The IBPS Clerk 2025 exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India, offering stable government jobs in public sector banks. With competition getting tougher every year, understanding the IBPS Clerk syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a repeater, this guide breaks down the Prelims and Mains syllabus, key topics, and expert-recommended strategies to help you crack the exam. We’ll also cover real-life preparation hacks and weightage analysis to maximize your score!
Key Highlights of IBPS Clerk 2025 🎯
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Name | IBPS Clerk 2025 |
| Posts Offered | Clerk (Clerical Cadre) |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains |
| Total Marks | Prelims: 100 |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: 60 mins |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Language Options | English, Hindi & 13 regional languages |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2025: Prelims vs. Mains 📝
The exam is conducted in two phases:
1. IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature—only clearing it allows you to appear for Mains.
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
🔹 Key Insight: Speed matters! You have less than a minute per question, so practice time-bound mock tests.
2. IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains exam is the deciding factor for final selection.
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 mins |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 mins |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 mins |
🔹 Expert Tip: The Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section has the highest weightage (60 marks), so focus extra here!
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Breakdown 📖
1. English Language (Prelims & Mains)
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
| Topic | Prelims Weightage | Mains Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 8-10 Qs | 10-12 Qs |
| Cloze Test | 5-7 Qs | 5-6 Qs |
| Error Detection | 4-5 Qs | 4-5 Qs |
| Para Jumbles | 3-5 Qs | 3-5 Qs |
| Fill in the Blanks | 3-5 Qs | 4-6 Qs |
🔹 Real-Life Hack: Read newspapers like The Hindu daily to improve speed and comprehension.
2. Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude
This section includes basic math, DI, and arithmetic.
| Topic | Prelims Weightage | Mains Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Simplification | 10-12 Qs | 3-5 Qs |
| Data Interpretation | 5-10 Qs | 15-20 Qs |
| Number Series | 5 Qs | 2-3 Qs |
| Profit & Loss | 3-4 Qs | 4-5 Qs |
| Time & Work | 2-3 Qs | 3-4 Qs |
🔹 Expert Insight: DI is heavily emphasized in Mains, so practice bar graphs, pie charts, and caselets.
3. Reasoning Ability
Tests logical thinking and puzzle-solving skills.
| Topic | Prelims Weightage | Mains Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 15-20 Qs | 20-25 Qs |
| Syllogism | 3-5 Qs | 3-4 Qs |
| Coding-Decoding | 4-5 Qs | 5 Qs |
| Blood Relations | 3-5 Qs | 2-3 Qs |
| Direction Sense | 2-3 Qs | 1-2 Qs |
🔹 Pro Tip: Puzzles (floor-based, linear arrangements) are high-scoring but time-consuming—practice daily!
4. General/Financial Awareness (Mains Only)
Covers banking terms, current affairs, and static GK.
| Topic | Expected Qs |
|---|---|
| Banking Awareness | 15-20 Qs |
| Current Affairs (Last 6 Months) | 20-25 Qs |
| Government Schemes | 5-7 Qs |
| Static GK (Awards, Books) | 3-5 Qs |
🔹 Must-Do: Follow monthly current affairs compilations and banking bulletins.
5. Computer Aptitude (Mains Only)
Basic computer knowledge is tested alongside reasoning.
| Topic | Expected Qs |
|---|---|
| Hardware & Software | 5-7 Qs |
| Networking | 3-4 Qs |
| MS Office | 4-5 Qs |
| Internet & Security | 3-5 Qs |
🔹 Quick Tip: If you’re from a non-tech background, watch YouTube tutorials on basic computer concepts.
Expert-Recommended Preparation Strategy 🚀
- Start with the Basics – Clear conceptual understanding of Quant & Reasoning.
- Mock Tests & Time Management – Solve previous year papers under timed conditions.
- Sectional Cut-Off Focus – Don’t ignore any section; balance preparation.
- Current Affairs Routine – Dedicate 30 mins daily to news updates.
- Revision is Key – Make short notes for last-minute revisions.
🔹 Real-Life Example: Rahul, a 2024 qualifier, cracked IBPS Clerk by solving 10+ mock tests weekly and focusing on weak areas.
By now, you should have a clear roadmap for IBPS Clerk 2025. Stick to the syllabus, practice rigorously, and stay updated! 🎉
(Need a detailed topic-wise study plan? Check the official IBPS website for updates!)