What is IBPS Clerk?
IBPS Clerk exam is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit candidates for the clerical cadre in various public sector banks in India. The exam is held annually, and it is one of the most popular bank recruitment exams in India.
The exam consists of two stages: The preliminary Exam and Main Exam. The Preliminary exam consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, with a total duration of 60 minutes. The Main exam consists of four sections: General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude, with a total duration of 160 minutes. Both exams are conducted online.
Candidates who qualify for the Main exam will be eligible for provisional allotment to any of the participating banks based on their merit and preference. The IBPS Clerk exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates need to prepare well to crack it.
IBPS Clerk Eligibility 2024
The Educational Qualification required for the IBPS Clerk exam is as follows:
- Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or its equivalent
- Proficiency in the official language of the State/UT is preferable.
- Computer literacy: Operating and working knowledge in computer systems is mandatory i.e. candidates should have a Certificate/Diploma/Degree in computer operations/Language/ should have studied Computer / Information Technology as one of the subjects in High School/College/Institute.
The Age Criteria for the IBPS Clerk exam are as follows:
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 28 years
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
|
SC/ST |
5 Years |
|
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) |
3 Years |
|
PwD |
10 Years |
|
Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen |
Actual period of service rendered in the defense forces + 3 years (8 years for Disabled Ex-Servicemen belonging to SC/ST) |
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern
The IBPS Clerk exam consists of two stages – Prelims and Mains. The Prelims exam is a screening test, while the Mains exam is the final selection stage. Candidates who qualify the Prelims exam are eligible to appear for the Mains exam.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
| Name of Test | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 Minutes |
|
Numerical Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 Minutes |
|
Reasoning Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 Minutes |
|
Total |
100 |
100 |
60 Minutes |
Mode of Exam: The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam is conducted online.
Marking Scheme: The Prelims exam consists of three sections – English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Each section carries a maximum of 30 marks, making the total marks 100. For each correct answer, 1 mark is awarded. For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted as negative marking.
Cut-off: The cut-off for IBPS Clerk Prelims exam varies for different states and categories. Candidates have to score minimum cut-off marks in each section and overall to qualify for the Mains exam.
Qualifying Criteria: Candidates need to clear the overall cut-off as well as the cut-off for each section to qualify for the Mains exam. The candidates who qualify for the Prelims exam are shortlisted for the Mains exam based on their performance in the Prelims exam and the cut-off marks.
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
| Name of Test | Number of Questions | Maximum Number | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General/ Financial Awareness |
50 |
50 |
35 Minutes |
|
English Language |
40 |
40 |
35 Minutes |
|
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude |
50 |
60 |
45 Minutes |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
50 |
50 |
45 Minutes |
|
Total |
190 |
200 |
160 Minutes |
Mode of Exam: IBPS Clerk mains exam is conducted online (computer-based test).
Marking Scheme: For each correct answer, candidates are awarded one mark, and for each incorrect answer, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks. Unanswered questions do not have any negative marking. The final score is calculated by subtracting the penalty for incorrect answers from the total marks obtained.
Cut-off: IBPS Clerk mains exam cut-off marks are the minimum marks required by candidates to qualify for the next stage of the recruitment process, i.e., provisional allotment. The cut-off marks are determined by IBPS based on various factors such as the number of vacancies, the number of candidates appearing for the exam, the difficulty level of the exam, etc.
Qualifying Criteria: To qualify for the IBPS Clerk mains exam, candidates need to secure the minimum cut-off marks in each section as well as in the overall exam. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main exam only. Candidates who clear the mains exam and meet the other eligibility criteria will be considered for provisional allotment to any of the participating banks based on their merit and preference.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Syllabus
| Sections | Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
|
English Language |
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Detection, Vocabulary, Grammar |
30 Marks |
|
Numerical Ability |
Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Time and Work, Speed, Distance and Time, Average, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages |
35 Marks |
|
Reasoning Ability |
Logical Reasoning, Alphanumeric Series, Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test, Data Sufficiency, Coded Inequalities, Seating Arrangement, Puzzle, Tabulation, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Input Output, Coding Decoding |
35 Marks |
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Syllabus
| Sections | Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
|
General/Financial Awareness |
Banking and Insurance Awareness, Financial Awareness, Govt. Schemes and Policies, Current Affairs, Static GK |
50 Marks |
|
English Language |
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Verbal Ability, Writing Ability |
40 Marks |
|
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude |
Reasoning: Seating Arrangement and Puzzles, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test, Data Sufficiency, Coded Inequalities, Input-Output, Logical Reasoning, Tabulation; Computer Aptitude: History and Generation of Computers, Introduction to Computer Organization, Computer Memory, Computer Hardware and I/O Devices, Computer Software, Computer Languages, Operating System, Computer Network, Internet, MS Office Suite and Shortcut Keys, Basics of DBMS, Computer Viruses |
60 Marks |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Time and Work, Speed, Distance and Time, Average, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Mixtures and Allegations, Mensuration, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
50 Marks |
Application Process
- Visit the official website of IBPS (www.ibps.in) and click on the “CWE Clerks” link.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for IBPS Clerk exam.
- Register by providing basic details and get a provisional registration number and password.
- Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration as per the specifications given in the notification.
- Fill in the online application form with your personal and educational details, as well as your preferences for the exam center.
- Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit card, or credit card.
- After submitting the application form, take a printout of the e-receipt and application form for future reference.
Application Fees
- For SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen candidates: Rs. 175/-
- For all others: Rs. 850/-
Note: The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam.
Exam Frequency:
The IBPS Clerk exam is conducted once a year. However, the notification for the exam is usually released in August or September, and the exam is conducted in December. The exact dates may vary each year, and candidates are advised to check the official IBPS website for the latest updates and notifications regarding the exam.
Conducting Authority:
IBPS Clerk Cut-off State-wise for 2019
IBPS Clerk Cut-off State-wise for 2020
IBPS Clerk Cut-off State-wise for 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IBPS Clerk exam?
The IBPS Clerk exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit candidates for clerical cadre positions in various public sector banks in India, except for the State Bank of India (SBI) and its associate banks.
What are the eligibility criteria for IBPS Clerk exam?
The eligibility criteria typically include nationality, age limit, and educational qualification. Candidates must be Indian citizens, usually aged between 20 and 28 years, and hold a degree from a recognized university.
What is the exam pattern for IBPS Clerk exam?
The exam consists of two stages:
- Preliminary Exam and
- Mains Exam.
The Preliminary Exam usually comprises sections on English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
The Mains Exam typically includes sections on General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Is there any negative marking in the IBPS Clerk exam?
Yes, there is usually a penalty for incorrect answers. For each wrong answer, a certain fraction of the marks assigned to that question may be deducted as negative marking.
How can I apply for the IBPS Clerk exam?
Candidates can apply for the IBPS Clerk exam online by visiting the official website of IBPS and filling out the application form during the registration period specified in the official notification.
What is the selection process for IBPS Clerk exam?
The selection process typically involves two stages: Preliminary Exam and Mains Exam. Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Exam are eligible to appear for the Mains Exam. Final selection is based on the performance in the Mains Exam and subsequent provisional allotment.
