IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Local Language Test (LPT) Guide
Quick Overview
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IBPS Clerk 2026 Official Notification PDF
Download the notification to check State/UT-wise languages, LLPT exemption proof and appointment rules.

The IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026 is a qualifying local language assessment applicable to Ex-Servicemen candidates who cannot produce acceptable educational proof of having studied the specified or opted local language. It is officially described as the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) in the IBPS recruitment process.
Candidates applying for Customer Service Associate vacancies in a particular State or Union Territory must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking and understanding the applicable local language. Ex-Servicemen reservation or age relaxation does not automatically provide an exemption from this requirement.
An Ex-Serviceman candidate may be exempted from appearing in the test by producing a 10th standard or above marksheet or certificate showing that the specified or opted local language was studied. Candidates without acceptable proof must appear in and qualify the language test before joining the allotted bank.
This article explains the complete IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026 rules, including eligibility, exemption, accepted documents, test process, qualifying criteria, the official State-wise language-list reference and practice exercises.
IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | IBPS Clerk/Customer Service Associate 2026 |
| Candidate Category | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) |
| Official Test Name | Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) |
| Commonly Used Name | Local Language Test or LPT |
| Purpose | Verification of proficiency in the specified or opted local language |
| Skills Checked | Reading, writing, speaking and understanding |
| Test Stage | After qualifying the Main Examination/provisional allotment but before joining |
| Conducting Authority | Participating bank or an authorised independent body |
| Nature of Test | Marks-based and qualifying |
| Language Selection | One language selected during the online application |
| Exemption Proof | 10th standard or above marksheet/certificate showing the opted language |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
What is IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026?
The IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026 is conducted to determine whether an Ex-Serviceman candidate possesses practical knowledge of the local language applicable to the State or Union Territory for which the application was submitted.
Customer Service Associates regularly communicate with local customers, accept forms, explain banking procedures and assist account holders. Therefore, the candidate should be able to:
- Read notices, forms and basic instructions in the local language.
- Write simple sentences and customer-related information.
- Speak clearly with customers and bank staff.
- Understand routine conversations and banking instructions.
The LPT is not conducted to improve a candidate’s Main Examination score. It is a qualifying requirement connected with final appointment.
Is LPT Mandatory for IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen?
Yes, the local language proficiency requirement applies to Ex-Servicemen candidates. There is no separate exemption merely because a candidate belongs to the ESM or DESM category.
However, appearing in the actual test may not be necessary if the candidate produces acceptable documentary proof of having studied the specified or opted local language in the 10th standard or above.
An Ex-Serviceman candidate must satisfy the requirement through either of these methods:
- Produce an eligible educational marksheet or certificate showing the opted local language; or
- Appear in and qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test.
IBPS Clerk ESM LPT Exemption Rules
An Ex-Serviceman candidate may be exempted from appearing in the LLPT if a 10th standard or above marksheet or certificate proves that the candidate studied the specified or opted local language.
The following conditions are important:
- The language must be mentioned in the educational record.
- The language should match the language selected in the online application.
- The document must be produced during verification.
- The document must be accepted by the allotted participating bank.
- Simply speaking the language without acceptable educational proof may not provide exemption.
The final decision regarding the validity of language proof rests with the competent authority or allotted bank.
Who Must Appear for the IBPS Clerk ESM Language Test?
An Ex-Serviceman candidate may be required to appear for the test in the following situations:
- The specified local language is not mentioned in the educational documents.
- The candidate studied the language only before the 10th standard.
- The language shown in the certificate is different from the language selected in the application.
- The submitted marksheet or certificate does not clearly establish that the language was studied.
- The allotted bank does not accept the submitted document as sufficient proof.
- The candidate is unable to produce the original language-proof document.
IBPS Clerk LPT Exemption Examples
| Candidate’s Situation | Likely Requirement |
|---|---|
| Opted language is shown as a subject in the Class 10 marksheet | Candidate may receive exemption after verification |
| Opted language is shown in the Class 12 marksheet | Candidate may receive exemption, subject to bank approval |
| Language is shown in a higher educational certificate | It may be considered because the rule refers to the 10th standard or above |
| Candidate can speak the language but has no acceptable proof | Candidate may have to appear for the LLPT |
| Candidate studied the language only up to Class 8 | Candidate may have to take the test |
| Candidate is an Ex-Serviceman with no language certificate | ESM status alone does not provide exemption |
When is the IBPS Clerk ESM LPT Conducted?
