IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2026
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam on 10th & 11th October 2026
The IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for 10th and 11th October 2026. Candidates should complete their revision and practice with exam-level questions before the examination.
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Download IBPS Clerk Previous Year Papers for Practice
Download IBPS Clerk Previous Year Papers to practise exam-level questions, understand the exam pattern, and improve speed and accuracy for the upcoming examination.
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The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 for the Preliminary Examination continues to cover English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, while the Mains Examination includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The major change this year is in the Mains exam structure, which now has 160 questions for 200 marks with a total duration of 125 minutes and separate sectional timings. Candidates preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 should follow the revised syllabus and give equal importance to subject-wise preparation, sectional practice, and mock tests.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 covers the topics candidates need to prepare for both stages of the online examination. The Prelims is designed to test candidates in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning, whereas the Mains examination tests their knowledge of English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness. With the revised Mains structure, candidates need to plan their preparation according to the section-wise time limits rather than treating the paper as one continuous test. The table below provides the key details of the latest syllabus and examination structure.
| Particular | Details |
|---|
| Exam Name | IBPS Customer Service Associate (CSA) Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| Exam Level | National |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains |
| Prelims Subjects | English, Reasoning, Numerical Ability |
| Mains Subjects | English, Quant, Reasoning & Computer, GA |
| Preparation Kit | Download IBPS Clerk Prep Kit |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Marks |
| Mode | Online |
| Question Type | MCQ |
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) (where applicable). Candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for final appointment as a Customer Service Associate. The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature, while only the marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for preparing the final merit list. Candidates who do not satisfy the prescribed local language criteria are required to appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test.
- The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature.
- Only candidates qualifying the Prelims are shortlisted for the Mains Examination.
- The final merit list is prepared only on the basis of marks obtained in the Main Examination.
- Candidates must qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable).
- Final provisional allotment is based on mains marks, category-wise merit, vacancies, and successful completion of the LLPT.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the IBPS Clerk recruitment process. It is conducted online and consists of objective-type questions from three sections. Candidates are allotted sectional timing and must complete each section within the prescribed duration.
- Mode of Examination: Online
- Type of Questions: Objective (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 (Revised)
Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination. As per the revised exam pattern, the mains examination consists of 160 objective-type questions carrying 200 marks with a total duration of 125 minutes.
- Mode of Examination: Online
- Type of Questions: Objective (MCQs)
- Total Questions: 160
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 125 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 Minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| Total | 160 | 200 | 125 Minutes |
What is the IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus?
The IBPS Clerk Prelims syllabus includes three subjects: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Each section is timed, and candidates must qualify in each to move to the main stage. The questions are of easy to moderate difficulty, mostly covering fundamental concepts. Check the IBPS Clerk Prelims syllabus below.
| English Language | Reasoning Ability | Numerical Ability |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Puzzles (Box-based, Designation-based, Category-based, Floor/Flat-based, Day/Month/Year-based) | Simplification (BODMAS, Square & Cube, Roots, Indices, Fractions, Percentage) |
| Fillers | Seating Arrangement (Circular, Square/Rectangle/Triangle, Linear - single/double row, Uncertain) | Approximation (Same as Simplification) |
| Sentence Based Error | Inequality (Direct & Indirect Statements) | Number Series (Missing, Wrong Number Series) |
| Vocabulary | Distance & Direction (Normal) | Inequality (Linear Equation, Quadratic Equation, Quantity Comparison) |
| Cloze Test | Coding-Decoding (General) | Ratio & Proportion |
| Error Detection | Blood Relation (Normal) | Percentage |
| Sentence Improvement | Syllogism (2–3 Statements + 2 Conclusions) | Number System, HCF & LCM |
| Word Swap (3/4 words) | Series (Alpha-numeric-symbol, Word-based, Number-based, Digit-based, Letter-based) | Average |
| Word Rearrangement (3/4 words) | Order & Ranking (Comparison Based) | Age |
| Sentence Rearrangement | Word/Number Pair | Partnership |
| Parajumble | Word Formation (Meaningful Words) | Mixture & Alligation |
| Column-Based Questions | Odd One Out | Simple Interest |
| Idioms & Phrases | Word/Number Based (Multiple Operations) | Compound Interest |
| Word Usage | Time & Work |
| Connectors/Starters | Pipe & Cistern |
| Profit, Loss & Discount |
| Speed, Time & Distance |
| Boat & Stream |
| Mensuration (2D & 3D) |
| Probability |
| Permutation & Combination |
| Data Interpretation (Table, Missing Table, Pie Chart - Single/Multiple, Line Chart, Bar Graph, Mixed, Caselet) |
| Data Sufficiency (2-Statement Based) |
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What is the IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus?
