How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk Exam 2026: This is a golden opportunity to secure a prestigious job in the Indian banking sector. Every year, millions of aspirants prepare for this exam, and preparing for it requires a highly strategic approach. If you are wondering how to prepare for the IBPS Clerk exam efficiently, then this guide is for you. In this guide, we will explain everything in detail, from the exam pattern and syllabus to preparation strategies, best resources, tips, and mock tests.
After becoming an IBPS Clerk, you will work in clerical positions in Indian banks, which involve banking operations, customer service, and daily transactions. Therefore, adopting a smart approach to preparation is essential.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern, Prelims & Mains Explained
The IBPS Clerk Exam is conducted in two stages, Prelims and Mains. The Prelims is a preliminary examination, the main purpose of which is to shortlist candidates so that they can be eligible for the Mains examination. The pattern of both stages is different, and each stage has different subjects and marking schemes.
The Prelims primarily focus on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English language, while the Mains include reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, computer knowledge, and general awareness. Scoring well in both stages is crucial, as the final selection is based on the Mains performance and overall merit.
| Exam Stage | Subjects | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| Prelims | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | |
| Mains | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes | |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 And IBPS Clerk Syllabus, Topics You Must Cover to Score High
To score well in the IBPS Clerk Exam, a thorough understanding of the syllabus is crucial. Each section covers different topics, and each section has its own sectional cutoff. Therefore, it is essential to carefully cover all topics during preparation.
Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning section tests your logic and analytical thinking. The main topics include seating arrangement, puzzles, coding-decoding, inequalities, syllogism, blood relations, direction sense, and data sufficiency.
In seating arrangements and puzzles, you have to solve circular, linear, or complex arrangements. In coding-decoding, you have to understand the pattern of letters or numbers and provide the answer. Inequalities and syllogism test your reasoning and deduction skills. Practice is very important for solving blood relations and direction sense questions.
Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section tests your mathematical skills and calculation speed. It includes topics such as number series, simplification, mensuration, profit-loss, ratio and proportion, time-speed-distance, work and time, simple and compound interest, percentages, averages, partnership, probability, and data interpretation.
Quick calculation skills are useful in number series and simplification. Data interpretation involves solving questions from tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs. Focusing on arithmetic topics provides an advantage in both the prelims and mains exams.
English Language
The English section tests your comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. It includes reading comprehension, sentence completion, error detection, cloze test, para jumbles, synonyms-antonyms, spotting mistakes, and grammar-based questions.
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Reading an English newspaper or magazine daily is beneficial for reading comprehension. Daily practice and revision are necessary for vocabulary and grammar. Practice with sentence completion and para jumbles improves time management.
General Awareness (GA)
The GA section includes topics such as banking awareness, current affairs, Indian economy, government schemes, and static GK. Banking awareness requires knowledge of RBI, NABARD, financial terms, and recent banking policies. Current affairs should cover major news, awards, appointments, sports events, budget, and economy-related updates from the last 6-12 months. Static GK requires knowledge of Indian geography, history, polity, and important institutions.
Computer Knowledge
The Computer Knowledge section includes questions about basic computer concepts, MS Office, the internet, networking, computer hardware, software, shortcuts, and banking software. Candidates should have a basic understanding of how to use basic functions in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Understanding internet and networking basics, such as IP addresses, search engines, email protocols, firewalls, etc., is essential.
To prepare well for all sections, practising previous year papers and mock tests is crucial. The cutoff marks for each section are different, so focusing on only one section is not sufficient.
Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk Exam
The first and most important step in preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam is to thoroughly understand the entire exam pattern and syllabus. It is essential to know which subjects are included in the Prelims and Mains exams, the marks allocated to each subject, and which sections require more emphasis.
Identify your weak areas and focus extra attention on those topics. Adopting a different strategy for each section, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge, is beneficial. You can use previous year papers and mock tests to identify your weak areas.
Create a daily study plan and follow it strictly. Include short study sessions with small breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain concentration. Make revision a part of your routine so that the content you have already studied remains fresh in your memory.
Check your preparation with mock tests and sectional tests. After taking the tests, analyse your results and practice extra on your weak points. Time-bound practice improves both speed and accuracy, which is very helpful in the exam.
If you are wondering how to prepare for the IBPS clerk exam at home or without coaching, disciplined study and using the right resources are most important. By using online platforms, video tutorials, and practice apps, you can prepare effectively even from home.
Best Books & Online Resources for IBPS Clerk Preparation
Choosing the right books and online resources is crucial for IBPS Clerk Exam preparation. With the right books and online platforms, you can understand the concepts of each subject well and also improve your speed and accuracy for the exam.
Separate resources are available for all sections: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. It is also very important to practice with online mock tests and previous year papers.
| Subject | Recommended Books | Online Resources / Platforms |
| Reasoning Ability | R.S. Aggarwal – A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, M.K. Pandey – Analytical Reasoning | Testbook, Oliveboard, Gradeup, Adda247 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude, Arihant – Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Embibe, Oliveboard, Bankersadda, Gradeup |
| English Language | Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar & Composition, Norman Lewis – Word Power Made Easy | Duolingo, English Grammar Online, Gradeup, Testbook |
| General Awareness | Arihant – Banking & Financial Awareness, Pratiyogita Darpan Magazine, Manorama Yearbook | GKToday, Current Affairs App, Adda247, Gradeup |
| Computer Knowledge | Vikas Gupta – Computer Knowledge for Competitive Exams, Arihant – Objective Computer Awareness | StudyIQ, Testbook, Adda247, YouTube tutorials |
Top Tips and Tricks to Crack the IBPS Clerk Exam Quickly
A smart strategy and time management are crucial for the IBPS Clerk Exam. First, read your question paper and attempt the easy questions quickly. Solve the difficult questions later to maintain your confidence and avoid wasting time.
