IBPS Clerk 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility & Cutoff
The IBPS Clerk examination, conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, is among the most popular competitive tests for candidates aspiring to join public sector banks as clerks across India. Each year, a large number of aspirants participate in this examination, as it opens the door to a secure government career along with appealing perks. The IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 is eagerly awaited, as it offers a promising chance for individuals seeking to build a successful career in the banking industry. For well-planned preparation, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the exam highlights, important dates, eligibility criteria, detailed syllabus, admit card procedure, and previous years’ cutoff trends.
Table of Contents
IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 – Highlights
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Examination Name | IBPS Clerk 2026 |
| Objective of Exam | Selection of clerical cadre staff for participating banks |
| Expected Vacancies | Approximately 8,000–10,000 (as per official notice) |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Computer-Based Test – CBT) |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Examination and Main Examination |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Application Process | Online Submission |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
The selection process for the exam is conducted in two phases: a Preliminary Examination, which serves as a qualifying round, followed by the Main Examination, which plays a decisive role in preparing the final merit list. The responsibilities of a clerk include managing customer interactions, handling banking transactions, maintaining accounts, and managing cash operations. Therefore, candidates must possess a clear understanding of fundamental banking procedures and services.
IBPS Clerk 2026 Exam Dates (Expected)
| Event | Tentative Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | January 2026 |
| Online Application End Date | February 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | March 2026 |
| Prelims Result Declaration | April 2026 |
| Main Examination | May 2026 |
| Mains Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Interview / Document Verification | After Mains Result (if applicable) |
| Final Merit List Release | July 2026 |
Candidates should keep a close watch on the official IBPS website for accurate dates and any changes to the schedule. Applying early and following a well-planned preparation strategy will significantly enhance the chances of success.
Eligibility Criteria for IBPS Clerk Exam 2026
Knowing the eligibility requirements is crucial to prevent disqualification. The key criteria for IBPS Clerk 2026 are as follows:
Nationality/Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian citizens or meet eligibility conditions for Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from specified countries.
Age Limit: Generally, candidates should be between 20 and 28 years as of the prescribed cutoff date. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories in accordance with government regulations.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. Final-year students may also apply provisionally, provided they submit proof of graduation during the selection process.
Language Proficiency: Basic knowledge of the official language of the state or union territory where the bank branch is located is required.
Additionally, candidates belonging to reserved categories are eligible for age relaxation as per government norms. All applicants must meet the physical fitness standards specified by the participating banks.
IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus is divided according to the two stages of the exam – Preliminary and Main. Both stages aim to evaluate a candidate’s numerical skills, reasoning ability, English proficiency, and knowledge of banking and financial awareness.
Preliminary Examination Syllabus
English Language: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, error detection, and sentence improvement
Numerical Ability: Number series, simplification, basic arithmetic problems (profit & loss, time & work, percentages, etc.), and basic data interpretation
Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, seating arrangements, inequalities, syllogisms, coding-decoding, and blood relations.
Main Examination Syllabus
General/Financial Awareness: Covers banking awareness, current affairs (both national and international), financial institutions, and recent economic developments.
General English: Includes advanced comprehension, fill-in-the-blank questions, paragraph jumbles, and error detection exercises.
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: Tests logical reasoning, input-output problems, puzzles, seating arrangements, as well as basic computer knowledge, software, and keyboard shortcuts.
Quantitative Aptitude: Encompasses data interpretation, number series, quadratic equations, simplification, and arithmetic word problems.
Candidates are advised to refer to the official IBPS notifications for the detailed syllabus and precise topics.
IBPS Clerk Exam Admit Card 2026
The admit card is an essential document required to enter the examination hall. Key details regarding the IBPS Clerk 2026 admit card are as follows:
It is issued online via the official IBPS website after successful submission of the application and document verification.
Separate admit cards are provided for the Preliminary and Main exams.
It contains important information such as candidate details, exam center, exam timings, and instructions to follow.
