IBPS Clerk Application Process 2026: Step by Step Guide

The application process is the crucial first step; missing it can end your journey before it even begins. It requires careful attention, from verifying eligibility to uploading documents accurately. This essay explains the process step by step, covering expected changes for 2026, common mistakes, and strategies for success. Whether you are a recent graduate or changing careers, mastering this process can open the door to a rewarding banking career in India's growing financial sector.

IBPS Clerk Application 2026: Step-by-Step Online Registration

The IBPS Clerk application is completely online via ibps.in. There is no offline option. The process consists of four phases:

• Basic registration

• Detailed application

• Document upload

• Fee payment

Allocate 45–60 minutes in a stable internet environment and save frequently as sessions may time out.

Visit the Official Website

• Go to ibps.in > CRP Clerk > CRP Clerk XVI (2026 edition)

• Click "Apply Online" or "New Registration"

Basic Registration

• Enter personal details: name, date of birth (as per 10th certificate), category (SC/ST/OBC/GEN/EWS/PwD), email, mobile, and state preference

• Complete captcha verification

• A provisional registration number and password will be sent via SMS and email. Keep them secure as lost credentials will require starting over

IBPS Clerk Application 2026: Login and Fill Application Form

Personal Details

• Full name, category, nationality, and marital status

Educational Details

• Enter degrees, year of passing, and percentage

• Convert CGPA to percentage if required (CGPA × 9.5)

Address Details

• Provide permanent and communication addresses with correct pincodes

Choice of State/UT

• Select 1 to 3 preferences for posting

• Allotment is based on merit and preference

Photo and Signature Upload

• Photo: 20–50 KB, 4.5 × 3.5 cm, light background

• Signature: 10–20 KB, black ink on white paper

• Use IBPS tools or simple software like Paint to adjust. Incorrect files may lead to rejection

Left Thumb Impression

• 20–50 KB, plain paper, no gloves

Handwritten Declaration

• Scan a self-written line: "I, [name], declare that all information is true"

• File size: 10–20 KB, black ink

Preview and Submit

• Review the form carefully; typos in name or date of birth cannot be corrected after submission

• Lock the form to finalize submission

Pro Tip

• Practice on the demo link if available

• Apply early as servers may crash on the first day. For 2025, over 10 lakh candidates applied.

IBPS Clerk Application 2026: Application Fee Details

No fee waivers are available except for SC/ST/PwD/women, who pay ₹0. Other candidates must pay the following fees:

Payments must be made online using debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. Cash or challan payments are not accepted. The payment gateway is secure (SBI ePay). Candidates should save their transaction ID or receipt. Partial payments will fail and refunds may take several weeks. The fee for reserved categories increased from ₹125 before 2023 to ₹175 in 2025 due to inflation.

Document Preparation and Specifications

Before applying, gather the following:

• Scanned photograph, signature, thumb impression, and declaration as per guidelines.

• ID proof: Aadhaar (preferred for biometric verification), PAN, or Voter ID.

• Educational certificates (provisional certificates are acceptable initially).

• Caste, PwD, or EWS certificates (only valid government-issued formats).

• Use JPG or PDF formats and compress files via ilovepdf.com. IBPS software detects any edits, so authenticity is essential.

IBPS Clerk Application 2026: How to Avoid mistakes

Candidates frequently face rejections due to:

• Incorrect photo or signature size causing up to 20% rejections.

• Multiple registrations by the same candidate.

• Missing local language eligibility requirement.

• EWS certificate older than one year being invalid.

• State choice not matching supporting documents.

Solutions:

• Read FAQs thoroughly.

• Use checklists from adda247 or bankersadda.

• After submission, print the application form and fee receipt for records.

IBPS Clerk Application 2026: Post-Application Steps

• Admit Card Download: Available 10 to 15 days before the exam. Login with registration number and date of birth, then print on A4 paper.

• Exam Preparation:

  • Prelims: 100 marks (English 30, Numerical 35, Reasoning 35), 60 minutes.

  • Mains: 200 marks with additional descriptive test.

• Results and Scorecard:

  • Prelims cut-offs are state and category-specific (for example, Rajasthan GEN ~73 in 2025).

  • Mains results along with language proficiency test results.

• Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates upload original documents online and attend verification centers.

• Provisional Allotment: Merit lists are sent to banks, and candidates must join within the given deadline.

• Track all updates via ibps.in login; emails are not used for official communication.

IBPS Clerk Application 2026: Special Considerations for 2026

• Aadhaar-PAN linkage will be mandatory for faster verification.

• AI-proctored exams are expected to reduce malpractices.

• Higher number of vacancies anticipated in North and West states.

• Syllabus updates may include more questions on data interpretation and banking awareness.

• Law students aiming for banking roles should note legal compliance positions in the sector.