The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is set to organize the IBPS Clerk 2026 examination in two phases: Preliminary and Main exams. To succeed in the recruitment process, candidates should prepare thoroughly with the updated IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026. The syllabus includes important subjects such as General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Computer Knowledge. Understanding the complete exam pattern and section-wise syllabus will help candidates plan their preparation effectively and improve their chances of qualifying for the exam.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
IBPS Clerk is considered one of the most sought-after banking examinations in India, attracting lakhs of applicants every year for clerical positions in Public Sector Banks. The exam evaluates not only a candidate’s knowledge and reasoning ability but also their speed and accuracy. To perform well in the examination, candidates must focus on completing the entire syllabus while consistently improving their problem-solving speed and maintaining high accuracy. A balanced combination of both is essential for achieving success in the IBPS Clerk exam.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 – Highlights
In the IBPS Clerk examination, every section is designed to assess important abilities such as reading comprehension, numerical aptitude, logical reasoning, awareness of current events, and computer proficiency. This article offers a comprehensive section-wise syllabus overview to help candidates focus on important topics and strengthen their preparation strategy. Explore the major highlights provided below.
| 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: 100Mains: 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 for each correct answer in the Online Test |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th marks deducted for every wrong answer in MCQs |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026
The IBPS Clerk 2026 recruitment process does not include an interview round. Candidates are selected through two stages only — Preliminary Exam and Main Exam. Both stages consist of objective-type questions, and candidates must secure the required cut-off marks to qualify for the next phase and final selection.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
This year, several modifications have been made to the IBPS Clerk Mains examination, while the Preliminary exam structure remains unchanged. Aspirants do not need to be concerned about these updates, as only the distribution of marks and the number of questions have been revised, whereas the subjects continue to be the same. Therefore, candidates who have already started their preparation can continue with their existing strategy without any major changes. Check the complete details of the IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern below.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Pattern
The IBPS Clerk Preliminary Examination is conducted for a duration of 1 hour and carries a total of 100 marks. The paper consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions divided into three sections. Candidates should note that a negative marking of 0.25 marks will be applied for every incorrect answer.
| Sections | Questions | Marks | Duration (Mins.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Mins. |
IBPS Clerk Mains Pattern (Updated)
The revised IBPS Clerk Mains Exam pattern comprises 155 questions that must be attempted within a total duration of 120 minutes. The examination is divided into four sections, each having a separate sectional time limit. Candidates should also keep in mind that 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response. Refer to the subject-wise marking scheme below for complete details.
| Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration (Mins) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 35 |
| English | 40 | 40 | 35 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 | 30 |
| General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 120 Mins. |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk Preliminary syllabus covers three major subjects: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. Candidates can review the detailed section-wise topics provided below.
Reasoning Syllabus
The Reasoning Ability section in the IBPS Clerk exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving capabilities. This section generally includes topics such as puzzles, seating arrangement, coding-decoding, blood relations, inequalities, series, and other logical reasoning concepts.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Seating Arrangement | Questions based on arranging people or objects in a row or circular pattern using given clues. |
| Puzzles | Logical and analytical problems designed to test problem-solving ability. |
| Inequalities | Questions related to comparing quantities using mathematical symbols such as >, <, and =. |
| Syllogism | Logic-based questions involving statements, conclusions, and Venn diagram concepts. |
| Input-Output | Pattern-oriented questions where data or strings are processed step by step. |
| Data Sufficiency | Determines whether the provided information is sufficient to answer the question. |
| Blood Relations | Questions based on family relationships and lineage connections. |
| Order and Ranking | Problems involving position, rank, or sequence of individuals/items. |
| Alphanumeric Series | Series-based questions containing letters, numbers, and symbols. |
| Distance and Direction | Tests the ability to track direction and calculate distance based on movement. |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reasoning questions involving assumptions, arguments, statements, and conclusions. |
English Language Syllabus
The English Language syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension abilities. It includes important topics such as reading comprehension, error detection, cloze test, fill-in-the-blanks, sentence improvement, and other language-based concepts.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Cloze Test | A passage containing blanks where candidates must select the most appropriate words. |
