The IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) conducts the IBPS Clerk exam to recruit candidates for clerk positions in different nationalized banks. To successfully prepare for the IBPS Clerk exam, candidates should gain a deep understanding of both the exam pattern and syllabus. The prelims exam evaluates the candidate’s aptitude in areas such as English language, quantitative ability, and reasoning skills, while the mains exam delves deeper, testing their proficiency in general awareness, financial knowledge, computer aptitude, and advanced reasoning and quantitative analysis. Candidates should also focus on mastering time management techniques, practicing through mock tests, and revisiting key topics to strengthen their foundation.
This article will provide an in-depth discussion about the IBPS Clerk prelims syllabus, IBPS Clerk syllabus, and their exam pattern to help aspiring candidates understand the structure of the examination comprehensively. The prelims syllabus focuses on foundational skills such as reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, and English language, enabling candidates to demonstrate their general aptitude and problem-solving abilities. Understanding both stages of the exam pattern is crucial for devising an effective preparation strategy, identifying key topics, and achieving success in this highly competitive recruitment process. Additionally, this article will offer tips and insights to help candidates navigate the exam with confidence and secure a bright future in the banking sector.
| IBPS Clerk Exam Date 2025 Syllabus | |
| Exam Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| Exam Name | IBPS Clerk 2025 |
| Category | Syllabus & Exam Pattern |
| IBPS Clerk Exam Date 2025 | Prelims- 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th December 2025 Mains- 1st February 2026 |
| No. of Questions | Prelims- 100 Mains- 190 |
| Maximum Marks | Prelims- 100 Mains- 200 |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks |
| Selection Process | Prelims & Mains |
| Official website | www.ibps.in |
Before understanding the syllabus, look at the IBPS clerk exam pattern in detail.
Let’s look at the syllabus for the English paper.
Also, some important topics for English are:
Below is the syllabus for Numerical Ability.
The important topics for Numerical Ability are
Let’s look at the syllabus for the reasoning ability paper.
Also, here are some important topics for reasoning ability:
To understand the IBPS clerk mains exam pattern, let’s understand the syllabus of individual papers. This paper has two parts – Reasoning ability and computer knowledge. Let’s look at the syllabus of reasoning ability.
Also, here are some important topics for reasoning ability:
English is an essential part of the main exam. Let’s look at its syllabus.
Some essential topics for English are:
In summary, here are a few important topics for Quantitative Aptitude:
General and Financial awareness is crucial in clearing the IBPS mains exam. Let’s look at the syllabus.
Also, here are some essential topics for General knowledge that can be asked in the exam:
The candidates need to stay updated on current affairs. Apart from the prescribed books, they should read different newspapers and magazines. This would help them to stay updated with national and international current affairs.
Computer knowledge is the second part of the reasoning ability paper. Let’s look at its syllabus.
The IBPS clerk exam pattern is conducted in two rounds – Prelims and Mains.
| Topic | Prelims | Mains |
| Mode of exam | Online and MCQ-based | Online and MCQ-based |
| Total Questions | 100 | 190 |
| Total marks | 100 | 200 |
| Total time | 60 minutes | 2 hours and 40 minutes |
| Subjects | English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning ability | English, General/Financial knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability & computer knowledge. |
| Marking scheme | 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer | 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer |
After understanding the IBPS Prelims syllabus, which outlines the key topics and subjects to focus on, let’s look in detail at the IBPS Clerk exam pattern for the Prelims. The Prelims exam is designed to evaluate candidates’ basic skills in areas such as Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. It consists of multiple-choice questions with a specific number of questions in each section, along with a defined time limit for each part. In this section, we’ll break down the number of questions, marks allotted, duration of the exam, and the sectional cut-off criteria to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| English | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
The IBPS Clerk Mains exam pattern has four different papers, each designed to assess specific skills required for the role. These papers include sections on Reasoning Ability, English Language, Numerical Ability, and General Awareness, which test candidates’ proficiency in critical thinking, language comprehension, mathematical aptitude, and current affairs knowledge. The exam pattern is structured to evaluate both speed and accuracy, ensuring that candidates possess the necessary skills to handle banking tasks efficiently. Let’s look at the pattern in detail to understand the number of questions, marking scheme, and time allocated for each section.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & computer | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| General/Finance Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 minutes |
The selection criterion for IBPS Clerk vacancies will be two-tiered, with the online test held in two phases: online preliminary and online main. The prelims marks are not included in the IBPS PO final merit list, and selection is exclusively dependent on the mains exam scores.
