IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise Prelims & Mains Syllabus
Quick Overview
Practice free quizzes, mock tests, current affairs and exam-wise preparation resources on ExamTune.
IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Notification — ExamTune-Hosted Copy
Read the IBPS-origin notification for the examination sections, timings, marking rules and local-language requirements. This copy is hosted by ExamTune; the subject-wise topic lists in this article are preparation guidance.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 with revised Prelims and Mains exam pattern, subject-wise topics, ESM eligibility, LLPT rules and preparation strategy.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 is an important preparation guide for defence veterans appearing for the Customer Service Associate recruitment conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Candidates searching for the latest IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus should note that the recruitment is officially conducted under CRP CSA-XVI, while the post is commonly searched as IBPS Clerk 2026.
There is no separate examination syllabus for Ex-Servicemen. ESM and DESM candidates attempt the same Preliminary and Main examinations prescribed for other eligible candidates. However, eligible Ex-Servicemen can receive reservation, age relaxation and certain qualification-related benefits according to the conditions given in the official recruitment notification.
The IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 covers English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability for Prelims, while Mains includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude. Candidates should follow the revised CRP CSA-XVI exam structure rather than older IBPS Clerk Mains patterns available on outdated pages.
The current CRP CSA-XVI Mains structure contains 160 questions for 200 marks in 125 minutes. Candidates should avoid preparing with older tables showing 155 questions/120 minutes or 190 questions/160 minutes.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 Overview
The following table gives the major details candidates should know before starting the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026.
| Particular | Latest Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IBPS Customer Service Associate 2026 |
| Common Name | IBPS Clerk 2026 |
| Recruitment Cycle | CRP CSA-XVI |
| Vacancy Cycle | 2027-28 |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post | Customer Service Associate (CSA) |
| Category Covered | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) / Disabled Ex-Servicemen (DESM) |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer-Based Examination |
| Prelims | 100 Questions, 100 Marks, 60 Minutes |
| Mains | 160 Questions, 200 Marks, 125 Minutes |
| Interview | No Interview |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for an incorrect answer |
| ESM Syllabus | Same examination syllabus as other eligible candidates |
| Prelims Exam Date | 10 and 11 October 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 27 December 2026 |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
Is There a Separate IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026?
No. IBPS does not prescribe a separate online examination or question paper for Ex-Servicemen candidates. The IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026, test names, questions, marks and sectional timings are based on the same CRP CSA-XVI examination structure applicable to other candidates.
The Ex-Servicemen category primarily affects reservation, age relaxation, educational qualification provisions and document requirements. It does not mean that ESM candidates receive an easier examination.
Candidates should also remember that having the same syllabus does not necessarily mean every category will have the same final cut-off. Category, State/UT, vacancies and competition can affect qualifying and allotment standards.
Important Ex-Servicemen Eligibility Points
Along with completing the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus, ESM candidates should understand the eligibility provisions applicable under CRP CSA-XVI.
- The normal age limit for IBPS CSA-XVI is 20 to 28 years as on 1 August 2026.
- Eligible Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen receive age relaxation according to the rules prescribed in the notification.
- For ESM/DESM, the relaxation generally includes the actual period of service rendered in the defence forces plus the additional relaxation prescribed by IBPS, subject to the applicable maximum-age condition.
- Eligible Ex-Servicemen who do not possess the normal civil graduation qualification may qualify under the special provision for matriculate Ex-Servicemen holding the prescribed Army Special Certificate of Education or corresponding Navy/Air Force certificate after the required period of Armed Forces service.
- Computer literacy requirements must be satisfied according to the recruitment rules.
- Candidates must fulfil the applicable local-language requirements of the State/UT selected in the application.
Read the complete IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Eligibility 2026 guide for detailed age-relaxation and qualification information.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Selection Process 2026
Candidates preparing through the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 must qualify the applicable recruitment stages. There is no interview for the Customer Service Associate post.
| Stage | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | Screening and shortlisting for the Main Examination |
| Main Examination | Main merit-deciding online examination |
| Provisional Allotment | Allotment based on merit, State/UT vacancies, category and recruitment rules |
| Local Language Proficiency | Required where the candidate does not qualify for exemption under the prescribed rules |
| Eligibility / Document Verification | Verification of educational, category, ESM and other required documents |
| Bank Joining Formalities | Completed with the allotted participating bank |
For more details, check the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Selection Process 2026.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Prelims portion of the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 consists of three separately timed objective tests. Candidates have to prepare English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability.
| Section | Questions | Maximum 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 Prelims Rules
- The Preliminary Examination is conducted online.
