The English Language section in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam consistently evaluates both comprehension and grammar skills, with questions designed to test reading ability, vocabulary, and logical usage of language. Analysis of the last three years’ papers (2022, 2023, and 2024) reveals a clear focus on high-frequency topics such as Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement/Para Jumbles, Fillers, and Word Swap/Phrasal Verbs.
IBPS Clerk Mains English Questions Weightage
To maximize scoring potential, aspirants should prioritize Reading Comprehension (40–45%), followed by Grammar and Rearrangement (30–35%), and finally, Vocabulary and Miscellaneous segments (20–25%). This strategic allocation of preparation time ensures balanced coverage of all important areas while targeting the sections that carry the most marks.
IBPS Clerk Mains English Questions Trend of 3 Years
The most asked topics in the IBPS Clerk Mains English section over the last three years have been Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement/Para Jumbles, Fillers, and Word Swap/Phrasal Verbs. Reading Comprehension stands out as the single most frequently featured topic, consistently comprising a large share of questions and often appearing with diverse themes (e.g., Nuclear Power, Housing Scheme, Mountain).
| Topic | Marks | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 14 | 12 | 15 |
| Cloze Test / Replacement | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Error Detection / Double Error | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Sentence Rearrangement / Para Jumble | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Fillers / Single Filler | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Word Swap / Phrasal Verbs | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Miscellaneous (Word Usage, Narrative, etc.) | 6 | 3+ | 1+ |
IBPS Clerk Mains Topic-Wise Trends and Focus Areas of English Section
Candidates should prioritize reading comprehension and cloze test preparation, followed by error detection, para jumbles, fillers and vocabulary-based segments to maximize their chances of scoring in IBPS Clerk Mains English in the coming years.
- Reading Comprehension (RC): This is the highest weightage topic every year, typically with two or three passages and a variety of question types (fact-based, inference, vocabulary). The passage themes are often contemporary or related to banking/economy, demanding strong comprehension and interpretation skills.
- Cloze Test: Usually 5-7 marks, testing contextual grammar and vocabulary. Appears every year and is crucial for maximizing attempts.
- Error Detection/Double Error: Tests grammar; sometimes single error per sentence, sometimes multiple, or correction-based format.
- Para Jumble/Sentence Rearrangement: Questions require arrangement of sentences or paragraphs in a logical order, with increasing frequency of new patterns.
- Fillers: Includes single/double/triple blanks, appeared in various formats in all three years.
- Word Swap/Phrasal Verbs: A recurring theme checking vocabulary and phrasal verb knowledge.
- Miscellaneous/New Patterns: Includes narrative passages, advanced grammar, vocabulary, and inferential questions.
Preparation Strategy for Most Asked English Topics for IBPS Clerk Mains Exam
- Reading Comprehension Practice: Focus on passages from diverse themes to improve speed, retention, and inference skills.
- Grammar & Error Spotting: Revise basic rules, solve daily error spotting and correction sets.
- Vocabulary Building: Regular word list learning, context clues practice, and phrasal verbs.
- Jumbles & Cloze: Daily sets for sentence and paragraph arrangement, contextual grammar.
- Mock and Sectional Tests: Attempt tests under timed conditions to improve accuracy and question-solving strategy.
| Related Posts | |
| IBPS Clerk Previous Year Papers | IBPS Clerk Syllabus |
| IBPS Clerk Salary | IBPS Clerk Preparation Strategy |
| IBPS Clerk Mock Test | IBPS Clerk Expected Cut Off 2025 |



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