IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026, Prelims, Mains Exam Pattern and Final Merit Criteria

IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026

The IBPS Clerk 2026 selection unfolds in three phases: Prelims, Mains, and Local Language Proficiency Test. Prelims feature 100 objective questions on English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning within 60 minutes, serving as a qualifying round. Mains comprises 190 questions across General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Computer Knowledge, with sectional timing and negative marking. Final merit relies solely on Mains scores, subject to passing the language test for regional fluency.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026 Overview 

The IBPS Clerk 2026 selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and a Local Language Proficiency Test, with no interview involved—final merit depends entirely on Mains scores.​

IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026 Stage-wise 

Once you have a clear understanding of the IBPS Clerk Selection Process, you can begin your preparation with a well-defined strategy. Below is a concise overview of the selection process:

1. Preliminary Examination: The initial stage of the selection process is the Preliminary Examination (Prelims). This exam is conducted online and consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Achieving the minimum cutoff marks in each section is crucial to qualify for the mains examination. Please note that preliminary exam scores are not considered for the final selection but are essential for advancing to the mains. This is part of the IBPS Clerk prelims and mains pattern.

2. Mains Examination: The second stage of the selection process is the Main Examination (Mains). Those who successfully clear the preliminary examination are eligible to appear for the mains. The main examination is also conducted online and consists of four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude. Marks obtained in the mains examination play a significant role in determining the IBPS Clerk mains selection criteria. Similar to the preliminary exam, candidates must secure minimum cutoff marks in each section and achieve the overall cutoff to progress further.

3. Document Verification: Following the mains examination, candidates who perform well are invited for the Document Verification stage. During this phase, candidates must provide the necessary documents, certificates, and testimonials to validate their eligibility and identity. It is crucial to ensure that all required documents are readily available and in order to avoid any complications during this phase. This step is also a vital part of the IBPS Clerk exam stages.

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern

The IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two distinct phases: Preliminary and Mains, each with its unique set of subjects and time allocations. Here is an overview of the exam pattern for both phases:

Preliminary Examination:
Preliminary Exam for IBPS Clerk 2026 consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
This phase does not include a section on Current Affairs and Computer Knowledge.
The scores obtained in the Preliminary Exam do not contribute to the final selection process.
Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers in the Objective Tests.
This format is part of the detailed IBPS Clerk prelims and mains pattern.

Mains Examination:
Mains Examination in the IBPS Clerk 2026 consists of four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude.
In addition to the sections covered in the Preliminary Exam, the Mains Exam includes a section on Current Affairs and Computer Knowledge.
Scores from the Mains Exam play a vital role in determining the final allotment of candidates. Similar to the Preliminary Exam, there is a penalty for marking incorrect answers in the Objective Tests. This aligns with the official IBPS Clerk mains selection criteria.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern

Candidates must remember that they need to meet the minimum cutoff marks established by IBPS in each of the three sections of the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam to qualify. Depending on the need, a sufficient number of candidates from each category will be selected for the Online Main Examination. Below is the IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern presented in tabular form:

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 (Changes)

Candidates who successfully clear the IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam by meeting both the sectional and overall cutoff marks are eligible to appear for the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam. The IBPS Clerk Mains Exam serves as both a qualifying and scoring examination in the IBPS Clerk recruitment process. Below is the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern:

Note: The total number of questions is 155 (sum of questions), the total maximum marks is 200, and the total duration is 120 minutes. However, if a candidate leaves a question blank (i.e., doesn't provide any answer), there will be no penalty applied for that question. It's important for candidates to answer questions they are confident about and avoid guessing if they are unsure, as incorrect answers can lead to a deduction in their overall score.

IBPS Clerk Document Verification

As part of the IBPS Clerk Selection Process, the document verification order is strictly followed to ensure the authenticity of candidates' credentials. Here is the prescribed sequence for document verification:

• Valid System-Generated Online Application Form

• Photo Identity Proof

• Date of Birth Proof

• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Head of the Department for candidates employed in Government Departments or Public Sector Undertakings etc.

• Caste Certificate, if the candidate has applied under a reserved category.

• Experience Certificates, if applicable.

• Medical Certificate for Physically Disabled candidates.

• Printout of Valid Call Letter.

• Graduation Mark Sheet.

Once this meticulous document verification process is completed, candidates proceed with their training at the respective bank. This ensures that only eligible and genuine candidates are selected for the IBPS Clerk position.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process in Hindi

आईबीपीएस क्लर्क चयन प्रक्रिया 2026 तीन चरणों में पूरी होती है: प्रारंभिक परीक्षा, मुख्य परीक्षा और दस्तावेज़ सत्यापन। प्रारंभिक परीक्षा में अंग्रेज़ी, संख्यात्मक योग्यता और तर्कशक्ति शामिल होते हैं। यह परीक्षा केवल स्क्रीनिंग के लिए होती है, इसके अंक अंतिम चयन में नहीं जोड़े जाते। मुख्य परीक्षा में चार अनुभाग होते हैं और कुल 200 अंक होते हैं। चयन में केवल मुख्य परीक्षा के अंकों को माना जाता है। इसके बाद दस्तावेज़ सत्यापन होता है। इस प्रक्रिया में कोई इंटरव्यू नहीं होता, और अंतिम मेरिट सूची मुख्य परीक्षा के आधार पर बनाई जाती है।

IBPS Clerk Selection Process Interview

IBPS Clerk selection process does not include any interview round, which makes it different from other banking exams like IBPS PO or SBI PO. Candidates are selected entirely based on their performance in main examination, followed by a document verification process. The preliminary exam serves as a qualifying stage and functions as a screening process. Marks obtained in the mains exam are considered for the final merit list. Since clerical roles are operational and customer-facing rather than managerial, the interview stage is excluded, simplifying the recruitment process and making it more accessible to a wider range of candidates.

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