The IBPS Clerk Mains Exam is the second and final stage of the selection process. It is more comprehensive and evaluates candidates on advanced topics across four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude.
IBPS Clerk General/Financial Awareness Syllabus for Mains
The General/Financial Awareness section focuses on banking awareness, current affairs, financial news, and static general knowledge. Candidates should regularly follow newspapers and monthly current affairs.
- Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
- Banking Awareness
- Financial Awareness
- RBI Updates
- SEBI Functions
- Government Schemes
- Indian Economy and Budget
- Banking and Financial Terms
- Important Appointments
- Awards and Honours
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- International Organisations (IMF, World Bank, ADB)
- Static GK
- Important Days
IBPS Clerk General English Syllabus for Mains
The General English section evaluates candidates' reading ability, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills through moderately difficult questions.
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One-word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
- Vocabulary-based Questions
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IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude Syllabus for Mains
This section combines advanced reasoning topics with basic computer awareness. Candidates should focus on analytical reasoning as well as computer fundamentals.
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Input-Output
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Order and Ranking
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Inequalities
- Statement and Assumptions
Computer Aptitude
- Computer Basics
- Computer Fundamentals
- Hardware and Software
- Operating Systems
- Internet and Networking
- MS Office
- Database Management System (DBMS)
- Input and Output Devices
- Computer Memory
- Computer Abbreviations
- Email Basics
- Computer Security and Cyber Security
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IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Mains
The Quantitative Aptitude section in the mains examination includes advanced arithmetic and data interpretation questions.
- Data Interpretation
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Sufficiency
- Algebra
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Mixture and Alligation
- Percentage
- Mensuration
- Probability
- Permutation and Combination
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IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 PDF
Before starting your preparation, it is essential to understand the latest IBPS Clerk Syllabus PDF. It provides the complete syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains examinations, along with the latest exam pattern and topic-wise coverage. Referring to the syllabus PDF helps candidates plan their preparation effectively, focus on high-weightage topics, and improve their chances of success in the exam.
Download IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 PDF
IBPS Clerk Topic-Wise Weightage 2026
The IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains topic-wise weightage helps candidates identify the most important topics asked in the preliminary examination. Based on previous year exam analysis, topics like puzzles & seating arrangement in reasoning, simplification and arithmetic in quantitative aptitude, and reading comprehension in English carry significant weight. Aspirants should analyze these trends and focus more on high-weightage topics while preparing for IBPS Clerk 2026.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Reasoning Ability Topic Wise Weightage
The IBPS Clerk Prelims Reasoning Ability section includes topics based on logical reasoning and analytical skills. Previous year trends show that Puzzles and Seating Arrangement have the highest weightage, followed by topics like Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, and Series.
| Topics | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|
| Puzzles and Seating Arrangement | 15-19 | 15-20 | 15-20 | 15-20 | 15-20 | 20 | 20 | 15 |
| Alphabet Test | - | 0-1 | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Direction and Distance | 0-3 | 0-3 | 2-4 | 1-3 | 1-3 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Coding-Decoding | 0-4 | 0-5 | 4-5 | 3 | 1-5 | - | - | 3 |
| Inequality | 3-4 | 2-5 | 1-5 | 3-5 | 3-4 | 3 | - | 4 |
| Syllogism | 3-4 | 2-4 | 2-4 | 3-4 | 4-5 | 3 | 5 | - |
| Blood Relation | 0-3 | 0-3 | 2-5 | 1-4 | 3-5 | - | 3 | 3 |
| Alphanumeric Series | 0-5 | 4-5 | 3-5 | 3-5 | 3-5 | - | 4-5 | 5 |
| Number/Letter Series | 4-5 | 4-5 | 4-5 | 5 | - | 5 | - | - |
| Order and Ranking | 0-3 | 3-5 | 3 | 1-3 | 1 | 3-5 | 3-5 | 3-5 |
| Miscellaneous | 2-4 | 1-4 | 2-4 | 1-2 | 2-5 | 1-7 | 2-3 | 3-5 |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Topic-wise Weightage
The IBPS Clerk Prelims Quantitative Aptitude section tests candidates' numerical ability and calculation skills. Based on previous year analysis, arithmetic, simplification/approximation, and data interpretation are the major topics contributing to the overall score.
