IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 – Revised Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern (Download PDF)
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the official notification for 10,277 Clerk vacancies across 11 participating public sector banks. The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam will be held on 4th, 5th, and 11th October 2025, while the Mains exam is scheduled for 29th November 2025.
Aspirants must carefully go through the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 and updated exam pattern to maximize their preparation. In this post, you’ll get the section-wise syllabus for Prelims & Mains, exam pattern tables, topic-wise weightage, and a free PDF download to plan your preparation strategically.
📌 IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2025
The IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2025 process is designed to test both the aptitude and practical readiness of candidates for clerical roles in public sector banks. Unlike many other competitive exams, this process is streamlined and transparent, making it one of the most trusted banking recruitment systems in India.
Here’s a complete breakdown 👇
1️⃣ Preliminary Examination – The First Gate
- The Prelims is an online screening test with three sections:
English Language – tests grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Numerical Ability – checks calculation speed, number sense, and basic quantitative aptitude.
Reasoning Ability – evaluates logical thinking, puzzles, and problem-solving.
Duration & Format: 100 questions, 60 minutes, with sectional timing of 20 minutes each.
Purpose: This stage is qualifying only. Your Prelims score won’t count in the final merit list, but clearing it is essential to reach the Mains.
💡 Pro Tip: Treat Prelims as your speed test. Focus on accuracy under time pressure, since negative marking (–0.25) applies.
2️⃣ Mains Examination – The Real Decider
Candidates who clear Prelims move to the Mains Exam, which is the heart of the selection process.
The Mains has four major sections:
General/Financial Awareness – questions from banking awareness, economy, budget, and current affairs.
General English – advanced comprehension and grammar.
Reasoning Ability (with Computer Awareness integrated) – high-level puzzles, logical reasoning, and basic computer knowledge.
Quantitative Aptitude – advanced arithmetic, DI (data interpretation), and applied maths.
Duration & Format: 155 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes.
Purpose: This stage is merit-based. Marks scored in the Mains determine whether you get shortlisted for allotment.
💡 Unique Value: Many aspirants focus only on Quant & Reasoning, but in recent years, the General/Financial Awareness section has been the rank-decider. Consistent reading of current affairs and RBI updates can give you a competitive edge.
3️⃣ Language Proficiency Test (LPT) – The Final Filter
After Mains, shortlisted candidates undergo an LPT in the official language of the state/UT they apply from.
The test may include reading comprehension, letter/essay writing, and conversation skills.
Why it matters: Clerks are the first point of contact for customers. Language skills ensure you can interact fluently in the regional language of the posting branch.
🚫 No Interview = Marks Matter More
Unlike IBPS PO or SBI PO, there is no interview round in IBPS Clerk recruitment. That means:
Every single mark in the Mains exam counts directly toward your final merit.
Accuracy, time management, and smart topic prioritisation in Mains become absolutely critical.
📝 IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2025 has been updated this year, making it crucial for aspirants to understand how the exams are structured. Both Prelims and Mains are conducted online (computer-based) and are available in English & Hindi (except the English Language section which is only in English).
👉 An important point to note is the negative marking rule – for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. Accuracy matters just as much as speed.
1️⃣ IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Prelims is your qualifying stage – it decides whether you move ahead to the Mains. Though marks scored here are not counted in the final merit list, you must clear both the sectional cut-offs and the overall cut-off.
Here’s the structure:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
✅ Marks scored in Prelims are not counted in final merit.
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025 (Updated)
The Mains is the real deciding stage for IBPS Clerk recruitment. Marks scored here form the basis of the final merit list. In 2025, IBPS has introduced major changes to make the exam more streamlined.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 min |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | 35 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 | 30 min |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 120 min |
✅ Latest Changes in IBPS Clerk Mains 2025
Questions reduced: 190 ➝ 155.
Time reduced: 160 mins ➝ 120 mins.
Computer Aptitude merged with Reasoning ➝ now called “Reasoning Ability”.
