IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 (Prelims and Mains), Exam Pattern Revised, Preparation Tips

The IBPS Clerk Exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit candidates for clerical posts in participating public sector banks. The recruitment process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Candidates preparing for the exam should thoroughly understand the latest IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 and exam pattern before beginning their preparation.

The Syllabus covers key subjects such as Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General/Financial Awareness, and Computer Aptitude. Since these subjects are common across most banking examinations, candidates should adopt a structured study plan, practice mock tests and previous year papers, and regularly revise important topics to complete the syllabus effectively.

IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026

IBPS Clerk is a very competitive exam because every year lakhs of candidates apply to get Clerk job in participating Public Sector Banks of India. The exam not only tests candidates’ knowledge and common sense, but also speed and accuracy. Along with complete syllabus coverage, aspirants need to work on 100% accuracy and faster speed.

IBPS has revised the Mains pattern again for this year but only simple changes have been made. 5 more questions have been added to Quants section and total duration has been increased by 5 minutes. Check the detailed Mains pattern below.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026

There is no interview in the IBPS Clerk exam; hence only two stages are there: Prelims and Mains. Both are objective-type papers, and passing with cut-off marks is essential.

Last year, IBPS introduced some changes in the Mains exam, and the prelims pattern remains the same. For example, internal marking scheme has been changed. Check the latest IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern below.

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

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

IBPS Clerk Negative Marking

Yes, there is negative marking in the IBPS Clerk exam. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the total score.

To avoid unnecessary loss of marks, answer questions carefully and avoid random guessing. Focus on accuracy and maximise your marks by avoiding negative marking.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026

The Prelims Syllabus consists of Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. Check the subject-wise topics below.

Reasoning Syllabus

The Reasoning Ability syllabus for IBPS Clerk mainly tests a candidate’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills. It includes topics like puzzles, seating arrangement, coding-decoding, blood relations, inequalities, and 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 focuses on checking candidates’ grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. It covers areas like reading comprehension, error spotting, cloze test, 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
• Error Detection
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Passage Completion
• Grammar
• Spelling Correction
• Word Usage
• Word Swap
• Tenses

Numerical Ability Syllabus

The Numerical Ability syllabus tests candidates’ speed and accuracy in solving mathematical problems. It includes topics like 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

There are four sections in the Mains exam with different sectional timings, such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude. Check topics below.

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.

It is necessary for all the candidates applying for the IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam to go through the syllabus as mentioned in the IBPS Clerk notification to be released by IBPS to prepare judiciously for this exam.

IBPS Clerk Syllabus PDF

The IBPS Clerk Syllabus PDF 2026 will be made available here once the official Notification is released. Candidates will be able to download the detailed syllabus PDF to check the subject-wise topics for both the Prelims and Mains examinations. Until then, aspirants can refer to the expected syllabus based on previous years’ exam patterns and start their preparation accordingly.

IBPS Clerk Exam Medium

The IBPS Clerk Exam is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and the respective regional languages of each state. In Hindi-speaking states, the exam is offered in both English and Hindi, while in non-Hindi-speaking states, it is conducted in English and the local regional language. Refer to the state/UT-wise language list below.

Is it possible to cover the IBPS Clerk Syllabus in 2 Months?

Yes, if a candidate is serious about his/her attempt this year, then the syllabus can be covered in 2 months provided that a candidate must have a background in Quants, English, and Reasoning. Check the study plan here.

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

If two or more candidates secure the same score, preference is given to the one with an earlier date of birth, meaning older candidates are ranked above younger ones. If the tie remains after considering age, other factors, such as the alphabetical order of names or performance in specific exam sections, may be applied to determine the final ranking.