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IBPS Clerk 2025: Exam (Oct 4, 5, 11), Admit Card, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Cutoff, Selection Process

• Updated on 20 Sept, 2025 by Kollegeapply

IBPS Clerk 2025 exam is one of the most important recruitment exams for candidates aiming to build a career in the banking sector. Every year, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) organises this exam to select Customer Service Associates (CSA) for 11 major nationalised banks in India.

 

The IBPS Clerk exam is known for its transparent selection process, clear eligibility criteria, and standardised exam pattern. Detailed knowledge of the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy is vital for candidates who want to excel in both the prelims and mains stages. Understanding the recruitment steps and timelines helps aspirants plan better and improve their scores.

 

For 2025, the IBPS Clerk prelims exam is scheduled for October 4, 5, and 11, 2025, while the mains exam will be held on November 29, 2025. The application fee is INR 850 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates and INR 175 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. These key dates and fees allow candidates to plan their preparation and application process efficiently.

 

Below, candidates will find comprehensive details about the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam, including the selection process, eligibility, exam pattern, and key dates. All information strictly follows the official IBPS notifications and leading exam portals to ensure accuracy.

 

Table of Contents
  1. What is IBPS Clerk Exam?
  2. IBPS Clerk 2025 Dates
  3. IBPS Clerk 2025 Highlights
  4. IBPS Clerk Application 2025
  5. IBPS Clerk 2025 Admit Card
  6. IBPS Clerk 2025 Eligibility
  7. IBPS Clerk 2025 Exam Pattern
  8. IBPS Clerk 2025 Exam Analysis
  9. IBPS Clerk 2025 Syllabus
  10. IBPS Clerk 2025 Preparation
  11. IBPS Clerk 2025 Result
  12. IBPS Clerk 2025: Score Normalisation
  13. IBPS Clerk 2025 Cutoff
  14. IBPS Clerk 2025 Participating Banks
  15. IBPS Clerk 2025: Exam Languages
  16. IBPS Clerk 2025 Vacancies
  17. IBPS Clerk 2025 Recruitment Process
  18. IBPS Clerk 2025 FAQs

 

What is IBPS Clerk Exam?

IBPS Clerk exam selects clerical staff, known as Customer Service Associates, for some of the largest banks in the country. This exam is divided into two stages: Preliminary and Mains, offering a fair system for mass recruitment. The scores from IBPS Clerk are valid for CSA positions in designated banks on a nationwide scale. IBPS manages the exam administration, result announcements, and final allotments.

 

This recruitment drive offers a competitive salary and a stable government job with various allowances and growth prospects. Candidates should carefully study the official advertisement before submitting their application and ensure they meet every requirement before attempting registration.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Dates

IBPS Clerk exam involves several important events, starting from the release of a notification to the final result declaration. Candidates are required to closely follow every date to avoid missing critical steps like application submission and admit card download. A record high number of vacancies was announced for this year, making it an even bigger opportunity for banking aspirants. Make sure to check these dates and be ready for every phase, from registration to prelims, and finally the mains.

Events

Dates

Prelims Admit Card Release

Last Week of September, 2025 (Tentative)

Prelims Exam Dates

4 Oct, 5 Oct, 11 Oct 2025

Mains Exam Date

29 Nov 2025

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Highlights

IBPS Clerk exam covers every aspect of the selection process, including details about registration numbers, test-taker statistics, fees, and the mode of examination. The following summary table gives candidates a snapshot of the entire process. This helps applicants budget, plan travel, and manage logistics for both stages of the exam.

