The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 is designed to assess candidates’ aptitude, reasoning ability, English language skills, numerical ability, computer awareness, banking knowledge, and general awareness. Candidates preparing for the upcoming IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2026 should thoroughly understand both the Preliminary and Main Examination syllabus to maximize their chances of selection.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Clerk examination annually to recruit candidates for clerical cadre positions in participating public sector banks across India. Since the competition is extremely high, knowing the detailed syllabus is the first step toward effective preparation.
IBPS CLERK RECRUITMENT 2026 – APPLY ONLINE
IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026
The IBPS Clerk recruitment process consists of the following stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Document Verification
- Final Allotment
Unlike Probationary Officer (PO), there is no interview round for IBPS Clerk recruitment.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The examination is conducted in two phases:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
Candidates qualifying in the Preliminary Exam become eligible for the Main Examination.
IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Important Points
- Online objective examination
- Separate sectional timing
- 1 mark for each correct answer
- 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer
- No deduction for unanswered questions
IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
English Language
Candidates should focus on grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills.
Topics
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Phrase Replacement
- Word Swap
- Idioms and Phrases
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Vocabulary
- One Word Substitution
- Spell Correction
Numerical Ability
This section evaluates mathematical aptitude and calculation speed.
Topics
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Interpretation
- Missing Number Series
- Arithmetic Problems
- Percentage
- Profit & Loss
- Average
- Ratio & Proportion
- Partnership
- Time & Work
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Boats & Streams
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Ages
- Mixture & Allegation
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability
Reasoning Ability
This section tests analytical and logical reasoning.
Topics
- Puzzle
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relation
- Direction Sense
- Order & Ranking
- Inequality
- Alphanumeric Series
- Alphabet Test
- Input-Output
- Statement & Conclusion
- Statement & Assumption
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 Minutes |
IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
General Awareness
| Banking Awareness | Current Affairs |
|---|---|
| RBI | National News |
| Monetary Policy | International News |
| Financial Institutions | Govt. Schemes |
| Banking Terminology | Budgets |
| Banking Reforms | Economic Survey |
| Financial Markets | Banking News |
| Digital Banking | Appointments |
| Payment Systems | Awards |
| NPCI | Sports |
| UPI | Books & Authors |
| NEFT | Important Days |
| RTGS | Science & Technology |
| IMPS | |
| Banking Abbreviations |
General English
Topics include:
| Reading Comprehension | Grammar |
| Vocabulary | Cloze Test |
| Para Jumbles | Error Spotting |
| Fillers | Sentence Improvement |
| Phrase Replacement | Word Usage |
| Idioms & Phrases |
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
| Reasoning | Computer Aptitude |
|---|---|
| High-Level Puzzle | Computer Fundamentals |
| Seating Arrangement | MS Office |
| Machine Input Output | Internet |
| Logical Reasoning | Networking |
| Coding-Decoding | Operating System |
| Data Sufficiency | Computer Hardware |
| Blood Relations | Software |
| Syllogism | Input & Output Devices |
| Critical Reasoning | Cyber Security Basics |
| Statement & Assumption | Database Basics |
| Cause & Effect | Computer Abbreviations |
| Computer Memory |
Quantitative Aptitude
| Topics | |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Caselet DI |
| Missing DI | Quantity Comparison |
| Simplification | Number Series |
| Quadratic Equation | Arithmetic |
| Probability | Permutation & Combination |
| Mensuration | Data Sufficiency |
Detailed Arithmetic Topics
Candidates should prepare the following chapters thoroughly:
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Average
- Partnership
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Boats & Streams
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Ages
- Mixture & Allegation
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Mensuration
- Probability
These topics generally account for a significant portion of both Prelims and Mains examinations.
IBPS Clerk Marking Scheme 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 Mark |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 Mark |
| Unattempted | No Marks |
| Mode | Online CBT |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs |
Difficulty Level
| Section | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| English | Easy to Moderate |
| Reasoning | Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | Moderate |
| General Awareness | Moderate |
| Computer Aptitude | Easy to Moderate |
Best Books for IBPS Clerk 2026 Preparation
English
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Quantitative Aptitude
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
Reasoning
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
General Awareness
- Banking Awareness by Arihant
- Lucent General Knowledge
- Monthly Current Affairs Magazines
Computer Awareness
- Objective Computer Awareness by Arihant
- Computer Knowledge by Kiran Publications
Preparation Tips for IBPS Clerk 2026
1. Understand the Complete Syllabus
Before beginning preparation, carefully study every topic in both Prelims and Mains.
2. Strengthen Fundamentals
Build strong concepts in Quantitative Aptitude, English, and Reasoning before solving advanced questions.
3. Practice Daily
Allocate dedicated time to each subject and solve topic-wise questions every day.
4. Solve Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers help understand question trends, difficulty level, and important topics.
5. Attempt Mock Tests
Regular mock tests improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
6. Read Current Affairs Daily
Spend at least 30 minutes every day on banking and financial current affairs.
7. Revise Regularly
Prepare concise notes for formulas, grammar rules, vocabulary, banking terms, and current affairs to facilitate quick revision.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Preparation Strategy
| Stage | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Build Concepts |
| Month 2 | Topic-wise Practice |
| Month 3 | Sectional Mock Tests |
| Month 4 | Full-Length Mock Tests |
| Final Weeks | Revision & Previous Papers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Is there any interview in IBPS Clerk 2026? |
|---|
| No. IBPS Clerk recruitment does not include an interview. Final selection is based solely on the Main Examination score, subject to document verification and applicable rules. |
| Is there negative marking in IBPS Clerk? |
| Yes. One-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer. |
| Is the Preliminary Exam score counted in the final merit? |
| No. The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature. Only the Main Examination marks are considered for the final merit list. |
| Which section is the most important in the Main Examination? |
| All sections are important. However, candidates should pay special attention to General/Financial Awareness, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude, as they significantly influence overall performance. |
| Is Computer Knowledge asked separately? |
| Computer Aptitude is tested along with Reasoning Ability in the Main Examination. |
| How many questions are asked in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam? |
| The Main Examination consists of 190 objective questions carrying a total of 200 marks. |