IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025 – Complete Details, Syllabus, and Pattern

Get a complete guide on IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025 including syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, subjects, preparation strategy, and official updates from IBPS.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025 - Detailed Syllabus, Pattern, Marking Scheme & Preparation Tips

The IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025 is one of the most awaited competitive exams in India conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). It serves as the first stage in selecting clerical candidates for nationalized banks across India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for this exam to secure a stable and prestigious banking career.

Overview of IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam

The IBPS Clerk exam is conducted in two phases: Preliminary Exam and Main Exam. Only those candidates who qualify in the prelims stage are allowed to appear in the mains examination.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The prelims exam is designed to test candidates’ fundamental aptitude, language skills, and reasoning ability. The structure of the exam is as follows:

Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Candidates must qualify in each section as well as the overall cut-off to progress to the next stage.

Detailed Syllabus for IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025

1. English Language

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Para Jumbles
• Error Detection
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms & Antonyms

2. Numerical Ability

• Simplification and Approximation
• Number Series
• Quadratic Equations
• Data Interpretation
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Percentage, Ratio and Proportion
• Time, Work & Speed
• Profit and Loss

3. Reasoning Ability

• Seating Arrangement and Puzzles
• Inequality
• Syllogism
• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Order and Ranking
• Alphabet and Number Series

IBPS Clerk Prelims Cut Off (Previous Years Trend)

Cut-offs vary by state and category. To qualify, aspirants must meet both sectional and overall cut-off marks as decided by IBPS each year.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly

Start your preparation by analyzing the syllabus and focusing on high-weightage topics first.

2. Manage Your Time Effectively

Divide your 60 minutes wisely among the three sections. Speed and accuracy are key to clearing the prelims stage.

3. Practice with Mock Tests

Attempt daily mock tests to understand the exam pattern, improve question-solving speed, and build confidence.

4. Strengthen Basics of Quant and Reasoning

Focus on fundamental concepts of arithmetic, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension. Avoid rote learning.

5. Analyze Previous Year Papers

Study the previous year’s papers to understand the difficulty level and pattern shifts in the IBPS Clerk Exam.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Result and Cut Off Declaration

The IBPS Clerk Prelims result is generally declared within 20–30 days after the exam. Candidates who qualify for the prelims are shortlisted for the Mains Exam. The result and cut-off list can be checked on the official website of IBPS.

Official IBPS Website

All official updates, notifications, admit cards, and results are published on the official website — https://www.ibps.in.

Conclusion

The IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam is a stepping stone for candidates aspiring to enter the banking sector. With proper strategy, time management, and consistent practice, anyone can clear this exam. Focus on accuracy and speed while maintaining conceptual clarity, and success will follow naturally.

Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What sections are included in the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam pattern?

The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam pattern includes three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability (Quantitative Ability), and Reasoning Ability.

How many total questions and marks are there in the IBPS Clerk Prelims?

There are a total of 100 questions carrying 100 marks in the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam.

What is the time duration for the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam?

The total time duration for IBPS Clerk Prelims is 60 minutes (1 hour).

Is there sectional timing in the IBPS Clerk Prelims?

Yes, there is sectional timing. Each of the three sections gets 20 minutes in the Prelims exam.

What is the negative marking scheme in IBPS Clerk Prelims?

The negative marking is 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam.

Are the Prelims marks counted in final selection for IBPS Clerk?

In many cases the Prelims marks are only qualifying in nature for IBPS Clerk; the final merit is based on the Mains stage.

In which languages is the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam conducted?

The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam is conducted in English and Hindi for all sections except the English Language portion which is only in English.

Can we change sections or move back once the time for a section is over?

No, you cannot move back to a previous section once the allotted time for that section is over in the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam.

How should I allocate my time across sections in IBPS Clerk Prelims?

A suggested allocation is: attempt easier questions first, aim to complete English section in around 18-20 minutes, leave ~20 minutes each for Quant and Reasoning, and try to maintain high accuracy given negative marking.

Where can I find the official exam pattern for IBPS Clerk Prelims?

The official exam pattern can be found on the IBPS website: www.ibps.in .