Particulars

Details

Exam Level

National

Frequency

Once a year

Mode of Exam

Online

Registrations (last year)

6.59 lakh

Test Takers (last year)

4.91 lakh

Exam Fee

INR 850 (Gen/OBC), INR 175 (SC/ST/PWD)

Duration

Prelims: 60 min, Mains: 120 min

Questions

Prelims: 100, Mains: 155

Marks

Prelims: 100, Mains: 200

Negative Marking

0.25 marks/wrong answer

Languages

English, Hindi + 13 regional

Exam Centres

Prelims: 200+, Mains: 80+

Participating Banks

11 public sector banks

Total Vacancies

Increased to 10,696

Official Website

www.ibps.in

 

IBPS Clerk Application 2025

The IBPS Clerk 2025 application process is carried out entirely online, making it accessible and efficient for candidates from all regions of India. The application form was made available on the official IBPS website starting August 1, 2025, and eligible applicants had to complete several steps including online registration, uploading essential documents, and fee payment. Candidates needed to provide accurate details, as no modifications are allowed after the final submission. It is important to carefully go through every stage and keep copies of the online receipt and submitted application for records.

 

Steps to Apply for IBPS Clerk 2025

To register for the IBPS Clerk exam, follow these steps:

  • Go to the IBPS official website.
  • Select the active link for CRP-CSA-XV (Clerk) application.
  • Begin the process by clicking “New Registration” and fill in all basic details to obtain a provisional registration number and password.
  • Enter personal, educational, and contact information as prompted in the form.
  • Upload clear scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and the handwritten declaration as per specified dimensions.
  • Fill in your state, bank preferences, and examination centre choices. This data cannot be changed after submission.
  • Preview the entire form for accuracy, make sure details match official documents, and proceed to pay the application fee online using available payment methods like debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
  • Once payment is successful, download and print the submitted application form and e-receipt for your future reference.

 

IBPS Clerk Application Fee 2025

The application fee is collected online and must be paid in full at the time of form submission. The fee details are as follows:

Category

Application Fee (INR)

SC/ST/PWD/Ex-Servicemen

175 (including GST)

All Other Categories (Gen/OBC)

850 (including GST)

Payment can be made through RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro debit cards, credit cards, internet banking, IMPS, cash cards, or mobile wallets.

 

IBPS Clerk Handwritten Declaration 2025

Every applicant must upload a specific handwritten declaration. This declaration confirms that the information submitted in the application is true and can be verified with original documents whenever required. The prescribed text is:

 

“I, _______ (Name of the candidate), declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required.”

 

Exam Centres Selection

Candidates are required to select one examination centre for the prelims and one for the mains during the application. Prelims are organised in close to 200 cities, and the mains are held at about 80 locations. Centre choices must be made thoughtfully, as changes are not permitted later in the process.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Admit Card

Admit cards are mandatory documents required for entry into the exam hall. The prelims admit card should be downloaded using the official website well before the exam date. Candidates must bring this printout along with a valid photo ID on the exam day. The same process will be followed for the mains exam. The admit card is also authenticated at the exam centre and should be retained for future reference. Neglecting to bring this document or not following instructions can result in disqualification for the exam attempt.

 

How to Download IBPS Clerk Admit Card 2025?

To download the IBPS Clerk 2025 Admit Card, candidates must follow the instructions below:

  • Go to the official IBPS website.
  • Click on the “IBPS Clerk Admit Card” link.
  • Enter your registration or roll number and password/date of birth.
  • Download and print your admit card.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Exam Day Guidelines

Exam centres have strict rules to ensure fair conduct and safety. Reporting early, maintaining social distancing, and following dress code instructions are all compulsory. Carrying the admit card and a valid photo ID is a must. Digital devices are strictly banned, and candidates must bring their own stationery and water bottle. Biometric photo registration may be required at some centres for better security. Candidates who break guidelines risk getting barred from the exam.

  • Arrive at the centre 15 minutes before the reporting time.
  • Wear a mask and keep a personal sanitiser.
  • Carry the original and authenticated admit card, photo ID, and one extra photo.
  • Download Aarogya Setu if required by the centre authorities.
  • Keep rough sheets at your desk and follow all instructions by staff.
  • No additional rough sheets will be supplied; carry all allowed items as listed on the admit card.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Eligibility

Meeting eligibility criteria is the first step toward a successful IBPS Clerk application. Candidates need to fulfil both age and educational requirements. IBPS has set clear guidelines to ensure transparency. A valid graduation degree, computer proficiency, and local language skills are essential. Detailed background checks are made during document verification, and candidates must follow the age relaxation rules strictly as per government policies.