The Local Language Proficiency Test is conducted after the candidate qualifies the Online Main Examination or receives provisional allotment, but before joining the participating bank.
The allotted bank or authorised body communicates the:
- Test date and reporting time
- Test centre or venue
- Required documents
- Language-test instructions
- Qualifying conditions
Candidates should monitor the email address and mobile number registered in the IBPS application. They should also check the official website of their allotted bank.
Who Conducts the IBPS Clerk Local Language Test?
The LLPT may be conducted by:
- The participating bank in which the candidate is provisionally allotted; or
- An independent body authorised to conduct the language assessment.
IBPS manages the Common Recruitment Process, but the language assessment may be completed by the concerned bank or another authorised body before appointment.
How is the Local Language Selected?
Candidates applying for vacancies in a particular State or Union Territory are required to select one language from the options mentioned in the application and official notification.
Before selecting a language, candidates should:
- Check the State/UT-wise language options.
- Select a language they can read, write, speak and understand.
- Check whether the same language appears in their educational documents.
- Review the selected language before submitting the application form.
The candidate should not assume that knowledge of any regional language will be accepted. The proficiency requirement is connected with the specified or opted language for the State or Union Territory.
State-wise Local Language List for IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026
Check Annexure III of the official IBPS CRP CSA-XVI notification for the State/UT-wise local language options. Find the State or Union Territory for which you applied and compare the listed options with the language selected in your submitted application.
View Official IBPS Notification: State-wise Local Languages in Annexure III
- Open or download the official notification using the link above.
- Use the PDF search option and search for Annexure III or State-wise Local Languages.
- Find the entry for the State/UT for which you submitted your application.
- Compare the listed language options with the language recorded in your application printout.
- Check whether your Class 10 or higher educational marksheet/certificate shows that you studied the selected language.
If the PDF link does not open, visit the official CRP CSA-XVI recruitment page and open the detailed notification.
Important: Check the language requirement for the State/UT for which you applied, rather than assuming that your home State’s language applies. The medium of the online examination and the language selected for the LLPT are separate choices.
Documents Required for IBPS Clerk ESM LPT Exemption
Candidates claiming an exemption should keep the original and photocopies of the relevant documents ready.
Acceptable proof may include:
- Class 10 marksheet showing the specified or opted language.
- Class 10 certificate containing the relevant language details.
- Class 12 marksheet or certificate showing the language studied.
- A higher educational marksheet or certificate containing the required language.
- Other supporting documents requested by the allotted bank.
Candidates should also carry:
- LLPT or document-verification call letter
- Valid photo identity proof
- IBPS application form printout
- Educational certificates
- Ex-Servicemen certificate and applicable service documents
- Name-change proof, if the name differs across documents
The Ex-Servicemen certificate establishes category eligibility; it does not serve as proof that the candidate studied the opted local language.
IBPS Clerk ESM LPT Test Pattern
IBPS does not prescribe one universal LLPT paper pattern, duration or passing mark for every participating bank. The exact assessment method may vary depending on the conducting bank or authorised body.
The test may include practical activities such as:
- Reading a short local-language passage.
- Writing a paragraph or simple application.
- Answering basic questions in the local language.
- Introducing oneself in the selected language.
- Participating in a basic conversation.
- Understanding and explaining simple instructions.
- Identifying commonly used banking terms.
These are possible assessment activities and should not be treated as a fixed official pattern. Candidates must follow the instructions issued by their allotted bank.
Is the IBPS Clerk ESM LPT Qualifying?
Yes. The Local Language Proficiency Test is marks-based and qualifying in nature. Its purpose is to verify whether the candidate possesses the minimum language skills required for customer-facing banking duties.
The candidate must satisfy the qualifying standard determined by the conducting authority. Candidates should not rely on an unofficial passing percentage unless it is mentioned in the communication issued by the allotted bank.
What Happens if an Ex-Serviceman Fails the LPT?
If an Ex-Serviceman candidate is required to appear in the LLPT but fails to qualify, the candidate will not be offered an appointment and will be disqualified from the recruitment process.
Qualifying the Preliminary and Main examinations does not remove the local language requirement. Provisional allotment is subject to:
- Document verification
- Category and eligibility verification
- Local language proficiency
- Medical fitness
- Other appointment conditions of the allotted bank
Does Provisional Allotment Guarantee Joining?
