IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Exam Pattern & Subjects

IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Detailed Exam Pattern & Subject-Wise Topics

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the expected syllabus and exam pattern for the IBPS Clerk 2026 recruitment cycle. This comprehensive guide covers the stage-wise exam structure, subject-wise topic lists, marking scheme, and selection process to help aspirants plan their preparation effectively.

Short Information

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk exam annually to recruit Clerical cadre officers for participating public sector banks across India. The selection process comprises three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT). The Preliminary exam consists of 100 questions for 100 marks, while the Main exam has 155 questions for 200 marks. Final selection is based solely on Main exam marks, subject to qualifying the LPT.

Exam Pattern

IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern

The Preliminary examination is an online computer-based test with three sections, each having a separate sectional time limit of 20 minutes. The total duration is 60 minutes for 100 questions carrying 100 marks. This stage is qualifying in nature, and marks are not counted for final merit. Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for each wrong answer.

Qualifying Criteria: Category-wise (UR/EWS/OBC/SC/ST) minimum qualifying marks for Prelims are not specified in the reference sources. Candidates should check the official notification for exact sectional and overall cut-offs.

IBPS Clerk Main Exam Pattern

The Main examination is an online computer-based test with four sections, each having an independent sectional time limit. The total duration is 120 minutes for 155 questions carrying 200 marks. The exam is conducted in bilingual format (English and Hindi) except for the English Language section. Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for each wrong answer. Final selection is based entirely on Main exam marks, provided the candidate clears the Language Proficiency Test.

Merit Weightage: The final selection is based entirely on Main exam marks, provided the candidate also clears the Language Proficiency Test. Category-wise minimum qualifying marks for Mains are not specified in the reference sources.

Subject-wise Syllabus

The Preliminary and Main examinations share three common subjects: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative/Numerical Ability. The Main exam additionally tests Computer Aptitude (combined with Reasoning) and General/Financial Awareness. Below is the detailed topic-wise breakdown for each subject.

Reasoning Ability

This section evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving speed. It is common to both Preliminary and Main exams, with a few additional topics appearing only in the Main examination.

• Seating Arrangement & Puzzles (Linear, Circular, Square, Floor-based, Box-based, Month/Day-based)
• Syllogism (Conventional and Reverse Syllogism)
• Coding-Decoding (Letter coding, Number coding, Symbol coding, Fictitious language)
• Blood Relations (Family tree, Coded blood relations)
• Direction Sense (Distance and direction, Shadow-based questions)
• Inequalities (Direct inequalities, Coded inequalities – Main exam)
• Alphanumeric Series, Order & Ranking
• Input-Output (Conventional and Machine Input-Output – Main exam)
• Data Sufficiency (2-statement and 3-statement based)
• Statement & Conclusions, Statement & Assumptions, Statement & Arguments
• Series Test, Odd Figure Out, Analogy, Classification (Non-verbal reasoning)
• Assertion and Reasoning, Decision Making (Main exam)

English Language

This section tests grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. The syllabus is identical for both Preliminary and Main examinations.

Vocabulary:

• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Homonyms and Homophones
• Word Formation and Spelling Correction
• One-word Substitution
• Idioms and Phrases

Grammar:

• Spotting Errors (Subject-verb agreement, Tense, Preposition, Article, Pronoun)
• Sentence Improvement and Correction
• Phrases and Idioms
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Speech
• Sentence Connectors and Fillers

Reading & Comprehension:

• Reading Comprehension (Passage-based questions on Banking, Economy, Social Issues, Science)
• Cloze Test (Single and Double filler)
• Para Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement
• Fill in the Blanks (Single, Double, and Triple)
• Passage Completion
• Theme Detection and Deriving Conclusions
• Sentence Exclusion and Odd One Out

Quantitative/Numerical Ability

This section tests calculation speed, accuracy, and numerical reasoning. The syllabus is identical for both Preliminary and Main examinations, though the difficulty level is higher in Mains.

