Preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 requires the right combination of strategy, practice, and most importantly, reliable books. With increasing competition every year, selecting books that strictly follow the latest IBPS syllabus and exam pattern is crucial.
Best Books for IBPS Clerk 2026 Preparation
The IBPS Clerk Exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit candidates for clerical posts in public sector banks. The selection process consists of two stages: prelims and mains. Only candidates who clear both stages are provisionally allotted banks. This article provides a subject-wise list of the best IBPS Clerk books for 2026, covering Prelims and Mains, along with a practical preparation strategy.
What is the IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern?
The IBPS Clerk Prelims 2026 is the first qualifying stage of the recruitment process. It tests candidates on basic aptitude skills such as reasoning, numerical ability, and English language. The exam focuses on speed and accuracy, as each section has a fixed time limit.
- Total questions: 100
- Total marks: 100
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Sectional cut-offs apply
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
What is the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern?
The IBPS Clerk Mains exam is the final stage of the selection process. This exam evaluates candidates on higher-level reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, and banking & financial awareness. Performance in this exam determines the final merit list.
- Total questions: 155
- Total marks: 200
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Some questions carry 2 marks
- Negative marking applicable
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
| General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Which books should you use to prepare for the IBPS Clerk English Language?
The English Language section appears in both Prelims and Mains. A strong command over grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension is essential. Candidates should focus on books that offer concept clarity along with exam-level practice questions.
| Book Name | Author | Best For |
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Grammar fundamentals |
| Objective English | S.P. Bakshi | Complete exam coverage |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Vocabulary building |
| English for Competitive Exams | Arihant Experts | Practice-based learning |
Which are the best books for IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability?
Reasoning ability tests a candidate’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills. This section requires continuous practice and familiarity with different question types asked in bank exams.
| Book Name | Author | Best For |
| Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Concept building |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | Logical reasoning |
| New Approach to Reasoning | B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali | Prelims & Mains practice |
Which books are best for IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude?
Quantitative Aptitude is one of the highest-scoring yet most time-consuming sections. Candidates should focus on books that help improve calculation speed, accuracy, and shortcut techniques.
| Book Name | Author | Best For |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | Concept clarity |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma | Speed & shortcuts |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M. Tyra | Quick calculations |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arun Sharma | Advanced-level practice |
Which books should you use for General and Financial Awareness?
This section is exclusive to the Mains exam and plays a crucial role in improving overall scores. Preparation should include static banking knowledge and current financial affairs.
| Book Name | Publisher | Best For |
| Banking Awareness | Arihant Experts | Banking concepts |
| Financial Awareness | Disha Experts | Finance fundamentals |
| Manorama Yearbook | Manorama | General awareness |
| Monthly Banking Current Affairs Capsules: Oliveboard Bolt | Oliveboard | Current updates |
Which books are best for IBPS Clerk Computer Aptitude?
Computer aptitude questions test basic computer knowledge, which is commonly required in banking jobs. Books with objective questions and simple explanations are ideal.
| Book Name | Publisher | Best For |
| Objective Computer Awareness | Arihant Experts | Complete syllabus |
| Computer Awareness & Knowledge | Kiran Prakashan | Practice questions |
| Computer Fundamentals | P.K. Sinha | Conceptual clarity |
Oliveboard’s Best Seller Combo Books
Oliveboard’s Best Seller Combo is a set of three books designed to help aspirants prepare effectively for banking, insurance, and regulatory exams, including IBPS Clerk. This combo is useful for both prelims and mains preparation and focuses on the most important and scoring topics, such as reasoning, puzzles, and data interpretation. The books are structured in a simple and exam-oriented manner, making them suitable for beginners as well as experienced aspirants.
- Includes Absolute Reasoning, Puzzle Mania, and DI Decoded
- Covers Reasoning Ability, Puzzles & Seating Arrangements, and Data Interpretation
- Based on the latest exam pattern and question trends
- Starts from basic concepts and moves to advanced-level questions
- Includes solved examples, practice questions, and detailed solutions
- Helpful for improving speed, accuracy, and exam confidence
FAQs
Q1: Which books are best for IBPS Clerk 2026 preparation?
A1: Standard books like Objective English by S.P. Bakshi, Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, Modern Approach to Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal, and Banking Awareness by Arihant are best for IBPS Clerk preparation.
Q2: Can the same books be used for IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains?
A2: Yes, the same books for English, reasoning, and quant can be used for both stages. Additional books are needed only for General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude in Mains.
Q3: How many books should I refer to for IBPS Clerk preparation?
A3: One or two good books per subject are sufficient. Focus on revision and practice instead of using multiple books.
Q4: Is it necessary to buy the latest edition of IBPS Clerk books?
A4: Yes, always use the latest edition to stay aligned with the current exam pattern and question trends.
Q5: Which books are best for quantitative aptitude speed practice?
A5: Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma and Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M. Tyra are good for improving speed.
Q6: Which books are useful for reasoning ability?
A6: Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal and Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey are commonly used.
Q7: What books should I use for General and financial awareness?
A7: Banking Awareness by Arihant, Manorama Yearbook, and monthly current affairs compilations are sufficient.
Q8: Are Oliveboard’s Best Seller Combo books helpful for IBPS Clerk?
A8: Yes, they are useful for practicing reasoning, puzzles, and data interpretation, which are important scoring areas.
Q9: Can I rely only on books for IBPS Clerk preparation?
A9: Books are important, but regular mock test practice and revision are also necessary for success.
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