The IBPS clerk exam is conducted every year to recruit bank clerks and the exam pattern is set by the Institute of Banking Personnel or IBPS. Through the IBPS clerk exam, many aspiring candidates are recruited for the post of bank clerk in a number of public sector banks. The number of candidates applying for this IBPS clerk exam increases every year which also leads to the rise in competition. 

This rise in competition makes it harder for the candidates to clear the exam. Hence, it’s important for all aspiring candidates to understand all the aspects of the IBPS Clerk examination before starting their preparation. One of the important aspects of these exams is the exam pattern which the candidates should know and understand, as it will prove to be very helpful in planning an efficient preparation strategy to tackle the IBPS Clerk exam.

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern

The IBPS Clerk examination is conducted in two phases— the IBPS Clerk Preliminary examination and the IBPS Clerk Mains examination. The IBPS Clerk Preliminary examination forms the first phase of the IBPS Clerk examination with 100 objective type questions. The IBPS Clerk Mains examination forms the second phase of the IBPS Clerk examination with 200 objective type questions.

Here, we will have a look at the exam pattern for both IBPS Clerk Preliminary exam and IBPS Clerk Mains exam.

IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern

The IBPS Clerk Preliminary exam is the qualifying exam which forms the first phase of the IBPS Clerk exam pattern. Candidates need to clear this exam to become eligible for the IBPS Clerk Mains exam.

The pattern for the IBPS Clerk Preliminary exam is as follows:

• The exam is divided into three sections— Reasoning ability, English language and Quantitative Aptitude.
• The number of objective type questions asked is 100 and the total marks allotted are 100.
• Each section is allotted a certain amount of sectional time. If this time gets over, the candidate cannot revisit the section.
• The total time given for the IBPS Clerk Preliminary examination is one hour.
• The candidates need to secure equal to or more than the cut off decided for that particular year to be qualified for the IBPS Clerk Mains examination.

Section Name	Maximum Marks	Duration of Time
English Language	30	20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	35	20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	20 minutes
Total	100	60 minutes

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern

The IBPS Clerk Mains forms the second phase of the IBPS Clerk exam pattern which decides your final merit. Only after clearing this exam, the candidates can qualify for the interview round and get a chance at securing a job as an IBPS Clerk.

The exam pattern for the IBPS Clerk Mains examination is as follows:

• This exam is divided into four sections—General or financial awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability and Computer aptitude, and Quantitative aptitude.
• The number of objective type questions is 200 and the total allotted marks are 200.
• The candidates get a total of 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the exam.
• Different sectional time is also allotted
• The candidates need to secure equal to or more than the cut off marks.

Section Name	Maximum Marks	Duration of Time
General/Financial Awareness	50	35 minutes
General English	40	35 minutes
Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude	60	45 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	50	45 minutes
Total	200	160 minutes

Both the IBPS Clerk Preliminary exam and the IBPS Clerk Mains exam have negative marking in case of wrong answers. If you mark an answer wrong, it can cost you one fourth of your marks for that question. There is no negative marking if you leave the question unattempted.