Parameter

Details

Age Limit

20-28 years (as on 01.08.2025)

Educational Record

Graduation (final year not eligible)

Computer Skills

Certificate or subject in school/college

Language Skills

Proficiency in the local state language

Age Relaxation

As per the government rules for categories

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Exam Pattern

Knowing the exam pattern allows for focused study sessions and strategic mock test attempts. Both prelims and mains have distinct patterns, with sectional time limits to promote fairness. Carefully analyse the mark distribution, negative marking, and time allocation to plan exam day performance.

 

IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

 

The preliminary examination is the first stage and acts as a screening round. This test is composed of three sections, and all questions are objective type (MCQs). Each section is allotted its own time, ensuring that candidates distribute their effort across all test areas. The complete duration of the paper is one hour, and marks achieved here are not counted towards the final merit ranking.

Section

Questions

Marks

Time

English Language

30

30

20 min

Numerical Ability

35

35

20 min

Reasoning

35

35

20 min

Total

100

100

1 hour

 

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates who clear the prelims qualify for the mains exam. The mains paper has been recently updated. It now consists of four sections with a combined total of 155 questions, weighted for a maximum of 200 marks. Each section is time-bound, and the scores obtained are used in the final merit list. There is also a negative marking penalty for incorrect responses in each section.

Section

Questions

Marks

Time

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

40

60

35 min

English Language

40

40

35 min

Quantitative Aptitude

35

50

30 min

General/Financial Awareness

40

50

20 min

Total

155

200

120 min

Negative marking: 0.25 marks per incorrect answer. Practice time management with these exact patterns for the best results.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Exam Analysis

IBPS Clerk 2025 exam analysis covers both the prelims and mains exams to help candidates understand the difficulty level and question types. Based on last year’s exam, the overall difficulty was easy to moderate. The English Language section was quite easy, allowing most candidates to attempt the questions comfortably. The Reasoning Ability section was moderately tough, with puzzles and seating arrangements being the key focus areas. The Quantitative Aptitude section was also moderately challenging, requiring good calculation skills and practice. This analysis gives a clear idea about the distribution of questions and prepares candidates for what to expect in the exam.

Section

Difficulty Level

English Language

Easy

Reasoning Ability

Moderate

Quantitative Aptitude

Moderate

Candidates who manage their time well and balance speed with accuracy can perform well in all sections. Familiarity with the question pattern and regular mock practice can help crack the exam efficiently.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Syllabus

A thorough understanding of the syllabus is essential for systematic preparation and high achievement. Studying all topics in detail and practising solving previous year papers helps improve speed and accuracy. Both prelims and mains cover a wide range of topics designed to assess reasoning, maths skills, English proficiency, and banking knowledge.

 

IBPS Clerk Prelims:

  • English: Reading comprehension, Cloze tests, Error spotting, Sentence improvement, Fill in the blanks.
  • Numerical Ability: Number series, Simplification, Quadratic equations, Data interpretation, Approximations.
  • Reasoning: Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding-decoding, Blood relations, Inequality, Direction sense, Order and ranking.

IBPS Clerk Mains:

  • Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Basics of computers, DBMS, Networks, Computer organization.
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Advanced maths, Data sufficiency, Arithmetic, Interpretation.
  • General/Financial Awareness: Banking, Current affairs, Schemes, Static GK, Financial systems.
  • English Language: Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Verbal ability.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Preparation

To prepare well for the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam, candidates should follow a simple and clear plan. First, understand the exam pattern and syllabus fully. Make a study timetable and stick to it every day. Study regularly for at least 4 to 6 hours daily. Focus on all subjects but spend more time on weak areas. Practice previous years’ question papers and take mock tests often. This helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.

 

Use the right books to clear your concepts. Choose study material that covers all important topics for the exam. Going through solved question papers helps know the kind of questions asked and their difficulty. Taking regular tests and analyzing mistakes will help you improve a lot.

