EXAM SYLLABUS

The IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus is defined by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection and is divided into four major sections.

Below is the detailed syllabus section-wise:

1. General or Financial Awareness

This section mainly tests your knowledge of banking and current affairs. Topics include:

Banking awareness and banking terms

Current affairs of last 6 months

RBI policies and updates

Monetary policy

Static banking awareness

Indian financial system

Important government schemes

Budget and economic survey highlights

Important days and appointments

National and international news

Financial institutions and headquarters

2. General English

This section checks grammar, vocabulary and comprehension skills. Topics include:

Reading comprehension

Cloze test

Error detection

Sentence improvement

Para jumbles

Fill in the blanks

Word usage

Synonyms and antonyms

Idioms and phrases

3. Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude

This section includes logical reasoning plus basic computer knowledge. Topics include:

Puzzles and seating arrangement

Syllogism

Inequality

Coding and decoding

Blood relation

Direction sense

Data sufficiency

Logical reasoning

Input output

Statement and assumption

Computer topics include:

Basic computer fundamentals

Hardware and software

Operating system basics

Internet and networking

MS Office

Computer shortcuts

Cyber security basics

5. Quantitative Aptitude

This section focuses mainly on arithmetic and data interpretation. Topics include:

Simplification and approximation

Number series

Data interpretation including table, pie chart, bar graph and caselet

Percentage

Profit and loss

Simple and compound interest

Time and work

Time, speed and distance

Ratio and proportion

Average

Mixture and allegation

Partnership

Candidates must clear sectional and overall cut off. The final selection is based only on mains marks.

EXAM PATTERN

The IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Structure is prescribed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.

IBPS Clerk has only one mains examination after prelims, and the final selection is based on the marks obtained in the mains exam.

The IBPS Clerk Mains exam consists of 190 questions carrying 200 marks in total. The total duration of the exam is 160 minutes, and there is sectional timing for each section. There is negative marking of one fourth mark for every wrong answer.

The exam includes the following sections:

General or Financial Awareness
This section generally contains 50 questions for 50 marks. Questions are asked from banking awareness, current affairs, static awareness, and financial news of the last six months.

General English
This section usually contains 40 questions for 40 marks. It includes reading comprehension, cloze test, error detection, sentence rearrangement, and vocabulary-based questions.

Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude
This combined section generally contains 50 questions for 60 marks. Questions are asked from puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, inequality, coding-decoding, and basic computer knowledge.

Quantitative Aptitude
This section contains around 50 questions for 50 marks. Questions are mainly from arithmetic word problems, data interpretation, number series, and simplification.

Candidates must clear the sectional as well as overall cut off marks to be considered for final selection. There is no interview stage for IBPS Clerk. Final merit is prepared based on mains marks only.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates must meet the IBPS Clerk Eligibility requirements to be eligible for the exam. Below are the IBPS Clerk Eligibility Criteria as outlined in the official notification. Candidates must ensure they fulfill these requirements to apply for the exam.

Nationality 

A candidate must be either -

(i) a Citizen of India or

(ii) a subject of Nepal or

(iii) a subject of Bhutan or

(iv) a Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or (v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) & (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age (As on 01.08.2025)

Minimum: 20 years

Maximum: 28 years i.e.

A candidate must have been born not earlier than 02.08.1997 and not later than 01.08.2005 (both dates inclusive)

Relaxation of Upper age limit

Educational Qualifications (As on 21.08.2025)

1. A Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a University recognised by the Govt. Of India or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. The candidate must possess valid Mark-sheet / Degree Certificate that he/ she is a graduate on the day he / she registers and indicate the percentage of marks obtained in Graduation while registering online.

2. The candidates applying for vacancies of a particular State/UT, should be proficient in (reading, writing, speaking and understanding) the specified / opted local language of that State/UT.

3. May kindly refer to clause ‘H’ (Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)) for further details. Computer Literacy: Operating and working knowledge in computer systems is mandatory i.e. candidates should have Certificate/Diploma/Degree in computer operations/Language/ should have studied Computer / Information Technology as one of the subjects in the High School/College/Institute.

4. Ex-Servicemen who do not possess the above civil examination qualifications should be matriculate Ex-Servicemen who have obtained the Army Special Certificate of Education or corresponding certificate in the Navy or Air Force after having completed not less than 15 years of service in the Armed Forces of the Union as on 21.08.2025. Such certificates should be dated on or before 21.08.2025.