Quantitative Aptitude questions cut from 50 ➝ 35, but difficulty is expected to remain high.
General Awareness questions cut from 50 ➝ 40, with a shorter time frame (20 minutes).
🎯 What These Changes Mean for Aspirants
Less time = higher pressure on accuracy.
Reasoning will now carry more weight (60 marks) – puzzles & logical reasoning will dominate.
GA/Banking Awareness has become a rank-decider section. Those who read current affairs regularly can score big here.
Quant may have fewer questions, but IBPS often increases the complexity to balance.
💡 Unique Value Tip: Instead of spending equal time on all subjects, aspirants should prioritise GA + Reasoning in Mains, as together they form 55% of the paper.
📚 IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 – Section-Wise
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 is structured to evaluate three core skills every banker needs:
Speed – Can you solve under time pressure?
Accuracy – Can you avoid mistakes when negative marking applies?
Awareness – Do you understand banking, finance, and current affairs?
Both Prelims & Mains test these skills, but the difficulty level and scope of topics differ. Below is the detailed subject-wise syllabus with unique insights for each section.
✍️ IBPS Clerk English Language Syllabus
The English section is not just about grammar; it tests whether you can comprehend customer queries, draft official documents, and process information quickly.
Prelims Focus: Basic comprehension, grammar rules, and vocabulary.
Mains Focus: Analytical comprehension and advanced grammar.
📖 Topics to Cover:
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Formation, Idioms & Phrases.
Grammar: Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech.
Reading Comprehension: Short passages, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Word Swap.
Advanced (Mains): Inference-based RCs, Coherent Paragraphs, Match the Columns, Paragraph Completion.
💡 Unique Value Tip: In recent years, Reading Comprehension dominates with 8–10 questions in both Prelims & Mains. Focus on practicing passages based on banking & economy themes.
🧮 IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Quant is the backbone of Prelims and still highly relevant in Mains, though question count is reduced (35 Qs in 2025). This section checks if you can handle numbers quickly and accurately — a must for bank clerical jobs.
Prelims Focus: Speed math (simplification, number series, percentages).
Mains Focus: Heavy Data Interpretation (DI) + Applied Arithmetic.
📊 Topics to Cover:
Arithmetic: Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Partnership, Averages, Ages, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns, Speed-Time-Distance, Boats & Streams, Mensuration (2D & 3D).
Algebra: Linear/Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Algebraic Identities.
Data Interpretation: Tables, Line Graphs, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Radar DI, Mixed DI.
Advanced Topics: Probability, Permutation & Combination, Mixtures & Allegations, Logarithms, Simplification/Approximation, Data Sufficiency.
💡 Unique Value Tip: DI contributes 9–12 questions in Mains. Even if you’re weak in Arithmetic, mastering DI sets can fetch you 20–25 marks easily.
🧩 IBPS Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus
Reasoning is often considered a game-changer because it can fetch high marks if you know puzzle-solving techniques. In 2025, Computer Aptitude has been merged into Reasoning, so this section carries even more importance (40 Qs, 60 marks in Mains).
Prelims Focus: Simplified puzzles, series, and inequalities.
Mains Focus: Complex puzzles, statement-based reasoning, and coded logic.
🧠 Topics to Cover:
Seating Arrangements: Linear, Circular, Double Row, Box, Floor-based.
Puzzles: Scheduling, Month/Day/Year-based, Blood Relation-based.
Coding-Decoding: Letter/Number/Symbol Coding, Coded Inequalities.
Logical Reasoning: Syllogism (Normal & Reverse), Statement & Assumption, Statement & Conclusion, Statement & Inference.
Miscellaneous: Alphanumeric Series, Order & Ranking, Blood Relations, Direction & Distance, Input-Output, Odd One Out.
Computer Awareness (integrated): MS Office basics, Internet, Networking, Cybersecurity tools.
💡 Unique Value Tip: Puzzles + Seating Arrangements = 15–20 questions alone. If you master these, you can secure almost half the Reasoning marks.
