Are you preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2025? Understanding the latest exam pattern is essential to plan your strategy and boost your chances of selection. The exam is conducted in two stages—Prelims and Mains, both held online as Computer-Based Tests (CBTs). The Prelims is qualifying in nature, while the Mains score determines the final selection, with no interview round involved. This article provides a clear breakdown of the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam pattern, marking scheme, language options, and final selection process.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern 2025
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam to recruit candidates for clerical positions in various public sector banks. Understanding the IBPS Clerk exam pattern 2025 is crucial for effective preparation. The selection process consists of two stages – the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam. Candidates must qualify both stages to be considered for the final selection.
The IBPS Clerk exam follows an online computer-based test (CBT) format. The prelims and mains exams have separate structures, time limits, and scoring patterns.
IBPS Clerk Selection Process
The IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2025 includes two stages—Prelims and Mains. Candidates must first clear the Preliminary Exam to qualify for the Main Exam. The final merit list is prepared based on performance in the Mains only, as there is no interview round for clerical posts. Document verification follows after the final selection to confirm eligibility.
- Stage 1: Preliminary Exam – Qualifying in nature, acts as a screening test.
- Stage 2: Main Exam – Final merit is based on marks obtained in this stage.
- No Interview – Clerical posts do not involve a personal interview round.
- Final Selection – Based solely on Main Exam score and successful document verification.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk Exam annually to recruit candidates for clerical roles in various public sector banks across India. In 2025, the exam will follow a two-stage process:
- Preliminary Examination (Qualifying in nature)
- Mains Examination (Final merit-based selection)
- Both exams are conducted online as CBTs.
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IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The preliminary exam serves as the first stage of the selection process. It consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
- Sectional timing applies, meaning candidates cannot switch between sections.
- The total duration of the exam is 1 hour (60 minutes).
- The prelims are qualifying in nature, and marks obtained in this stage do not contribute to the final selection.
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| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates who clear the Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Mains Exam, which consists of four sections.
- The Mains Exam consists of 190 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Each question carries 1 mark, except for the Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section, which has a total of 60 marks.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for each incorrect answer.
- The total duration of the exam is 160 minutes.
- No sectional cut-off, but candidates must clear the overall cut-off to qualify for selection.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 minutes |
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Language Options for IBPS Clerk Exam
The IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains exams are conducted in both English and Hindi, except for the English Language section, which is only available in English.
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IBPS Clerk Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer in both Prelims and Mains earns 1 mark.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer applies in both stages.
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
- The Mains Exam score is considered for final selection.
| Answer Type | Marking Rule |
|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 mark |
| Unanswered Question | No deduction |
| Final Selection Based On | Mains Score Only |