- There are 100 objective questions carrying 100 marks.
- Total examination time is 60 minutes.
- Each section has a separate 20-minute timer.
- Incorrect answers attract negative marking.
- No penalty is applied to an unanswered question.
- Prelims performance is used for shortlisting candidates for Mains.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Prelims Syllabus 2026
The detailed chapter list below is a preparation guide based on the notified test structure and recurring IBPS Clerk question types. Candidates covering the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 should prepare all major concepts instead of depending only on predicted weightage.
English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Phrase Replacement
- Single Fillers
- Double Fillers
- Word Swap
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Spelling-Based Questions
- Word Usage
- Grammar-Based Questions
Numerical Ability Syllabus
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Ages
- Partnership
- Mixture and Alligation
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Work and Wages
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Trains
- Boats and Streams
- Mensuration
- Arithmetic Word Problems
Reasoning Ability Syllabus
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relation
- Direction and Distance
- Order and Ranking
- Alphanumeric Series
- Alphabet Test
- Pair Formation
- Word Formation
- Meaningful Word Questions
- Miscellaneous Logical Reasoning
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 – Revised
The Main Examination is the most important part of the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 because Mains performance plays the key role in final merit and provisional allotment.
| Section | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 Minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| Total | 160 | 200 | 125 Minutes |
Candidates should not wait for the Prelims result before starting Mains preparation. General/Financial Awareness, Mains-level Data Interpretation, advanced puzzles and reading comprehension should be studied throughout the preparation period.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Mains Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 for Mains includes four major areas. The depth and analytical level are generally higher than Prelims.
General / Financial Awareness Syllabus
- Current Affairs
- Banking Current Affairs
- Reserve Bank of India Updates
- Banking Awareness
- Financial Awareness
- Indian Banking System
- Monetary Policy
- Government Schemes
- Union Budget
- Economic Survey
- Indian Economy
- Financial Institutions
- Banking Terminology
- Important Reports and Indexes
- Appointments and Resignations
- Awards and Honours
- Important Days
- National Current Affairs
- International Current Affairs
- Static GK connected with current events
General English Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Inference-Based Questions
- Tone-Based Questions
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Para Jumbles
- Phrase Replacement
- Sentence Improvement
- Single and Multiple Fillers
- Word Swap
- Sentence Connectors
- Column-Based Questions
- Vocabulary in Context
- Grammar and Usage
- Word Usage
Reasoning Ability Syllabus
-
- Advanced Puzzles
- Linear Seating Arrangement
- Circular Seating Arrangement
- Floor and Flat-Based Puzzle
- Box-Based Puzzle
- Scheduling Puzzle
- Distribution Puzzle
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relation
- Direction Sense
- Order and Ranking
- Logical Reasoning
- Statement and Conclusion
- Statement and Assumption
- Cause and Effect
Additional practice variants: Try reverse syllogism and data-sufficiency sets containing two or three statements. Use these formats to extend your reasoning practice; they are not a separate official syllabus or a guarantee that such questions will appear.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
-
- Data Interpretation
- Table DI
- Bar Graph DI
- Line Graph DI
- Pie Chart DI
- Caselet DI
- Mixed Graph DI
- Missing Data DI
- Arithmetic-Based DI
- Number Series
- Approximation
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Partnership
- Mixture and Alligation
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Trains
- Boats and Streams
- Mensuration
- Data Sufficiency
- Quantity Comparison
- Probability Basics
Additional practice coverage: Include quadratic equations, number-system fundamentals such as HCF and LCM, basic algebra, and missing-term and wrong-term number series in your practice checklist. These are preparation suggestions, not an IBPS-issued chapter list or a claim about question frequency.
Is Computer Aptitude Included in IBPS Clerk Mains 2026?
This is an important point for candidates using older study material. The revised CRP CSA-XVI Mains pattern currently lists Reasoning Ability as the examination section rather than showing Computer Aptitude as a separate test.
Therefore, candidates studying the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 should not automatically copy old examination tables that show a separate or combined Computer Aptitude syllabus.
However, computer literacy remains an eligibility requirement for the Customer Service Associate recruitment. Candidates should distinguish between computer-knowledge eligibility and the actual online examination sections.
Negative Marking in IBPS Clerk 2026
The marking scheme is an important part of the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus preparation strategy.
For every incorrect objective answer, a penalty equal to one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. No penalty is imposed when a question is left unanswered.
Therefore, candidates should prioritise accuracy and avoid random guessing simply to increase total attempts.