| Reading Comprehension | A passage followed by questions to evaluate understanding and inference skills. |
| Spotting Errors | Questions that require identifying grammatical or usage mistakes in sentences. |
| Sentence Improvement | Candidates need to replace a part of the sentence with a more suitable or correct option. |
| Sentence Correction | Focuses on correcting grammar, punctuation, and word usage errors. |
| Para Jumbles | Jumbled sentences that must be arranged in the correct order to form a meaningful paragraph. |
| Fill in the Blanks | Sentences with missing words where the correct option must be selected. |
| Para/Sentence Completion | Questions based on completing a sentence or paragraph logically and meaningfully. |
Numerical Ability Syllabus
The Numerical Ability syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates’ calculation speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills in mathematics. It covers important topics such as simplification, data interpretation, number series, arithmetic concepts, and quadratic equations.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Number Series | Identify the missing number or recognize patterns in a numerical sequence. |
| Data Interpretation | Questions based on information presented through tables, graphs, or charts. |
| Simplification/Approximation | Solve numerical expressions quickly using simplification and rounding techniques. |
| Quadratic Equation | Solve equations in the form of ax² + bx + c = 0 using formulas or factorization methods. |
| Data Sufficiency | Determine whether the provided data is sufficient to answer the mathematical question. |
| Mensuration | Questions related to area, volume, and surface area of 2D and 3D figures. |
| Average | Calculate the mean or central value of a set of numbers. |
| Profit and Loss | Problems based on cost price, selling price, and percentage gain or loss. |
| Ratio and Proportion | Compare quantities using ratios and proportional relationships. |
| Work, Time, and Energy | Questions involving efficiency, time taken, and combined work calculations. |
| Time and Distance | Solve numerical problems related to speed, distance, and travel time. |
| Probability | Evaluate the likelihood of occurrence of a particular event. |
| Relations | Questions involving family or numerical relationships in quantitative form. |
| Simple and Compound Interest | Solve interest-based problems involving principal, rate, and time. |
| Permutation and Combination | Calculate possible arrangements and selections in different situations. |
IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk Mains Examination is divided into four sections, each with its own sectional time limit. The subjects included in the exam are Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude. Candidates can check the detailed list of topics below.
Reasoning Syllabus for Mains
| 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 |
English Language Syllabus for Mains
| 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 |
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Mains
| 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 |
General Awareness Syllabus for Mains
| 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 Relate News | Important Appointments |
| Union Budget |
Computer Aptitude Syllabus for Mains
- Basics of Hardware and Software
- Windows operating system basics
- Internet terms and services
- Basic Functionalities of MS Office (MS Word, MS-Excel, MS-Power Point)
- History of Computers
- Networking and Communication
- Database basics
- Basics of Hacking
- Security Tools and Viruses.
Candidates preparing for the IBPS Clerk 2026 examination should carefully review the complete syllabus provided in the official IBPS notification. Understanding the syllabus thoroughly helps aspirants plan their preparation effectively and focus on important topics.
IBPS Clerk Negative Marking
The IBPS Clerk examination includes a negative marking system in both the Preliminary and Main exams. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted from the candidate’s total score. Since each wrong response affects the overall marks, candidates are advised to avoid random guessing and attempt questions with accuracy. A well-planned strategy and careful answering can significantly improve overall performance in the examination.
IBPS Clerk Tie-Breaking Policy
If two or more candidates obtain the same marks in the examination, preference is generally given to the candidate who is older in age. In other words, candidates with an earlier date of birth are ranked higher. If the tie still continues, additional criteria such as alphabetical order of names or section-wise performance may be considered for determining the final merit position.
IBPS Clerk Preparation Books
Apart from studying the IBPS Clerk syllabus, candidates can also refer to recommended preparation books for better exam readiness. These books provide useful practice material, concept clarity, and exam-oriented guidance to help aspirants score 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. What subjects are included in the IBPS Clerk Prelims syllabus? |
|---|
| The IBPS Clerk Prelims syllabus includes three subjects: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. |
| 2. Is the IBPS Clerk Mains syllabus different from the Prelims syllabus? |
| Yes, the IBPS Clerk Mains syllabus is broader and includes additional subjects such as General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude along with Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. |
| 3. Is there any negative marking in the IBPS Clerk Exam? |
| Yes, the IBPS Clerk Exam follows a negative marking system. A deduction of 0.25 marks is made for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains exams. |
| 4. Which topics are important in the Reasoning section of IBPS Clerk? |
| Important topics in the Reasoning section include puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, blood relations, coding-decoding, inequalities, and alphanumeric series. |
| 5. How can candidates prepare effectively for the IBPS Clerk syllabus? |
| Candidates can prepare effectively by understanding the complete syllabus, practicing mock tests regularly, solving previous year question papers, and referring to recommended preparation books. |