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The IBPS Clerk exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and it consists of 3 stages: Prelims, Mains, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Now, if you want to know the latest IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026, then read this article.
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus includes subjects like General/Financial Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and Computer Aptitude. These subjects are common for all Bank exams, so you need to plan a proper strategy to cover the entire syllabus.
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.
| 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 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
The 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
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.
- 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 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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