The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection ( IBPS) Clerk Exam
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk examination to recruit candidates for the Clerical Cadre in public sector banks across India. The exam is highly competitive and offers strong career growth, job stability, and long-term opportunities in the banking sector.
This guide explains eligibility criteria, exam pattern, detailed syllabus, marking scheme, preparation strategy, and how structured coaching can improve selection chances.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Final-year graduation candidates are also eligible
Age Limit
- Minimum: 20 years | Maximum: 28 years
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy): +3 years
- PwBD: +10 years
- Ex-servicemen: As per government norms
Nationality
- Indian citizen
- Nepal & Bhutan nationals (subject to conditions)
Computer Proficiency
- Basic computer operation knowledge required
- Familiarity with Word, Excel, and internet usage
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern
Selection Stages
- Preliminary Examination (Qualifying)
- Main Examination (Final Merit)
Preliminary Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Prelims marks are qualifying only.
Detailed Syllabus (Overview)
English Language
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, One Word Substitution
Numerical Ability
Number System, Simplification, Percentage, Ratio, Interest, Mensuration, Speed-Time-Distance, Data Interpretation
Reasoning Ability
Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Inequality
General / Financial Awareness (Mains)
Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, RBI policies, Economy, Government Schemes, Static GK
Preparation Strategy
Phase 1 – Foundation (30 Days)
- Strengthen basic concepts
- Build vocabulary and arithmetic skills
- Daily practice of reasoning patterns
Phase 2 – Practice (45 Days)
- High-volume question practice
- Sectional and full-length mock tests
- Focus on speed and accuracy
Phase 3 – Refinement (30 Days)
- Previous year question papers
- Time management strategies
- Focus on mains-level topics
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- 150+ structured PDF study materials
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- Live classes, doubt sessions & revision plans
- Performance analytics & progress tracking
- Banking awareness & interview preparation
SSC Syllabus
The SSC syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s aptitude, logical ability, language skills, and general awareness. A clear understanding of each section helps aspirants plan preparation effectively and score consistently across different SSC examinations.
Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)
This section focuses on speed, accuracy, and conceptual clarity. Arithmetic topics dominate the paper and offer maximum scoring potential if practiced regularly.
Important Topics
- Number System
- Percentages
- Ratio & Proportion
- Profit, Loss & Discount
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Algebra
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
Coaching Tips
- Arithmetic forms nearly 70% of the section
- Focus on formulas along with short calculation tricks
- Practice mental maths daily
- Accuracy first, speed later
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Reasoning is a logic-based section and one of the easiest to score if practiced consistently. Most questions follow repeated patterns across SSC exams.
Important Topics
- Analogy
- Series
- Coding–Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
- Seating Arrangement
- Non-verbal Reasoning
Coaching Tips
- Draw diagrams wherever possible
- Avoid assumptions beyond given data
- Practice non-verbal questions daily
- Maintain high accuracy
English Language & Comprehension
The English section evaluates grammar knowledge, vocabulary strength, and reading comprehension. Regular reading and revision can significantly improve performance.
Important Topics
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Active–Passive Voice
- Direct–Indirect Speech
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Cloze Test
Coaching Tips
- Read daily to improve comprehension
- Revise grammar rules regularly
- Maintain a vocabulary notebook
- Avoid blind guesswork
General Awareness & Current Affairs
This section tests awareness of current events and static knowledge. It requires regular revision rather than problem-solving.
- Current Affairs (last 6–12 months)
- History, Geography, Polity & Economy
- General Science (basic concepts)
- Static GK: awards, books, sports, important days
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