No. Provisional allotment does not automatically guarantee final appointment or joining. It remains subject to the candidate satisfying every eligibility condition prescribed in the notification and by the allotted bank.
A candidate can lose the appointment opportunity if:
- The language-proof document is invalid.
- The candidate fails the applicable LLPT.
- Category or service documents are not accepted.
- Information in the application is found incorrect.
- Other joining conditions are not satisfied.
How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026
Candidates without acceptable language proof should begin preparing for the LLPT before the provisional allotment process.
- Practise reading: Read regional newspapers, public notices and simple articles aloud.
- Improve writing: Write a short paragraph, letter or application every day.
- Practise conversation: Speak regularly with people fluent in the selected language.
- Learn banking terms: Practise words used for deposits, withdrawals, cheques, loans and account services.
- Work on comprehension: Read a short passage and explain its meaning.
- Prepare an introduction: Practise explaining your educational and defence-service background.
- Improve accuracy: Focus on basic spelling, grammar and sentence formation.
IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026 Practice: Sample Passage and Questions
The following exercises have been created by ExamTune for practice. They are not official IBPS questions, previous-year questions or a confirmed test pattern. Follow your allotted bank’s instructions for the actual assessment.
This sample is in Hindi. Candidates who selected another permitted language should practise reading, writing, speaking and understanding in that language. Hindi practice does not replace preparation in a different selected language.
A. Reading and Understanding: Hindi Sample Passage
Read the passage aloud, then answer the questions in Hindi:
राम अपने बचत खाते में दो हजार रुपये जमा करने बैंक गया। उसने जमा पर्ची में अपना नाम, खाता संख्या और राशि भरी। बैंक कर्मचारी ने पर्ची जाँची और राशि जमा करने के बाद उसे रसीद दी। राम ने रसीद पर लिखी जानकारी का मिलान किया और उसे सुरक्षित रख लिया। उसने कर्मचारी से अपनी पासबुक अपडेट करने का अनुरोध भी किया।
- राम बैंक क्यों गया था?
उत्तर: अपने बचत खाते में दो हजार रुपये जमा करने। - उसने जमा पर्ची में कौन-सी जानकारी भरी?
उत्तर: अपना नाम, खाता संख्या और राशि। - राशि जमा होने के बाद कर्मचारी ने राम को क्या दिया?
उत्तर: रसीद। - राम ने रसीद मिलने के बाद क्या किया?
उत्तर: उस पर लिखी जानकारी का मिलान किया और उसे सुरक्षित रखा। - राम ने कर्मचारी से और क्या अनुरोध किया?
उत्तर: अपनी पासबुक अपडेट करने का।
B. Writing Practice
Write 60–80 words on any one of the following topics in your selected local language. This word range is a practice target, not an official IBPS requirement.
- बैंक खाते में पता बदलने के लिए शाखा प्रबंधक को आवेदन।
- नियमित बचत का महत्त्व।
- बैंक में ग्राहक की सहायता कैसे करेंगे?
Check whether your writing clearly explains the purpose, uses complete sentences and has readable spelling and handwriting.
C. Speaking Practice
Answer these questions aloud in your selected local language:
- अपना संक्षिप्त परिचय दीजिए।
- आपकी सैन्य सेवा से सीखी गई कौन-सी बातें ग्राहक सेवा में काम आएँगी?
- किसी ग्राहक को जमा पर्ची भरने में कैसे सहायता करेंगे?
Sample Hindi response to the third question:
मैं ग्राहक को जमा पर्ची में नाम, खाता संख्या और राशि भरने का तरीका समझाऊँगा। यदि कोई जानकारी स्पष्ट नहीं होगी, तो विनम्रता से दोबारा पूछूँगा। पर्ची जमा करने से पहले ग्राहक से भरी हुई जानकारी जाँचने के लिए कहूँगा।
D. Listening Practice
Ask a partner to read the following instruction aloud. Without looking at the text, explain its meaning and repeat the actions in the correct order:
कृपया पर्ची में अपना नाम, खाता संख्या और जमा राशि लिखें। जमा करने के बाद रसीद पर दी गई जानकारी जाँच लें।
Expected response: Fill in the name, account number and deposit amount on the slip, then check the information on the receipt after the deposit.
