IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026: Best Prelims & Mains Guide
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Download the complete IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 PDF with revised Prelims and Mains exam pattern, subject-wise topics, negative marking and preparation details.
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 covers the subjects and topics candidates need to prepare for the Preliminary and Main examinations of Customer Service Associate recruitment under CRP CSA-XVI. The syllabus mainly covers English Language, Reasoning Ability, Numerical/Quantitative Aptitude and General/Financial Awareness.
The Preliminary Examination tests English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability. The Main Examination includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude.
This updated guide covers the IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026, IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026, revised exam pattern, subject-wise topics, marking scheme and preparation areas in one place.
The CRP CSA-XVI detailed notification has been released. The revised IBPS Clerk Mains Exam contains
160 questions for 200 marks in 125 minutes. The official Mains table lists
Reasoning Ability as a separate section and does not list a separate Computer Aptitude section.
IBPS Clerk Subject-Wise Syllabus Overview
| Stage | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability |
| Main Examination | General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude |
Complete IBPS Clerk Syllabus at a Glance
| Subject | Major Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Fillers, Para Jumbles, Phrase Replacement, Vocabulary and Grammar |
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Ranking, Series, Input-Output and Logical Reasoning |
| Numerical / Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Mensuration, Data Sufficiency and Quantity Comparison |
| General / Financial Awareness | Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, RBI, Monetary Policy, Government Schemes, Financial Institutions, Reports, Appointments and Static Awareness |
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 has two online stages: Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. Each section has a separate time limit.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026: 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes.
| Section | 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 |
- Each section is separately timed.
- Candidates must qualify according to the cut-off decided by IBPS.
- There is negative marking for incorrect answers.
- No penalty is applied to unanswered questions.
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 – Revised
Do not follow older tables showing 155 questions and 120 minutes.
CRP CSA-XVI Mains now contains 160 questions, 200 marks and 125 minutes.
| Section | Questions | 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 |
Negative Marking: For every incorrect answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question is deducted. There is no penalty for a question left unanswered.
Only marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for final merit listing. Prelims is used for shortlisting candidates for Mains.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026 includes three subjects:
- English Language
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning Ability
Prelims mainly tests basic concepts, speed, accuracy and question selection.
IBPS Clerk English Language Syllabus 2026
The English Language section checks reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and understanding of sentences in context.
English Language Detailed Syllabus
| Topic | Concepts Covered |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Central idea, factual information, inference, tone, title, vocabulary and contextual meaning |
| Cloze Test | Grammar, sentence flow, vocabulary and contextual word selection |
| Error Detection | Tenses, articles, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions, modifiers and subject-verb agreement |
| Sentence Improvement | Grammar correction, suitable expression and sentence clarity |
| Fill in the Blanks | Single fillers, double fillers, grammar and contextual vocabulary |
| Para Jumbles | Opening sentence, logical sequence, connectors, mandatory pairs and conclusion |
| Phrase Replacement | Grammar correction and contextually suitable phrases |
| Word Usage | Correct use of words in different sentences |
| Word Swap | Identification and rearrangement of incorrectly placed words |
| Sentence Rearrangement | Logical arrangement of sentence parts or complete sentences |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, phrasal verbs and one-word substitutions |
| Grammar | Tenses, voice, narration, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, adjectives and adverbs |
Reading Comprehension Topics
- Central theme
- Supporting facts
- Author’s opinion
- Tone of the passage
- Inference
- Suitable title
- Contextual vocabulary
- Synonyms and antonyms
- True and false statements
- Phrase interpretation
Grammar Topics
| Grammar Area | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Tenses | Present, past and future forms |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Agreement according to number and person |
| Articles | Correct use of a, an and the |
| Prepositions | Time, place, direction and relationship |
| Pronouns | Reference, agreement and correct case |
| Conjunctions | Coordinating, subordinating and correlative conjunctions |
| Modifiers | Correct placement of adjectives and adverbs |
| Voice | Active and passive voice |
| Narration | Direct and indirect speech |
| Parallelism | Consistency in grammatical structure |
IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus 2026
Reasoning Ability tests logical thinking, analytical ability, pattern recognition and the ability to arrange information according to different conditions.