• Simplification and Approximation (BODMAS, Fractions, Surds, Indices)
• Number Series (Missing term, Wrong term, Two-series pattern)
• Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Mixed Graphs, Caselet DI)
• Quadratic Equations (Comparison of roots, Quantity-based questions)
• Data Sufficiency (Arithmetic and Algebraic)
• Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Averages
• Profit, Loss and Discount (Successive discount, Marked price)
• Simple and Compound Interest (Installments, Difference between SI and CI)
• Time, Speed and Distance (Trains, Boats and Streams, Races)
• Time and Work (Pipes and Cisterns, Work and Wages, Efficiency-based)
• Mensuration (2D and 3D figures: Area, Perimeter, Volume, Surface Area)
• Mixture and Allegation (Removal and Replacement, Alligation rule)
• Partnership (Simple and Compound Partnership)
• Permutation, Combination and Probability (Arrangement, Selection, Dice, Cards)

Computer Aptitude (Main Exam Only)

This section is combined with Reasoning Ability as a single sectional paper in the Main examination. It tests basic computer knowledge and awareness.

• Basics of Computer Hardware and Software (Input/Output devices, Memory, CPU, Motherboard)
• Windows Operating System Basics (File management, Shortcuts, Control Panel, Settings)
• Internet Terms, Services and Networking (URL, HTTP/HTTPS, IP Address, LAN/WAN/MAN, Cloud Computing)
• MS Office Basics (MS Word: Formatting, Mail Merge; MS Excel: Formulas, Functions, Charts; MS PowerPoint: Slides, Transitions, Animations)
• Database Basics (DBMS, RDBMS, SQL basics, Keys, Normalization)
• History of Computers (Generations, Evolution, Pioneers)
• Basics of Hacking, Security Tools and Viruses (Malware, Phishing, Firewall, Antivirus, Encryption, Cyber Security)

General/Financial Awareness (Main Exam Only)

This section focuses on banking awareness, current affairs, and static general knowledge with emphasis on the financial sector.

Current Affairs (Last 6 Months):

• National and International News (Summits, Conferences, Agreements, MoUs)
• Union Budget and Economic Survey Highlights (Key allocations, Schemes, Fiscal targets)
• Government Schemes and Policies (Central and State government flagship schemes)
• Important Appointments, Awards, and Honours
• Sports, Books and Authors, Obituaries

Banking & Financial Awareness:

• Overview of the Indian Financial System (Structure, Components, Regulators)
• History of Indian Banking (Nationalization, Mergers, Reforms, Committees)
• Recent RBI Monetary and Credit Policies (Repo rate, Reverse repo, CRR, SLR, MSF)
• Banking Terms and Abbreviations (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, KYC, AML, NPA, SARFAESI, Basel Norms)
• Types of Bank Accounts, Loans, and Deposits
• Digital Banking and Payment Systems

Regulatory & International Bodies:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Functions, Monetary Policy, Banking Regulation
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
• Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
• International Organisations: IMF, World Bank, ADB, UN, BIS, FATF

Static GK:

• Important Days and Dates (National and International)
• Books and Authors (Recent releases, Award-winning)
• Awards and Honours (Padma Awards, Nobel, Booker, Sports awards)
• Headquarters of Important Organisations (National and International)
• Recent Appointments (CMDs, CEOs, Governors, Chiefs)

How to Download Syllabus

Follow these steps to access the official IBPS Clerk syllabus from the IBPS portal:

1. Visit the official IBPS website at ibps.in.
2. On the homepage, click on the "CRP Clerks" or "CWE Clerical" link under the "Examinations" or "Recruitment" section.
3. Locate the notification for "CRP Clerk-XVI" or the relevant 2026 cycle.
4. Click on the "Syllabus" or "Information Handout" link provided in the notification.
5. The syllabus PDF will open in a new tab; download and save it for offline reference.
6. Cross-verify the topic list with the detailed syllabus provided in this article for comprehensive coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the IBPS Clerk syllabus 2026?
The IBPS Clerk syllabus covers Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative/Numerical Ability in Prelims, with Computer Aptitude and General/Financial Awareness added in Mains.

Q2. What is the exam pattern for IBPS Clerk 2026?
Prelims has 100 questions worth 100 marks in 60 minutes across three sections. Mains has 155 questions worth 200 marks in 120 minutes across four sections, each with its own sectional time limit.

Q3. How many questions are asked in the IBPS Clerk exam?
Prelims has 100 questions and Mains has 155 questions, based on the exam pattern referenced in this article.

Q4. Is there negative marking in the IBPS Clerk exam?
Yes. Both Prelims and Mains carry a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer; there is no penalty for unattempted questions.

Q5. Is the IBPS Clerk syllabus the same as IBPS PO?
This comparison is not confirmed from the sources used for this article, so it should not be assumed. Candidates preparing for both exams should check the official IBPS PO syllabus separately rather than assuming identical topic coverage.

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