IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026: Prelims and Mains Topics, Marks and Preparation

Quick answer

IBPS Clerk has two stages. The prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks in English, numerical ability and reasoning, with a 60-minute limit and 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer. The prelims is qualifying. The mains decides the final merit. Reports describe the mains as about 155 questions for 200 marks over 120 minutes, though one report gives 160 questions, so check the notice.

Prelims pattern

The prelims has a sectional time limit, reported as 20 minutes per section. Keep track of the clock for each section during the exam.

Mains pattern

Reports give the mains a total of 120 minutes, with negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer in the objective sections. The question count and the sectional times differ between reports, so confirm before you plan your practice.

Prelims topics

• English: Reading comprehension, cloze tests, error spotting, fill in the blanks and para jumbles. Practise one passage a day.
• Numerical ability: Simplification, number series, quadratic equations, data interpretation and percentages. Learn the quick methods for each.
• Reasoning: Seating arrangement, puzzles, syllogisms, inequalities, blood relations and coding-decoding. Practise sets, not single questions.

Mains topics

• Reasoning and computer aptitude: Puzzles, seating, input-output, and basic computer knowledge such as hardware, software and networking.
• English: Reading, vocabulary and grammar, with a stronger focus on comprehension and writing if the mains includes it.
• Quantitative aptitude: Data interpretation with tables, graphs and caselets, which is the heavy part of the mains.
• General and financial awareness: Banking, economy, current affairs and the basic terms used in banks. Read a financial newspaper daily.

How to use the sectional cut-offs

Each prelims section has its own minimum. A high total cannot make up for a section that falls below its cut-off, so aim to clear every section comfortably. In practice, that means a steady score in English, numerical ability and reasoning, rather than a strong score in one and a weak score in another.

A ten-week preparation plan

• Weeks 1 to 3: Reasoning and numerical ability, with 30 to 40 questions a day.
• Weeks 4 and 5: English, with a passage and vocabulary practice every day.
• Weeks 6 to 8: Mains sections, starting with data interpretation and the reasoning sets.
• Weeks 9 and 10: Full mock tests in the prelims and mains formats, with an error log.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring sectional cut-offs. You must clear each section's minimum in the prelims and the mains.
• Guessing without elimination. The 0.25 penalty adds up across the paper.
• Neglecting general awareness. It is a large share of the mains.

Data interpretation strategy

Data interpretation is where many candidates lose time. Read the question first, then the table or graph, and note the units. Work out which values you need before you calculate. Use approximation when the answer options are far apart. Practise caselets with several linked questions, because the mains often gives a data set with three or four questions on it.

Reasoning strategy for the mains

Puzzles and seating arrangements often take the most time. Draw the arrangement once, mark the fixed facts first, then the flexible ones. Use a table for multi-condition problems. Stop when a question is taking more than its share of time, and come back later.

English strategy

Read the passage once for the main idea, then the questions. Keep vocabulary notes in a small notebook and revise them weekly. In error spotting, check each part for grammar before you check the meaning. Practise para jumbles by linking the first sentence with its follow-on.

General and financial awareness

Read a financial news source each day, and keep a monthly list of banking and economic news. Learn the basic terms: repo rate, reverse repo, CRR, SLR, NPA, priority sector lending, and the main schemes for financial inclusion. Questions often test definitions and recent events.

Mock schedule before the exam

• Three weeks out: one full mock every two days, with a detailed analysis.
• Two weeks out: one full mock a week, plus sectional practice on the weakest section.
• Final week: two full mocks, and light revision only.

Prelims: section-wise targets

Set a target for each section before you start. For English, aim to finish all 30 questions with a few minutes to spare. For numerical ability, prioritise the questions you can solve quickly, and leave the long ones. For reasoning, attempt the sets you know first, and mark the rest. A realistic target is to clear each sectional cut-off with a margin, not to maximise one section at the cost of another.

Mains: how to split your time

The mains has sectional time limits, so treat each section as a separate exam. Keep a clock visible and move on when a section's time is up. In data interpretation, skip the caselet that looks hardest first, then return to it if time remains. In general awareness, answer the questions you know, and do not spend time guessing on topics you have not studied.

Writing and language practice

If the mains or the state language test includes a writing task, practise short formal letters and short paragraphs each week. Focus on clear structure, correct grammar and a direct answer to the question. Time yourself, and review one sample each week.

Revision for the final week

• Revise your error log from the last two mocks.
• Practise the formulae and shortcuts for percentages, ratios and series.
• Read the banking and economy notes for the terms you missed.
• Sleep well the night before. Do not start a new topic.