IBPS Clerk Syllabus

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.

View complete syllabus – subject-wise chapters and topics, preparation tips and practice links for IBPS Clerk.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process

1. Preliminary Examination – Online objective test. Qualifying — marks are not counted in the final merit.
2. Main Examination – Online objective test. There is no interview; only Main exam marks are used for the final merit and provisional allotment.
3. Local Language Proficiency Test – Proficiency in the specified local language of the State / UT applied for, tested after the Main exam where required by the notification.

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern

Preliminary Examination

Main Examination

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.

Subject-wise Syllabus (Summary)

Reasoning Ability

Prelims & Mains: Tests logical thinking under time pressure. Puzzles and seating arrangements carry the most weight, especially in the Mains.

Numerical Ability

Prelims: The Clerk-level Prelims name for the quantitative section: the same arithmetic, series and DI topics at a slightly easier level.

Quantitative Aptitude

Mains: Arithmetic, number series, quadratic equations and data interpretation. Calculation speed decides most of the score.

English Language

Prelims & Mains: Reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. Reading comprehension usually carries the largest share of the section.

General / Financial / Banking Awareness

Mains: A Mains-only section on banking, the economy and current affairs. It needs no calculation, so good preparation saves time for other sections.

Chapter-wise topics for every subject: View complete syllabus

Source: IBPS CRP CSA-XVI notification dated 01.08.2026 (vacancies of 2027-28). Exam pattern and selection process may vary by recruitment notification. Candidates should check the latest official notification.