IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains

IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 is the foundation of a well-planned preparation strategy for candidates aspiring to become Customer Service Associate (CSA) or Clerk in participating public sector banks. Candidates preparing for the IBPS Clerk 2026 exam should first understand the latest exam pattern to plan their preparation effectively. This article explains the complete IBPS Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern in details to help candidates prepare with confidence. 

IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 

The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 is divided into two stages: Preliminary Examination, and Main Examination. The prelims syllabus includes English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, while the main syllabus covers General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. Candidates should prepare all the section thoroughly, as the mark obtained in the mains examination are considered for the final selection. The complete subject-wise IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 is discussed below.  

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IBPS CSA/Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 

The IBPS CSA/Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 consist of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). Candidates who qualify in the Prelims appear for the Mains, while the final selection is based on Mains performance. Candidates who do not provide proof of proficiency in the local language are required to appear for the Language Test. The detailed IBPS Clerk 2026 exam pattern for both stages is provided below. 

IBPS Clerk 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern - Key Highlights 

*Name of the Exam: IBPS Clerk 2026 

*Mode of Exam: Online (Computer Based Test) 

*Exam Stages: Preliminary Examination and Main Examination 

*Type of Questions: Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions) 

*Language of Question: Bilingual except for the English Language 

*No. of Questions: Prelims- 100, Mains- 160 

*No. of Marks: Prelims- 100, Mains- 200 

*Negative Marking: 0.25 marks (1/4th marks) deducted for each incorrect answer 

*Exam Duration: Prelims- 1 Hour, Mains- 2 Hours 40 Minutes 

*Selection Process: Prelims, Mains, LLPT & DV 

IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026 

The selection process for IBPS Clerk (CSA) 2026 includes the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Local Language Proficiency Test. The Preliminary Exam is qualifying in nature, while the main Exam determines the final merit list. Candidates without valid proof of local language proficiency must also qualify the LLPT. 

• The Preliminary Examination is conducted only as a qualifying stage.

• Candidates who clear the Preliminary Exam are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.

• The final selection is based solely on the marks secured in the Main Examination.

• Applicants must qualify the Language Proficiency Test (LPT), wherever applicable.

• The final merit list is prepared separately for each state and category. 

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IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the IBPS Clerk recruitment process. It is conducted online and consist of objective-type questions from three sections. Candidates are given sectional timing, and each section must be attempted within the allotted time. 

Exam Pattern 

• Mode of Examination: Online (CBT) 

• Type of Questions: Objective (MCQ) 

• Total Questions: 100 

• Total Marks: 100 

• Duration: 60 Minutes 

• Negative Marking: 0.25 (1/4th) marks deducted for every incorrect answer 

Subjects/Sections: 

• English Language: 30 Questions - 30 Marks - 20 Minutes 

• Numerical Ability: 35 Questions - 35Marks - 20 Minutes 

• Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions - 35Marks - 20 Minutes 

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 

Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination. The mains exam is objective in nature and includes four sections. The marks obtained in this stage determine the final IBPS Clerk merit list. 

Exam Pattern: 

• Mode of Examination: Online (CBT) 

• Type of Questions: Objective (MCQ) 

• Total Questions: 160 

• Total Marks: 200 

• Duration: 2 Hours 40 Minutes 

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer 

Subjects/Sections 

• General/ Financial Awareness: 40 Questions - 50 Marks - 20 Minutes 

• General English: 40 Questions - 40 Marks - 30 Minutes 

• Reasoning Ability: 40 Questions - 60 Marks - 35 Minutes 

• Quantitative Aptitude: 40 Questions - 50 Marks - 35 Minutes 

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IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026 

The IBPS Clerk Preliminary Examination consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The exam tests candidates on their basic aptitude, logical reasoning, language skills, and calculation speed. The detailed topic-wise syllabus for each section is given below. 

IBPS Clerk English Language Syllabus for Prelims 

The English Language section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and reading skills. Candidates should regularly practice reading and grammar-based questions.  

