Home
/
Government Jobs
/
IBPS Clerk Exam 2025-26 Preparation Tips: Study Plans and More

IBPS Clerk Exam 2025-26 Preparation Tips: Study Plans and More

Posted On 2025-08-04

IBPS Clerical Cadre Exam – is a key banking recruitment test in India. It is held by IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection), Mumbai. Every year, lakhs of people give this exam, but seats are few. So, you need smart work, regular practice, and full focus.

The IBPS Clerical Cadre exam for 2025-26 is expected to be challenging as well. Paper style may change, questions can be tricky. That’s why staying updated is very important.

Don’t worry! This guide is for you. It will tell you:

How to prepare easily
What to study more
Where students make mistakes
Time-saving tips and smart tricks

It doesn’t matter where you live — village, small town, or big city — you can crack this exam. What you need is the right plan, strong will, and never-give-up attitude.

Let’s begin the journey to your bank job dream – with full enthusiasm and simple steps!

What is the IBPS Clerical Cadre Exam?

IBPS conducts the Clerk (CRP-CSA) exam annually to recruit Customer Service Associates in 11 public sector banks. For FY 2026–27, IBPS will hold the 15th edition, named CRP CSA-XV. The official notification, released on 31st July 2025, includes all key details and a slight change in the mains exam pattern. This exam is a great chance for freshers and entry-level candidates who want to start a career in the banking sector.

The IBPS Clerical Cadre recruitment exam happens in two stages only:

Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
– This is the first level. It’s an online test with basic subjects like English, Maths (Quantitative Aptitude), and Reasoning.
– If you pass this stage, you move to the next.

Main Exam (Mains)
– This is the final written test. It includes more subjects like Banking Awareness, Computer Knowledge, General English, Reasoning, and Maths.
– Marks of this exam decide your final selection.

No Interview Round:
One big plus point – there is no interview in the IBPS Clerical Cadre Exam. Your final selection depends only on your marks in the Mains exam. This makes it easier for non-English or rural graduates to compete fairly—no interview needed.

IBPS Clerical Cadre 2025–26 Exam Pattern for Prelims & Mains [With Marking Scheme]

1. Preliminary Exam Pattern (Prelims)

This is the first step of the IBPS Clerical Cadre exam. It is a screening test – only those who clear this can appear for the Mains exam.

Subjects & Marks Distribution:

Subject	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Time Allotted
English Language	30 Questions	30 Marks	Combined 60 mins
Numerical Ability	35 Questions	35 Marks
Reasoning Ability	35 Questions	35 Marks

Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 100
Time Limit: 60 minutes (1 hour) for all sections combined

Each section has its own time limit (20 minutes per section).

Important Notes:

The exam is online (computer-based).

Negative marking: 0.25 marks are cut for every wrong answer.
The cutoff is different for each section, so you must do well in all 3 subjects.

2. Main Exam Pattern (Mains)

This is the final stage of the IBPS Clerical Cadre recruitment. The score of this exam decides your selection. So, it's important to take it seriously.

Subjects & Marks Distribution:

Subject	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Time Allotted
General/Financial Awareness	50 Questions	50 Marks	35 minutes
General English	40 Questions	40 Marks	35 minutes
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude	50 Questions	60 Marks	45 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)	50 Questions	50 Marks	45 minutes

Total Questions: 190
Total Marks: 200
Total Duration: 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes)

Important Notes:

The exam is online.

Sectional timing means each subject has a fixed time. You can't switch between sections freely.

Negative marking is also applied here (0.25 marks per wrong answer).
There is no interview after the Mains. Your final selection is based on this exam’s marks only.

IBPS Clerical Cadre Preparation Strategy 2025–26: How to Start Step-by-Step

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With The Exam Syllabus in Detail

The very first and the most crucial step, even before preparing for this exam, is to know the complete syllabus in clear terms. There are some subjects which are present in both the stages, and some which are present in only Mains.

Here's a brief summary of topics and topics of importance you must concentrate on:

1. Quantitative Aptitude (Maths Section)

This section is designed to test your numerical skills, solve math problems, and use calculations to practical situations. It comes in both Prelims and Mains.

Key Topics:

Simplification and Approximation: Concentrated on speed calculation and determining the closest or nearest result.
Number Series: Identifying a pattern in a series of numbers.
Data Interpretation (DI): Calculation and analysis of data provided in charts, graphs, and tables.
Arithmetic: Ranging across a variety of fundamentals such as percentages, profit and loss, simple interest and compound interest, time and work, time and distance, average, ratio, problems on ages based on ages, and partnerships.

A firm foundation in fundamentals of maths, and achieving speed and accuracy comes through practice and repetition.

2. Reasoning Ability

This section tests your problem-solving skills and logical reasoning based on conditions, relationships, and arrangement. It is included in both Prelims and Mains.

Key Topics:

Puzzles and Seating Arrangement: Questions where you place individuals or objects as per provided conditions.
Blood Relations: Questions regarding family relations and relationships.
Coding-Decoding: Deciphering the logic of how words or numbers are being converted.
Direction Sense, Order and Ranking, Syllogism: It contains a combination of logic questions assessing your knowledge of position, movement, and argument patterns.

