IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2024: Section-Wise Syllabus PDF for Prelims & Mains

IBPS Clerk syllabus is divided into prelims and Mains exams. The syllabus for the prelims exam comprises the topics such as English Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. IBPS Clerk Mains syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude English Language, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, and General Awareness. It is important to prepare according to the syllabus as the questions in the exam are framed based on it. Candidates must be well-versed with the IBPS Clerk syllabus to know the important topics for the exam. The benefits of knowing the syllabus are given below:

• IBPS Clerk syllabus outlines the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam
• Going through the syllabus candidates can know the topics that are important for the exam
• Candidates can plan their preparation strategy based on the syllabus

IBPS Clerk prelims syllabus comprises topics from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language. IBPS Clerk syllabus of Mains exam is divided into four sections: Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General/ Financial Awareness. The chapter-wise IBPS Clerk syllabus is given below:

English Language: Reading Comprehension, Error Detection/ Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Error Correction, Para Jumbles, Cloze Test.

Reasoning: Inequality, Seating Arrangement, Alphanumeric Series, Miscellaneous, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Data Sufficiency,  

Numerical Ability: Number Series, Simplification/ Approximation, Data Sufficiency, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Distance, Relations and Permutation and Combination, Data Interpretation, Puzzles.

General Awareness: Current Affairs,  Monetary Plans, Indian Financial System,  Introduction to National Institutions,  Indian Banking System,  Banking Terms.

Computer Aptitude: Basics of Hardware and Software, Operating Systems,  Internet and Associated Topics,  Microsoft Office and Other Word Processing Software,  History of Computing,  Basic Computer Networking,  Basics of Databases,  Basics of Cyber Security Tools and Processes.

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) does not announce ideal score specifically for IBPS Clerk exam. The examination authority only announce the section-wise and overall cut off marks. Candidates need to secure equal to or more than the cut off marks inorder to qualify the exam. The score required to pass the exam varies depending on the number of candidates and the difficulty of the exam. However, generally speaking, the higher candidate's score, the better their chances of being selected for the clerk position. Candidates can also get an idea about the ideal score by checking the previous years' cut off marks. Candidates should prepare well for the exam inorder to qualify the exam.

IBPS Clerk syllabus is same for all other Clerical level exams. Candidates preparing for other banking exams can use IBPS Clerk syllabus to clear the topics and concepts covered in the syllabus. However, candidates should always check the specific syllabus for the exam they are preparing for to ensure that they are focusing on the most relevant topics.

IBPS Clerk prelims Quantitative Aptitude section carries a total of 35 questions of 35 marks. Questions in this section are asked from Number Series, Data Interpretation, Simplification/ Approximation, Quadratic Equation, Data Sufficiency, Mensuration, Average, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Work, Time, and Energy, Time and Distance, Probability, Relations, Simple and Compound Interest, Permutation and Combination. Usually, maximum questions are asked from Data Interpretation, Arithmatic, etc. To ace the Quant section of IBPS Clerk exam, candidates need to prepare well by solving the previous years' question papers.

Both the IBPS Clerk and the SSC CGL exams cover similar topics such as: General English Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning Ability General Awareness (including current events and static general knowledge) However, there are some differences in the emphasis placed on certain topics between the two exams. For example, the SSC CGL place more emphasis on Mathematics and Statistics while the IBPS Clerk place more emphasis on Banking and Financial Awareness. IBPS Clerk exam is specifically for candidates interested in a career in the banking sector, while the SSC CGL is a general recruitment exam for various government positions. The topics given in IBPS Clerk syllabus is given below:

English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fillers, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, etc.

Numerical Ability: Number Series, Simplification/ Approximation, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, etc.

Reasoning Ability: Puzzle and Arrangements, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction sense and Order and Ranking, etc.

Computer Aptitude: History and Generation of Computers, Introduction to Computer Organisation, Computer Hardware and I/O Devices, Computer Languages, Basics of DBMS, Operating System, Internet, Computer Network & Security, Computer Memory, Computer Software, etc.

General Knowledge: Banking and Insurance Awareness, Financial Awareness, Current Affairs, Govt. Schemes and Policies, Static Awareness, etc.