• Cloze Test  

• Reading Comprehension 

• Miscellaneous  

• Para jumbles 

• Fill in the blanks/Fillers 

• Paragraph Completion 

• Error Detection 

• Multiple Meaning 

• Misspelt 

• Word/Sentence Rearrangement 

• Match the Column 

• Single Fillers 

• Para Jumble 

• Word Usage 

• Word Swap 

• Column-Based Sentence 

• Phrase Replacements  

IBPS Clerk Numerical Ability Syllabus for Prelims  

The Numerical Ability section is designed to test arithmetic skills, numerical calculations, and analytical thinking. Consistent practice can help candidates improve both speed and overall performance.   

• Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Pie, Tabular) 

• Data Sufficiency 

• Quadratic Equation 

• Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere 

• Missing Number Series 

• Approximation 

• Simplification 

• Problems on Ages 

• Average, Ratio, Percentage, Profit & Loss  

• Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns  

• Simple Interest & Compound Interest 

• Speed, Distance & Time 

• Permutation & Combination 

• Boat & Stream 

• Probability 

• Partnership 

• Mixture & Allegation  

IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus for Preliminary Examination 

The Reasoning Ability section tests logical thinking, analytical aptitude, and problem-solving skills through various reasoning-based questions. Candidates should focus on improving both speed and accuracy. 

• Blood Relations

• Input Output

• Coded Inequalities 

• Logical Reasoning

• Seating Arrangement (Circular/Triangular/Square/Rectangular) 

• Data Sufficiency

• Alphanumeric Series

• Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test

• Puzzle

• Tabulation

• Meaningful Word

• Odd One Out

• Syllogism

• Coding Decoding

• Direction & Distance

• Letter/Digit/Mix Series

• Pair Formation

• Inequality

• Order & Ranking    

IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026 

The IBPS Clerk Main Examination consists of four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. Compared to the prelims, the mains syllabus is more comprehensive and requires conceptual clarity along with speed and accuracy.  

IBPS Clerk General/Financial Awareness Syllabus for Main Examination 

The General/Financial Awareness section focuses on current affairs, banking awareness, financial terms, and static general knowledge. Regular newspaper reading and monthly current affairs preparation are essential for scoring well. 

• News on the banking industry 

• Books and authors  

• Awards and honours  

• Latest appointments 

• Obituaries 

• New schemes of central and state governments 

• Sports, etc. 

• Banking/Financial terms 

• Static Awareness 

• Banking and Financial Awareness 

IBPS Clerk General English Syllabus for Mains Examination 

The General English section examines candidates' command of grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence formation by presenting questions of moderate difficulty. 

• Reading comprehension including Synonyms and Antonyms

• Sentence rearrangement

• Para jumbles

• Sentence Correction

• Error Finding

• Spell Checks

• Fillers

• Cloze Test 

IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus for Mains Examination 

The Reasoning Ability section measures candidates' logical thinking, analytical skills, and familiarity with computer basics. Strengthening reasoning techniques and revising computer fundamentals can help improve performance. 

• Internet 

• Machine Input/Output 

• Blood Relation 

• Syllogism 

• Direction Sense 

• Inequalities 

• Puzzles 

• Coding-Decoding 

• Ranking 

• Statement and Assumptions 

 

Computer Aptitude 

• Basics of Computer: Hardware, Software, Generation of Computers 

• DBMS 

• Networking 

• Internet 

• MS Office 

• Input-Output Devices 

• Important Abbreviations 

IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Main Examination 

The Quantitative Aptitude section evaluates candidates' numerical ability, mathematical aptitude, and problem-solving skills. Candidates should strengthen their conceptual understanding and improve calculation speed to solve arithmetic and data-based questions accurately within the allotted time. 

• Simplification 

• Number Series 

• Data Sufficiency 

• Data Interpretation (DI) 

• Quadratic Equations 

• Time & Distance 

• Time & Work 

• Partnership 

• Profit & Loss  

• Simple & Compound Interest 

• Mixture & Allegation 

• Ratio & Proportion 

• Average 

• Percentage