists of four sections with separate sectional time limits. The exam is conducted bilingually in English and Hindi, except for the English Language section.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 35 Minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026: Subject Wise Syllabus
The IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains examinations share three major subjects: Reasoning Ability, English Language and Quantitative/Numerical Ability. The Mains examination additionally includes Computer Aptitude along with Reasoning and General/Financial Awareness.
1. Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning section tests logical thinking, analytical ability, pattern recognition and problem-solving skills. It is included in both Prelims and Mains.
- Seating Arrangement & Puzzles
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Inequalities, including coded inequalities in Mains
- Alphanumeric Series
- Order & Ranking
- Input-Output, including machine input-output in Mains
- Data Sufficiency
- Statement & Conclusions
- Statement & Assumptions
- Statement & Arguments
- Series Test
- Odd Figure Out
- Analogy
- Classification
- Assertion and Reasoning
- Decision Making (Mains)
2. English Language
The English Language section tests grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. The major topics include:
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms, Word Formation and Spelling |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement/Correction, Phrases and Idioms, Active/Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Speech |
| Reading & Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Passage Completion, Theme Detection and Deriving Conclusions |
3. Quantitative/Numerical Ability
This section tests calculation speed, numerical ability and accuracy. Important topics include:
- Simplification/Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation - Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts and Pie Charts
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Sufficiency
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentages
- Averages
- Profit, Loss and Discount
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Time and Work
- Mensuration
- Mixture and Allegation
- Partnership
- Permutation, Combination and Probability
4. Computer Aptitude - Mains Only
Computer Aptitude is combined with Reasoning Ability as one section in the Mains examination. The important topics include:
- Basics of Computer Hardware and Software
- Windows Operating System Basics
- Internet Terms, Services and Networking
- MS Office Basics - MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint
- Database Basics
- History of Computers
- Basics of Hacking
- Security Tools and Computer Viruses
5. General/Financial Awareness - Mains Only
This section mainly focuses on banking awareness, financial knowledge and current affairs.
| Current Affairs | National and international news of the last 6 months, Union Budget and Economic Survey highlights, Government Schemes and Policies |
|---|---|
| Banking & Financial Awareness | Indian financial system, history of Indian banking, recent RBI monetary and credit policies, banking terms and abbreviations |
| Regulatory & International Bodies | RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, FSDC, IMF, World Bank, ADB and UN |
| Static GK | Important Days, Books and Authors, Awards, Headquarters and Appointments |
IBPS Clerk Negative Marking 2026
- 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains examinations.
- Candidates should attempt questions carefully to avoid unnecessary loss of marks.
IBPS Clerk Language Proficiency Test (LPT) 2026
- The LPT is conducted after the online examinations as part of the selection process.
- The test checks the candidate’s ability to read, write and comprehend the official language of the state applied for.
- The LPT is qualifying in nature.
- Candidates who fail to qualify the LPT may be disqualified from the recruitment process.
- There is no interview in the IBPS Clerk recruitment process.
How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk Exam 2026
- Start with the syllabus: Make a topic-wise study plan before beginning regular practice.
- Follow a sectional timetable: Since every Prelims section has a separate 20-minute time limit, practise solving questions within the prescribed time.
- Focus on important topics: Give additional practice to puzzles, seating arrangement, data interpretation and reading comprehension.
- Attempt previous year papers: Solve previous year question papers to understand the level and type of questions asked.
- Take regular mock tests: Mock tests help improve speed, accuracy and time-management skills.
- Analyse your mistakes: After every mock test, identify weak topics and revise them regularly.
- Prepare for Mains from the beginning: Do not ignore Computer Aptitude and General/Financial Awareness during preparation.
- Revise current affairs regularly: Follow daily current affairs and revise important banking and financial awareness topics.
Important Links
Before Applying
Please verify the official notification for complete eligibility, age limits, education qualification, fee rules, and other terms before submitting the online application.
Always confirm dates and fees on the official website before you apply.