To crack IBPS Clerk exam with three months preparation, candidates must prepare for the exam with sincerity and dedication. Candidates must devote two to three hours each day to complete the syllabus. Candidates must also solve mock tests and practice previous year question papers to prepare well for IBPS Clerk exam in three months. Candidates must analyse their performances through the mock tests. After analysing the mock test, candidates must focus upon improving the weak areas. Conceptual clarity is important because it helps candidates to solve the questions easily. The tips and tricks to crack IBPS Clerk are given below:

• Candidates must understand the exam pattern and syllabus to know the structure of the exam and topics that are important for the exam
• After going through the syllabus, candidates must find out the important topics for the exam
• Candidates must solve previous year question papers to know the type of questions asked in the exam
• Candidates must attempt mock tests to improve the speed and accuracy
• Candidates must study regularly for the exam

The important topics for IBPS Clerk English are given below:

• Fill in the Blanks
• Rearrangement
• Spotting Errors
• Reading Comprehension
• Synonyms and Antonyms 
• Cloze Test

In the prelims exam, a total of 30 questions are asked from this section and the total marks allotted to this section are 30. In the Mains exam, 40 questions are asked from this section and it carries 40 questions. To ace English section, candidates should read newspapers and books. Candidates should especially read the editorial section of the newspapers to improve their vocabulary. The books that candidates can refer to for the exam are given below:

• High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
• Objective General English by Arihant Publications
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

The syllabus of IBPS Clerk and RBI Assistant exams are quite similar in nature as they both test candidates on similar topics such as General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and English language. However, there may be some slight differences in the specific areas of emphasis or the types of questions that are asked on each exam. For example, the RBI Assistant exam may place more emphasis on Economics and Banking-related topics, whereas the IBPS Clerk exam may focus more on General Knowledge and Current Affairs. There is also difference in the difficulty level. IBPS Clerk exam is conducted for recruitment to the post of Clerks in the 11 participating public sector banks in India. RBI Assistant exam is conducted for recruitment to the post of Assistants in RBI.

No, the syllabus for the IBPS Clerk and PO exams are not the same. The syllabus for the IBPS Clerk exam includes topics such as Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness, while the syllabus for the IBPS PO exam includes additional topics such as Computer Knowledge and Marketing Aptitude. It is important to note that the level of difficulty of the exam is also different for the two posts. IBPS Clerk exam is conducted for recruitment to the post of Clerks in 11 public sector banks in India. IBPS PO exam is conducted for recruitment of Probationary Officers in 11 public sector banks. The syllabus of IBPS PO exam is more vast than the IBPS Clerk exam.

Analysing the IBPS Clerk syllabus before starting the exam preparation is important for aspirants in multiple ways. Check below the advantages of analysing IBPS Clerk syllabus:

• IBPS notifies the detailed IBPS Clerk syllabus. Candidates can go through the subjects that are included in the syllabus and comprehend their familiarity with the subjects and analyse their strengths and weakness
• Based on the IBPS Clerk syllabus, a set timetable and study plan can be followed by the candidates where time is devoted equally to the preparation of each subject so that all the topics are covered completely

IBPS Clerk exam pattern is such that it comprises prelims and Mains exams. The both the stages of exams are conducted online. The final selection of candidates is done based on the Mains exam. The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. The prelims exam comprises three sections and carries 100 marks. The Mains exam comprises four sections and carries 200 marks. The structure of the IBPS Clerk prelims and mains exams is given below.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 

There is no difference between IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk exam pattern. The level of both exams is the same. The pattern of both the exams is divided into prelims and Mains. The prelims exam carries three sections-English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. The mains exam comprises four sections-General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude. The total marks allotted to the mains exam are 200. The duration of the test is 160 minutes. There is a difference in the difficulty levels. SBI Clerk exam is tougher than IBPS Clerk. 

IBPS Clerk marking scheme is prescribed by the examination authority. For correct answer, one mark is awarded to candidates. For incorrect answers, 0.25 marks are awarded. The score is calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers. The marks obtained by candidates are normalised to calculate the scores. Candidates need to secure the desired marks to get selected for the post of Clerk in the public sector banks in India. The total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. The total marks allotted to the mains exam are 200. The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. Only the marks scored in the mains exam are taken into consideration for the final merit list.