 

Here are some of the best books useful for IBPS Clerk exam preparation:

Sections

Book Recommendations

English Language

  • High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
  • Objective General English by Arihant Publications
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

Reasoning Ability

  • Analytical Reasoning by M K.Pandey
  • A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal by BS Sijwali and Indu Sijwali

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Quantitative Aptitude by R S Agarwal
  • Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma
  • Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams by Tarun Goyal

Computer Aptitude

  • Banking & Computer Aptitude for IBPS Bank Clerk/PO Exams Paperback
  • Computer Knowledge by Disha Publication
  • Computer Awareness by Arihant Publication
  • Objective Computer Knowledge and Literacy by Kiran Publication

General Awareness

  • India Year Book
  • Manorama Yearbook
  • Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications
  • Lucent’s GK book

 

IBPS Clerk 2025: Section-Wise Preparation Tips

Here is a simple summary of section-wise tips for the IBPS Clerk exam:

  • Reasoning: Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms, and coding-decoding regularly using mock tests.
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on strengthening basic concepts. Learn shortcut tricks and spend time on arithmetic, number series, and data interpretation.
  • English: Work on grammar and vocabulary every day. Read editorials and practice comprehension and grammar exercises.
  • General Awareness and Computer: Stay updated with current news and banking facts. Practice computer basics through quizzes.

By studying in a disciplined way, reading the right materials, and practicing each section well, candidates can improve their chances of getting a good score in the exam.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Result

IBPS Clerk 2025 result is announced in two stages: prelims and mains. Candidates can check their results online by visiting the official IBPS website. To view the result, candidates need to log in using their registration number or roll number along with their date of birth or password. The result will show whether the candidate has qualified to move to the next stage.

 

How to Download IBPS Clerk Result 2025?

The steps mentioned below will help candidates understand the process of downloading the IBPS Clerk 2025 result.

  1. Visit the official website of IBPS.
  2. Click on the ‘IBPS Clerk result’ link available on the homepage.
  3. On the login page, enter your registration number or roll number and date of birth or password.
  4. The result will be displayed on the screen.
  5. Download and save the result for future reference.

Note that IBPS releases the prelims result first, followed by the mains result. Candidates must keep their login details safe to avoid any difficulty while accessing the results. The official website is the only source to check and download the results; no offline or postal delivery of result documents is done. The final selection depends on the mains exam score.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025: Score Normalisation

To ensure fairness in scoring, IBPS applies a normalisation process to adjust the marks of candidates appearing in different exam shifts. Since the exam is conducted in multiple sessions with question papers varying in difficulty, normalisation balances scores so that no candidate is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged. This is done using the equipercentile method, which compares the distribution of scores across shifts and adjusts individual scores accordingly. The scores are calculated up to two decimal places and then rounded off to two decimals.

 

In cases where two or more candidates have the same score, the final ranking is decided by their date of birth, with the older candidate being placed higher. After merit ranking, candidates are provisionally assigned to any of the participating banks based on their rank and document verification.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Cutoff

IBPS Clerk cutoff marks for 2025 will be declared separately for both prelims and mains exams. These cutoffs are published based on category and state, showing the minimum and maximum qualifying marks. The final selection cutoff is calculated after normalising the candidate scores out of 100. The cutoff applies to both the overall total score and individual sections of the exam.

 

How to Check IBPS Clerk Cutoff 2025?

Below are the steps to download the IBPS Clerk result 2025.

  1. Visit the official IBPS website.
  2. Navigate to the CRP Clerical tab on the homepage.
  3. Click on the IBPS Clerk cutoff link.
  4. The cutoff marks will display on the screen.
  5. Download and save the cutoff PDF for reference.

Understanding the cutoff scores helps candidates analyse the competition and prepare accordingly. Previous years’ cutoff data provide a useful benchmark for aspirants to estimate their target scores.

 

IBPS Clerk Prelims Cut off 2024

The table below shows the IBPS 2024 cutoff based on the category. It will help candidates get an idea about IBPS Clerk cutoff 2025.