Note - All the educational qualifications mentioned should be from a University/ Institution/ Board recognised by Govt. Of India/ approved by Govt. Regulatory Bodies and the final result should have been declared on or before 21.08.2025.

Proficiency in Local Language

1. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak the official language of the State/UT for which they apply.

2. Proficiency test may be conducted by the participating banks.

List of Specified Local Languages

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates must meet the IBPS Clerk Eligibility requirements to be eligible for the exam. Below are the IBPS Clerk Eligibility Criteria as outlined in the official notification. Candidates must ensure they fulfill these requirements to apply for the exam.

Nationality 

A candidate must be either -

(i) a Citizen of India or

(ii) a subject of Nepal or

(iii) a subject of Bhutan or

(iv) a Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or (v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) & (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age (As on 01.08.2025)

Minimum: 20 years

Maximum: 28 years i.e.

A candidate must have been born not earlier than 02.08.1997 and not later than 01.08.2005 (both dates inclusive)

Relaxation of Upper age limit

Educational Qualifications (As on 21.08.2025)

1. A Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a University recognised by the Govt. Of India or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. The candidate must possess valid Mark-sheet / Degree Certificate that he/ she is a graduate on the day he / she registers and indicate the percentage of marks obtained in Graduation while registering online.

2. The candidates applying for vacancies of a particular State/UT, should be proficient in (reading, writing, speaking and understanding) the specified / opted local language of that State/UT.

3. May kindly refer to clause ‘H’ (Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)) for further details. Computer Literacy: Operating and working knowledge in computer systems is mandatory i.e. candidates should have Certificate/Diploma/Degree in computer operations/Language/ should have studied Computer / Information Technology as one of the subjects in the High School/College/Institute.

4. Ex-Servicemen who do not possess the above civil examination qualifications should be matriculate Ex-Servicemen who have obtained the Army Special Certificate of Education or corresponding certificate in the Navy or Air Force after having completed not less than 15 years of service in the Armed Forces of the Union as on 21.08.2025. Such certificates should be dated on or before 21.08.2025.

Note - All the educational qualifications mentioned should be from a University/ Institution/ Board recognised by Govt. Of India/ approved by Govt. Regulatory Bodies and the final result should have been declared on or before 21.08.2025.

Proficiency in Local Language

1. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak the official language of the State/UT for which they apply.

2. Proficiency test may be conducted by the participating banks.

List of Specified Local Languages

Important Point

1. Multiple applications for different States are not allowed.

2. Candidate must have a valid Email ID and Mobile number during the recruitment process.

IMPORTANT DATES

The detailed schedule for IBPS Clerk 2026 will be announced along with the official notification on www.ibps.in. The dates for the Prelims and Mains examinations will be released separately through the IBPS Calendar 2026.

EXAM ANALYSIS

Here is a detailed IBPS CLERK MAINS EXAM ANALYSIS for 2026 (expected) based on the latest actual exams of 2024 and 2025 so you can clearly understand pattern, level, shifts, cutoffs and expectations

LAST CONDUCTED IBPS CLERK MAINS EXAM DETAILS

The IBPS Clerk Mains exam is conducted by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection

IBPS Clerk Mains 2024 Exam Date
13 October 2024

Shift Details 2024
Single shift exam

IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 Exam Date
29 November 2025 and 2 December 2025

Shift Timing 2025
Morning shift approximately 8:35 AM to 10:35 AM

Key Insight
Mains exam is usually conducted in
Single shift when candidates are fewer
Multiple dates when candidates are higher

EXAM PATTERN OVERVIEW

Reasoning plus Computer 50 questions
Quantitative Aptitude 50 questions
English Language 40 questions
General Financial Awareness 50 questions
Total 190 questions 160 minutes

Important Trend
Paper is lengthy and time pressure is very high

IBPS CLERK MAINS 2024 EXAM ANALYSIS

Overall Difficulty Level
Moderate

Section Wise Level
Reasoning Moderate and lengthy
Quant Moderate to Difficult
English Moderate
General Awareness Moderate to Difficult

Important Observations

High number of puzzles and seating arrangements
Data interpretation was calculation intensive
General awareness focused on banking and current affairs
Paper was time consuming

GOOD ATTEMPTS AND CUT OFF TREND

Based on exam level and previous trends

Good attempts range
130 to 150 questions

Cut off trend varies state wise but generally
Moderate paper leads to higher cutoff
Difficult paper leads to lower cutoff