| Stages | Details |
| IBPS Clerk Prelims | No. of Questions- 100 Type of Questions- Multiple Choice Questions Duration- 60 minutes Qualifying in nature Subjects- English Language, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability Negative Marking- 0.25/ ¼th |
| IBPS Clerk Mains | No. of Questions- 190 Duration- 160 minutes Scoring in nature Subjects- Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, General/ Financial Awareness Negative Marking- 0.25/ ¼th |
Here are some efficient ways to prepare for the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam:
Remember, consistency, perseverance, and frequent preparation are essential for success in the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam. Staying committed to a well-structured study plan, regularly reviewing key concepts, and practicing a variety of questions will help reinforce your knowledge and improve your problem-solving speed. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset, managing stress effectively, and taking short breaks to avoid burnout are equally important for sustained focus on ibps clerk syllabus. By dedicating time daily to cover different sections of the syllabus, analyzing previous years’ question papers, and attempting mock tests under timed conditions, you can build the confidence and skills needed to excel in the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam.
Here are some of the top books to help you study for the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam:
It is recommended to practice with the previous year’s question papers and mock examinations to gain a better understanding of the exam pattern and question types. Regular revision and time management throughout the exam are also critical to success. Additionally, having a clear understanding of the IBPS Clerk syllabus helps candidates focus on the right topics, identify key areas to improve, and structure their preparation effectively. By aligning practice sessions with the IBPS Clerk syllabus, candidates can boost their confidence and enhance their chances of securing a good score.
The IBPS Clerk exam is an annual recruitment process conducted to select eligible candidates for clerical positions in various nationalized banks across the country. This highly competitive exam is sought after by thousands of aspirants aiming to build a stable career in the banking sector. The IBPS Clerk exam pattern is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, knowledge, and skills, and it comprises two crucial stages – Prelims and Mains. To excel in this exam, a candidate must not only thoroughly understand the IBPS Clerk syllabus but also devise a robust preparation strategy, practice mock tests, and manage time effectively to cover all topics comprehensively.
The IBPS Clerk exam is a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking a stable and rewarding career in the banking sector, offering the chance to work with prestigious public sector banks across the country. It provides not only job security and attractive salary packages but also opportunities for professional growth and development within the banking industry. However, cracking the exam requires dedicated preparation, a strategic approach, and consistent practice to master the required skills in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, and general awareness. Candidates must focus on understanding the exam pattern, IBPS clerk syllabus, and time management techniques to improve their performance.
Ans. There are three subjects for the Prelims exam and four for the Mains exam. The subjects cover the important topics required to judge the candidates’ knowledge. Some topics for prelims are Reading comprehension, the Cloze test, Data Interpretation, Profit & loss, Time & work, Ration proportion, Percentage, Puzzles, Sitting Arrangements, and Syllogism.
Some topics from the IBPS clerk mains syllabus are Seating Arrangements, Networking & communications, Filling in the blanks, spotting errors, sentence improvement, Data Interpretation Ration & proportion, and current affairs. The detailed syllabus has been mentioned in the article.
Ans. Yes, it is a difficult exam. Many candidates all over India attend the exam for limited seats. The candidate has to clear two rounds before getting recruited.
Ans. No. The candidate has to prepare well from the IBPS clerk syllabus to do well in the exam. The syllabus is vast, and the exam is difficult to clear if the candidates do not cover all the topics.
Ans. There is no difference in both exams. So, the level of difficulty for the exams is the same.
Ans. Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted in case of any wrong answer.
Related Content
-> The IBPS Customer Service Associate (Clerk) Prelims 2025 will be held on 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th December 2025.
-> The Mains 2025 exam will take place on 1st February 2026.
-> The IBPS Clerk designation name has been changed to “Customer Service Associate” (CSA). This change in designation is effective from 01.04.2024.
-> The IBPS Clerk Notification 2025 is likely to be released in July, 2025.
-> Candidates with a graduate degree are eligible for this post.
->The selection process includes prelims and mains examinations.
-> Candidates must refer to the IBPS Clerk Previous Year Papers and IBPS Clerk Mock Test to prepare well.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.