IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026, Mains Exam Pattern Revised
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released the updated syllabus and exam pattern for the IBPS Clerk 2026 (CRP XVI) recruitment. This year brings significant opportunities, with 15,701 vacancies announced across 11 participating public sector banks.
Whether you are a first-time aspirant or a returning candidate, understanding the revised structure is the first step toward securing a career in the banking sector.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Overview
The recruitment process remains a two-tier system consisting of a Preliminary and a Mains examination.
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Total Vacancies | 15,701 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 10th and 11th October 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 27th December 2026 |
| Selection Process | Prelims (Qualifying) & Mains (Merit-based) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for every wrong answer |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
Phase I: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary exam is the initial screening stage. It is qualifying in nature, meaning the marks obtained here will not be added to the final merit list. Candidates must clear the sectional cut-offs to qualify for the Mains.
Exam Structure:
- Mode: Online (Objective Multiple Choice)
- Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes sectional timing)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
| Section | Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Phase II: Mains Examination [Revised]
The IBPS Clerk Mains pattern has undergone a revision. The total number of questions is now 155, with a total duration of 120 minutes. Final selection is based solely on the marks scored in this phase.
| Section | Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 35 Minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| General/ Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
1. English Language
This section evaluates proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
- Vocabulary: Homonyms, Antonyms, Synonyms, Spelling, Word Formation.
- Grammar: Spotting Errors, Phrases and Idioms, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech.
- Comprehension: Theme Detection, Passage Completion, Topic Rearrangement, Deriving Conclusions.
2. Reasoning Ability
Tests logical thinking and analytical skills.
- Verbal: Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Seating Arrangement (Circular/Linear), Input-Output, Statement & Assumptions/Conclusions.
- Non-Verbal: Series Test, Odd Figure Out, Analogy, and Miscellaneous Figure-based tests.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
Focuses on mathematical accuracy and speed.
- Arithmetic: Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Time & Work, Speed/Distance/Time, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest.
- Advanced Math: Mensuration, Trigonometry, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Equations.
- Data Interpretation (DI): Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Tables, Pie Charts, Caselet DI.
4. Computer Aptitude
- Fundamentals: History of Computers, Hardware and Software Basics.
- Software: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Windows Operating System.
- Networking: Internet terms, Security tools, Viruses, Hacking basics, Database basics.
5. General/Financial Awareness
- Current Affairs: National and International news from the last 6 months.
- Banking Knowledge: History of Indian Banking, RBI, SEBI, Monetary Policies, Banking Terminologies.
- Economy: Important Government Schemes, Economic concepts, and Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank, etc.).
Key Points to Remember
- Bilingual Format: Except for the English Language section, all tests are available in both Hindi and English.
- Sectional Cut-offs: You must pass each individual section to be considered for the final result.
- Preparation Tip: Use previous year question papers to understand the specific weightage of topics like Puzzles in Reasoning or DI in Quant.

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