Trend from discussions and analysis
Cutoff fluctuates due to vacancies and difficulty

EXPECTED IBPS CLERK MAINS 2026 EXAM ANALYSIS

Expected Exam Date
November to December 2026

Expected Shift Pattern
Single shift or 1 to 2 shifts depending on candidates

Expected Difficulty Level
Moderate to Moderate Difficult

Expected Section Trends

Reasoning
More high level puzzles and logical reasoning

Quant
DI heavy and lengthy calculations

English
Reading comprehension and error detection

General Awareness
Banking awareness plus last 6 months current affairs

EXPECTED CUT OFF 2026

Moderate paper
Higher cutoff

Moderate to difficult paper
Slightly lower cutoff

Expected range
70 to 85 marks overall depending on state and vacancies

FINAL EXPECTATIONS FOR 2026

Paper will be lengthy not very tough
Speed and time management will be deciding factor
General awareness will play a crucial role
Puzzles and DI will dominate

STUDY TIPS

To prepare for the IBPS Clerk Mains, start by thoroughly reviewing the syllabus and exam pattern. Then, design a well-rounded study schedule that incorporates regular daily practice, mock tests, and performance analysis to pinpoint and improve on your weak areas.

IMPORTANT STUDY TIPS

Understand exam level and syllabus deeply Focus on high level puzzles, data interpretation, banking awareness and computer basics

Daily current affairs preparation Study last 5 to 6 months current affairs especially banking and financial news

Practice mock tests regularly Give full length and sectional tests to improve speed and accuracy

Focus on weak areas Identify weak topics and give extra time to improve them

Revise regularly Keep short notes for formulas, current affairs and important concepts

Improve time management Learn to balance all sections within limited time

Accuracy is very important Avoid guesswork and focus on correct attempts

6 MONTH STUDY PLAN

Month 1 to 2
Build strong basics in all subjects
Start reading current affairs daily
Focus on arithmetic, grammar and basic reasoning

Month 3 to 4
Practice moderate to high level questions
Start puzzles, data interpretation and banking awareness
Give weekly mock tests

Month 5
Increase mock test frequency to 3 to 4 per week
Focus on current affairs revision
Improve speed and accuracy

Month 6
Daily mock tests
Revise all subjects thoroughly
Focus on exam strategy and time management

3 MONTH STUDY PLAN

Month 1
Clear basic concepts of all subjects
Start current affairs preparation
Practice simple questions

Month 2
Practice high level questions
Give 2 to 3 mock tests per week
Focus on puzzles, DI and GA

Month 3
Daily mock tests
Revise current affairs of last 6 months
Analyze performance and improve weak areas

1 MONTH STUDY PLAN

Week 1
Revise basics and important formulas
Start current affairs revision

Week 2
Give daily sectional tests
Focus on weak topics

Week 3
Attempt full length mock tests regularly
Improve speed and accuracy

Week 4
Revise all subjects
Focus on current affairs
Maintain confidence and follow exam strategy

OVERVIEW

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) organises the IBPS Clerk Recruitment Exam annually to select candidates for clerical roles in 11 public sector banks across India. The selection process will consist of two phases: an Online Preliminary Examination followed by the Online Main Examination. Only those candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination and are shortlisted will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination. The final selection will depend on the actual vacancies to be filled during the financial year 2026-27, based on the business requirements of the Participating Banks and as reported to IBPS. Shortlisted candidates will be provisionally allocated to one of the Participating Banks based on merit-cum-preference, while adhering to the Government's reservation policy and administrative requirements.

SELECTION PROCESS

The IBPS Clerk 2026 selection process consists of an online Preliminary exam followed by an online Mains exam, with the final selection determined by the performance in the Mains exam. There is no interview round. The final stage also includes a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) to evaluate the candidate's proficiency in the language of the state they are applying for.

1. Preliminary Exam

An online objective test covering sections on English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, which is qualifying in nature.

2. Mains Exam

An online exam that includes sections on General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. The marks obtained in this stage are considered for final selection.

3. Language Proficiency Test (LPT)

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the official language of the state or Union Territory they are applying for.

4. Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification, where their educational, identity, and category certificates will be checked.

Final Selection

Based solely on the marks scored in the Mains Examination.

State-wise and category-wise merit lists are prepared.

Candidates are allotted banks based on: Rank in the merit list, Preferences filled, and Vacancies available.