IBPS Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test for Ex-Servicemen
Local-language proficiency is an important recruitment condition for candidates applying for a particular State/UT.
- Candidates should satisfy the prescribed proficiency requirement for the opted local language.
- The requirement generally covers the ability to read, write, speak and understand the specified local language.
- Candidates possessing acceptable educational evidence showing that they studied the applicable language may receive exemption from a separate Local Language Proficiency Test, subject to the official rules.
- Other candidates may have to qualify the applicable Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT).
- The language requirement should not be ignored even after qualifying the Main Examination.
High-Priority Topics in IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026
IBPS does not guarantee a fixed chapter-wise question distribution for every shift. However, candidates following the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 can use the following priority order to organise their preparation.
| Subject | First Priority | Second Priority |
|---|---|---|
| English | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection | Fillers, Phrase Replacement, Para Jumbles, Vocabulary |
| Numerical / Quant | Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Simplification | Number Series, Mensuration, Quantity Comparison |
| Reasoning | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement | Syllogism, Inequality, Coding, Ranking and Short Topics |
| General / Financial Awareness | Banking Current Affairs, RBI and Financial Awareness | Government Schemes, Economy, Reports and Appointments |
This priority list should be used for revision and practice allocation. Candidates should still complete the full IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus because the actual topic distribution may vary from one examination shift to another.
IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Prelims vs Mains Syllabus
| Particular | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Screening / Shortlisting | Merit-Deciding Examination |
| Questions | 100 | 160 |
| Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Duration | 60 Minutes | 125 Minutes |
| English | Yes | Yes |
| Numerical / Quantitative Aptitude | Yes | Yes |
| Reasoning | Yes | Yes |
| General / Financial Awareness | No | Yes |
| Preparation Focus | Speed + Accuracy | Depth + Accuracy + Advanced Practice |
Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026
A good preparation plan for the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 should combine concept building, timed practice, mock tests, revision and Mains preparation.
1. Understand the Revised Pattern First
Do not start preparation from an old Mains pattern. Note the latest number of questions, marks and sectional timing before planning daily targets.
2. Improve Calculation Speed
Practise percentages, fractions, squares, cubes, multiplication, ratios and common calculations every day. Calculation speed directly affects Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude performance.
3. Practise Reasoning Puzzles Daily
Begin with basic puzzles and seating arrangements before moving to complex floor, box, scheduling and multi-variable sets.
4. Build English Reading Ability
Read quality English content regularly. Along with vocabulary, identify the central idea, tone, inference and logical flow of a passage.
5. Start Mains Current Affairs Now
General/Financial Awareness is not part of Prelims, but candidates should not postpone it until after the first examination. Current affairs and banking awareness require continuous revision.
6. Follow Sectional Timing
Attempt sectional tests using the actual examination timer. Untimed practice alone is not enough for an exam that uses separately timed sections.
7. Analyse Every Mock Test
After completing a mock, record:
- Total attempts
- Correct answers
- Incorrect answers
- Accuracy percentage
- Section-wise time usage
- Easy questions missed
- Topics causing repeated mistakes
8. Solve Previous Year Questions
Previous examination questions help candidates understand the practical level and recurring question formats covered by the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus.
7-Week Prelims Preparation Framework
| Phase | Main Goal | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Concept Revision | Revise arithmetic, basic reasoning, grammar and vocabulary; begin daily current affairs |
| Week 3-4 | Timed Practice | Topic tests, sectional tests, puzzles, arithmetic and reading comprehension |
| Week 5 | Mock Integration | Full Prelims mocks plus detailed error analysis |
| Week 6 | Weak Area Repair | Revise low-accuracy chapters and repeat previous mistakes |
| Final Week | Exam Simulation | Full mocks, formula revision, short-topic revision and accuracy control |
Special Preparation Tips for Ex-Servicemen Candidates
- Do not depend only on reservation benefits; selection still requires competitive examination performance.
- Identify mathematical topics that need concept revision before focusing purely on speed.
- Use a daily fixed schedule if returning to academic preparation after a long gap.
- Practise computer-based mock tests to become comfortable with online examination navigation.
- Keep ESM certificates, discharge-related documents and educational records ready well before verification.
- Check the selected State/UT local-language requirement carefully.
- Prepare Prelims and Mains together rather than treating them as completely separate phases.
Common Mistakes Ex-Servicemen Candidates Should Avoid
- Preparing according to an outdated IBPS Clerk Mains pattern.
- Assuming there is a separate or easier ESM examination.
- Ignoring sectional timing.