🌍 IBPS Clerk General/Financial Awareness Syllabus
This section is often ignored by beginners but has become a rank-decider in recent years. Since Clerks deal with day-to-day banking operations, IBPS tests whether you understand banking concepts, government schemes, and current economic updates.
🌐 Topics to Cover:
Current Affairs (6 months): National & International, Sports, Awards, Summits, Appointments.
Banking Awareness: RBI policies, Monetary Tools, Banking Terms, Digital Payments (UPI, NEFT, RTGS).
Economy & Finance: Union Budget 2025–26, Economic Survey, GDP, Inflation, Reports & Indices.
Static Awareness: Important Days, Books & Authors, Capitals, Headquarters of Banks/Organizations.
International Organizations: IMF, World Bank, ADB, WTO, UN.
💡 Unique Value Tip: The last 6 months of current affairs are the most important. Instead of cramming, make a weekly revision notebook.
📊 Topic-Wise Weightage (Based on Previous Years)
| Section | Important Topics | Avg. Qs (2022–24) |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 15–20 Qs |
| Quant | Data Interpretation | 9–12 Qs |
| English | Reading Comprehension | 8–10 Qs |
| GA | Current Affairs (last 6 months) | 15–20 Qs |
👉 Focus Strategy:
Prelims: Prioritise Simplification, RC, Puzzles for speed.
Mains: Prioritise GA, DI, High-level Puzzles for maximum impact.
📥 IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
📢 IBPS Jobs & Notifications 2025
IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2025 – 10,277 Vacancies for Graduates
IBPS SO Recruitment 2025 – 6 Officer Posts, Eligibility, Apply Now
IBPS PO Notification 2025 Out – 6,432 Vacancies, Apply Online Now
🎟 IBPS Admit Cards 2025
IBPS Clerk Admit Card 2025 (to be updated soon)
🏁 Final Note on IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 gives you a clear picture of what to study for both Prelims and Mains. With the latest changes in the exam pattern, smart preparation is more important than ever. Remember, Prelims is only a qualifying round, but your Mains performance decides your final selection, and every mark matters since there is no interview stage.
Stay consistent with practice, focus on Puzzles, DI, and Current Affairs, and keep revising regularly. Use the PDF download above as your handy guide, and build a study plan that balances speed, accuracy, and awareness. With discipline and the right strategy, clearing IBPS Clerk 2025 is absolutely within your reach.
With over 10,000 vacancies and lakhs of aspirants, IBPS Clerk 2025 is a challenge but also a golden opportunity. Stay consistent, use the PDF above as your ready reckoner, and remember — Prelims gets you through, but Mains gets you the job.
✨ Wishing you the very best for IBPS Clerk 2025 – stay focused, stay confident, and success will be yours! ✨
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❓ IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 – FAQs
The IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 includes three subjects in Prelims – English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains exam expands to four sections – General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Yes, the IBPS Clerk Mains exam pattern 2025 has been revised. The total questions have been reduced from 190 to 155, the exam duration is reduced from 160 to 120 minutes, and Computer Aptitude is now merged with Reasoning Ability.
No. The IBPS Clerk Prelims is qualifying in nature. Only the marks obtained in the IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 are considered for the final merit list.
Important topics in IBPS Clerk Quantitative Aptitude include Data Interpretation, Simplification, Approximation, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, and Probability.
Reasoning Ability carries the highest weightage in IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 with 60 marks. Along with General/Financial Awareness (50 marks), these two sections often become rank deciders.
You can download the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2025 PDF directly from this page. It contains the complete subject-wise syllabus for both Prelims and Mains along with the updated exam pattern.
The IBPS Clerk and IBPS PO syllabus are similar in subjects, but the difficulty level in PO is higher. Clerk focuses more on speed and accuracy, while PO requires in-depth conceptual understanding.
To prepare for IBPS Clerk 2025, focus on high-weightage topics like Puzzles, DI, RC, and Current Affairs. Practice daily mock tests, revise banking awareness, and use the syllabus PDF to track your progress section-wise.