Practice is required to get fast and confident in this section.

3. English Language

English Language section assesses your knowledge of English grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It comes in both stages, but the Mains examination tends to have a tiny bit more difficulty.

Important Topics:

Reading Comprehension: Reading a passage and answering questions on it.
Cloze Test: A paragraph with blanks for you to fill in the appropriate word for each blank.
Error Spotting and Sentence Correction: Spotting and correcting grammatical errors in sentences.
Sentence Rearrangement: Mixed-up sentences that need to be reorganized to create a cohesive and informed paragraph.

Helpfully, practicing grammar rules and growing your reading habit can help you perform well here.

4. General Awareness (Mains Only)

This component examines your awareness regarding current events especially in terms of banking, finance, and the Indian economy.

Main Categories:

Current Affairs (6 to 8 months): National and international news, government schemes, sports, awards, and any other significant events.
Banking Awareness: Exams will include Reserve Bank of India (RBI), types of banks, functions of banks, banking institutions, digital banking, and the most important finance terms.
Static General Knowledge: Provides information such as countries and capitals, currencies, important days and events, Indian geography, history - polity, and culture snippets.

Daily reading of news, banking developments, and monthly current affairs capsules can prove extremely useful for this section.

5. Computer Aptitude (Part of Mains – Merged with Reasoning)

This section assesses your basic computer knowledge, which is essential for a clerical job in today's digital banking environment.

Important Topics:

Basics of Computer Hardware and Software: Understanding components of a computer and the difference between system software and application software.
Internet and Networking: Basic knowledge about how the internet works, browsers, and terms like LAN, WAN, IP address.
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Familiarity with basic tools used in daily office work.
Computer Security and Awareness: Awareness about viruses, malware, cybersecurity, and safe computing practices.

You don’t need technical knowledge—just comfort with using computers and understanding basic terms.

Quick Glance: High-Weightage & Trend Topics (Last 3 Years)

High-Weightage Topics (Always Asked / More Marks)

Quantitative Aptitude:

Data Interpretation (DI) – Always there
Simplification/Approximation – High volume
Arithmetic Word Problems – Repeated focus

Reasoning Ability:

Puzzles (Floor/Box/Linear/Circular) – Every paper
Seating Arrangement – Always present
Syllogism & Inequality – Frequently asked

English Language:

Cloze Test – Almost every year
Reading Comprehension – Must attempt
Error Spotting – High scoring

General Awareness (Mains):

Banking & Financial News – Very frequent
Current Affairs (last 6 months) – Bulk of the section
Static GK – Limited, but fixed topics repeat

IBPS Clerical Cadre Exam: Top Mistakes Aspirants Make & How to Avoid Them

1. Getting Stuck on One Question

Problem: If a question feels too hard and you keep on trying. This wastes 5–10 minutes and makes you nervous.
What to do: Don’t give more than 60–90 seconds to one question. If stuck, just mark and move ahead. Come back later if time allows.
Fix Tip: Practice mock tests with a timer. Learn to move on without guilt. Time is everything.

2. Low Speed and Accuracy

Problem: Can solve questions at home, but take too much time. In exams, pressure kills speed. Also, silly mistakes happen.
What to do: Practice with a stopwatch. Track how many right, how many wrong answers you get. Don't rush blindly.
Fix Tip: First focus on getting answers correct. Speed comes with time and repeated practice.

3. Weak English – Vocab and Grammar

Problem: Don’t understand tough words. Grammar feels boring or confusing. English looks like a wall.
What to do: Read editorials daily, even if you don’t understand fully. Just start. Learn 5–10 new words daily.
Fix Tip: Keep a vocabulary notebook. Revise weekly. Use the words in your own way while speaking or thinking.

4. Confusion Between Similar Reasoning Types

Problem: All puzzles, arrangements, coding-decoding look the same. Can't decide which method to use. Brain gets jammed.
What to do: Practice by topic. One day puzzles only. Next day only seating. Divide your focus.
Fix Tip: Watch slow YouTube explanations. Learn to identify patterns. Use one source at a time.

5. Fear of Maths / Mental Block

Problem: Maths looks scary. Lost confidence long ago. Keep skipping it.
What to do: Start from scratch. Learn tables, percentages, basic formulas. Build base again.
Fix Tip: Don’t compare yourself with others. Even if you’re weak, 30 minutes daily can change your level in 2–3 months.

6. No Clear Study Plan

Problem: Studying randomly. One day English, next day puzzle, then skip a day. No fixed direction.
What to do: Make a weekly plan. Pick which subject on which day. Fix a time slot daily.
Fix Tip: Use notebook or whiteboard. Write small goals. Cross them when done. Feels good, keeps you going.

7. Getting Distracted Easily

Problem: Phone, YouTube, WhatsApp, even household noise – break your flow again and again.
What to do: Keep mobile on silent or outside room. Study in short sessions (25–30 minutes). Then take 5-minute break.
Fix Tip: Study early morning or late night when it's quiet. Let your family know your fixed study hours.

