The Complete IBPS Clerk Syllabus: A Strategic Guide to the Subjects & Topics

The ultimate guide to the IBPS Clerk subjects. Get a detailed topic-by-topic breakdown of the syllabus for English, Reasoning, Numerical/Quantitative Ability, and GA.

IBPS Clerk Subjects & Topics 2025: A Detailed Guide for Prelims & Mains

Success in the IBPS Clerk exam isn't about studying everything; it's about studying the right things. This guide is your detailed roadmap, breaking down the subjects and topics for both Prelims and Mains to build a focused and winning strategy.

You've decided to embark on the journey to become a bank clerk—a fantastic goal that promises a stable and rewarding career. But this journey has a clear map, and that map is the IBPS Clerk syllabus. Many aspirants treat the syllabus as a mere checklist, but the toppers see it for what it truly is: a strategic blueprint that reveals the exam's priorities, high-scoring areas, and the mindset required to win.

The IBPS Clerk exam is a two-stage race. The Prelims is a high-speed sprint designed to test your quickness and accuracy, while the Mains is a more demanding test of your deep knowledge and endurance. The subjects in both stages might look similar, but their focus and the skills they test are different. Understanding this difference is key to a smart preparation plan.

This article will serve as your expert guide, providing a comprehensive, topic-by-topic deconstruction of the syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main examinations. Let's get started.

IBPS Clerk Prelims Syllabus: Mastering the Sprint

The Prelims exam is a 60-minute, 100-question test designed to filter candidates based on speed. Your goal is to maximize your score within the strict 20-minute sectional time limits. The syllabus is focused on fundamental concepts and quick application.

1. English Language (30 Questions, 20 Minutes)

This section assesses your basic command of the English language. It's often the quickest section to attempt.

Key Topics:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): The core of the section, with one passage of 8-10 questions. The topics are usually simple and story-based.
• Cloze Test: A paragraph with 5-7 blanks testing your contextual vocabulary and grammar.
• Error Spotting: Finding grammatical errors in sentences. Focus on basic rules of tense, subject-verb agreement, and prepositions.
• Fill in the Blanks (Fillers): Single-blank questions that test your vocabulary.
• Para Jumbles & Spellings: Arranging jumbled sentences and identifying misspelled words.

2. Numerical Ability (35 Questions, 20 Minutes)

This section is all about calculation speed. It emphasizes your ability to perform quick arithmetic over solving complex problems.

Key Topics:

• Simplification & Approximation: The most important topic, with 10-15 questions. Your speed in BODMAS, percentages, squares, and cubes will be tested.
• Number Series: 5 questions on finding the missing or wrong number in a sequence.
• Data Interpretation (DI): One or two simple sets (5-10 questions) based on Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, or Tables.
• Arithmetic Word Problems: The remaining 10-12 questions from topics like Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work, and Speed, Time & Distance.

3. Reasoning Ability (35 Questions, 20 Minutes)

This section tests your logical thinking. It is dominated by puzzles, but at a much simpler level than in PO exams.

Key Topics:

• Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: The biggest chunk, with 15-20 questions. Focus on:
  • Linear and Circular Seating Arrangements.
  • Floor-Based, Box-Based, or Day/Month-Based Puzzles.
• Miscellaneous Topics (Quick Wins):
  • Syllogism, Inequalities, Alphanumeric Series: These topics are highly scoring and should be attempted first.
  • Blood Relations & Direction Sense: 2-3 questions each, easily solved with diagrams.
  • Coding-Decoding: Simple, pattern-based questions.

IBPS Clerk Mains Syllabus: The Test of Depth

The Mains exam is the final hurdle. The score you get here determines your selection. The syllabus is deeper, and a new subject—General/Financial Awareness—is introduced.

1. General/ Financial Awareness (50 Questions, 35 Minutes)

This is the rank-deciding section. It's high-scoring if you have prepared consistently for the last 4-6 months.

Key Topics:

• Banking and Financial Awareness: The most important part. Master banking terms, RBI functions, monetary policy, financial markets, and recent banking news.
• Current Affairs: National and international news, government schemes, awards, sports, and important appointments.
• Static GK: Country capitals & currencies, national parks, and important days.

2. General English (40 Questions, 35 Minutes)

The difficulty level increases significantly from Prelims. The focus shifts to a deeper level of comprehension.

Key Topics:

• Reading Comprehension: At least two long passages with inference-based questions.
• New Pattern Questions: Be prepared for sentence connectors, fillers with multiple options, and matching columns.
• Advanced Error Spotting and Para Jumbles: Longer sentences and more complex arrangements.

3. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (50 Questions, 45 Minutes)

This section has high weightage (60 marks). The focus is almost entirely on high-level, complex reasoning puzzles.

Key Topics:

• High-Level Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: The majority of the section. Expect multi-variable puzzles that are time-consuming.
• Logical (Critical) Reasoning: Questions on assumptions, inferences, and courses of action.
• Data Sufficiency and Input-Output: Classic Mains topics that test your analytical skills.
• Computer Aptitude: A few very basic questions on computer fundamentals, history, and keyboard shortcuts. This is a minimal part of the section.

4. Quantitative Aptitude (50 Questions, 45 Minutes)

The focus here shifts from speed maths to a deep test of your analytical and interpretation skills.

Key Topics:

• Data Interpretation (DI): This is the most dominant part of the section.
  • Caselets: Data presented in paragraph form.
  • Arithmetic-Based DI: Sets based on topics like Profit & Loss.
  • Missing DI and new chart types.
• Complex Arithmetic Word Problems: Multi-step, concept-based problems.
• Quantity Comparison (Q1, Q2) & Data Sufficiency.

For the most accurate and updated syllabus, always refer to the official notification on the IBPS website: www.ibps.in.

Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the subjects in the IBPS Clerk Prelims syllabus?

The three subjects are English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.

Is there a sectional time limit in the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam?

Yes, the exam has a strict sectional timing of 20 minutes for each of the three subjects. You cannot switch between sections.

Which topics are most important in Quantitative Aptitude for Prelims?

The most important and high-scoring topics are Data Interpretation (DI), Simplification/Approximation, and Number Series. Arithmetic word problems also form a significant part.

What is the weightage of Puzzles and Seating Arrangements in the Reasoning section?

Puzzles and Seating Arrangements have the highest weightage, typically making up 15-20 out of the 35 questions in the Reasoning Ability section.

Is the syllabus for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains the same?

The core topics are similar, but the Mains syllabus is much deeper and more complex. For example, Quantitative Aptitude in Prelims becomes Data Analysis & Interpretation in Mains, and General Awareness is an additional subject in the Mains exam.

How should I prepare for the English Language section?

A good strategy is to focus on building a strong reading habit, which improves both comprehension and vocabulary. Along with that, practicing core grammar rules for error spotting is essential.

Are there any qualifying marks for each subject?

Yes, IBPS sets a sectional cut-off for each of the three subjects. You must score above this minimum mark in every section, in addition to clearing the overall cut-off, to qualify.

Is Computer Aptitude part of the Prelims syllabus?

No, Computer Aptitude is not part of the IBPS Clerk Prelims syllabus. It is a small part of the Reasoning section in the Mains exam.

What kind of topics are covered under 'Speed Maths'?

'Speed Maths' refers to topics that require fast calculation skills. For IBPS PO Prelims, this includes Simplification, Approximation, Number Series (missing and wrong), and Quadratic Equations.

Where can I find the official IBPS Clerk syllabus?

The official and most detailed syllabus is always released by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) in the official notification for the PO examination, which can be found on their website: www.ibps.in.