Banking & Insurance · IBPS · Updated 19 October 2026
IBPS Clerk 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
IBPS Clerk / CSA
Administered by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, this state-wise competitive examination recruits Customer Service Associates (Clerical Cadre) across participating Public Sector Banks. Final selection is based strictly on the Mains Computer-Based Examination score, with no interview stage, followed by local language verification.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- IBPS
Start for free with IBPS Clerk syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
IBPS Clerk exam overview and highlights
About IBPS Clerk
IBPS Clerk (CRP Clerical) recruits Customer Service Associates, commonly called clerks, for participating public sector banks. The exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection and has two online stages, Prelims and Mains, with no interview. Candidates apply for one state or union territory and should know its local language, which may be tested before joining.
The examination process for IBPS Clerk comprises 3 stages: Prelims, followed by Mains, followed by Language proficiency test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — English Language, Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, General and Financial Awareness — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone, after which candidates must clear a proficiency test in the official language of the state applied for before joining.
Key subjects
- English Language
- Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Computer Aptitude
- General and Financial Awareness
What clearing IBPS Clerk leads to
- Customer Service Associate (Clerk) in participating public sector banks
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Clerical cadre pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹24,000 plus allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
- Deputation opportunities to central autonomous bodies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and international assignments
Quick facts
- Full name
- IBPS Clerk / CSA
- Conducting body
- Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (7 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer
- Official website
- www.ibps.in
IBPS Clerk — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of IBPS Clerk conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IBPS Clerk — IBPS Clerk / CSA |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Category | Banking & Insurance |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification around August; Prelims in October; Mains in December; provisional allotment around March |
| Mode of Application | Online on ibps.in, choosing one state or union territory to apply for |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (7 Papers Total): Prelims → Mains → Language proficiency test |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone, after which candidates must clear a proficiency test in the official language of the state applied for before joining. |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university |
| Age Limit | 20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Clerical cadre pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹24,000 plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Many lakh applicants for a few thousand posts, with cut-offs varying sharply by state |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
IBPS CRP CSA-XVI, Customer Service Associates (vacancies of 2027-28): important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification released | 1 Aug 2026 | Done |
| Online registration and fee payment | 1 to 21 Aug 2026 | Done |
| Prelims (IBPS calendar dates) | 10 and 11 Oct 2026 | Done |
| Prelims result | Nov 2026 | Expected |
| Mains (IBPS calendar date) | 27 Dec 2026 | Expected |
| Provisional allotment | Mar 2027 | Expected |
- Vacancies
- 11,663 across all states and UTs (indicative, total of the state-wise figures updated by IBPS on 29 Sep 2026; Union Bank of India has not reported its figure)
- Salary
- Basic pay ₹24,050 in the scale ₹24,050-1,340/3-28,070-1,650/3-33,020-2,000/4-41,020-2,340/7-57,400-4,400/1-61,800-2,680/1-64,480, plus allowances and perquisites of the bank
- Application fee
- ₹175 for SC, ST, PwBD, ESM and DESM candidates; ₹850 for all others (GST included)
Latest updates
- 1 Aug 2026: IBPS notified CRP CSA-XVI for clerical posts in 11 public sector banks; candidates apply for one state or UT only.
- 1 Aug 2026: Mains in this cycle has 160 questions for 200 marks in 125 minutes, with separate timing for each of the four sections.
- 1 Aug 2026: Computer literacy is mandatory: a certificate, diploma or degree in computers, or computers studied as a subject in school or college.
- 1 Aug 2026: A local language test is held after Mains or provisional allotment and before joining; a Class 10 or higher mark sheet in the language gives exemption.
- 29 Sep 2026: IBPS updated the indicative state-wise vacancies, raising the total from 11,403 to 11,663.
Exam dates are from the IBPS tentative calendar of 16 Jan 2026; the notification itself gives only months (Prelims in October, Mains in December). The vacancy total is the sum of the state-wise tables in the official annexure.
Sources: IBPS CRP CSA-XVI notification, IBPS window notification for CRP CSA-XVI, IBPS corrigendum on updated vacancies, 29 Sep 2026, IBPS updated state-wise vacancies as on 29 Sep 2026, IBPS tentative calendar 2026-27, IBPS CRP CSA-XVI page
How to apply online for IBPS Clerk
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit www.ibps.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on ibps.in, choosing one state or union territory to apply for.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the IBPS Clerk application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final IBPS Clerk Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
IBPS Clerk eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for IBPS Clerk must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by IBPS.
Educational qualification
Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university.
Age limit & relaxations
20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India, or other categories permitted under the notification.
Other conditions & standards
Proficiency in the opted local language of the state or union territory applied for is required and is tested before joining unless exempt; computer literacy (a certificate, diploma or degree in computers, or computers studied as a subject) is mandatory.
IBPS Clerk — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
IBPS Clerk selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone, after which candidates must clear a proficiency test in the official language of the state applied for before joining.
Stage 1: Prelims
Online (computer-based test) • 3 Papers (English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability) • 100 Questions • 100 Total Marks • Duration: 20 minutes • A one-hour qualifying test of 100 questions with sectional timing.