States/ UT

General

EWS/SC/OBC/ST

Andhra Pradesh

77.5

-

Arunachal Pradesh

71

-

Assam

83.75

OBC- 82.25

 

SC- 81.25

Bihar

79.5

OBC- 79.5

Chhattisgarh

77

OBC-77

Chandigarh

81.50

-

Delhi

80.75

SC-75.25

 

OBC- 78.25

Gujarat

77.25

ST- 67.75

Goa

-

OBC- 68

Himachal Pradesh

-

ST- 83

Haryana

83

-

J & K

86.25

-

Jharkhand

83.5

-

Kerala

-

OBC- 81

Madhya Pradesh

73

SC- 74.5

Maharashtra

73

ST- 69.50

Manipur

-

OBC-70.25

Meghalaya

-

ST- 73.50

Odisha

86.75

-

Punjab

81.25

SC- 70

 

OBC-79.75

Rajasthan

83.25

EWS- 83.25

Karnataka

64.75

-

Telangana

68.25

-

Uttar Pradesh

79

OBC- 79

 

SC- 70.75

 

ESM- 56

West Bengal

87.75

SC- 80.25

Tamil Nadu

-

OBC- 63.25

Tripura

80.25

ST- 71

Sikkim

41

-

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Participating Banks

Candidates have the option to indicate their preferred banks while filling out the application form. Knowing each bank's transfer policy, local language requirements, and general reputation can help candidates make smart choices. The following 11 banks participate in IBPS Clerk recruitment annually:

  • Bank of Baroda
  • Canara Bank
  • Indian Overseas Bank
  • UCO Bank
  • Bank of India
  • Central Bank of India
  • Punjab National Bank
  • Union Bank of India
  • Bank of Maharashtra
  • Indian Bank
  • Punjab & Sind Bank

 

IBPS Clerk 2025: Exam Languages

IBPS Clerk exam is conducted in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages as per the candidate’s chosen state. This ensures inclusivity and equal opportunity for candidates nationwide. Choosing the right language improves comprehension and boosts scores. Double-check your selected medium when filling the application form for accuracy.

State Name

Medium of examination

Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Sikkim

English and Hindi

Andhra Pradesh

English, Hindi and Telugu

Assam

English, Hindi and Assamese

Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu

English. Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Konkani

Goa

English, Hindi and Konkani

Gujarat

English, Hindi and Gujarati

Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh

English, Hindi and Urdu

Karnataka

English, Hindi, Kannada and Konkani

Kerala, Lakshadweep

English, Hindi and Malayalam

Maharashtra

English, Hindi, Marathi and Konkani

Manipur

English, Hindi and Manipuri

Odisha

English, Hindi and Odia

Puducherry

English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam

Punjab

English, Hindi and Punjabi

Tamil Nadu

English, Hindi and Tamil

Telangana

English, Hindi, Telugu and Urdu

Tripura, West Bengal

English, Hindi and Bengali

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Vacancies

Every year IBPS announces vacancies as per bank requirements and state-wise quotas. Knowing the breakdown helps candidates identify states with the highest opportunities based on their reservation category. Total vacancies now stand at 10,696 for 2025, distributed across various categories and states. Choosing the most favourable state during registration can increase final selection chances for many aspirants.

