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IBPS conducts the Common Recruitment Process for clerical cadre posts (Customer Service Associates) in participating public sector banks. Selection is through a Preliminary exam and a Main exam; there is no interview.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
| 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 |
Note: Each test is separately timed. For each wrong answer in the objective tests, one quarter (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.
Exam pattern and selection process may vary by recruitment notification. Candidates should check the latest official notification. This pattern is from the IBPS CRP CSA-XVI notification dated 01.08.2026 (vacancies of 2027-28). Sections, question counts and timings are revised from time to time, so confirm the current pattern on ibps.in before you apply or prepare.
Tap a subject to see its chapters, which stage tests it, a preparation tip and links to practice. The chapter lists are a study breakdown based on the sections named in the notification and on recent papers, not official chapter headings.
Tests logical thinking under time pressure. Puzzles and seating arrangements carry the most weight, especially in the Mains.
Preparation tip: Solve at least two puzzle or seating sets every day and time yourself; speed comes from recognising set types quickly.
Reasoning Ability BITS (50) → Reasoning Ability Exam → Reasoning study material →
The Clerk-level Prelims name for the quantitative section: the same arithmetic, series and DI topics at a slightly easier level.
Preparation tip: Simplification, number series and quadratic equations are quick marks; finish them first and then attempt arithmetic word problems.
Numerical Ability BITS (11) → Numerical Ability Exam → Quantitative Aptitude formulas & study material →
Arithmetic, number series, quadratic equations and data interpretation. Calculation speed decides most of the score.
Preparation tip: Memorise squares, cubes and fraction-percentage equivalents, then practise simplification and DI sets daily.
Quantitative Aptitude BITS (103) → Quantitative Aptitude Exam → Quantitative Aptitude formulas & study material →
Reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. Reading comprehension usually carries the largest share of the section.
Preparation tip: Read an editorial every day for comprehension and vocabulary, and revise grammar rules through error-spotting practice.
English Language BITS (23) → English Language Exam → English grammar & vocabulary →
A Mains-only section on banking, the economy and current affairs. It needs no calculation, so good preparation saves time for other sections.
Preparation tip: Revise the last 4–6 months of current affairs together with banking basics (RBI, policy rates, payment systems).
General / Financial / Banking Awareness BITS (100) → General Awareness Mock 1 → Banking Awareness study material →
Study by topic: RBI & monetary policyBanking termsDigital payments (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI)NABARD, SEBI, NPCI & other institutionsBanking abbreviationsIndian BanksCurrent AffairsCurrent Affairs Quiz
Working through a full paper is the fastest way to understand the question pattern, topic weightage and difficulty level.
Memory-based reconstructions of the paper held on 4 September 2022 (English 30, Quantitative 35, Reasoning 35). Reproduced for candidates' study and reference; no answer key is published.
The Preliminary examination has 100 questions carrying 100 marks — English Language 30, Numerical Ability 35 and Reasoning Ability 35 — with 20 minutes for each section (1 hour in all).
Under the CRP CSA-XVI notification the Main examination has 160 questions carrying 200 marks in 125 minutes: General/Financial Awareness (40 questions, 50 marks, 20 minutes), General English (40, 40, 35 minutes), Reasoning Ability (40, 60, 35 minutes) and Quantitative Aptitude (40, 50, 35 minutes).
Yes. For each wrong answer, one quarter (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.
No. IBPS Clerk selection is through the Preliminary and Main exams; only Main exam marks are used for the final merit, followed by the Local Language Proficiency Test where required.