IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026: Prelims & Mains
Quick Overview
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The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 is one of the most important resources for candidates preparing for the Common Recruitment Process (CRP) conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Understanding the latest syllabus helps candidates prepare systematically and cover all important topics before the examination.
The IBPS Clerk selection process consists of Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. Candidates must qualify the Preliminary Exam to become eligible for the Main Examination. The final selection is made on the basis of the marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to the applicable recruitment rules.
In this article, you will find the complete IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026, latest exam pattern, section-wise topics, marking scheme, and other important details.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IBPS Clerk 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Marks for every wrong answer |
| Interview | No |
| Final Selection | Based on Mains Examination |
IBPS Clerk 2026 Selection Process
The IBPS Clerk recruitment process consists of two stages.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
Candidates must qualify the Preliminary Examination to appear for the Main Examination. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Exam are generally used only for shortlisting candidates for the next stage.
Stage 2: Main Examination
The Main Examination is the final stage of the recruitment process. Final merit is prepared based on the performance in the Main Examination as per the applicable recruitment rules.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination consists of three sections with sectional timing.
| Section | Questions | 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 |
Important Points
- Online objective examination
- Sectional timing is applicable.
- Each question carries one mark.
- 0.25 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Candidates qualifying the Preliminary Examination become eligible for the Main Examination.
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | 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 |
Main Exam Highlights
- Online objective examination.
- Total duration of 120 minutes.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks.
- Final merit is prepared based on the Main Examination.
- There is no interview stage.
IBPS Clerk English Language Syllabus 2026
The English Language section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and language skills.
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- Word Usage
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
IBPS Clerk Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss
- Average
- Partnership
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Boats & Streams
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Mensuration
- Algebra (Basic)
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
- Quadratic Equations
- Quantity Comparison
IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus 2026
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Alphabet Test
- Order & Ranking
- Input-Output
- Logical Reasoning
- Statement & Conclusion
- Statement & Assumption
- Data Sufficiency
- Machine Input Output
IBPS Clerk General / Financial Awareness Syllabus 2026 (Mains)
The General/Financial Awareness section is asked only in the Main Examination. Candidates should regularly follow current affairs and banking-related updates to score well in this section.
- Current Affairs (Last 6–8 Months)
- Banking Awareness
- Financial Awareness
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Monetary Policy
- Government Schemes
- Union Budget
- Economic Survey
- Static General Knowledge
- Banking Terms & Abbreviations
- Important Committees
- National & International Organizations
- Important Days & Themes
- Awards & Honors
- Books & Authors
- Sports News
- Business & Economy
IBPS Clerk Computer Aptitude Syllabus 2026 (Mains)
The Computer Aptitude section is combined with the Reasoning Ability section in the Main Examination. Candidates should have a basic understanding of computer fundamentals.
- Computer Fundamentals
- Computer Hardware
- Computer Software
- Operating System
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
- Internet
- Networking Basics
- Input & Output Devices
- Memory Devices
- Computer Generations
- Computer Shortcuts
- Cyber Security Basics
- Computer Abbreviations
IBPS Clerk 2026 Marking Scheme
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks for Correct Answer | 1 Mark |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Mark for every wrong answer |
| Unanswered Questions | No Negative Marking |
| Question Type | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) |
Important Highlights of IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
- Selection process consists of Preliminary and Main Examination.
- The examination is conducted in online mode.
- All questions are objective in nature.
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
- The English Language section is available only in English.
- Other sections are available in English and Hindi.
- The Main Examination plays an important role in the final selection process.
- There is no interview stage for IBPS Clerk recruitment.
Preparation Tips for IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
- Understand the complete syllabus before starting your preparation.
- Create a daily study plan covering every subject.
- Practice previous year question papers regularly.
- Attempt full-length mock tests every week.
- Revise important formulas, grammar rules, and reasoning concepts.
- Read current affairs daily for the General Awareness section.
- Analyze your mock test performance and improve weak areas.
- Maintain speed as well as accuracy to maximize your score.
Best Books for IBPS Clerk 2026 Preparation
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
| English Language | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi |
| General Awareness | Monthly Current Affairs Magazine & Daily Banking Current Affairs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026?
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 includes English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability for the Preliminary Examination, while the Main Examination includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness.
What subjects are included in the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?
The Preliminary Examination includes three subjects: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
What subjects are included in the IBPS Clerk Main Examination?
The Main Examination includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness.
Is there negative marking in the IBPS Clerk Exam?
Yes. A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every incorrect answer in both the Preliminary and Main Examinations.
Is there any interview in the IBPS Clerk selection process?
No. The IBPS Clerk recruitment process does not include an interview. Final selection is based on the Main Examination as per the applicable recruitment process.
Is the IBPS Clerk syllabus the same as SBI Clerk?
The syllabus of IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk is largely similar. However, the exam pattern, difficulty level, and question distribution may vary between the two examinations.
Is the IBPS Clerk exam conducted in Hindi and English?
Yes. Except for the English Language section, the question paper is generally available in both English and Hindi.
Does IBPS change the Clerk syllabus every year?
The syllabus usually remains similar from year to year. However, candidates should always check the latest official notification for any updates or changes.
How should I prepare for the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026?
Candidates should understand the complete syllabus, prepare a study plan, practice previous year papers, take regular mock tests, and revise current affairs consistently for the Main Examination.
Is the IBPS Clerk Prelims score considered for final selection?
Candidates must qualify the Preliminary Examination to appear for the Main Examination. The final selection process is based on the applicable recruitment rules specified in the official notification.
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