Are you a beginner wondering how to crack the IBPS Clerk exam on your first attempt?
You are at the right place!
We are providing you with an IBPS Clerk preparation strategy for both Prelims and Mains with extensive focus on syllabus coverage and mock tests.
Follow this monthly preparation strategy to know how to crack the IBPS Clerk exam on the first attempt.
Understanding the IBPS Clerk exam pattern
To crack the IBPS Clerk exam on the first attempt, you need to know the exam pattern. IBPS Clerk is a two-tier, objective-based exam, conducted online.
IBPS Clerk Preliminary exam
The Preliminary exam is a qualifying round for the Mains. In the IBPS Clerk Prelims, there is a 1-hour time limit and a -0.25 negative marking penalty. You have to clear both sectional and overall cutoffs to qualify for the IBPS Clerk Mains.
| Sections | Total number of questions | Total marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
IBPS Clerk Preliminary examination (Phase 1) sectional weightage
| Subject Section | High-Yield Topics | Expected Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension (Passages & Vocabulary) | 8 – 10 Qs | 30 Marks |
| Grammar Rules (Error Spotting & Sentence Correction) | 7 – 10 Qs | ||
| Vocabulary Tools (Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Fillers) | 10 – 12 Qs | ||
| Numerical Ability | Speed Math (Simplification & Approximation) | 10 – 15 Qs | 35 Marks |
| Data Interpretation (Tabular, Bar, Line Graphs) | 5 – 10 Qs | ||
| Arithmetic Word Problems & Number Series | 10 – 15 Qs | ||
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles & Seating Arrangements (Floor, Box, Circular, Linear) | 15 – 20 Qs | 35 Marks |
| Syllogism, Inequalities, & Coding-Decoding | 8 – 10 Qs | ||
| Miscellaneous (Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Alphanumeric Series) | 7 – 10 Qs |
IBPS Clerk Mains exam
The IBPS Clerk Mains is the sole determinant for the selection process. You have a 2-hour time limit with a -0.25 penalty per incorrect answer.
| Sections | Total number of questions | Total marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 | 30 minutes |
IBPS Clerk Main examination (Phase 2) sectional weightage
| Subject Section | High-Yield Topics | Expected Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General & Financial Awareness | Current Affairs (Last 6 to 8 Months) | 20 – 25 Qs | 50 Marks |
| Banking & Financial Awareness (RBI Rules, Terminology) | 15 – 20 Qs | ||
| Static GK & Central Government Schemes | 7 – 10 Qs | ||
| General English | Advanced Reading Comprehension (Inference & Fact Based) | 12 – 15 Qs | 40 Marks |
| New Pattern Exercises (Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Match Column) | 25 – 28 Qs | ||
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | Advanced Puzzles & Seating (Multi-variable, Uncertain) | 18 – 22 Qs | 60 Marks |
| Analytical & Coded Reasoning (Input-Output, Coded Blood Relations) | 12 – 15 Qs | ||
| Computer Aptitude Basics (Networking, Cybersecurity, Shortcuts) | 5 – 8 Qs | ||
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation (Complex Tables, Charts, Caselets) | 15 – 20 Qs | 50 Marks |
| Advanced Arithmetic Word Problems (Probability, Mensuration) | 10 – 12 Qs | ||
| Data Sufficiency & Quantity Comparison (Q1 vs Q2) | 5 – 7 Qs |
After the Mains, there is no interview round. The IBPS Clerk Mains scores are used for the final selection of candidates.
IBPS Clerk exam syllabus, funnel statistics & cutoff dataset
Complete roadmap breakdown, including recent official selection ratios and stage-wise benchmarks
State-wise Cutoff Trend (General / 100): West Bengal: 87.75 | Uttar Pradesh: 79.00 | Delhi: 80.75 | Bihar: 79.50. Marks are only used to filter candidates for the next round.
State-wise Cutoff Trend (General / 100 Scaled): New Delhi: 46.13 | Rajasthan: 45.00 | West Bengal: 43.25 | Uttar Pradesh: 40.25. Your final job selection depends 100% on this score.
Total Monthly Gross Pay: The starting gross salary ranges between ₹32,000 and ₹35,000 per month. This amount changes depending on your posting location due to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and Special allowances.