| Topics | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|
| Data Interpretation | 9-12 | 9-10 | 5-10 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Simplification/Approximation | 8-13 | 10-15 | 12-15 | 13-15 | 12-15 | 14 | 10 | 10 |
| Number Series | 0-2 | 0-5 | 5 | 5 | - | - | 5 | 5 |
| Quadratic Equation | - | - | - | - | 5 | 5 | 5 | - |
| Arithmetic Word Problems | 11-15 | 10-15 | 8-12 | 10-12 | 12-13 | 10 | 10 | 15 |
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IBPS Clerk Prelims English Language Topic-Wise Weightage
The IBPS Clerk Prelims English Language section evaluates candidates' grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. Topics such as reading comprehension, cloze tests, error detection, and fillers are frequently asked and hold significant importance.
| Topics | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 8-10 | 9-13 | 8-10 | 7-10 | 8-9 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Cloze Test | 5-6 | 5 | 6 | 4-7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Error Detection | 3-5 | 4-6 | 4-5 | 4-5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | - |
| Word Swap | 3-4 | 0-5 | 2-5 | 5 | - | 4 | - | - |
| Fillers | 3-5 | 5-6 | 3-7 | 2-5 | - | - | 5 | 5 |
| Word Usage | 0-1 | 2-4 | 1 | 2-3 | 4-5 | - | - | - |
| Misspelt Words | 3-5 | 0-5 | 4-5 | 3-6 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 0-2 |
| Para Jumbles | 0-5 | 0-5 | 3-5 | 5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 |
| Phrase Replacement | 3-4 | 3-5 | 4-5 | 3-5 | - | 5 | - | 7 |
| Miscellaneous | 0-2 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 1-2 | |
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IBPS Clerk Mains Reasoning Topic-Wise Weightage
The Reasoning Ability section in the IBPS Clerk Mains exam is dominated by puzzles, logical reasoning, and machine input-output questions. Candidates should focus on these high-weightage topics while also preparing smaller topics like data sufficiency and coding-decoding.
| Topic | Expected Weightage (Based on Previous Years) |
|---|
| Puzzles | 14–25 |
| Logical Reasoning | 7–10 |
| Machine Input-Output | 3–8 |
| Syllogism | 0–3 |
| Order & Ranking | 0–1 |
| Coded Inequality | 0–3 |
| Coded Directions | 0–3 |
| Data Sufficiency | 0–5 |
| Coded Blood Relations | 1–5 |
| Alphanumeric Series | 0–5 |
| Coding-Decoding | 0–5 |
| Resultant-Based Questions | 0–5 |
| Miscellaneous | 1–5 |
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IBPS Clerk Mains Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise Weightage
The Quantitative Aptitude section mainly focuses on data interpretation and arithmetic, which together account for the majority of questions. Candidates should also prepare quadratic equations, data sufficiency, and series-based questions.
| Topic | Expected Weightage (Based on Previous Years) |
|---|
| Data Interpretation | 13–31 |
| Arithmetic | 6–17 |
| Quadratic Equation | 2–6 |
| Data Sufficiency | 1–5 |
| Simplification/Approximation | 0–6 |
| Q1 & Q2 | 0–3 |
| Series-Based Questions | 2–6 |
| Number System | 0–2 |
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IBPS Clerk Mains English Language Topic-Wise Weightage
The English Language section gives the highest weightage to reading comprehension, followed by the cloze test, error detection, and phrase replacement. Vocabulary-based and grammar-based questions also appear regularly.
| Topic | Expected Weightage (Based on Previous Years) |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 10–16 |
| Cloze Test | 0–7 |
| Error Detection | 0–7 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 0–7 |
| Connectors | 0–6 |
| Correct & Incorrect Sentences | 0–5 |
| Phrase Replacement | 0–7 |
| Double Fillers | 0–5 |
| Sentence Rearrangement | 0–5 |
| Match the Column | 0–5 |
| Idioms & Phrases | 0–3 |
| Odd One Out | 0–7 |
| Vocabulary-Based Questions | 0–3 |
| Word Usage/Word Swap | 0–5 |
| Para Jumbles | 0–6 |
| Miscellaneous | 0–4 |
