The IBPS Clerk 2026 examination comprises two online stages: a Preliminary Examination and a Main Examination. The Prelims are qualifying with a total of 100 marks, while the Mains determine the final merit list with 200 marks, both stages include a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Preliminary Examination
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
The Preliminary Examination is the first hurdle, designed to screen candidates for the Mains. It assesses basic aptitude in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify.
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Main Examination
| Subject | Questions | Marks | 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 |
The Main Examination is the decisive stage for final selection. It delves deeper into general knowledge, English proficiency, advanced reasoning, computer aptitude, and quantitative skills. Performance in this stage solely determines a candidate's position on the merit list.
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Marking & Normalization
For both Preliminary and Main Examinations, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. This means candidates should be cautious while attempting questions. Since the examination is often conducted in multiple sessions, a normalization process is applied to ensure fairness and equity across all candidates, adjusting scores to account for variations in difficulty levels between different exam shifts. The final merit list is computed solely based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination, provided candidates also qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable) and successfully complete document verification.
Pattern FAQs
What are the stages of the IBPS Clerk 2026 exam?
The IBPS Clerk 2026 exam has two main stages: the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination, both conducted online.
Is there negative marking in the IBPS Clerk exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer in both the Preliminary and Main Examinations.
How is the final merit list prepared for IBPS Clerk?
The final merit list for IBPS Clerk 2026 is prepared solely based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to qualifying the Local Language Proficiency Test (if applicable) and successful document verification.
What is the total duration for the IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains exams?
The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam has a total duration of 60 minutes, while the Mains exam has a total duration of 160 minutes.