A one-hour qualifying test of 100 questions with sectional timing. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration English Language 30 30 20 minutes Numerical Ability 35 35 20 minutes Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 minutes Stage 2: Mains
Online (computer-based test) • 4 Papers (General and Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability + 1 more) • 160 Questions • 200 Total Marks • Duration: 20 minutes • An objective test of 160 questions for 200 marks over 125 minutes, with separate timing for each section.
An objective test of 160 questions for 200 marks over 125 minutes, with separate timing for each section. Provisional allotment is based on Mains marks alone, state-wise and category-wise.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration General and Financial Awareness 40 50 20 minutes General English 40 40 35 minutes Reasoning Ability 40 60 35 minutes Quantitative Aptitude 40 50 35 minutes Stage 3: Language proficiency test
Online (computer-based test) • Candidates may be tested for proficiency in the local language of the state before joining.
Candidates may be tested for proficiency in the local language of the state before joining. Those who studied the language in Class 10 or 12 are usually exempt.
Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
IBPS Clerk subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
English Language — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test
- Error spotting
- Para jumbles
English Language — Part II (Fill in the blanks)
- Fill in the blanks
- Vocabulary
- Sentence improvement
Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude — Part I (Simplification and approximation)
- Simplification and approximation
- Number series
- Data interpretation
- Percentage, profit and loss
- Ratio and proportion
Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude — Part II (Average and mixtures)
- Average and mixtures
- Time, work, speed and distance
- Simple and compound interest
- Mensuration
Reasoning Ability — Part I (Seating arrangement and puzzles)
- Seating arrangement and puzzles
- Syllogism
- Inequalities
- Coding and decoding
Reasoning Ability — Part II (Blood relations)
- Blood relations
- Direction sense
- Alphanumeric series
- Order and ranking
Computer Aptitude: Computer basics and hardware & Operating systems
- Computer basics and hardware
- Operating systems
- MS Office
- Internet and email
- Networking basics
- Keyboard shortcuts and abbreviations
General and Financial Awareness: Current affairs & Banking terms and abbreviations
- Current affairs
- Banking terms and abbreviations
- RBI functions and monetary policy
- Government schemes
- Financial institutions
- Static GK (capitals, currencies, awards)
IBPS Clerk salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Clerical cadre pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹24,000 plus allowances. Appointments under Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Clerical cadre pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹24,000 plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
IBPS Clerk cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) releases stage-wise and category-wise IBPS Clerk cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
IBPS Clerk — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When IBPS Clerk is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining IBPS Clerk Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the IBPS Clerk cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
IBPS Clerk admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
IBPS Clerk Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official IBPS Clerk Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.ibps.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the IBPS Clerk e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
IBPS Clerk Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.ibps.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
IBPS Clerk Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) declares the IBPS Clerk result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.ibps.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official IBPS Clerk Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
IBPS Clerk mock tests
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IBPS Clerk Full Mock Test 1
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS Clerk Full Mock Test 2
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS Clerk Full Mock Test 3
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS Clerk Full Mock Test 4
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS Clerk Full Mock Test 5
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
IBPS Clerk previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all IBPS Clerk previous year papers by year
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Complete 10-year IBPS Clerk paper archive
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Predicted questions for IBPS Clerk
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for IBPS Clerk
- Speed matters more than depth in Prelims, so build the habit of solving simplification and series questions in under a minute each.
- Since there is no interview, every mark in Mains counts in the final merit, including the 50-mark General and Financial Awareness section.
- Revise current affairs of the last five to six months and banking terms thoroughly, because this section takes the least time to attempt.
- Apply for the state where you are confident of the local language requirement, since the language test is held before joining.
- Take sectional mock tests to match the sectional timing of the real exam and track your accuracy, not just attempts.
- Read the official IBPS Clerk notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
IBPS Clerk FAQs
Is there an interview for IBPS Clerk?
No. Selection is based on Mains marks only, followed by a local language proficiency test where applicable.
What is the age limit for IBPS Clerk?
The usual age range is 20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
Can I apply for IBPS Clerk in more than one state?
No. A candidate can apply for vacancies in only one state or union territory in a given year.
Is there negative marking in IBPS Clerk?
Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains.
Is IBPS Clerk easier than IBPS PO?
Both Prelims have 100 questions in 60 minutes across the same three sections, but the PO Prelims now gives 30 marks to Quantitative Aptitude and 40 to Reasoning, while the Clerk Prelims keeps 30, 35 and 35. The Clerk Mains has no descriptive paper, no Personality Test and no interview, and the overall difficulty level is usually a little lower.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for IBPS Clerk?
IBPS Clerk is conducted by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) across 3 stages: Prelims → Mains → Language proficiency test. Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone, after which candidates must clear a proficiency test in the official language of the state applied for before joining.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for IBPS Clerk?
Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university. Age Limit: 20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing IBPS Clerk?
Clerical cadre pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹24,000 plus allowances.
When is the IBPS Clerk notification released and how can I apply online?
IBPS Clerk is held once a year (Notification around August; Prelims in October; Mains in December; provisional allotment around March). Online on ibps.in, choosing one state or union territory to apply for.
Where can I practice free IBPS Clerk mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select IBPS Clerk as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact IBPS Clerk pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for IBPS Clerk on SmartRank?
Select IBPS Clerk as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact IBPS Clerk pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.