States Names

SC

ST

OBC

EWS

General

Total Vacancies

Andaman & Nicobar

--

--

02

01

10

13

Andhra Pradesh

61

28

84

35

159

367

Arunachal Pradesh

--

08

--

01

13

22

Assam

11

23

49

17

104

204

Bihar

44

01

72

30

161

308

Chandigarh

10

--

15

05

33

63

Chhattisgarh

24

64

08

20

99

214

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu

--

09

01

02

23

35

Delhi

60

28

110

38

180

416

Goa

--

07

13

07

60

87

Gujarat

52

108

197

71

325

753

Haryana

25

--

35

13

71

144

Himachal Pradesh

27

03

22

12

50

114

Jammu & Kashmir

01

05

14

04

37

61

Jharkhand

09

21

10

08

58

106

Karnataka

179

94

282

115

500

1170

Kerala

33

01

82

33

181

330

Ladakh

--

--

--

--

05

05

Lakshadweep

--

01

--

--

06

07

Madhya Pradesh

88

121

85

60

247

601

Maharashtra

113

97

297

109

501

1117

Manipur

--

07

02

02

20

31

Meghalaya

--

06

--

01

11

18

Mizoram

--

09

--

02

17

28

Nagaland

--

09

--

01

17

27

Odisha

37

51

26

24

111

249

Puducherry

01

--

03

01

14

19

Punjab

79

--

53

24

120

276

Rajasthan

54

43

60

32

139

328

Sikkim

--

02

02

--

16

20

Tamil Nadu

183

05

227

88

391

894

Telangana

43

20

56

23

119

261

Tripura

02

07

--

01

22

32

Uttar Pradesh

280

11

338

132

554

1315

Uttarakhand

13

--

08

09

71

102

West Bengal

121

24

118

51

226

540

Total

1550

813

2271

972

4671

10227

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Recruitment Process

The designation of IBPS Clerk has been updated to Customer Service Associate (CSA) by IBPS. The recruitment process for this position includes multiple steps, starting from online application submission to the declaration of final results and provisional allotment. The process mainly consists of two exam stages: prelims and mains.

 

Steps in the IBPS Clerk Recruitment Process:

  1. Application Form Submission: Candidates must register online, upload scanned photographs, signatures, left thumb impressions, and a handwritten declaration. They must also pay the application fee to complete registration.
  2. Admit Card Release: Separate admit cards are issued for prelims and mains. Candidates should download these from the official IBPS website by logging in with their credentials.
  3. Exam Stages:
    • Prelims: This is a qualifying exam where candidates must secure the minimum cutoff to move to the next stage.
    • Mains: Only qualifiers from prelims can appear in mains. The final merit list and selection depend entirely on mains exam scores.
  4. Result Declaration: Results are published separately for both exams. Candidates need to log in with their registration number or roll number and date of birth or password to check their results.
  5. Language Proficiency Test: Candidates allotted to a particular state may have to clear a test on the local language. This test is qualifying in nature and is conducted after mains.
  6. Document Verification and Provisional Allotment: Finally, shortlisted candidates must verify their documents. Only after satisfactory verification will the provisional allotment to banks be made.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Salary Details

The starting salary for an IBPS Clerk in 2025 is approximately INR 24,050, with regular annual increments leading up to a maximum basic pay of around INR 64,480 over 20 years. In addition to the basic income, clerks receive various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Special Allowance, and Transport Allowance, which together raise the total monthly salary to roughly INR 35,000 to INR 40,000 in hand. These allowances increase periodically based on factors like inflation and the location of posting.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Job Profile

An IBPS Clerk’s duties include verifying customer documents, handling cash and important records, processing withdrawals and deposits, maintaining ledgers and balance sheets, issuing demand drafts, opening new bank accounts, resolving customer issues, and updating passbooks. They provide essential support services to bank customers and help in daily banking activities.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 Promotion

Promotion for IBPS Clerks becomes possible after serving for two to three years. There are two main routes for promotion:

  • Normal Promotion: Requires clearing an internal written exam. Candidates promoted this way do not need to have any diplomas from the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF).
  • Merit-Based Promotion: Requires candidates to have completed JAIIB (Junior Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers) and CAIIB (Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers) diplomas from IIBF, in addition to meeting performance criteria.

These promotions allow clerks to advance in their banking careers by moving into higher posts with increased responsibilities and pay.

 

IBPS Clerk 2025 FAQs

What is the IBPS Clerk exam, and what posts are filled through it?

The IBPS Clerk exam is a national-level recruitment test conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to hire candidates for the post of Customer Service Associate (CSA), formerly known as clerks. This exam selects candidates for clerical cadre roles in 11 major public sector banks across India. The recruitment process features two stages: Preliminary exam and Mains exam. Candidates clearing both stages are shortlisted for document verification and final allotment to participating banks.

When are the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam dates and application deadlines?

