The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Clerk Exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants apply for this exam to secure a position in various public sector banks across the country. The exam provides a golden opportunity for candidates aiming to build a stable and rewarding career in the banking sector.
This blog will provide a detailed insight into the IBPS Clerk Exam, covering aspects like eligibility criteria, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and career growth.
What is the IBPS Clerk Exam?
The IBPS Clerk Exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
(IBPS) to recruit clerical staff in public sector banks (PSBs) across India. It is an entry-level exam for candidates aspiring to work in the banking sector, offering a stable job with various benefits.
The IBPS Clerk selection process consists of two phases:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
Unlike some other IBPS exams, there is no interview round for IBPS Clerk recruitment. Candidates are selected on their performance in the mains exam and their preferences for participating banks.
Eligibility Criteria for IBPS Clerk
Before applying for the IBPS Clerk exam, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by IBPS.
- Nationality
Candidate must be:
- A citizen of India OR
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan OR
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 OR
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or other specified countries to settle in India permanently.
- Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years
- Age Relaxation:
# SC/ST: 5 years
# OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) : 3 years
# Person with Disabilities: 10 years
# Other categories as per government norms
- Educational Qualification
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Proficiency in the official language of the state/UT for which the candidate is applying.
- Basic computer literacy is required as the exam is conducted online.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern
The IBPS Clerk Exam consists of two phases:
- Preliminary Exam Pattern
Total number of questions – 100
Marks – 100
Duration – 60 minutes
Key points:
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
- Candidates must qualify in each section to be shortlisted for the Mains Exam.
- Mains Exam Pattern
Total number of questions – 190
Marks – 200
Duration – 160 minutes
Key points:
- The Mains exam has no sectional cut-off, but there is an overall cut-off.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers.
- The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the Mains Exam.
Syllabus for IBPS Clerk Exam
Understanding the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation.
- Preliminary Exam Syllabus
- English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Fill in the blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Numerical Ability:
- Simplification
- Number series
- Data interpretation
- Quadratic Equations
- Arithmetic ( Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Percentage, etc.)
- Reasoning Ability:
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction sense
B. Mains Exam Syllabus
- General/Financial Awareness:
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Banking Awareness
- Important Government Schemes
- Economic News
- General English:
- Advanced Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Error Spotting
- Cloze test
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
- Logical Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Computer Basics ( MS Office, Networking, Internet, etc.)
- Quantitative Aptitude:
- Data Interpretation
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Work
- Probability
- Number System
Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the IBPS Clerk exam:
- Create a study plan
- Allocate specific time for each section
- Focus more on weaker areas.
- Keep time for revision and mock tests,
- Strengthen Basics
- Work on speed and accuracy.
- Clear basic concepts in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning
- Practice Mock Tests
- Attempt full-length tests regularly.
- Analyze your mistakes and work on improving weak areas.
- Stay updated with current affairs
- Read the newspaper daily.
- Follow current affairs websites and banking news.
- Time Management
- Solve easier questions first.
- Avoid spending too much time on a single question.
Career growth and salary of IBPS Clerk
- Salary Structure
The basic pay of an IBPS Clerk is INR 20,000 – 30,000 per month, along with additional allowances like:
- Dearness allowance
- House rent allowance
- Medical allowance
- Transport allowance
- Promotion and career growth
An IBPS Clerk can be promoted to higher positions through internal exams and performance-based promotions
- Clerk -> Officer (PO/Assistant Manager)
- Assistant Manager -> Branch Manager
- Branch Manager -> Senior Manager
- Senior Manager -> Chief Manager
With dedication and experience, a clerk can reach high managerial positions in the banking sector.
Conclusion
The IBPS Clerk Exam is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking a stable government job in the banking sector. With structured preparation, regular practice, and determination, aspirants can clear the exam and secure a bright future.
If you are planning to appear for the IBPS Clerk Exam, start your preparation early, stay disciplined, and keep practicing. All the best for your journey toward becoming a banking professional!
FAQs
The selection process consists of a prelims exam, a mains exam, and document verification.
No, there is no interview for IBPS Clerk.
The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the mains exam.
Candidates are allotted to participating banks based on merit and preferences.
The exam is objective and has sectional timings.
The cut-off is calculated based on the total score of the exam.
IBPS Clerks manage inquiries, receipts, withdrawals and more. They also open new accounts, collect cash, issue bank statements, and handle mail & delivery.
