IBPS Clerk is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and covers English, Numeracy, Reasoning and Computer/GA. This page summarises the IBPS Clerk exam pattern, marking scheme and syllabus as a study snapshot for previous year question practice. Confirm eligibility, dates and marking in the latest official notification on ibps.in.
Official brochure wins
Pattern and syllabus notes below are a study snapshot for PYQ practice. Always cross-check the latest notification and information bulletin on ibps.in before you finalise eligibility, fees, or marking assumptions.
Pattern snapshot
Two-stage objective process in typical cycles. State-wise vacancies and language provisos appear in the notice.
| Section | Duration | Questions (typical) | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims English | Sectional | As notified | +1 / −0.25 typical |
| Prelims Numerical Ability | Sectional | As notified | Confirm notice |
| Prelims Reasoning | Sectional | As notified | Confirm notice |
| Mains (incl. Computer/GA as notified) | Longer CBT | As notified | Sectional rules as notified |
State preferences and language requirements can matter after clearing CBTs - read the notice fully.
Marking scheme (study snapshot)
| Question type | Correct | Wrong | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective MCQ | +1 (typical) | −0.25 (typical) | Verify notice |
| Unattempted | 0 | 0 | Speed with discipline |
Numbers above are typical of recent cycles. Confirm exact marks, negatives, and sectional rules in the current brochure.
Detailed syllabus bullets (for mapping PYQ misses)
English
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze and fillers
Numerical Ability
- Simplification/approximation
- Arithmetic
- Basic DI
Reasoning
- Puzzles/seating (selection critical)
- Inequality, syllogism
- Coding and miscellaneous
Mains Computer / GA
- Computer fundamentals as tested
- Banking awareness
- Current affairs
Eligibility snapshot
- Graduation / eligibility as per IBPS Clerk CRP notice
- Age limits as notified
- State/UT preference and language conditions as per notice
Eligibility can change by year (age, attempts, degree, category rules). Treat this as orientation only.
Who runs it and how often
- Exam: IBPS Clerk (CRP Clerical) (IBPS Clerk)
- Conducted by: IBPS
- Typical frequency: Annual cycle
- Category: Banking
- Official site: ibps.in
Link PYQs to syllabus
- Take one recent full paper under realistic timing.
- Map every miss to a syllabus bullet above.
- Study that bullet from your primary resource (notes/textbook).
- Re-solve only those PYQs before the next full paper.
- Update your error log with the syllabus tag so weak areas compound correctly.
Brochure caution
Do not rely on undated coaching PDFs for duration, number of questions, or negative marking. Screenshot or bookmark the current information bulletin. If a PYQ set disagrees with the latest pattern, still use it for skill practice, but do not treat its structure as the live exam.