- Attempting too many doubtful questions despite negative marking.
- Starting General/Financial Awareness only after Prelims.
- Ignoring the applicable local-language requirement.
- Using outdated computer-aptitude exam tables.
- Not analysing mock tests.
- Not checking official ESM eligibility conditions.
- Keeping defence-service documents incomplete until the final stage.
Useful IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Resources
Candidates completing the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 should also check these related ExamTune guides:
- IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Eligibility 2026
- IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Documents Required 2026
- IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Selection Process 2026
- IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Vacancy 2026
- IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Previous Year Papers 2026
- IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Preparation Strategy
- IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
Official IBPS Sources
Important rules relating to the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026, eligibility, exam pattern and recruitment process should always be cross-checked with official IBPS notices.
- IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Official Page
- IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Registration Portal
- Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Official Website
The official IBPS notification, corrigenda and subsequent notices should always be treated as the final authority. Chapter-wise topic lists are preparation guides, while IBPS officially determines examination structure, eligibility, recruitment rules and any later changes.
Conclusion
The IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 follows the same online examination structure applicable to other eligible candidates under CRP CSA-XVI. There is no separate ESM question paper, although eligible Ex-Servicemen can receive reservation, age relaxation and other prescribed benefits under the recruitment rules.
For Prelims, candidates should prepare English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability. For Mains, the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude.
The current Mains structure contains 160 questions for 200 marks in 125 minutes. Candidates should combine Prelims speed practice with Mains-level preparation, regular mock tests, previous year questions, current affairs revision and detailed error analysis.
Ex-Servicemen candidates should also keep eligibility documents and local-language requirements in mind throughout the recruitment process. For the latest IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026, exam updates, ESM guidance, mock tests and banking preparation resources, continue following ExamTune.
Popular Online Live Classes
Ex-Servicemen IBPS Clerk 2026 Parakram Batch | IBPS Clerk Pre + Mains Course
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026?
The IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Syllabus 2026 includes English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability in Prelims. Mains includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude under the revised CRP CSA-XVI pattern
Is there a separate IBPS Clerk syllabus for Ex-Servicemen?
No. Ex-Servicemen candidates do not get a separate or easier examination syllabus. They prepare for the same IBPS Customer Service Associate Prelims and Mains examination, while ESM-specific benefits apply mainly to eligibility, reservation and age relaxation.
What is the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Prelims Syllabus 2026?
The IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Prelims Syllabus 2026 covers English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability. Important preparation areas include Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Simplification, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism and Inequality.
What is the IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Mains Syllabus 2026?
The IBPS Clerk Ex-Servicemen Mains Syllabus 2026 covers General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude. Candidates should prepare banking awareness, current affairs, advanced puzzles, reading comprehension, arithmetic and Data Interpretation for Mains.
What is the latest IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026?
Under the revised CRP CSA-XVI pattern, IBPS Clerk Mains contains 160 questions for 200 marks with a total sectional duration of 125 minutes. Each of the four sections contains 40 questions.
How many questions are there in IBPS Clerk Prelims 2026?
IBPS Clerk Prelims contains 100 questions for 100 marks. English Language has 30 questions, Numerical Ability has 35 questions and Reasoning Ability has 35 questions, with a total duration of 60 minutes.
Is Computer Aptitude included in IBPS Clerk Mains 2026?
The revised CRP CSA-XVI exam-pattern reports list Reasoning Ability as the Mains test rather than showing Computer Aptitude as a separate examination section. However, computer literacy continues to be an eligibility requirement for Customer Service Associate recruitment.
Is there negative marking in IBPS Clerk 2026?
Yes. For an incorrect objective answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. No penalty applies to unanswered questions.
What is the age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen in IBPS Clerk 2026?
Eligible Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen receive relaxation based on their defence-service period plus the additional relaxation prescribed in the notification, subject to applicable conditions and a maximum-age ceiling. Current CRP CSA-XVI summaries report actual defence service plus 3 years, with specific provisions for Disabled Ex-Servicemen belonging to SC/ST, subject to a maximum age of 50 years.
Can an Ex-Serviceman apply for IBPS Clerk without graduation?
There is a special qualification provision for eligible matriculate Ex-Servicemen who do not possess the normal civil graduation qualification. Such candidates must satisfy the prescribed Armed Forces service requirement and hold the applicable Army Special Certificate of Education or corresponding Navy/Air Force certificate as specified by IBPS.
About the Author
Practice free quizzes, mock tests, current affairs and exam-wise preparation resources on ExamTune.