Self-check: Check whether you can read clearly, understand the message, write understandable sentences and respond appropriately. These exercises do not determine the official qualifying result.
Banking Terms to Practise for the LPT
Candidates should learn the local-language equivalents or commonly used forms of these terms:
- Savings account
- Current account
- Cash deposit
- Cash withdrawal
- Cheque and passbook
- Account balance
- Loan and interest
- Nominee details
- Identity proof
- Account number
- Mobile banking
- ATM and debit card
- Application form
- Signature verification
- Bank branch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming that all Ex-Servicemen are exempted from the LPT.
- Selecting a language without checking the official State/UT list.
- Assuming that spoken knowledge alone provides exemption.
- Carrying only photocopies when original documents are required.
- Submitting a certificate that does not show the opted language.
- Preparing only for speaking and ignoring reading or writing.
- Relying on unofficial information about marks or passing percentage.
- Ignoring email or SMS communication from the allotted bank.
Important Instructions for Ex-Servicemen
- Keep the original 10th standard and higher educational records ready.
- Check whether the opted language is clearly shown in the marksheet.
- Do not use an ESM certificate as local-language proof.
- Carry all category, service and educational documents.
- Follow the LLPT instructions issued by the allotted bank.
- Practise the language even if you expect an exemption.
- Refer to the official IBPS notification for applicable language rules.
Conclusion
The IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026 is an important qualifying requirement for Ex-Servicemen candidates who cannot produce acceptable educational proof of the specified or opted local language. Ex-Servicemen status alone does not provide an exemption.
A candidate with a 10th standard or above marksheet or certificate showing that the opted language was studied may be exempted after verification. Candidates without acceptable proof must appear in and qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test before joining the allotted bank.
Candidates should verify their selected language, keep original educational documents ready and practise reading, writing, speaking and understanding the language. For recruitment-specific instructions, refer to the official IBPS website and communications issued by the allotted participating bank.
Related IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Articles
Read these guides to prepare your documents, understand eligibility and complete the joining process:
- IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Documents Required
– Check educational records, service documents and local-language proof. - IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Joining Process
– Understand document verification and the steps before joining your allotted bank. - IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Eligibility
– Read the age, qualification, service and local-language requirements.
Official IBPS Sources for Local Language Requirements
Refer to the official notification and recruitment notices for the applicable language requirements:
- IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Official Notification PDF
– Search for Annexure III to find the State/UT-wise local language list. - IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Recruitment Notices
– Check the detailed notification and applicable official updates.
For your LLPT date, venue, documents and assessment instructions, follow the communication issued by your allotted bank or authorised conducting body.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026?
IBPS Clerk ESM LPT 2026 is a qualifying Local Language Proficiency Test that verifies whether an Ex-Serviceman candidate can read, write, speak and understand the selected local language.
Is LPT compulsory for IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen?
The local-language requirement applies to Ex-Servicemen. Candidates with acceptable educational proof may be exempted; otherwise, they must qualify in the LPT.
Does ESM status provide exemption from the IBPS Clerk LPT?
No. Ex-Servicemen status alone does not provide exemption. Exemption depends on acceptable proof that the candidate studied the specified or opted local language.
Which document is accepted for IBPS Clerk LPT exemption?
A 10th standard or above marksheet or certificate showing that the specified or opted local language was studied may be accepted, subject to verification by the allotted bank.
When is the IBPS Clerk ESM LPT conducted?
It is conducted after qualifying the Main Examination or provisional allotment but before joining the participating bank.
Who conducts the IBPS Clerk Local Language Test?
The test may be conducted by the allotted participating bank or an independent body authorised to assess local-language proficiency.
What skills are tested in the IBPS Clerk ESM LPT?
The test may assess the candidate’s ability to read, write, speak and understand the specified or opted local language.
Is the IBPS Clerk LPT qualifying in nature?
Yes. The Local Language Proficiency Test is marks-based and qualifying in nature.
What happens if an Ex-Serviceman fails the LPT?
A candidate who is required to take LLPT but fails to qualify will not be offered appointment and will be disqualified from the recruitment process.
Is there a fixed pattern for the IBPS Clerk ESM LPT?
IBPS does not specify one universal test pattern, duration or qualifying mark for every bank. Candidates must follow the instructions issued by their allotted bank or authorised body.
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