Reasoning Ability Detailed Syllabus
| Topic | Concepts Covered |
|---|---|
| Puzzles | Floor, box, scheduling, designation, comparison, distribution and mixed-variable puzzles |
| Seating Arrangements | Linear, circular, square, rectangular, parallel-row and uncertain-number arrangements |
| Inequality | Direct, coded and multiple-statement inequality |
| Syllogism | Conclusions, possibility cases and statement relationships |
| Coding-Decoding | Traditional, conditional, substitution and pattern-based coding |
| Blood Relations | Family trees, coded relations and generation-based relationships |
| Direction Sense | Direction, distance, turns and final position |
| Order and Ranking | Position, comparison, total persons and ranks from different ends |
| Alphanumeric Series | Letters, numbers and symbol sequences |
| Input-Output | Step-based arrangement of words, letters and numbers |
| Data Sufficiency | Checking whether supplied statements are sufficient |
| Logical Reasoning | Assumptions, conclusions, arguments, courses of action and cause-effect |
| Analogy | Relationships among words, numbers and symbols |
| Classification | Identification of the odd element |
| Word Formation | Creating words from letters or combinations |
| Statement-Based Questions | Conclusions, inference and decision-making |
Puzzle Syllabus
| Puzzle Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Floor Puzzle | People or objects arranged on different floors |
| Box Puzzle | Boxes arranged vertically or according to properties |
| Scheduling Puzzle | Events arranged by day, date, month or time |
| Designation Puzzle | People matched with posts or ranks |
| Comparison Puzzle | Age, height, weight, marks or other comparisons |
| Distribution Puzzle | Objects distributed among different individuals |
| Selection Puzzle | People assigned to groups, teams or categories |
| Mixed-Variable Puzzle | Multiple attributes combined in one arrangement |
Seating Arrangement Syllabus
| Arrangement Type | Possible Variations |
|---|---|
| Linear Arrangement | Single row, double row and uncertain-number arrangement |
| Circular Arrangement | Facing inward, outward or mixed directions |
| Square Arrangement | Corners, sides and different facing directions |
| Rectangular Arrangement | Placement on longer and shorter sides |
| Parallel Rows | Two rows facing each other or opposite directions |
| Triangular Arrangement | Placement at corners and sides |
| Uncertain Arrangement | Total number of persons not directly provided |
IBPS Clerk Numerical Ability Syllabus 2026
Numerical Ability in Prelims focuses on calculations, arithmetic and basic data-analysis skills.
Numerical Ability Detailed Syllabus
| Topic | Concepts Covered |
|---|---|
| Simplification | BODMAS, fractions, decimals, surds and basic operations |
| Approximation | Rounding, estimation and simplified calculations |
| Number Series | Missing term, wrong term and pattern identification |
| Quadratic Equations | Solving and comparing roots |
| Percentage | Percentage value, increase, decrease and successive change |
| Profit and Loss | Cost price, selling price, profit, loss and discount |
| Ratio and Proportion | Comparison, direct proportion and inverse proportion |
| Average | Simple, combined and weighted averages |
| Simple Interest | Principal, rate, time, interest and amount |
| Compound Interest | Annual, half-yearly and periodic compounding |
| Time and Work | Efficiency, combined work and work completion |
| Pipes and Cisterns | Filling, emptying, leakage and net efficiency |
| Speed, Time and Distance | Relative speed, average speed and journey problems |
| Trains | Crossing a pole, platform, person or another train |
| Boats and Streams | Upstream speed, downstream speed and stream speed |
| Partnership | Investment, time period and profit distribution |
| Mixture and Alligation | Ratio, concentration, price and replacement |
| Ages | Present, past and future age relationships |
| Mensuration | Area, perimeter, volume and surface area |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts and caselets |
| Data Sufficiency | Sufficiency of quantitative statements |
| Quantity Comparison | Comparison of two calculated quantities |
Arithmetic Syllabus
| Arithmetic Area | Chapters |
|---|---|
| Commercial Mathematics | Percentage, profit and loss, discount, simple interest and compound interest |
| Ratio-Based Mathematics | Ratio, proportion, partnership, mixture and alligation |
| Work-Based Mathematics | Time and work, efficiency, wages and pipes-cisterns |
| Movement-Based Mathematics | Speed, time, distance, trains and boats-streams |
| Measurement | 2D and 3D mensuration |
| Human-Relationship Problems | Ages and partnership |
| Statistical Applications | Average, Data Interpretation and comparison |
Data Interpretation Syllabus
| DI Format | What Candidates May Be Required to Do |
|---|---|
| Table DI | Read and compare values from tabular data |
| Bar Graph | Analyse single, double or multiple bars |
| Line Graph | Interpret trends and changes |
| Pie Chart | Calculate ratios, percentages and angles |
| Caselet DI | Extract numerical information from paragraphs |
| Missing DI | Determine missing values from available relationships |
| Mixed DI | Combine two or more presentation formats |
| Arithmetic DI | Apply percentage, ratio, average or profit-loss concepts |
IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026 covers four official sections:
- General / Financial Awareness
- General English
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
Mains questions are generally more analytical and time-consuming than Prelims. Candidates should prepare advanced puzzles, complex Data Interpretation, detailed banking awareness and higher-level English questions.