For 2025, the IBPS Clerk Preliminary examination is scheduled on October 4, 5, and 11, with the Mains exam to be conducted on November 29. The application form was available online from August 1 to August 28, 2025. Admit cards for prelims are released in the last week of September, and for mains, in November. Candidates should keep track of these dates carefully to avoid missing important deadlines.

How can candidates prepare effectively for the IBPS Clerk exam?

Candidates should:

How and when are the IBPS Clerk results declared?

Results are released separately for Prelims and Mains on the official IBPS website. Candidates need to log in using their registration or roll number, date of birth or password. Prelims results determine eligibility for Mains, whose results decide final selection. Results come out a few weeks after exams.

What is the normalisation process in IBPS Clerk exams?

Since exams occur in multiple sessions with varying difficulty, IBPS uses a normalisation process via the equipercentile method to equalise scores. This ensures fairness so candidates across shifts are evaluated on a level playing field. Scores are rounded to two decimal places.

What are the cutoff marks for IBPS Clerk 2025?

Cutoffs are declared separately for prelims and mains, broken down by category and state. Final cutoffs are based on normalised marks out of 100 and apply to total and sectional scores. Candidates must meet these marks to proceed. Previous cutoffs help predict this year’s qualifying score.

How does promotion work for IBPS Clerk?

Clerks become eligible for promotion after 2–3 years of service.

Can final year students apply for the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam?

No, candidates must have completed their graduation degree from a recognised university before the application date. Final-year or ongoing students are not eligible to apply for the IBPS Clerk exam.

Is knowledge of the local language mandatory for IBPS Clerk posts?

While not always compulsory, proficiency in the official language of the state or union territory where the candidate applies is highly preferred. Some banks may require candidates to clear a local language test after the mains exam to ensure effective communication with customers in that region.

What is the duration of the IBPS Clerk prelims and mains exams?

The prelims exam lasts for 60 minutes, divided equally among three sections. The mains exam is 120 minutes long, divided into four sections with different time allocations.

How is the final merit list for IBPS Clerk prepared?

The final selection list is based only on the marks obtained in the mains exam. The prelims exam is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not added to the final score. The list considers category-wise and state-wise vacancies and final cutoffs.

Are IBPS Clerk exam centres the same for prelims and mains?

Candidates have to select separate exam centres for prelims and mains while filling out the application form. Prelims are held in about 200 cities, whereas mains are conducted in approximately 80 cities. Selection centre details, once submitted, cannot be changed later.

What is the negative marking scheme in IBPS Clerk exams?

Both prelims and mains have a negative marking system where a 1/4th (0.25) mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates should avoid guesswork and answer confidently to maximise scores.

Can candidates apply for multiple banks through a single IBPS Clerk application?

Yes, while applying, candidates can fill their bank preferences in the application form. However, the final allotment depends on merit, vacancy, and document verification. Candidate preferences are considered but not guaranteed.

What documents are needed for IBPS Clerk document verification?

Candidates must produce the original and valid photocopies of educational certificates, age proof, caste/category certificates (if applicable), domicile certificate, valid ID proof, and income certificate for the EWS category. A printout of the final allotment letter is also required for verification.

How many attempts can a candidate make for the IBPS Clerk exam?

There is no official limit on the number of attempts for the IBPS Clerk exam. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish until they meet the eligibility criteria.

What is the salary difference between urban and rural postings for IBPS Clerks?

Salary structures remain largely the same, but allowance components like HRA vary by location. Metro and urban centres attract a higher House Rent Allowance compared to semi-urban or rural postings, which affects the overall in-hand salary.

Is a work-from-home option available for IBPS Clerks?

No, IBPS Clerk posts are branch-based jobs requiring physical presence at bank branches. The role involves customer service and day-to-day banking operations, which necessitate office attendance.

What are the career growth opportunities after becoming an IBPS Clerk?

After serving as a clerk, one can take promotions through internal exams or qualifying banking diplomas like JAIIB and CAIIB. Promotions can lead to roles like Assistant Manager, Manager, Senior Manager, and beyond, allowing for significant career growth in the banking industry.