IBPS Clerk Preparation Guide

IBPS Clerk Exam Guide 2026

Overview

The IBPS Clerk exam is conducted annually by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to recruit clerical staff for various public sector banks in India.

Exam Pattern

1. Preliminary Examination

• 100 questions, 100 marks, 60 minutes.
• Sections: English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning. (20 minutes each)

2. Main Examination

• 190 questions, 200 marks, 160 minutes.
• Sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude.

Detailed Syllabus

• Numerical Ability: Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Arithmetic (Profit/Loss, Time/Work).
• Reasoning: Syllogism, Inequality, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations.
• English: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para-jumbles, Error Detection.
• General Awareness: Focus on Banking Terminology, RBI news, and current economic events.

Marking Scheme

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer.

Preparation Strategy

1. Speed & Accuracy: Clerical exams have high cut-offs. Focus on increasing your speed in calculation and reasoning.
2. Simplification & Approximation: Master these to score quick marks in the Numerical Ability section.
3. Sectional Cut-offs: Remember that you must clear the cut-off for each section individually.
4. Daily Quizzes: Use short 10-15 minute quizzes to keep your speed consistent.