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The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will conduct the IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam, and it consists of two stages: Prelims and Mains. One thing that will help get through the selection process is the latest IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026. The overall syllabus covers GA, Quants, Reasoning, English, and computer aptitude, and it is the roadmap to clear the IBPS Clerk exam. So, check the detailed subject-wise syllabus and exam pattern below.
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 candidate’s knowledge and common sense, but also speed and accuracy. Along with complete syllabus coverage, aspirants need to work on 100% accuracy and faster speed. Combination of both is the key to success in this exam. Check important highlights of the exam below.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body |
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
|
| Name of Exam | IBPS Clerk 2026 |
| Post | Clerk |
| Selection Process | Prelims and Mains |
| Number of Questions | Prelims: 100 Mains: 120 |
| 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 |
| 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 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 has introduced some changes in the Mains exam, and the prelims pattern remains the same. Candidates need not worry about these changes, because only the number of questions and marks have been altered, and the subjects remain the same. So, if you have already completed your preparation, then you don’t have to worry about the change. Check the details of the IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern below.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Pattern
The IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam is a 1-hour test worth 100 marks, divided into three sections with 100 multiple-choice questions in total. Note that there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
| Sections | Questions/Marks | Duration (in minutes) |
| English Language | 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 Pattern (LATEST)
The latest Mains Exam pattern consists of 155 questions to be completed in 120 minutes. It includes four sections with individual time limits. There is a negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer. Check the subject-wise marking below.
| 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 | 35 Questions/50 Marks | 30 |
| General/ Financial Awareness | 40 Questions/50 Marks | 20 |
| Total | 155 Questions/200 Marks | 120 Minutes |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Clerk 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.
| Topic | Definition |
| Seating Arrangements |
Questions based on placing people or items in a row or circle following clues.
|
| Puzzles |
Logical problems that require analytical thinking to find the correct solution.
|
| Inequalities |
Questions involving comparison of quantities using symbols like >, <, =, etc.
|
| Syllogism |
Logic-based problems involving statements and conclusions using Venn diagrams.
|
| Input-Output |
Pattern-based questions where input strings are processed through steps.
|
| Data Sufficiency |
Determines if the given data is enough to answer a question.
|
| Blood Relations |
Questions based on family relationships and genealogical connections.
|
| Order and Ranking |
Problems involving the position or rank of people/items in a sequence.
|
| Alphanumeric Series |
Series-based questions combining letters, numbers, and symbols.
|
| Distance and Direction |
Tests the ability to trace direction and calculate distance based on movement.
|
| Verbal Reasoning |
Logic-based reasoning questions use statements, assumptions, and conclusions.
|
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.
| Topic | Definition |
| Cloze Test |
A passage with blanks where candidates choose the most suitable words.
|
| Reading Comprehension |
A passage followed by questions to test understanding and inference skills.
|
| Spotting Errors |
Questions where candidates identify grammatical or usage errors in a sentence.
|
| Sentence Improvement |
Candidates must replace part of a sentence with a better or correct option.
|
| Sentence Correction |
Focuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, or word usage in a sentence.
|
| Para Jumbles |
Jumbled sentences that must be arranged to form a meaningful paragraph.
|
| Fill in the Blanks |
Sentences with one or two blanks where the correct word(s) must be chosen.
|
| Para/Sentence Completion |
Involves completing a sentence or paragraph meaningfully with the right option.
|
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.
| Topic | Definition |
| Number Series |
Identify the missing number or pattern in a sequence of numbers.
|
| Data Interpretation |
Questions based on data given in tables, graphs, or charts.
|
| Simplification/ Approximation |
Solve numerical expressions quickly using simplification or rounding.
|
| Quadratic Equation |
Solve equations of the form ax² + bx + c = 0 using factorisation or formulas.
|
| Data Sufficiency |
Determine if the given data is enough to answer a mathematical question.
|
| Mensuration |
Questions based on area, volume, and surface area of 2D and 3D figures.
|
| Average |
Calculate the central value of a group of numbers.
|
| Profit and Loss |
Solve problems related to cost price, selling price, and percentage gain/loss.
|
| Ratio and Proportion |
Compare two or more quantities using ratios or proportions.
|
| Work, Time, and Energy |
Problems based on efficiency, time taken, and combined work.
|
| Time and Distance |
Solve questions involving speed, time, and distance.
|
| Probability |
Measure the chance of occurrence of a particular event.
|
| Relations |
Questions involving family relations in a quantitative context.
|
| Simple and Compound Interest |
Solve interest-related problems over time for given principal and rate.
|
| Permutation and Combination |
Count possible arrangements or selections in different situations.
|
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 Negative Marking
The IBPS Clerk exam follows a negative marking scheme in both the Prelims and Mains stages. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the total score. This penalty applies to each incorrect response, which can lower your overall score. To avoid unnecessary loss of marks, answer questions carefully, as random guessing may reduce your final score. Therefore, focusing on accuracy and adopting a strategic approach is key to maximising your performance in the exam.
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.
IBPS Clerk Preparation Books
In addition to the Syllabus, candidates can also explore the recommended IBPS Clerk Preparation Books. These resources will offer valuable guidance to help them perform well in the examination.
| Book Name | Author/Publication |
| A Modern Approach Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | BS Sijwali |
| Verbal Reasoning | RS Agarwal |
| A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal & Non-Verbal | B S Sijwali |
| Logical reasoning | K Kundan |
| Test of Reasoning |
Pearson Publication
|
| Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Kiran Publication
|
| Lucent’s Reasoning | Lucent |
| Analytical Reasoning | M K Pandey |
| A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal |
Arihant Publication
|
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.
| 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 |
Tips to crack IBPS Clerk Exam
Preparing for this exa requires a structured approach and consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you effectively prepare:
- Understand the IBPS Clerk syllabus thoroughly.
- Gather updated study materials and resources.
- Create a weekly and monthly study plan that includes covering new topics and revision.
- Focus on building a strong foundation in each subject with conceptual clarity.
- Solve the IBPS Clerk PYQs or Practice sets to understand the exam pattern.
- Take regular IBPS Clerk Mock Test to assess your performance.
- Enhance English language skills through reading and practice.
- Stay updated with current affairs and general awareness.
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