Yes, there are sectional timings in IBPS Clerk exam. In prelims exam, candidates will get 20 minutes to answer each section. In the Mains exam, 35 minutes each will be given to answer questions from General/Financial Awareness, General English and 45 minutes each will be given to attempt Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude and Quantitative Aptitude questions. The section-wise exam timings for prelims and mains exam are given below.

Prelims Exam

Mains Exam

Yes, candidates can prepare for IBPS Clerk exam without coaching. However, this will require dedication. Candidates need to go through the exam pattern and syllabus. Students should prepare a study plan and follow it dilligenty. They should practice previous years' question papers and sample papers. Mock test plays an important part in the exam preparation. Candidates must solve mock tests after revising the chapters. The tips and tricks to prepare for IBPS Clerk exam without coaching are given below:

• Candidates need to first properly understand the syllabus to know the topics they need to cover for the exam
• Candidates should also go through the exam pattern to know the overall structure of the exam
• It is important to practice previous years' questions to know the types of questions asked in the exam
• Candidates must prepare a study routine which focuses on each and every topic

Candidates can check below few tips and tricks to crack IBPS Clerk Mains exam:

• Go through the syllabus and memorise the formulas and concepts
• Candidates must attempt easier questions first instead of the difficult ones
• Do not attempt every question as there is a negative marking 
• Practice mock tests and analyse the strengths and weaknesses
• Focus on revision and do not touch the new topic
• Keep the mind calm and solve the questions patiently

The ideal time for IBPS Clerk preparation is one year. However, many candidates have cracked the exam with six months of preparation. Candidates must prepare properly for the exam by following a study plan. The amount of time required to prepare for the IBPS clerk exam can vary depending on the individual. However, it is generally recommended to start preparing several months in advance to give yourself enough time to cover all of the necessary material and practice. Additionally, it is important to note that the IBPS clerk exam is a competitive exam, so it is important to be well-prepared in order to have the best chance of success.

The Quantitative Aptitude section tests a candidate's calculative ability. Questions are asked from the topics such as Number Series, Simplification/ Approximation, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, etc. Candidates for the Quantitative Aptitude section can refer to Quantitative Aptitude by R S Agarwal, Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma, Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams by Tarun Goal and Fast Track Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma. The tips and tricks to improve IBPS Clerk Quant section are given below:

• Candidates should practice variety of questions on different topics
• Candidates must attempt mock tests and analyse their strengths and weaknesses
• Go through the previous years' question papers to understand and analyse the weightage of each subject
• Candidates must improve their speed and accuracy of solving questions

The English Language section tests a candidate's knowledge regarding vocabulary and English grammar. The English Language section comprises topics such as Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fillers, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, etc. The best books to refer to for English Language section are Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fillers, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, etc. Candidates can check below the preparation tips for IBPS Clerk 2023 English Language section.

• Candidates need to familiarise themselves with the format of the English section including the types of questions that are asked in the exam
• Candidates need to identify their weaknesses
• Candidates need to improve their reading, writing and vocabularly skills

IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability section assess a candidate's logical aptitude. Questions in this section are asked from Puzzle and Arrangements, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction sense and Order and Ranking, etc. For the Reasoning Ability section, candidates can refer to Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Agarwal, Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey and A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal by BS Sijwali and Indus Sijwali. To ace the Reasoning section, candidates must practice mock tests to improve their speed and accuracy of solving questions. Candidates must learn the shortcut tricks of solving questions. Candidates must practice previous year question papers to know the type of questions asked in the exam.

IBPS Clerk is an entry-level post. IBPS Clerk is a post that offers a lot of learning as well as opportunities. The job profile of IBPS Clerk is given below: Verification of various documents and proofs submitted by the customers Responsible for bank cash, various important documents, keys, etc. Sanctioning of withdrawals by the customers Maintaining the various documents of the bank, balance sheets, ledger, etc. Resolving the various issues of the customers Issuing of Demand Drafts (DDs), bank accounts for the customers, cash receipts, etc. Providing information about the latest schemes and government policies Providing guidance to customers relating to various banking activities Attending to treasury works Updating the passbooks of account holders Resolving queries of the customers Miscellaneous tasks.