IBPS Clerk
Introduction
Banking recruitment exam by IBPS | Annual | All India
IBPS Clerk is the common recruitment process for appointing Customer Service Associates (CSA) in participating Public Sector Banks. It is conducted by IBPS to standardize clerk-level recruitment across banks and to fill customer-facing, branch-level support roles.
This exam is for graduates who want a stable banking career. After joining as a clerk, candidates can grow into higher roles through experience, internal promotion, and departmental opportunities.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection — Clerk (Customer Service Associate) |
| Mode of exam | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Stages | Prelims + Mains |
| Eligibility snapshot | Graduate in any discipline |
| Age limit | 20–28 years |
| Application mode | Online |
| Salary snapshot | ₹19,500–₹47,000 plus allowances |
| Official site | [ibps.in](https://ibps.in) |
Important Dates and Notification History
IBPS Clerk follows an annual recruitment cycle.
| Cycle | Notification Date | Exam Date(s) | Result Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026 | 2026 | — |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2026 |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2025 |
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2024 |
| 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2023 |
Vacancy History
| Year | Total Posts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14,403 | CRP CSA-XIV |
| 2025 | ~6,000 | |
| 2024 | ~4,000 | |
| 2023 | ~4,000 | |
| 2022 | ~6,000 |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
Educational Qualification
- A graduate in any discipline from a recognized university is required.
- A basic computer certificate is expected.
Computer Proficiency
- Basic computer knowledge is important because the exam and job role both involve computerized systems.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 28 years
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC | 5 years |
| ST | 5 years |
State / UT Language Requirement
- IBPS Clerk recruitment is state-wise.
- Candidates should be able to read, write, and communicate in the local language of the state/UT for which they apply, as per the notification instructions.
Reservation
Reservation follows Government of India policy.
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
Horizontal Reservation
- PwBD
- Ex-servicemen
Reservation and roster implementation are subject to applicable Government rules and the participating banks’ recruitment instructions.
Exam Pattern
Selection Stages
- Prelims
- Mains
There is no interview in IBPS Clerk recruitment.
Prelims Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 1 hour total |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | |
| **Total** | **100** | **100** | **60 minutes** |
Mains Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | — | — | 2 hours total |
| English Language | — | — | |
| Numerical Ability | — | — | |
| General Awareness | — | — | |
| Computer Knowledge | — | — | |
| **Total** | — | **200** | **120 minutes** |
Negative Marking
- 0.25 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains.
Merit Implication
- Prelims is qualifying in nature for shortlisting to Mains.
- Final selection is based on Mains performance and the recruitment rules in the official notification.
Selection Process
1. Online registration
2. Preliminary examination
3. Mains examination
4. Provisional allotment based on merit, state/UT preference, and vacancies
5. Document verification and joining formalities as per bank instructions
Syllabus
Prelims Syllabus
English Language
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test
- Error spotting
- Sentence correction
- Vocabulary
- Para jumbles
- Fill in the blanks
Numerical Ability
- Number series
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Quadratic equations
- Data interpretation
- Arithmetic topics
Reasoning Ability
- Seating arrangement
- Puzzles
- Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Coding-decoding
- Blood relations
- Direction sense
- Order and ranking
Mains Syllabus
Reasoning Ability
- Advanced puzzles
- Seating arrangement
- Inequality
- Input-output
- Coding-decoding
English Language
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test
- Error spotting
- Phrase replacement
- Sentence improvement
- Para jumbles
Numerical Ability
- Data interpretation
- Arithmetic
- Caselets
- Number series
- Simplification
General Awareness
- Banking awareness
- Current affairs
- RBI and banking terms
- Government schemes
- Static GK related to banking and economy
Computer Knowledge
- Basic computer fundamentals
- MS Office
- Internet and networking basics
- Hardware and software
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Banking technology awareness
How to Apply
1. Visit the official website: https://ibps.in" class="inlink">ibps.in
2. Open the IBPS Clerk recruitment notification.
3. Complete new registration with valid mobile number and email ID.
4. Fill the application form carefully.
5. Upload photograph, signature, and required documents in the prescribed format.
6. Pay the application fee online.
7. Submit the form and save the confirmation page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering wrong category, state, or date of birth
- Uploading blurred or oversized files
- Missing fee payment confirmation
- Applying without checking language and eligibility rules
- Waiting until the last date to submit the form
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Gen / OBC | ₹850 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹175 |
Payment is made online through the official IBPS application portal.
