Are you preparing for the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam? Understanding the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 is your first step toward success in one of India's most competitive banking exams. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has released the comprehensive IBPS Clerk Syllabus for both preliminary and main examinations, and knowing every detail can make the difference between success and failure.
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 covers multiple sections that test your knowledge in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, and general awareness. Whether you're looking for the IBPS Clerk Pre Syllabus or the IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus, this complete guide provides everything you need to create an effective preparation strategy.
In this detailed guide, we'll break down the entire IBPS Clerk exam pattern, section-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and preparation tips that will help you crack this prestigious banking examination.
IBPS Clerk 2025 Overview
The IBPS Clerk examination is conducted annually to recruit clerical cadre officers in 11 participating public sector banks across India. The exam follows a two-tier selection process with online preliminary and main examinations.
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Name | IBPS Clerk 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Exam Language | English & Hindi (Bilingual) |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for each wrong answer |
| Official Website | ibps.in |
IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2025
The IBPS Clerk selection process consists of two main stages:
| Selection Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| IBPS Clerk Prelims | • Total Questions: 100 • Duration: 60 minutes • Nature: Qualifying • Sections: English Language, Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks |
| IBPS Clerk Mains | • Total Questions: 190 • Duration: 160 minutes • Nature: Scoring (Final Merit) • Sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General/Financial Awareness • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks |
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2025
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS Clerk Pre Syllabus includes three main sections. Each section has a separate time allocation of 20 minutes, and candidates must qualify in all sections individually.
| S.No. | Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Important Points:
- The preliminary exam is qualifying in nature
- Marks scored in prelims are not counted for final merit
- Sectional cut-off applies for each section
- 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus consists of four sections with increased difficulty level and time duration.
| S.No. | Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| 4 | General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 minutes |
Key Changes in Mains Pattern:
- Computer Aptitude merged with Reasoning Ability
- Increased total marks to 200
- Extended duration to 160 minutes
- Final merit list based on mains performance only
IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Details
English Language Syllabus
The English Language section tests your proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
| Vocabulary | Grammar | Reading Comprehension |
|---|---|---|
| • Synonyms & Antonyms • Word meanings • Idioms & Phrases • One word substitution • Spelling correction |
• Tenses & Voice • Subject-Verb Agreement • Articles & Prepositions • Sentence correction • Error detection |
• Passage-based questions • Main idea identification • Inference questions • Vocabulary in context • Tone & style |
Additional Topics:
- Para jumbles
- Cloze test
- Fill in the blanks
- Sentence rearrangement
Reasoning Ability Syllabus
The reasoning section evaluates your logical thinking and analytical skills through verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
| Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
|---|---|
| • Logical Reasoning • Syllogism • Blood Relations • Direction & Distance • Seating Arrangement • Puzzles & Brain Teasers • Coding-Decoding • Inequality • Input-Output |
• Series Completion • Pattern Recognition • Figure Classification • Mirror Images • Water Images • Embedded Figures • Paper Folding & Cutting |
High-Weightage Topics:
- Seating arrangement (Linear & Circular)
- Puzzles (Floor-based, Box-based)
- Blood relations
- Syllogism
- Coding-decoding
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The quantitative aptitude section tests your mathematical skills and numerical problem-solving ability.
| Mathematical Topics |
|---|
| Number System: HCF & LCM, Divisibility rules, Prime numbers, Rational & Irrational numbers |
| Arithmetic: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Average, Ratio & Proportion, Partnership, Allegation & Mixture |
| Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Inequalities |
| Geometry: Lines & Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Mensuration |
| Data Interpretation: Bar graphs, Line charts, Pie charts, Tables, Data sufficiency |
| Modern Math: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set theory |
Computer Knowledge Syllabus (Mains Only)
Computer aptitude is combined with reasoning ability in the mains examination.
| Computer Topics |
|---|
| Basics: Computer fundamentals, Types of computers, Input/Output devices, Memory types |
| Hardware & Software: CPU components, Storage devices, Operating systems, System software vs Application software |
| Programming: Programming languages, Algorithms, Database concepts, DBMS |
| Internet & Networking: Internet basics, Email, WWW, Network topology, Network security |
| MS Office: Word processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations |
| Modern Technology: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud computing, Cyber security |
General/Financial Awareness Syllabus (Mains Only)
This section focuses on current affairs and banking knowledge relevant to the financial sector.
| Current Affairs | Banking Knowledge |
|---|---|
| • National & International news • Government schemes & policies • Sports & awards • Books & authors • Important dates & events • Science & technology updates • Economic developments |
• Banking terms & definitions • RBI functions & policies • Monetary policy • Banking regulations • Financial institutions • Capital market • Insurance basics • Currency & coins |
Time Coverage: Last 6 months current affairs are most important.
Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025
For Prelims Preparation
English Language:
- Focus on grammar rules and vocabulary building
- Practice reading newspapers daily
- Solve previous year questions
- Time management is crucial (20 minutes per section)
Reasoning Ability:
- Master seating arrangement and puzzles
- Practice syllogism and coding-decoding daily
- Use shortcut methods for quick solutions
- Develop logical thinking skills
Numerical Ability:
- Strengthen basic mathematical concepts
- Learn shortcut formulas and tricks
- Practice data interpretation regularly
- Focus on accuracy over speed initially
For Mains Preparation
Additional Focus Areas:
- Computer knowledge requires conceptual understanding
- General awareness needs regular current affairs reading
- Increased difficulty level in all sections
- Better time management skills needed
Important Preparation Tips
-
Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific time slots for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
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Practice Mock Tests: Regular mock test practice helps in time management and identifies weak areas.
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Previous Year Analysis: Analyze previous year question papers to understand exam trends and question patterns.
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Current Affairs: Maintain a current affairs notebook and revise it regularly.
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Revision Strategy: Create short notes for quick revision before the exam.
Books and Resources for IBPS Clerk Preparation
Recommended Books by Section
English Language:
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin
Reasoning Ability:
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning by AK Gupta
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Kumar Verma
General Awareness:
- Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications
- Manorama Yearbook (Latest Edition)
- Current Affairs magazines and online sources
Exam Day Strategy
Time Management Tips
For Prelims:
- Attempt easier questions first
- Don't spend more than 1 minute per question
- Keep track of sectional timing
- Avoid random guessing due to negative marking
For Mains:
- Start with your strongest section
- Allocate time based on marks distribution
- Leave difficult questions for the end
- Maintain accuracy to avoid negative marking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Ignoring Sectional Cut-offs: Many candidates focus only on overall score but fail to clear sectional cut-offs.
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Inadequate Current Affairs Preparation: General awareness section can be scoring if prepared well.
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Poor Time Management: Practice with time limits to improve speed and accuracy.
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Neglecting Computer Knowledge: This section in mains can provide easy marks with proper preparation.
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Inconsistent Practice: Regular and consistent study is more effective than intensive last-minute preparation.
Latest Updates and Changes
Key Changes in IBPS Clerk 2025
-
Exam Pattern Updates: Computer Aptitude merged with Reasoning in mains examination.
-
Syllabus Modifications: No major changes in core topics but emphasis on current technology in computer section.
-
Difficulty Level: Gradual increase in difficulty level compared to previous years.
-
Current Affairs Weightage: Increased focus on banking and financial awareness.
Success Mantras for IBPS Clerk 2025
Consistency is Key: Regular study habits yield better results than sporadic intensive sessions.
Practice Makes Perfect: Solve maximum questions from each topic to gain confidence.
Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with latest banking news and government policies.
Healthy Competition: Join online forums and study groups for motivation and doubt clearing.
Positive Mindset: Maintain confidence and avoid stress during preparation and exam.
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 is comprehensive and requires systematic preparation to crack both preliminary and main examinations. Understanding the IBPS Clerk Syllabus thoroughly and following a structured study plan are essential for success.
Remember that the IBPS Clerk Pre Syllabus serves as a foundation, while the IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus requires deeper knowledge and better time management skills. Focus on building strong fundamentals, practice regularly, and stay updated with current affairs to maximize your chances of selection.
With proper preparation strategy, consistent effort, and the right resources, you can definitely crack the IBPS Clerk 2025 examination and secure your dream job in the banking sector. Start your preparation today and take the first step toward a successful banking career.
Good luck with your IBPS Clerk 2025 preparation!