8. Not Revising Regularly

Problem: Study once, forget in 3 days. Never go back to old topics.
What to do: Reserve one day a week only for revision. Keep a notebook of formulas, shortcuts, current affairs.
Fix Tip: Make short notes for each topic. Revise them again and again. Your memory will improve automatically.

9. Over-Reliance on Too Many Sources

Problem: Watching 5 YouTube channels, using 3 books, jumping between apps – ends up creating confusion.
What to do: Stick to one source per subject. Complete it fully before adding more.
Fix Tip: Simple material done 3 times is better than advanced material done once.

10. Losing Motivation in the Middle

Problem: Start with high energy, then after 1–2 months feel bored, tired, or hopeless.
What to do: Remind yourself why you’re doing this—job security, respect, stable future.
Fix Tip: Follow real topper stories. Stay connected with aspirant groups (but don’t overdo social media). Push yourself daily.

12-Week Study Plan for IBPS Clerical Cadre 2025–26 [Prelims + Mains]

Week 1–4: Foundation Building

Study 2 subjects/day (1 strong + 1 weak)
Practice topic-wise quizzes daily
Read banking awareness and current affairs

Week 5–8: Sectional Strengthening

Focus on weak topics with more revision
Attempt sectional tests (30 min each)
Analyze mistakes in mock tests

Week 9–12: Full-Length Mock Tests & Revision

Take 2–3 full mocks per week
Focus on improving time management
Daily GK + weekly revision notes

Revision Strategy That Works

One-day per week for revision: No new topics
Quick Notes: Maintain formulae, grammar rules, static GK
Mock Test Analysis: Spend 1 hour after every mock to evaluate each question

Mock Test Review – Simple Framework

After every mock, check:
What went wrong?

Silly mistake? Didn’t know concept? Time mismanagement?
Write it down:

Question + What mistake + What to revise
Tag it:

High-Priority Revision (frequent + wrong again)
Formula Revision (maths stuff)
Vocabulary Fix (missed word meaning in English)

Repeat this after every mock. Your weak areas will start shrinking.

Subject-wise books for IBPS Clerical Cadre exam

Section	Recommended Books
Quantitative Aptitude	RS Aggarwal, Arun Sharma, Fast Track by Rajesh Verma
Reasoning Ability	MK Pandey, R.S. Aggarwal
English Language	Wren & Martin, SP Bakshi, Word Power Made Easy
General Awareness	Lucent GK, Banking Services Chronicle, AffairsCloud
Computer Knowledge	Arihant Computer Knowledge, Objective Computer by R Pilla

Online Resources & Apps

Oliveboard, Testbook, Careerera, Gradeup, Adda247 – for PYQs, sample papers and mock tests
AffairsCloud & BankersAdda – daily GK updates
YouTube Channels: StudyIQ, WiFiStudy, Mahendras – free lectures

Attempting the Paper: Tips for Exam Day

Don’t panic if one section goes bad. Focus on what you can control.
Use the “Mark for Review” option smartly. Don’t skip, mark it and revisit later.
Start with your strongest section. Builds confidence early on.

Exam-day time strategy for IBPS Clerical Cadre

Prelims: Spend ~20 minutes per section; don’t overshoot
Mains: Allocate ~35–40 min to Reasoning + Quant, 20–25 min to English/GK

Smart Work vs Hard Work: What Matters More?

Smart Work: Analyze previous year papers, focus on trends
Hard Work: Consistency in practice, daily revision, test series
Combine both for a 360° preparation strategy

Last-Minute Preparation Tips

Avoid learning anything new
Focus on full-length mocks and revision
Take care of sleep, hydration, and health
Keep your admit card, ID, pen, and documents ready

How to Stay Motivated

Set short-term goals (e.g., 3 mocks/week)
Reward yourself after hitting targets
Visualize success—joining a PSU bank, stable career, pride in achievement

When You Feel Stuck or Burnt Out

Take a 1-day break, but come back with a plan
Talk to mentors or peers—join Telegram groups or forums
Revisit your “why” for giving this exam

Final Words: You Can Do This

The IBPS Clerical Cadre Exam 2025–26 is not just about intelligence—it’s about planning, persistence, and precision. If you follow a structured study plan, use the right resources, and focus on continuous improvement, success is absolutely achievable.

Whether you're a first-time aspirant, a working professional, or someone reattempting the exam, remember: thousands have cleared it before you, and you can too. Stay consistent, stay focused, and trust the process.

FAQs

1. Is there any interview in IBPS Clerk?
No. Final selection = Prelims + Mains marks only. No interview stage.

2. What is the qualification needed?
Any graduate from a recognized university
Basic computer knowledge (certificate or studied in school/college)

3. What is the age limit for IBPS Clerk?
20 to 28 years (as of exam year)
Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen

4. Can a final-year student apply?
Yes, if you get your degree before the registration closes.

5. Can students from rural/non-English background clear it?
Yes – Exam available in 13 regional languages, and no interview. With right plan, anyone can crack it.