IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern — Prelims & Mains Structure & Marking Scheme
The IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern consists of Prelims (screening) and Mains (merit). No interview is conducted for clerical posts. The entire selection depends on the Mains examination score.
Prelims
100 questions, 100 marks, 60 minutes total with sectional time limits. English Language: 30Q, 30M, 20 min. Numerical Ability: 35Q, 35M, 20 min. Reasoning Ability: 35Q, 35M, 20 min. Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. Sectional cutoffs apply. This is only a screening test.
Mains
190 questions, 200 marks, 160 minutes with sectional time limits. General/Financial Awareness: 50Q, 50M, 35 min. English: 40Q, 40M, 35 min. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 50Q, 60M, 45 min. Quantitative Aptitude: 50Q, 50M, 45 min. Negative marking of 0.25. Sectional cutoffs apply. Mains score determines final merit.
State-wise Allotment
IBPS Clerk is a state-wise recruitment. Candidates apply for a specific state and are allotted to banks operating in that state. State-wise merit lists are prepared, and candidates must know the local language of the state applied for.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern
Prelims
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Mains
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Total | 190 | 200 |
