IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026, Revised Mains Pattern, Marking Scheme

The IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 (Revised) provides candidates with a clear understanding of the structure of both the Preliminary and Main examinations conducted for the recruitment of Customer Service Associates (CSA). As per the latest IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Notification 2026, the Mains exam pattern has been revised. The IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 has been revised with the release of the latest IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Notification 2026. The Mains examination has undergone significant changes, including an increase in the total number of questions from 155 to 160, an increase in the overall exam duration from 120 minutes to 125 minutes, and a revised Quantitative Aptitude section with 40 questions instead of 35. The selection process consists of two online stages, with the Prelims acting as a qualifying test, while only the Mains marks are considered for final provisional allotment. Candidates should be familiar with the latest exam pattern, sectional timing, marking scheme, medium of examination, and negative marking to prepare effectively. 

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 [REVISED]

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk exam to recruit candidates for clerical positions in various public sector banks. Understanding the IBPS Clerk exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The selection process consists of two stages – the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam. Candidates must qualify both stages to be considered for the final selection.

Attempt Free IBPS Clerk Mock Test

IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026

The IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026 consists of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT), wherever applicable. Candidates must qualify each stage to move forward in the recruitment process. The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the mains examination, as there is no interview for the IBPS Clerk (Customer Service Associate) recruitment.

• Stage 1: Preliminary Examination – An online qualifying exam comprising English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Marks obtained in this stage are not considered for the final merit list.
• Stage 2: Main Examination – Candidates who qualify the prelims appear for the mains exam. The marks secured in this stage are used to prepare the final merit list and provisional allotment.
• Stage 3: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) – Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the local language of the State/UT they have applied for. Those who have studied the selected local language in Class 10 or above are generally exempt from this test.
• Stage 4: Provisional Allotment – Based on mains examination scores, category-wise merit, available vacancies, and successful completion of the LLPT (where applicable), candidates are provisionally allotted to participating public sector banks.
• Final Appointment – The allotted bank completes document verification and other joining formalities before issuing the final appointment letter.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The preliminary exam serves as the first stage of the selection process. It consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
• Sectional timing applies, meaning candidates cannot switch between sections.
• The total duration of the exam is 1 hour (60 minutes).
• The prelims are qualifying in nature, and marks obtained in this stage do not contribute to the final selection.

Revised IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026

As per the latest IBPS Clerk Notification 2026, the Mains Exam Pattern has been revised. The number of questions has been increased from 155 to 160, while the total exam duration has been increased from 120 minutes to 125 minutes. Additionally, the Quantitative Aptitude section now consists of 40 questions instead of 35, and the section has been allotted 35 minutes.

Attempt IBPS Clerk Previous Year Papers

What is the medium of examination for IBPS Clerk by State/UT?

In IBPS Clerk, candidates can select the medium of examination based on the state or union territory they are applying from. While English and Hindi are commonly available across most regions, some states offer additional regional languages. This choice must be made carefully while filling out the online application form, as it cannot be changed later. Except for the English section, the language option will be applicable for other papers.

Enroll in IBPS Clerk Online Coaching

What is the marking scheme for IBPS Clerk?

In the IBPS Clerk Exam, each correct answer in both prelims and mains earns 1 mark.

• Negative marking of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer applies in both stages.
• No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
• The Mains Exam score is considered for final selection.

What is the penalty for wrong answers in IBPS Clerk?

Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers in both the IBPS Clerk preliminary and main exams. For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.

IBPS Clerk Sectional Timing 2026

The IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 follows a sectional timing format in both the Preliminary and Mains examinations. Candidates must complete each section within the prescribed time limit before moving to the next one. Since candidates cannot switch between sections or revisit a completed section, effective time management and regular practice are essential for maximizing attempts.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Sectional Timing

The IBPS Clerk Preliminary Examination consists of three sections, each with a 20-minute sectional time limit. Candidates are allotted a total of 60 minutes to complete the exam. As movement between sections is not allowed, aspirants should maintain a balanced pace and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.

IBPS Clerk Mains Sectional Timing

The IBPS Clerk Mains Examination is conducted with separate time limits for each section, making time management even more important. The total duration of the Mains exam is 125 minutes, with different sections allotted 20 to 35 minutes based on their weightage. Candidates should practise sectional mock tests to improve speed and accuracy within the allotted time.

Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) in IBPS Clerk

Candidates must know the local language of the state/UT they are applying for. They have to choose one language during the application process. If they've studied it in Class 10 or above, they don't need to take the test. Otherwise, a language test will be conducted before final joining.

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the selected local language.
• Language should be selected during online application.
• A 10th or higher qualification with the language exempts the candidate from the test.
• LLPT will be qualifying and held after the mains/provisional allotment.
• Failing the test will lead to disqualification from appointment.

Check IBPS Clerk Syllabus