IBPS Clerk syllabus
Before you start the IBPS Clerk exam preparation, you should understand the complete syllabus.
| Exam Phase | Subject Section | Official Topic Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam (Phase 1) | English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Word Swap, Spelling Errors. |
| Preliminary Exam (Phase 1) | Numerical Ability | Simplification & Approximation, Number Series (Missing & Wrong), Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Tabular), Arithmetic Word Problems (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Average, Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest, Ages). |
| Preliminary Exam (Phase 1) | Reasoning Ability | Alphanumeric Series, Syllogism (Basic & Only a Few), Inequalities, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Puzzles (Box, Floor, Month/Day), Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear). |
| Main Exam (Phase 2) | General & Financial Awareness | Current Affairs (Last 6 to 8 Months), Financial & Economic Updates, Union Budget, RBI Policies & Functions, Banking Terminology (UPI, NEFT, RTGS, NPA), Government Schemes (PMJDY, Mudra), Head Offices and Tags of Public Sector Banks. |
| Main Exam (Phase 2) | General English | Advanced Reading Comprehension (Inference & Fact-based), Cloze Test (New Pattern), Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement, Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Match the Columns, Word Usage. |
| Main Exam (Phase 2) | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | High-Level Puzzles (Multi-variable, Uncertain), Advanced Seating Arrangement, Machine Input-Output, Coded Inequalities, Coded Blood Relations, Logical Reasoning (Statement & Assumption/Course of Action). Computer Aptitude: Hardware, Software, MS Office Shortcuts, Computer Networking, Internet, Cybersecurity. |
| Main Exam (Phase 2) | Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation (Complex Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselet DI), Data Sufficiency, Quantity Comparison (Q1 vs Q2), Advanced Arithmetic Word Problems (Probability, Permutation, Mensuration, Partnership, Mixtures & Alligations). |
IBPS Clerk preparation strategy to crack in first attempt
For beginners, preparing for the IBPS Clerk can be overwhelming. With rising competition and a vast IBPS Clerk syllabus, it can seem like cracking it on the first attempt is not possible. But that’s not the case.
To crack the IBPS Clerk exam on the first attempt, you need a structured study plan. Instead of reading every subject together, using a month-wise strategy can help you cover the IBPS Clerk syllabus more efficiently. On the other hand, the IBPS Clerk study plan must have dedicated time for revision and solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs).
So, let’s find out how to prepare for the IBPS Clerk exam at home with or without coaching, with a monthly study plan.
Phase 1 (Months 1-2) of IBPS Clerk preparation: Focusing on strengthening the basics of IBPS Clerk
Phase 1 consists of the first 2 months of your IBPS Clerk preparation strategy. Over the next two months, your only focus will be on learning the basics and gaining conceptual clarity.
Month 1: Learning the basics and foundational concepts
To crack the IBPS Clerk exam on the first attempt, the first and foremost thing you need is a strong grasp of the basics across all sections. In this stage, you don’t need to worry about speed. Focus on thoroughly learning the basic concepts.
Reasoning is the most scoring section in the IBPS Clerk exam. Your first IBPS Clerk preparation strategy is to learn the question patterns and the concepts. Initially, you will focus on the following topics.
- Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Blood relations
- Direction sense
- Coding-decoding
- Alphabet and number series
- Ranking and order
For English Language, you will dedicate at least 30 minutes to reading the newspaper to improve your comprehension skills, reading speed, and vocabulary. In addition, you will also focus on the following.
- Basic English grammar rules
- Parts of speech
- Subject-verb agreement
- Vocabulary building
- Sentence structure
To clear the IBPS Clerk exam, you need both speed and accuracy, particularly for the Aptitude section in the IBPS Clerk exam. Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to improve calculation speed through multiplication tables, squares, cubes, and percentage conversions. Additionally, focus on strengthening the fundamentals of mathematics.
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Averages
- Profit and loss
- Simple interest
- Simplification basics
You also need to start preparation for General Awareness and Computer Aptitude from the first month of your IBPS Clerk preparation. Although these subjects are tested only in Mains, starting preparation early gives you a definite advantage in the final selection. Read the newspaper for 1 hour for current affairs and major financial or banking news. Make notes on terminology and important events. For Computer Aptitude, start with the following topics.
- Computer fundamentals
- Hardware and software basics
- Input and output devices
- Operating systems
- Internet basics
- Common computer abbreviations
Month 2: Strengthening the basics with regular practice
In the 2nd month, your IBPS Clerk preparation strategy is to include section-wise practice. Start solving topic-wise questions this month. Additionally, you will learn more advanced topics on the subjects.
For Quantitative Aptitude, your target is to solve 40-50 questions daily on the following topics.
- Simplification and approximation
- Number series
- Percentage
- Partnership
- Simple and compound interest
- Time and work basics
For Reasoning ability, start with beginner-level questions first, then move on to the advanced ones. Start with the following topics.