Candidates should download and print multiple copies for safety.
Carrying a valid identity proof along with the admit card is mandatory for entry into the exam.
The admit card is generally available for download 7 to 10 days before the exam date. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to IBPS through their helpline.
IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 Cutoff
The cutoff represents the minimum marks required by IBPS to qualify for each stage of the exam. These cutoffs fluctuate based on factors such as exam difficulty, number of vacancies, candidate category, and overall performance.
Approximate Cutoffs from Previous Years:
| Category | Preliminary Cutoff (Approx.) | Main Cutoff (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 70–75 marks (out of 100) | 115–125 marks (out of 200) |
| OBC | 65–70 marks | 110–120 marks |
| SC | 60–65 marks | 100–110 marks |
| ST | 55–60 marks | 90–100 marks |
Preliminary cutoffs are generally lower than main exam cutoffs. Candidates who meet the minimum prelims cutoff are eligible to appear for the mains. The final selection is based on mains scores and regional vacancy preferences.
The IBPS Clerk Exam 2026 continues to be a highly competitive pathway to a respected banking career. Success requires a thorough understanding of all exam aspects, including eligibility criteria, syllabus, important dates, and document requirements. Consistent preparation according to the official syllabus, along with staying updated on notifications, significantly improves a candidate’s chances. With the right strategy and dedicated effort, clearing the IBPS Clerk exam can lead to a rewarding career in India’s banking sector.
IBPS Clerk FAQs
The minimum qualification for IBPS Clerk is a Bachelor’s degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized university or institution approved by the Government of India, along with basic computer knowledge such as a certificate, diploma, or having studied computer as a subject in high school, college, or institute. Candidates must also be between 20 and 28 years of age at the time of registration, with age relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per government rules, and they must be proficient in the official language of the state or UT they are applying for, including the ability to read, write, and speak it fluently.
The IBPS Clerk exam is considered moderately difficult, making it one of the most accessible yet competitive bank exams in India for graduates aiming for a clerical post in public sector banks. The Prelims level is generally easy to moderate, focusing on basic aptitude in Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English, while the Mains exam is slightly tougher with added sections like General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude, requiring better accuracy and speed. With a smart study plan, regular mock tests, and strong fundamentals, most candidates can clear the exam within 4–6 months of consistent preparation. However, due to the high number of applicants and limited vacancies, the real challenge lies in beating the competition rather than the difficulty level of the syllabus itself.
Yes, IBPS Clerk is a permanent job in public sector banks, as candidates are recruited for the post of Customer Service Associate (Clerk) on a full-time, regular basis after successfully clearing the IBPS Clerk (CRP-CSA) examination and completing the probation period. Once confirmed, clerks receive job security, fixed monthly salary, regular promotions, pension benefits under NPS, medical facilities, paid leaves, and other government-backed allowances, making it a stable and long-term career option. IBPS only conducts the recruitment exam, while the final appointment is made by participating public sector banks, where employees enjoy permanent service status as per bank service rules.
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for the IBPS Clerk exam, as candidates can appear for the examination as many times as they want until they meet the age eligibility criteria prescribed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). As per official norms, the minimum age is 20 years and the maximum age is 28 years, with applicable age relaxations for reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and others, as per Government of India rules. This means a general category candidate can attempt the IBPS Clerk exam multiple times within this age bracket, making it one of the most accessible banking exams for repeated attempts without a specific cap.
Yes, an average student can definitely crack the IBPS Clerk exam with the right strategy, consistency, and smart preparation, as the exam tests basic aptitude in Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English rather than advanced-level concepts. With a focused study plan of 3–4 months, regular mock test practice, strong command over fundamentals, and continuous error analysis, even candidates from non-mathematics backgrounds successfully clear the exam every year. Since the competition is high but the syllabus is predictable, disciplined preparation, time management, and sectional accuracy play a more decisive role than academic background, making IBPS Clerk achievable for average students who stay consistent and exam-focused.