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If you’re preparing for IBPS Clerk 2026 (CRP CSA-XVI), understanding the exact syllabus and exam pattern is the first and most important step toward cracking the exam. The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 is divided into two stages: the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination. Get a complete understanding of the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern with this detailed guide. Check topic-wise subjects, weightage & marking scheme.
IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Previous Year Question Paper Download
|
Title |
Link |
| IBPS Clerk Question Paper 2018 – Prelims | |
| IBPS Clerk Question Paper 2018- Mains | |
| Verbal Ability IBPS Clerk Question Paper 2017 – Prelims | |
| Reasoning IBPS Clerk Question Paper 2017 – Prelims | |
| Quant IBPS Clerk Question Paper 2017 – Prelims |
IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Download Model Question Papers
1: What does the acronym "ATM" stand for in banking?
| Title | Link |
| IBPS Clerk Question Paper PDF | |
| IBPS Clerk Answer Key PDF | |
| IBPS Clerk First Sitting Question Paper PDF | |
| IBPS Clerk First Sitting Answer Key PDF | |
| IBPS Clerk Second Sitting Question Paper PDF | |
| IBPS Clerk Second Sitting Answer Key PDF |
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Join Now!IBPS Clerk Online Application 2026 – Notification Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Cycle | CRP CSA-XVI |
| Post | Customer Service Associate (CSA) |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Mode of Application | Online only |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
| Registration Start Date | 01.08.2026 |
| Registration Last Date | 21.08.2026 |
| Application Fee Payment Window | 01.08.2026 to 21.08.2026 |
| Form Edit Window | After closure of registration (dates to be notified) |
| Grievance/Query Portal | https://cgrs.ibps.in |
IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern: Two-Tier Selection Process
The CRP CSA-XVI selection process for Customer Service Associate consists of two online examinations — Preliminary and Main — followed by Provisional Allotment. There is no interview round for the clerical cadre post.
| Stage | Exam Month (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | October 2026 |
| Result – Preliminary | November 2026 |
| Main Examination | December 2026 |
| Provisional Allotment | March 2027 |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 – Topics & Marks
The Preliminary Examination is a qualifying stage. Marks scored here are not added for final merit but candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs to advance to Mains.
- Composite time of 1 hour with individual sectional timing of 20 minutes each.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
- Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-off marks to qualify for Mains.
| Sr. No. | Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
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Join Now!IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 – Topics & Marks
The Main Examination is the scoring stage, and marks obtained here determine the final merit list for provisional allotment.
- Composite duration of 2 hours 40 minutes, with sectional timing for each subject.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for every incorrect answer in Mains as well.
- Final selection is based purely on Mains score, subject to meeting eligibility norms.
| Sr. No. | Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| 2 | General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 4 | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
IBPS Clerk Detailed Syllabus 2026: Preliminary Examination
1. English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension (Inference, Vocabulary-based, Theme detection)
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement/Correction
- Spotting Errors
- Word Usage/Vocabulary
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Match the Column
- One-word Substitution
2. Numerical Ability Syllabus
- Simplification/Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselet)
- Quadratic Equations
- Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Mixture & Alligation
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
- Mensuration (2D and 3D)
3. Reasoning Ability Syllabus
- Puzzles (Floor-based, Box-based, Circular, Linear Seating Arrangement)
- Inequality
- Syllogism
- Blood Relation
- Direction Sense
- Order and Ranking
- Alphanumeric Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Data Sufficiency
IBPS Clerk Detailed Syllabus 2026: Main Examination
1. General/Financial Awareness Syllabus
- Current Affairs (National & International) – last 6 months
- Banking and Financial Awareness (RBI functions, monetary policy, banking terms)
- Static General Knowledge (Important days, government schemes, headquarters)
- Financial Institutions and Regulatory Bodies
- Budget and Economic Survey Highlights
- Awards, Books & Authors, Sports Events
2. General English Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension (advanced level)
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary-based Questions
- Word Swap/Word Replacement
3. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude Syllabus
Reasoning:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangement (higher difficulty than Prelims)
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Blood Relation
- Direction Sense
- Coding-Decoding
- Data Sufficiency
- Input-Output
- Logical Reasoning (Statement & Assumption, Statement & Conclusion)
Computer Aptitude:
- Basics of Computer Hardware & Software
- Internet and Networking Basics
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Computer Abbreviations
- History and Generations of Computers
- Computer Security & Viruses
- Shortcut Keys
4. Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
- Data Interpretation (Advanced – Tabular, Bar, Line, Pie, Caselet, Missing DI)
- Data Sufficiency
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Simplification/Approximation
- Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Mixture & Alligation
- Mensuration
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
IBPS Clerk Section-Wise Weightage 2026 – Based on Previous Exam
| Section | Difficulty Level (Expected) | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate to Difficult | High |
| Reasoning Ability | Moderate to Difficult | High |
| General/Financial Awareness | Easy to Moderate | High (scoring & time-saving) |
| General English | Easy to Moderate | Medium |
| Computer Aptitude | Easy | Medium (quick scoring) |
Best Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk 2026 Syllabus
- Prioritize Puzzles & DI: These two topics carry the highest weightage across both Prelims and Mains — dedicate maximum practice time here.
- Daily Current Affairs: Since Financial Awareness is heavily current-affairs driven, read banking news daily rather than cramming closer to the exam.
- Sectional Mock Tests: Attempt sectional tests first to identify weak areas before moving to full-length mocks.
- Time Management Drills: Practice each section within its allotted time limit to build exam-day speed.
- Revise Computer Aptitude Basics: This section is high-scoring with comparatively easier questions — don’t skip it.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Understanding the actual difficulty level and question pattern of past IBPS Clerk exams gives a realistic benchmark.
- Focus on Accuracy: With 0.25 negative marking in both stages, guesswork can hurt your score — attempt only what you’re confident about.
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Join Now!Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in IBPS Clerk exam 2026?
Yes, IBPS Clerk 2026 carries a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
Are IBPS Clerk Prelims marks counted for final selection?
No. IBPS Clerk Prelims is only a qualifying exam. The final merit list and provisional allotment are based entirely on IBPS Clerk Mains marks.
Is there sectional cut-off in IBPS Clerk 2026?
Yes, candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-off marks in Prelims to qualify for Mains, and sectional cut-offs apply in Mains as well for final selection.
What is the duration of IBPS Clerk Prelims exam?
The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam duration is 1 hour (60 minutes), with a fixed 20-minute time limit for each of the three sections.
What is the duration of IBPS Clerk Mains exam?
The IBPS Clerk Mains exam duration is 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes), with individual sectional time limits ranging from 35 to 45 minutes.
How many questions are asked in IBPS Clerk Mains 2026?
IBPS Clerk Mains 2026 consists of 190 questions carrying a total of 200 marks across four sections.
