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IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy: Preparation Plan for Aspirants

IBPS PO & Clerk Mains Strategy is an essential component of the final selection as the mains result defines the merit list. This focuses on the actual level of difficulty, exam format, section-by-section attempts, scoring tactic for the PO & Clerk, and preparation strategy for the 2026 batch on how to overcome the IBPS mains with confidence.

 

authorImagePriyanka Agarwal16 Dec, 2025
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IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy: Clearing the IBPS PO mains stage is an absolute requirement to become an IBPS PO or a Clerk. The prelims are merely the gate opener, and the selections are made in the mains themselves. 

An effective IBPS PO & Clerk Mains preparation strategy can assist aspirants in overcoming the fear of giving attempts, giving a logical plan to attempts, and transforming preparation stages into final marks.

Understand the Reality of IBPS Mains Exams

The biggest mistake that the aspirants make is that they consider the IBPS mains to be highly challenging. The fact is that with a proper IBPS PO and Clerk Mains strategy, these exams are not that tough to crack. Even compared to the SBI PO Mains, the level of IBPS Mains is easy to moderate.

The IBPS PO as well as the IBPS Clerk Main have 200 questions which are to be attempted within a time span of 2 hours, with the following components:

IBPS PO & Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 

Section

No. of Questions

Marks

Duration

Reasoning Paper

40

50

30 minutes

General Awareness Paper

40

40

15 minutes

Numerical Ability Paper

40

50

30 minutes

English Language / Hindi Language

40

40

30 minutes

Computer Knowledge Paper

40

20

15 minutes

Total

200

200

2 Hours

Each section has fixed sectional timing, making IBPS PO mains time management a decisive factor.

IBPS PO Mains Section-Wise Analysis

An ideal IBPS PO Mains section-wise strategy is always to aim to score maximum marks, but not to do everything. For a preparation section-wise strategy, we always attempt to identify the tendencies of the subjects from past year papers.

IBPS PO & Clerk Mains – Section-wise Attempt Analysis (based on 2024)

Section

No. of Questions

Good Attempts

Important Topics

Difficulty Level

Reasoning Ability

40

27–30

Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Critical Reasoning, Inequality (Conclusion-Based), Data Sufficiency, Blood Relations

Easy to Moderate

General Awareness

40

17–19

Banking & Financial Awareness, Static GK, Current Affairs (Last 4–6 Months), Government Schemes

Moderate

Numerical Ability

40

15–17

Data Interpretation (Bar + Table, Pie Chart, Caselet), Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, SI–CI), Wrong Number Series, Simplification

Moderate

English / Hindi Language

40

18–20

Reading Comprehension, Fillers, Error Spotting, Cloze Test, Vocabulary-Based Questions

Easy to Moderate

Computer Knowledge

40

18–20

Computer Fundamentals, Hardware & Software, Networking Basics, MS Office, Internet & Security

Easy

Overall

200

95–106

 

Moderate

IBPS PO Mains Preparation Tips 2026

For aspirants targeting 2026, the following IBPS PO mains preparation tips 2026 are essential:

  • Remove fear associated with mains exams

  • Strengthen reasoning and GA as core scoring areas

  • Practice DI daily to reduce calculation time

  • Analyze every mock test seriously

A calm mindset combined with a realistic IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy significantly improves selection chances.

IBPS Clerk Mains Study Plan

An effective IBPS Clerk mains study plan includes:

  • Daily GA revision (minimum 1 hour)

  • Alternate-day full-length mocks

  • Dedicated time for weak sections

  • Regular puzzle and DI practice

Consistency matters more than long study hours. Even self-study candidates can succeed with a disciplined IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy.

IBPS Clerk Mains Scoring Strategy

The Clerk mains paper is slightly easier than PO mains. Topics like syllogism, letter coding, data sufficiency, and number-based reasoning are frequently asked. Puzzles include age-based, month-based, circular seating, and floor-based arrangements. The IBPS Clerk mains scoring strategy revolves around:

  • Attempting 110–120 questions overall

  • Maintaining strong accuracy in reasoning and English

  • Not overthinking moderate-level quant questions

Following a disciplined IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy ensures that Clerk aspirants comfortably reach the cutoff range.

How to Prepare for IBPS PO, Tips and Strategy

IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy Explained

This video covers the real level of difficulty, the way of approaching section by section, the attempt plan, and mock tests for IBPS PO & Clerk Main.

Importance of Mock Tests in Mains Preparation

Mock tests are the backbone of IBPS mains preparation without coaching. Aspirants should:

  • Start with sectional mocks for all five sections

  • Gradually shift to full-length mains mocks

  • Practice sitting continuously for 2 hours

It’s a fact that most students are unsuccessful, not because they lack knowledge, but because of a lack of endurance and temperament in the exam. Mocks must be practiced daily after the release of the admit card to work on your IBPS PO mains time management.

Ideal Attempt Range and Cutoff Perspective

Understanding the ideal attempt range helps aspirants align their efforts with the expected cutoff trends in IBPS mains exams. A realistic attempt and score target, backed by mock analysis, strengthens your overall preparation strategy.

Target Attempts & Score Range

Exam

Target Attempts

Expected Score Range

IBPS PO Mains

90–100 questions

75–80 marks

IBPS Clerk Mains

110–120 questions

Around 100 marks


These numbers are realistic and achievable when your IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy is based on mock analysis and section-wise planning.

Can You Clear IBPS Mains Without Coaching?

Absolutely. IBPS mains preparation without coaching is possible. Sectional mocks, last year’s papers, and targeted revision are enough, along with the online course as required. This is proven by most toppers who believe in intelligent practice, thereby proving that a proper IBPS mains topper strategy is more important than a coaching class enrollment.

The IBPS PO and Clerk Mains, far from being feared exams, are really exams that need to be understood and prepared for. The keys to IBPS PO & Clerk Mains success are a proper strategy and proper preparation. 

Always be consistent, trust your preparations, and make that extra effort in the last leg. Passing IBPS mains is not all about doing things. It is all about doing things that need to be done at the right times.

IBPS PO and Clerk Mains Strategy FAQs

What is the best strategy for IBPS PO and Clerk Mains in 2026?

The most effective strategy for IBPS PO & Clerk Mains preparation includes high reasoning, GA, scoring, moderate attempts in quant, and overall analysis of mock tests on a daily basis. Prioritizing accuracy over attempts is essential.

How many questions should I attempt in IBPS PO Mains?

On the basis of preparation tips for the IBPS PO mains exam 2026, a qualifying attempt would be between 90 to 100 questions, with a certain degree of accuracy. That is, it helps the candidate remain around the cutoff list.

Is IBPS Clerk Mains easier than IBPS PO Mains?

It is true that the IBPS Clerk mains is a little less difficult than the PO mains. This means that with a proper plan, aspirants can easily score 100+ marks in the IBPS Clerk mains.

Can I prepare for IBPS Mains on my own without coaching

Yes, preparation for the IBPS mains exam can be done on your own, with sectional mocks, full-length tests, and regular GA preparation.
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