- Coding-decoding
- Seating arrangement basics
- Syllogism
- Linear arrangement
- Inequalities
- Circular arrangement
For English Language, you will continue noting unfamiliar words for vocabulary and comprehension while reading the newspaper daily. Additionally, focus on the cloze test, error detection, sentence improvement, and fill-in-the-blank exercises.
For General Awareness, focus on monthly current affairs, banking awareness, important government schemes, and financial news. Make notes and use them for weekly revision.
For Computer Aptitude, focus on the following topics-
- Ms Office basics
- Internet and networking concepts
- Computer memory
- Basic cybersecurity concepts
Phase 2 (Months 3-4) of IBPS Clerk preparation: Improving accuracy and problem-solving
To crack the IBPS Clerk exam on your first attempt, you must start practicing with exam-level questions. Start taking section tests for the subjects of IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains.
Month 3: Solving topic-wise questions
For Quantitative Aptitude, you will practice solving questions within a fixed time limit. Focus on Data Interpretation, Quadratic equations, Arithmetic word problems, along with the topics you have already learned in the first two months.
For Reasoning Ability, start practicing moderate-level puzzles, input-output, and logical reasoning. Solve questions on the other topics you have already learned in the first two months of your IBPS Clerk preparation.
You will continue your daily routine of reading English-language newspapers and editorials. Additionally, include para jumbles and start practicing with solving questions.
For Computer Aptitude, you will start regular revision on the topics you’ve already read. Also, start preparing software applications, networking basics, and internet concepts.
In General Awareness, you must focus on the following topics when reading the newspaper.
- Financial news
- Rbi functions
- Economic terms
- Government schemes
- Important reports and indices
Month 4: Starting IBPS Clerk sectional mock tests
Month 4 of IBPS Clerk preparation is for starting sectional mock tests. You will target 4-5 weekly sectional mock tests under a strict time limit. Analyze your attempt and note down your mistakes. On the weekends, you will review your weak areas and reattempt the questions.
One of the best IBPS Clerk preparation tips for beginners is learning shortcut techniques for the Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude sections. You must dedicate a significant amount of time daily to learning and practice.
- Option elimination, approximation, and Vedic math shortcuts
- Smart approaches for puzzle-solving
- Quick calculation techniques
Phase 3 (Months 5-6) of IBPS Clerk preparation: Full-length mocks for Prelims and Mains
Month 5: Weekly mock tests
To prepare for the IBPS Clerk exam at home with or without coaching, beginners should practice mock tests. You should take 2-3 full-length Prelims mock tests and 1 Mains mock test every week. Followed it with error analysis, identification of weak areas, and weekly revision.
Month 6: Focusing on IBPS Clerk Mains
Month 6 of your IBPS Clerk preparation strategy should only focus on the Mains exam. During this month, you will revise the last 6-7 months of current affairs, government schemes, and banking awareness. Also, learn about the following financial institutions.
- NABARD
- SIDBI
- SEBI
- EXIM Bank
- IMF
- World Bank
Also, include daily revision in your study plan. Go through the topics you find difficult and go through them again.
| Timeline & Phase Focus | Official Section | Detailed Topic & Strategy Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 (Phase 1) Learning Basics & Foundational Concepts | Reasoning Ability | Learn question patterns and core concepts for Inequalities, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Alphabet/Number Series, and Ranking & Order. |
| English Language | Dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading newspapers for comprehension and vocabulary. Focus on Basic English Grammar Rules, Parts of Speech, Subject-Verb Agreement, Vocabulary Building, and Sentence Structure. | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Spend 30 minutes daily on speed math: Multiplication Tables, Squares, Cubes, and Percentage Conversions. Master fundamentals of Percentages, Ratios & Proportions, Averages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest, and Simplification basics. | |
| General Awareness & Computer Aptitude | Read newspapers for 1 hour daily for Current Affairs and Financial news. Computer fundamentals: Hardware/Software basics, Input/Output devices, Operating Systems, Internet basics, and Common Abbreviations. | |
| Month 2 (Phase 1) Strengthening Basics with Regular Practice | Reasoning Ability | Move from beginner to advanced questions. Start practicing Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Inequalities, along with basic Linear and Circular Seating Arrangements. |
| English Language | Continue daily newspaper reading and note down unfamiliar words. Focus heavily on Cloze Tests, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, and Fill-in-the-Blanks exercises. | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Solve 40 to 50 questions daily. Focus topics include Simplification & Approximation, Number Series, Percentage, Partnership, Simple & Compound Interest, and Time & Work basics. | |