Salary
- Pay scale: ₹19,500–₹47,000
- Allowances: DA, HRA, and other admissible bank allowances
- Gross salary: ₹25,000–₹32,000
A clerk in a public sector bank also receives service-related benefits as per bank rules and applicable policies.
Cutoff
IBPS Clerk Prelims 2024
| Category | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| General | ~65/100 |
| OBC | ~60/100 |
| SC | ~55/100 |
| ST | ~50/100 |
Cutoffs vary by state, category, vacancy, and overall exam difficulty.
Preparation
A focused 2–3 month preparation plan is enough for many candidates if studied consistently.
Suggested Strategy
- Build speed and accuracy in Quant, Reasoning, and English for Prelims.
- Practice daily mock tests.
- Revise banking awareness, current affairs, and computer basics for Mains.
- Analyze mistakes after every mock.
- Keep a strong focus on time management.
Books and Resources
- R. S. Aggarwal for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning
- Standard English grammar and comprehension practice books
- Banking awareness notes and current affairs compilations
- Computer awareness basics for banking exams
Job Profile and Responsibilities
A Customer Service Associate in a public sector bank handles branch-level customer and back-office support tasks such as:
- Customer queries and assistance
- Cash counter support
- Passbook updates
- Deposit and withdrawal assistance
- Account-related documentation
- ATM and service request support
- Record maintenance and clerical duties
The work is generally branch-based and customer-facing, with routine office hours and operational responsibilities.
Career Path
IBPS Clerk offers a practical entry point into the banking sector.
Common Growth Path
Clerk → Trainee Officer → Officer
Promotion may happen through:
- Internal departmental processes
- Experience-based advancement
- Bank-specific promotion exams and rules
Official Sources
- https://ibps.in" class="inlink">IBPS Official Website
- https://ibps.in" class="inlink">Latest Notification
- https://ibps.in" class="inlink">Apply Online
FAQs
1. What is IBPS Clerk and what is the full form of CSA?
IBPS Clerk is a banking recruitment exam for appointing Customer Service Associates. CSA stands for Customer Service Associate.
2. Who conducts the IBPS Clerk exam?
The exam is conducted by IBPS, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.
3. Is IBPS Clerk an all-India exam?
Yes. It is an all-India, state-wise recruitment exam for public sector banks.
4. What is the age limit for IBPS Clerk?
The age limit is 20 to 28 years.
5. What are the age relaxations for reserved categories in IBPS Clerk?
OBC gets 3 years relaxation, while SC/ST get 5 years relaxation.
6. What educational qualification is required for IBPS Clerk?
A graduate degree in any discipline is required.
7. Is a computer certificate mandatory for IBPS Clerk eligibility?
A basic computer certificate is required as part of the eligibility conditions.
8. How many stages are there in the IBPS Clerk selection process?
There are two stages: Prelims and Mains.
9. Is there an interview in IBPS Clerk recruitment?
No. There is no interview in IBPS Clerk recruitment.
10. What is the exam pattern for IBPS Clerk Prelims?
Prelims has English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, with 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes.
11. What is the exam pattern for IBPS Clerk Mains?
Mains includes Reasoning Ability, English Language, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge, with 200 marks in 120 minutes.
12. Is there negative marking in IBPS Clerk?
Yes. 0.25 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
13. What subjects are asked in IBPS Clerk Prelims?
The Prelims subjects are English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
14. What subjects are asked in IBPS Clerk Mains?
The Mains subjects are Reasoning Ability, English Language, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
15. What is the application fee for IBPS Clerk?
The fee is ₹850 for Gen/OBC and ₹175 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
16. What is the salary of an IBPS Clerk?
The salary range is ₹19,500–₹47,000, plus allowances like DA and HRA.
17. What is the job role of a Customer Service Associate in a bank?
A CSA handles customer service, branch support, passbook updates, cash assistance, account-related help, and clerical work.
18. What is the career growth after joining as IBPS Clerk?
A clerk can grow to Trainee Officer and then Officer through promotion channels and experience.
19. What is the official website for IBPS Clerk updates?
The official website is https://ibps.in" class="inlink">ibps.in.
20. How can I apply for IBPS Clerk online?
You can apply by visiting ibps.in, registering online, filling the form, uploading documents, paying the fee, and submitting the application.