IBPS Clerk Mains Subject-Wise Syllabus
| Section | Major Areas |
|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | Advanced puzzles, arrangements, logical reasoning, Input-Output and Data Sufficiency |
| General English | Advanced comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and contextual usage |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, advanced Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency and Quantity Comparison |
| General / Financial Awareness | Banking, Current Affairs, RBI, economy, government schemes and financial institutions |
IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
Quantitative Aptitude in Mains can combine arithmetic concepts with Data Interpretation, Quantity Comparison and Data Sufficiency.
| Topic Group | Included Chapters |
|---|---|
| Calculation | Simplification, Approximation, Number Series and Quadratic Equations |
| Arithmetic | Percentage, Profit-Loss, Ratio, Average, Interest, Partnership and Mixture |
| Work and Efficiency | Time and Work, Wages, Pipes and Cisterns |
| Speed and Movement | Speed-Time-Distance, Trains and Boats-Streams |
| Measurement | Mensuration |
| Data Analysis | Table, Bar, Line, Pie, Caselet, Mixed and Missing DI |
| Analytical Mathematics | Data Sufficiency, Quantity Comparison and Mathematical Inequality |
Numerical Ability vs Quantitative Aptitude
| Area | Numerical Ability in Prelims | Quantitative Aptitude in Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation | Fundamental and speed-oriented | Complex and application-oriented |
| Arithmetic | Basic to moderate | Moderate to advanced |
| Data Interpretation | Direct and basic | Multi-layered and arithmetic-based |
| Data Sufficiency | Fundamental | Analytical |
| Question Structure | Relatively short | May involve multiple steps |
IBPS Clerk General Awareness Syllabus 2026
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| National Current Affairs | Government decisions, programmes and important national developments |
| International Current Affairs | Global events, summits, agreements and organisations |
| Appointments | Important government, banking and institutional appointments |
| Awards and Honours | National and international awards |
| Sports | Tournaments, winners, venues and records |
| Books and Authors | Important books and writers |
| Obituaries | Important personalities |
| Days and Themes | National and international observances |
| Reports and Indices | Major reports, rankings and releasing organisations |
| Static Awareness | Capitals, currencies, institutions and headquarters |
| Science and Technology | Major developments linked with Current Affairs |
| Government Schemes | Welfare, financial and development programmes |
IBPS Clerk Financial Awareness Syllabus 2026
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Banking Structure | Public Sector Banks, Private Banks, Cooperative Banks and Small Finance Banks |
| Reserve Bank of India | Functions, regulation, supervision and policy role |
| Monetary Policy | Repo rate, standing facilities, CRR, SLR and inflation |
| Banking Accounts | Savings, current, fixed and recurring deposits |
| Loans and Advances | Types of loans, credit and basic lending terminology |
| Non-Performing Assets | Meaning, classification and banking importance |
| Payment Systems | NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, cards and digital wallets |
| Financial Inclusion | Banking access and inclusion schemes |
| Financial Institutions | RBI, NABARD, SIDBI, SEBI, EXIM Bank and related bodies |
| Money Market | Treasury Bills, Commercial Paper and Certificates of Deposit |
| Capital Market | Shares, bonds, mutual funds and market regulators |
| Government Schemes | Insurance, pension, credit and financial-inclusion schemes |
| Budget and Economy | Union Budget, Economic Survey and important policy decisions |
| Banking Terminology | CASA, NPA, KYC, liquidity, assets and liabilities |
| Basel Norms | Capital adequacy and risk-management basics |
| International Institutions | IMF, World Bank, ADB and related organisations |
Important Banking Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Form |
|---|---|
| RBI | Reserve Bank of India |
| CRR | Cash Reserve Ratio |
| SLR | Statutory Liquidity Ratio |
| NPA | Non-Performing Asset |
| NEFT | National Electronic Funds Transfer |
| RTGS | Real Time Gross Settlement |
| IMPS | Immediate Payment Service |
| UPI | Unified Payments Interface |
| KYC | Know Your Customer |
| CASA | Current Account Savings Account |
| NABARD | National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development |
| SIDBI | Small Industries Development Bank of India |
| SEBI | Securities and Exchange Board of India |
IBPS Clerk Computer Aptitude Syllabus 2026 – Important Clarification
The official CRP CSA-XVI Mains table lists Reasoning Ability,
not a separate “Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude” section.