| General Awareness & Computer Aptitude | Track monthly Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, important Government Schemes, and Financial news. Computer focus: MS Office basics, Internet/Networking concepts, Computer Memory, and basic Cybersecurity concepts. | |
| Month 3 (Phase 2) Improving Accuracy & Problem Solving | Reasoning Ability | Start solving moderate-level Puzzles, Machine Input-Output, and Logical Reasoning questions alongside regular revision of previous topics. |
| English Language | Continue daily newspaper reading and editorial analysis. Include regular practice sessions for Para Jumbles and start solving mixed question sets. | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Practice solving math problems within a fixed time limit. Focus on Data Interpretation (DI), Quadratic Equations, and Arithmetic word problems. | |
| General Awareness & Computer Aptitude | Filter news reading for Financial updates, RBI Functions, Economic terms, Government schemes, and major Reports/Indices. Revise Computer chapters and study Software applications. | |
| Month 4 (Phase 2) Starting Sectional Mock Tests | Mock Tests & Analysis | Take 4 to 5 sectional mock tests weekly under strict time limits. Analyze attempts, note down errors, and use weekends to review weak areas and reattempt wrong questions. |
| Shortcut Techniques | Dedicating significant daily time to learn and apply Vedic math shortcuts, Option Elimination, Approximation, and smart approaches for fast Puzzle-solving. | |
| Month 5 (Phase 3) Full-Length Mocks & Error Analysis | Prelims & Mains Practice | Take 2 to 3 full-length Prelims mock tests and 1 Mains mock test every single week. Follow each test with strict error analysis, identification of weak areas, and weekly revision. |
| Revision & Fixes | Identify topics where marks are constantly lost. Re-solve incorrect mock test questions on paper without looking at the solutions to build a flawless approach. | |
| Month 6 (Phase 3) Final Focus on IBPS Clerk Mains | Mains Core Revision | Shift complete focus on Mains exam content. Revise the last 6 months of Current Affairs, Government Schemes, and Banking Awareness. |
| Financial Institutions | Study and memorize the details of major financial bodies, including NABARD, SIDBI, SEBI, EXIM Bank, IMF, and the World Bank. Run daily revision for tough topics. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a beginner crack IBPS Clerk exam in first attempt without any coaching?
A: Yes, you can easily clear the exam on your very first try by studying at home. You do not need to pay for expensive coaching classes to learn the basic rules. Beginners can find plenty of free videos online to understand difficult topics. To start your IBPS Clerk preparation, download the latest syllabus and buy a few standard practice books. The secret to success is practicing speed math and short reasoning tricks every single day. If you manage your time well and study with a clear plan, you can easily beat the high competition.
Q2: How many hours should a beginner study daily to crack IBPS Clerk exam in first attempt?
A: You do not need to study for twelve to fourteen hours every day. Trying to study for too many hours will only make you feel tired and stressed. For a beginner, sitting for 5 to 6 hours of regular, focused study daily is the sweet spot. You can easily split this time into small parts throughout your day. Spend two hours solving speed math and basic reasoning puzzles. Take one hour to read the daily news or monthly banking capsules. Use the rest of your time to take short online quizzes and review your mistakes. Consistency matters far more than the total number of hours you sit at your desk.
Q3: How many mock tests should I solve to crack IBPS Clerk exam in first attempt?
A: You should start solving online mock tests from the third week of your preparation. Do not wait to finish the whole syllabus first. In the beginning, solve two sectional tests every day to check your speed. Once you gain confidence, start taking two full-length IBPS Clerk mock tests every week. Always spend one hour reviewing your mistakes after finishing each test. Tracking your weak areas and fixing your errors early is the fastest way to increase your final exam scores.
Conclusion
Having a monthly IBPS Clerk preparation strategy is an advantage when you have to cover a massive syllabus. You need to integrate this strategy into a daily IBPS Clerk study plan. And you need to execute the plan consistently and with dedication. Daily revision and practice with IBPS Clerk PYQs are also important for beginners.
This month-wise preparation plan covers all the sections for IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains. Once you start with the above-described preparation roadmap, you will have a clear idea about how to crack the IBPS Clark exam on your first attempt. To discover top-quality IBPS Clerk coaching centers, visit CourseVidya.com, India’s own course search engine. A location-based search can give you a list of top-quality IBPS Clerk coaching centers, along with their prices and the facilities they offer. Shortlist, compare, and contact the IBPS Clerk coaching classes near you in seconds, only from CourseVidya.com, one unified platform for all your course needs.
