IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026, Check Complete Process

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk Exam to recruit candidates for clerical posts in public sector banks across the country. The selection process comprises two examination stages: Preliminary and Mains, followed by Document Verification for shortlisted candidates. As the exam attracts a large number of applicants each year, understanding the stage-wise selection process is essential for effective preparation. The complete selection process is explained below.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026

Once candidates understand the IBPS Clerk Selection Process, they can plan their preparation effectively. The selection process consists of the following stages:

IBPS Clerk Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the IBPS Clerk Selection Process. It is conducted online and consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.

Candidates are required to secure the minimum sectional cut-off marks prescribed by IBPS to qualify for the Mains Examination.

While the marks obtained in the Prelims are not considered for the final merit list, qualifying this stage is mandatory to proceed further in the recruitment process.

IBPS Clerk Notification 2026 Out – Click to Check

IBPS Clerk Mains Examination

Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are shortlisted for the IBPS Clerk Mains Examination, the second stage of the selection process. The Mains exam is conducted online and includes four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude.

Performance in this stage determines the final merit list, making it the most important phase of the recruitment process. To qualify, candidates must secure both the sectional and overall cut-off marks prescribed by IBPS.

IBPS Clerki Document Verification

Candidates who qualify the Mains Exam are invited for the Document Verification stage. During this process, they must produce the necessary educational certificates, identity proof, and other required documents to verify their eligibility. Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete and readily available to avoid any complications during the verification process.

IBPS Clerk Exam Structure 2026

The exam consists of two phases: Preliminary and Mains. The Preliminary exam evaluates candidates’ basic knowledge in English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.

Those who qualify progress to the Mains exam, which assesses a wider range of topics, including Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General/Financial Awareness.

Both exams are objective-type with multiple-choice questions, testing candidates’ speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.

IBPS Prelims Clerk Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates must pass each of the three sections of the Prelims Exam by scoring the minimum cut-off marks set by IBPS. A sufficient number of candidates from each category will be shortlisted for the Online Main Examination based on these requirements. The table below shows the exam pattern:

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains Exam consists of 160 questions to be answered in 2 hours 5 minutes. Previously, Computer Aptitude and Reasoning Ability were separate sections, but they are now combined. Additionally, the exam will be offered in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages for both the Preliminary and main exams. Check the table for an overview of the Pattern:

Negative Marking Policy (Applicable for both Prelims and Mains): A penalty of one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer in the objective tests. However, no marks will be deducted if a question is left unanswered.

How is final selection made in IBPS Clerk?

The final selection for the IBPS Clerk 2026 recruitment is based only on the marks obtained in the Mains Examination. Candidates shortlisted through the Mains exam must also qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT), wherever applicable, and complete Document Verification successfully.

Those who satisfy all eligibility conditions and secure the required merit in the Mains examination are provisionally allotted to one of the participating banks based on their merit, state-wise vacancies, and preferences filled during the application process.