To improve your speed in Quantitative Aptitude, memorise shortcuts, formulas, and frequently asked question patterns. This practice will help you with both speed and accuracy. For the Reasoning section, practice puzzles and seating arrangement regularly to develop quick calculation and logical reasoning skills.
In the English section, practice reading daily. Reading newspapers, articles, and short stories improves reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Learn short tricks for sentence completion and para jumbles, which will save you time.
Also, focus on General Awareness and Banking Awareness. Reading daily current affairs and major banking updates strengthens your exam preparation. Revise important topics related to Static GK and the Indian economy.
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Utilise mock tests effectively. Take sectional and full-length tests, analyse the results, and practice extra on your weak areas. Time-bound practice increases your exam speed and confidence.
During last-minute revision, only revise the important topics and shortcuts you have already studied. Do not try to learn new topics, as this can lead to confusion. Maintain a calm and positive mindset and focus on your strengths.
Daily & Weekly Study Plan for IBPS Clerk Aspirants
If you are wondering how to prepare for the bank clerk exam at home, you can easily prepare with the right guidance and planning. Discipline and regular practice are essential when preparing from home.
Create a daily study schedule and allocate time for each subject. Including mock tests and revision in your routine will also be helpful. Below is a sample study plan that you can adjust according to your time and convenience.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Night |
| Mon | Reasoning Practice | Quant Practice | English Reading | GA Notes |
| Tue | Quant Practice | English Grammar | Reasoning Puzzles | Revision |
| Wed | GA Current Affairs | Computer Knowledge | Quant Practice | Mock Test |
| Thu | English Vocabulary | Reasoning Practice | GA Revision | Mock Test Analysis |
| Fri | Quant & Data Interpretation | English Comprehension | Computer Practice | Revision |
| Sat | Full-length Mock Test | Weak Areas Practice | GA & Banking | Notes Review |
| Sun | Revision of the Week | Mock Test Analysis | Relaxation | Planning Next Week |
Mock Tests & Practice Strategy to Boost Your Score
Mock tests provide the right direction to your IBPS Clerk Exam preparation and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are preparing for the IBPS RRB clerk exam, you can follow the same mock test strategy and practice sectional and full-length tests.
Taking regular mock tests and sectional tests improves your accuracy and time management. After each test, it is essential to analyse the results and practice extra on weak areas. Time-bound practice will improve both your speed and confidence for the exam.
Revision Techniques for Last-Minute IBPS Clerk Preparation
Last-minute revision is the most effective way to strengthen your IBPS Clerk Exam preparation. During this time, revise the important topics and formulas you have already studied. Pay special attention to weak areas and frequently asked questions.
Revise the key points of English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge from your last-minute notes. Do not try to learn new topics, but reinforce the content you have already studied. Systematic revision with short breaks increases retention and builds exam-day confidence.
Exam Day Tips: How to Stay Calm and Score High in IBPS Clerk
Staying calm and focused on exam day is crucial for success. Wake up early, have a light breakfast, and reach the exam centre on time. Practice deep breathing and maintain a positive mindset to stay stress-free.
After the exam begins, carefully read the question paper first and identify the easy questions. Attempt difficult questions later to build initial confidence and avoid wasting time.
Focus on time management. Allocate a pre-decided time for each section and keep a constant eye on the clock. This will make it easier to attempt the entire paper efficiently.
Be mindful of negative marking. Avoid guesswork and attempt only the answers you are confident about. To increase accuracy, answer each question thoughtfully.
Plan for breaks and relaxation. If you feel panic or stress during the exam, close your eyes for a while and take a deep breath. Staying calm will help you maximise your performance.
After the exam, don’t overthink. As soon as you submit the paper, mentally prepare for the next steps and focus on preparing for future tests or interviews. A positive attitude is the key to your success.
How can I prepare for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 at home without coaching?
Preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 from home is entirely possible. First, understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Create a daily study schedule that allocates time for Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Regularly utilise online resources, video tutorials, and practice with previous year’s papers. Take mock tests and analyse the results to identify and focus on your weaker areas. Consistency and disciplined study are the keys to success.
What is the best strategy to crack the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 quickly?
A well-defined strategy is crucial for cracking the IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 quickly and efficiently. First, identify your strong and weak areas. Create separate plans for the Prelims and Mains exams. Learn shortcuts and formulas for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning. For English and General Awareness, focus on daily reading and staying updated on current affairs. Regular mock tests and time-bound practice will improve your speed and accuracy, making you feel confident and well-prepared for the exam.
Conclusion
Consistency, a smart strategy, and regular practice are crucial for preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam. Whether you’re preparing for the SBI bank clerk exam or the IBPS RRB Clerk exam, success is guaranteed with the right resources and planning. If you follow a routine of daily practice, mock tests, and revision, success will be within your reach.