Table of Contents
Preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026? Before solving mock tests or completing the syllabus, you must clearly understand the latest IBPS Clerk exam pattern 2026. Knowing this will help you plan your preparation, improve time management and maximise your score. Scroll down to see the complete IBPS Clerk Prelims & Mains exam pattern, section-wise marks, exam duration, negative marking and language medium.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 Details
Understanding the IBPS Clerk 2026 exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. Check the complete overview of the Prelims and Mains exam pattern, number of questions, maximum marks, time duration, negative marking and selection process before starting your preparation.
Particular | Details |
Exam Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
Post Name | Clerk / Customer Service Associate |
Recruitment Stages | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Local Language Proficiency Test |
Mode of Examination | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions |
Medium | English, Hindi and Regional Languages (as applicable) |
Negative Marking | Yes |
Negative Marks | 0.25 mark deducteded for each incorrect answer |
Interview | Not Conducted |
Final Merit | Based on Main Examination Marks |
Ready to start your success journey?
Join thousands of aspirants already preparing with us.
IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS Clerk prelims exam pattern 2026 is the qualifying stage of the recruitment process. While the marks obtained in this examination are not added to the final merit, candidates must clear it to move on to the Main exam. The preliminary exam is designed to assess a candidate's speed, logical thinking, language proficiency and numerical ability within a limited time.
Section | 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 |
Section-wise Weightage in the Prelims
Although all three sections are important, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability together account for 70% of the total questions, making them the most significant scoring areas. However, English Language should not be ignored, as poor performance in this section can affect overall qualification.
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS Clerk Mains exam 2026 is the most important stage because final selection is based entirely on the marks secured in the Main Examination. There is no interview for the IBPS Clerk (Customer Service Associate) recruitment process, making the Mains exam the deciding factor for your selection. It is designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the knowledge and aptitude required for day-to-day banking operations.
Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
General / Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 Minutes |
General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | 35 Minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
Total | 160 | 200 | 125 Minutes |
IBPS Clerk Marking Scheme 2026
Understanding the IBPS Clerk 2026 marking scheme is essential for maximizing your score in both the IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains exams. Along with knowing the latest IBPS Clerk exam pattern 2026, candidates should clearly understand how marks are awarded and deducted to develop an effective exam strategy.
Marking Criteria | Details |
Positive Marking | Every correct answer is awarded 1 mark (or the prescribed marks for that question). |
Negative Marking | 0.25 marks (one-fourth) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer. |
Unanswered Questions | No negative marking is applied if a question is left unanswered. |
IBPS Clerk Exam Language Medium 2026
The IBPS Clerk examination is conducted in multiple languages depending on the state or Union Territory chosen by the candidate. This allows aspirants to attempt most sections in their preferred regional language while maintaining uniform standards across India.
State / UT | Medium of Examination |
Andhra Pradesh | English, Hindi, Telugu |
Assam | English, Hindi, Assamese |
Bihar | English, Hindi |
Delhi | English, Hindi |
Gujarat | English, Hindi, Gujarati |
Haryana | English, Hindi |
Himachal Pradesh | English, Hindi |
Jammu & Kashmir | English, Hindi, Urdu |
Karnataka | English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani |
Kerala | English, Hindi, Malayalam |
Lakshadweep | English, Hindi, Malayalam |
Maharashtra | English, Hindi, Marathi, Konkani |
Odisha | English, Hindi, Odia |
Punjab | English, Hindi, Punjabi |
Rajasthan | English, Hindi |
Tamil Nadu | English, Hindi, Tamil |
Telangana | English, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu |
Uttar Pradesh | English, Hindi, Urdu |
West Bengal | English, Hindi, Bengali |
Other States & UTs | English, Hindi and the notified regional language |
Refer to the following links to know more about IBPS Clerk Exam 2026.
- IBPS Clerk Notification 2026 Out! Check Dates, Eligibility, Vacancy & Apply Online
- IBPS Clerk Vacancy 2026: 11,403 Vacancies State-wise & Category-wise - Complete Details
- IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026 PDF Download: Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern, Subject-wise Syllabus
Crack IBPS Clerk 2026 with CC Learning App
Dreaming of becoming an IBPS Clerk in 2026? Start your preparation with the CC Learning App, multi learning platform, and learn from experienced banking experts through a structured course designed as per the latest IBPS Clerk 2026 syllabus and exam pattern.
Why Choose CC Learning App?
- Live & Recorded Classes for Flexible Learning
- Updated Study Notes & Downloadable PDFs
- Daily Practice Questions, Quizzes & Assignments
- Full-Length Mock Tests Based on the Latest Exam Pattern
- Previous Year Question Paper Discussions
- Banking Awareness & Daily Current Affairs
- Detailed Performance Analysis & Progress Tracking
- Expert mentorship & Doubt-Clearing Sessions
Whether you're a first-time aspirant or preparing for another attempt, the CC Learning App provides everything you need to crack the IBPS Clerk exam 2026 with confidence.
Download the CC Learning App, best bank exam coaching app in Kerala, today and begin your journey towards a successful banking career!
Ready to start your success journey?
Join thousands of aspirants already preparing with us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the latest IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026?
The IBPS Clerk recruitment process consists of a Preliminary Examination, a Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) where applicable. There is no interview.
2. Is there an interview for IBPS Clerk 2026?
No. The IBPS Clerk selection process does not include an interview. Final selection is based on the Main Examination score and fulfillment of eligibility conditions.
3. How many stages are there in the IBPS Clerk selection process?
There are two online examinations, Prelims and Mains, followed by the Local Language Proficiency Test (if applicable).
4. How many questions are asked in the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?
The Preliminary Examination consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 100 marks.
5. How many questions are asked in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam?
According to the latest pattern, the Main Examination consists of 155 questions for 200 marks.
6. Is there negative marking in the IBPS Clerk Exam?
Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in both the Preliminary and Main examinations.
7. Are Prelims marks counted in the final merit list?
No. The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature. Only the Main Examination marks are considered for the final merit list.
8. What is the duration of the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?
The Preliminary Examination is conducted for 60 minutes, with sectional timing.
9. What is the duration of the IBPS Clerk Main Exam?
The Main Examination is conducted for 120 minutes, with separate time limits for each section.
10. Can Kerala candidates write the IBPS Clerk Exam in Malayalam?
Yes. Candidates applying from Kerala can choose Malayalam as the medium for applicable sections, as notified by IBPS. The English Language section remains in English.
11. Which section is most important in the IBPS Clerk Main Exam?
Every section contributes to the overall score, but Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness together account for a significant share of the total marks.
12. How should beginners prepare for the IBPS Clerk Exam?
Start by understanding the latest syllabus and exam pattern, build strong fundamentals, practice mock tests regularly, revise consistently, and stay updated with current affairs and banking awareness.
Trending Updates

Related Blogs
View all
August 5, 2026
IBPS Clerk Notification 2026 Out! Check Dates, Eligibility, Vacancy & Apply Online
9 minute read
August 6, 2026
IBPS Clerk Vacancy 2026: 11,403 Vacancies State-wise & Category-wise - Complete Details
6 minute read
August 6, 2026


