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August 7, 2026

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern, Marks & Duration

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Preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026? Before solving mock tests or completing the syllabus, you must clearly understand the latest IBPS Clerk exam pattern 2026. Knowing this will help you plan your preparation, improve time management and maximise your score. Scroll down to see the complete IBPS Clerk Prelims & Mains exam pattern, section-wise marks, exam duration, negative marking and language medium. 

 

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 Details

Understanding the IBPS Clerk 2026 exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. Check the complete overview of the Prelims and Mains exam pattern, number of questions, maximum marks, time duration, negative marking and selection process before starting your preparation. 

Particular

Details

Exam Conducting Body

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)

Post Name

Clerk / Customer Service Associate

Recruitment Stages

Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Local Language Proficiency Test

Mode of Examination

Online (Computer-Based Test)

Question Type

Objective Multiple Choice Questions

Medium

English, Hindi and Regional Languages (as applicable)

Negative Marking

Yes

Negative Marks

0.25 mark deducteded for each incorrect answer

Interview

Not Conducted

Final Merit

Based on Main Examination Marks

 

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IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026

The IBPS Clerk prelims exam pattern 2026 is the qualifying stage of the recruitment process. While the marks obtained in this examination are not added to the final merit, candidates must clear it to move on to the Main exam. The preliminary exam is designed to assess a candidate's speed, logical thinking, language proficiency and numerical ability within a limited time.

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

 

Section-wise Weightage in the Prelims

Although all three sections are important, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability together account for 70% of the total questions, making them the most significant scoring areas. However, English Language should not be ignored, as poor performance in this section can affect overall qualification.

 

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 

The IBPS Clerk Mains exam 2026 is the most important stage because final selection is based entirely on the marks secured in the Main Examination. There is no interview for the IBPS Clerk (Customer Service Associate) recruitment process, making the Mains exam the deciding factor for your selection. It is designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the knowledge and aptitude required for day-to-day banking operations.

Subject

Questions

Marks

Duration

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

 

IBPS Clerk Marking Scheme 2026

Understanding the IBPS Clerk 2026 marking scheme is essential for maximizing your score in both the IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains exams. Along with knowing the latest IBPS Clerk exam pattern 2026, candidates should clearly understand how marks are awarded and deducted to develop an effective exam strategy.

Marking Criteria

Details

Positive Marking

Every correct answer is awarded 1 mark (or the prescribed marks for that question).

Negative Marking

0.25 marks (one-fourth) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Unanswered Questions

No negative marking is applied if a question is left unanswered.

 

IBPS Clerk Exam Language Medium 2026

The IBPS Clerk examination is conducted in multiple languages depending on the state or Union Territory chosen by the candidate. This allows aspirants to attempt most sections in their preferred regional language while maintaining uniform standards across India.

State / UT

Medium of Examination

Andhra Pradesh

English, Hindi, Telugu

Assam

English, Hindi, Assamese

Bihar

English, Hindi

Delhi

English, Hindi

Gujarat

English, Hindi, Gujarati

Haryana

English, Hindi

Himachal Pradesh

English, Hindi

Jammu & Kashmir

English, Hindi, Urdu

Karnataka

English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani

Kerala

English, Hindi, Malayalam

Lakshadweep

English, Hindi, Malayalam

Maharashtra

English, Hindi, Marathi, Konkani

Odisha

English, Hindi, Odia

Punjab

English, Hindi, Punjabi

Rajasthan

English, Hindi

Tamil Nadu

English, Hindi, Tamil

Telangana

English, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu

Uttar Pradesh

English, Hindi, Urdu

West Bengal

English, Hindi, Bengali

Other States & UTs

English, Hindi and the notified regional language

 

Refer to the following links to know more about IBPS Clerk Exam 2026.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the latest IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026?

The IBPS Clerk recruitment process consists of a Preliminary Examination, a Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) where applicable. There is no interview.

2. Is there an interview for IBPS Clerk 2026?

No. The IBPS Clerk selection process does not include an interview. Final selection is based on the Main Examination score and fulfillment of eligibility conditions.

3. How many stages are there in the IBPS Clerk selection process?

There are two online examinations, Prelims and Mains, followed by the Local Language Proficiency Test (if applicable).

4. How many questions are asked in the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?

The Preliminary Examination consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 100 marks.

5. How many questions are asked in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam?

According to the latest pattern, the Main Examination consists of 155 questions for 200 marks.

6. Is there negative marking in the IBPS Clerk Exam?

Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in both the Preliminary and Main examinations.

7. Are Prelims marks counted in the final merit list?

No. The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature. Only the Main Examination marks are considered for the final merit list.

8. What is the duration of the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?

The Preliminary Examination is conducted for 60 minutes, with sectional timing.

9. What is the duration of the IBPS Clerk Main Exam?

The Main Examination is conducted for 120 minutes, with separate time limits for each section.

10. Can Kerala candidates write the IBPS Clerk Exam in Malayalam?

Yes. Candidates applying from Kerala can choose Malayalam as the medium for applicable sections, as notified by IBPS. The English Language section remains in English.

11. Which section is most important in the IBPS Clerk Main Exam?

Every section contributes to the overall score, but Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness together account for a significant share of the total marks.

12. How should beginners prepare for the IBPS Clerk Exam?

Start by understanding the latest syllabus and exam pattern, build strong fundamentals, practice mock tests regularly, revise consistently, and stay updated with current affairs and banking awareness.

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