Therefore, Computer Aptitude should not be treated as a separate official Mains section for 2026.
Older IBPS Clerk syllabus material may still show Computer Aptitude as part of the Mains examination. Computer literacy remains important for eligibility and banking work, but candidates should prepare primarily according to the four official Mains sections.
For basic computer awareness and banking knowledge, candidates may still revise:
- Computer Fundamentals
- Hardware and Software
- Operating Systems
- Internet and Networking
- MS Office basics
- Cybersecurity
- Databases
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Digital Banking
- Computer Abbreviations
- Cloud Computing basics
- Cybercrime and phishing awareness
IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains Syllabus Comparison
| Subject | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Yes | Yes |
| Reasoning Ability | Yes | Yes |
| Numerical Ability | Yes | No |
| Quantitative Aptitude | No | Yes |
| Separate Computer Aptitude Section | No | No |
| General / Financial Awareness | No | Yes |
| Current Affairs | No | Yes |
Topic Classification by Subject
| Subject | Fundamental Topics | Advanced or Expanded Topics |
|---|---|---|
| English | Grammar, fillers and vocabulary | Comprehension, inference and paragraph arrangement |
| Reasoning | Inequality, syllogism and direction | Advanced puzzles, arrangements and logical reasoning |
| Mathematics | Simplification, series and arithmetic | Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency and Quantity Comparison |
| General Awareness | Static Awareness and Current Affairs | Reports, schemes, appointments and economic developments |
| Financial Awareness | Banking terms and RBI basics | Monetary Policy, markets and financial institutions |
Note: This classification is for preparation and does not represent an official IBPS topic-wise weightage. IBPS does not publish a complete chapter-by-chapter syllabus or fixed topic-wise question distribution.
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90-Day IBPS Clerk Study Plan 2026
| Days | Target | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–30 | Concept Building | Complete basics of Quant, Reasoning and English with daily Current Affairs |
| Day 31–60 | Timed Practice | Topic tests, sectional tests, puzzles, DI and weekly mocks |
| Day 61–90 | Mock + Revision | Full mocks, analysis, revision and improvement of weak topics |
IBPS Clerk Preparation Strategy 2026
Quant: Improve calculation speed, revise formulas and practise Arithmetic and Data Interpretation regularly.
Reasoning: Complete short questions first and practise different types of puzzles and seating arrangements.
English: Combine grammar practice with regular reading, vocabulary and Reading Comprehension.
General / Financial Awareness: Study Current Affairs regularly and revise banking and financial topics multiple times.
Mocks: Track attempts, accuracy, sectional time and repeated mistakes after every mock test.
Useful IBPS Clerk Resources
- IBPS Clerk Notification 2026
- IBPS Clerk Exam Date 2026
- IBPS Clerk Vacancy 2026
- IBPS Clerk Eligibility Criteria 2026
- IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026
- IBPS Clerk Cut Off
Official IBPS References
- IBPS Official Website
- CRP CSA-XVI Official Notification Page
- IBPS Exam Calendar 2026-27
- IBPS Clerk Apply Online 2026
Conclusion
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 should be used as a complete roadmap for Prelims and Mains preparation. Candidates should first understand the revised exam pattern and then complete every subject before moving to sectional tests and full-length mocks.
Prelims contains 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes. The revised Main Examination contains 160 questions for 200 marks in 125 minutes.
For Prelims, focus on speed, accuracy and question selection. For Mains, prepare General/Financial Awareness, advanced Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and English from the beginning.
Most importantly, do not follow older 155-question/120-minute Mains tables or treat Computer Aptitude as a separate official CRP CSA-XVI section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026?
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 includes English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability for Prelims. Mains includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude.
How many questions are there in IBPS Clerk Prelims 2026?
IBPS Clerk Prelims contains 100 questions for 100 marks with a total duration of 60 minutes.
What is the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026?
The revised Mains exam contains 160 questions for 200 marks in 125 minutes.
IIs Computer Aptitude a separate section in IBPS Clerk Mains 2026?
No. The official CRP CSA-XVI Mains table lists Reasoning Ability and does not list a separate Computer Aptitude section.
Is there negative marking in IBPS Clerk 2026?
Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each incorrect answer.
What subjects are included in IBPS Clerk Prelims?
English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability.
What subjects are included in IBPS Clerk Mains?
General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude.
Are IBPS Clerk Prelims marks counted in final selection?
No. Prelims is used for shortlisting. Main Examination marks are considered for final merit.
What is the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Date 2026?
Prelims is scheduled for 10 and 11 October 2026
How should I prepare for the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026?
The Main Examination is scheduled for 27 December 2026.
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