With the prelims exam now complete, the IBPS Clerk Mains exam is fast approaching, making this time crucial. We hare presenting the IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 preparation strategy for your convenience. The IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 exam requires focused preparation. Candidates should prioritize topic-wise study, regular mock tests, revision, and smart time management. This article shares an effective plan to maximize your preparation and help you excel in the Mains exam.
IBPS Clerk Mains Preparation Strategy 2025
To maximize your chances of success in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam 2025, a strategic approach is essential. Key elements include focused subject-wise preparation, consistent practice with mock tests, regular revision, and effective time management. The IBPS Clerk Mains exam is scheduled for 29 November 2025. Strategic preparation largely depends on the number of questions in the exam, marking scheme, and section-wise time allocation.
IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
The IBPS Clerk Mains Exam consists of four sections, each carrying a specific number of questions, maximum marks, and sectional timing. Candidates will have a total of 120 minutes to complete the exam, and negative marking will apply for incorrect answers.
- Candidates will be given a total of 120 minutes to complete the main exam.
- There are four sections.
- Each section will have sectional timing.
- There will be negative markings in the exam.
| IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern | ||||
| Sections | No. of Qs. | Max. Marks | Medium | Duration |
| General/ Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | English | 20 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | English | 35 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | English | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability | 35 | 50 | English | 30 minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 120 minutes | |
IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
The detailed exam pattern for the prelims examination is given below:-
- The IBPS Clerk prelims exam is divided into three subjects: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
- Candidates are allotted with sectional timing of 20 minutes each to complete the entire examination. each question consists of 1 marks each with negative marking of 0.25 for wrong answers.
| IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sections | No. of Qs. | Max. 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 |
Analyze the Syllabus of IBPS Clerk
To start your IBPS Clerk 2025 preparation, it’s important to go through the detailed IBPS Clerk syllabus and identify the key topics under each section. The syllabus closely resembles that of other banking exams, covering English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability for the Prelims, while the Mains includes additional sections like General/Financial Awareness.
- Prelims Exam: There are three sections in IBPS Clerk Syllabus: English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability.
- Mains Exam: There are a total of 4 sections asked in the examination: General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Numerical Ability, and General/ Financial Awareness.
Topic-wise Analysis of Each Section
Along with the IBPS Clerk Preparation Strategy 2025, we are providing a topic-wise analysis of each section of the exam held last year to give you a broad vision of the exam.
English Language
| Topics | Difficulty level | No. of questions |
| Reading Comprehension | Easy-Moderate | 15 |
| Cloze test | Moderate | 6 |
| Vocabulary | Moderate | 2 |
| Letter Formation | Moderate | 2+2 |
| Fillers | Easy | 2 |
Reasoning Ability
| Topics | Difficulty Level | No of Questions |
| Puzzle | Moderate | 15 |
| Inequality | Easy | 5 |
| Coding-Decoding | Easy | 5 |
| Para jumbles | Moderate | 12 |
| Syllogism | Easy | 4 |
| Data sufficiency | Easy-Moderate | 5 |
| Letter Formation | Moderate | 2+2 |
| Assumption | Moderate | 2 |
Numerical Ability Section
| Topics | Difficulty Level | No of the questions |
| Simplification | Easy | 5 |
| Data Interpretation | Easy-Moderate | 18 |
| Boat and stream | Easy-Moderate | 2 |
| Quadratic equations | Moderate | Nil |
| Speed, Time, and Distance | Easy | 1 |
| Miscellaneous (Average, Time & Work, Profit & Loss) | Easy-Moderate | 15 |
General/ Financial Awareness
| Topics | Difficulty Level | No. of Questions |
| Current Affairs (Last 6 Months) | Moderate | 10–12 |
| Banking Awareness (RBI, NABARD, Government Schemes) | Moderate | 7–8 |
| Financial Awareness (Budget, Economic Survey, Reports, Indices) | Moderate-Difficult | 5–6 |
| Static GK (Capitals, National Parks, Dams, Rivers, Headquarters) | Easy | 3–4 |
| Banking Terms & Abbreviations | Easy-Moderate | 2–3 |
| Recent Appointments and Obituaries | Easy | 2–3 |
| Important Days & Themes | Easy | 2 |
| Government Schemes & Policies | Moderate | 3–4 |
| Awards & Honours | Easy | 1–2 |
| Miscellaneous (Sports, Summits, Defence, Books & Authors) | Easy | 2–3 |
Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk 2025
The IBPS Clerk Mains Preparation Strategy 2025 has been designed after deeply analyzing previous year trends, top scorers’ feedback, and expert insights. This comprehensive approach aims to help aspirants strengthen their conceptual clarity, improve accuracy, and maximize their overall score in the Mains stage. The SBI Clerk Mains exam being the final selection stage demands strategic planning, smart practice, and time-bound revision.
Create a Study Plan
Develop a structured IBPS Clerk Mains Study Plan that ensures balanced coverage of all sections General/Financial Awareness, English Language, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude. Allocate focused time blocks to each subject and maintain daily and weekly goals. Set aside adequate hours for revising formulas, practicing high-level puzzles, and revisiting static banking topics before the exam.
Study Material and Resources
Gather updated and reliable study resources aligned with the Mains syllabus. Refer to trusted sources like standard banking awareness books, English comprehension guides, and advanced-level reasoning practice sets. The IBPS Clerk Mains Capsules and modules by ADDA247 are highly recommended for concise and exam-relevant coverage. Supplement your preparation with authentic PDFs, test series, and previous year question papers.
Tips To Prepare For Subject Wise Strategy
It is essential that the candidates are aware of the critical sections in the syllabus. If candidates can identify scoring topics they can easily crack the IBPS Clerk 2025. Here is the subject-wise preparation strategy for the IBPS Clerk Exam.
English Language
- Practice advanced-level reading comprehension based on economy and technology topics.
- Strengthen grammar through daily exercises on error detection, word usage, and sentence improvement.
- Focus on vocabulary-building—idioms, phrases, and synonyms/antonyms are common in Mains.
- Maintain a consistent reading routine of editorials and financial reports to improve contextual understanding.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Prioritize high-weightage chapters like Data Analysis & Interpretation, Caselet DI, and Arithmetic Word Problems.
- Learn shortcut tricks for approximation, quadratic equations, and number series.
- Focus more on Data Sufficiency and advanced arithmetic topics such as partnerships, time-speed-distance, and profit-loss.
- Practice sectional mock tests regularly to improve both speed and accuracy under pressure.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Concentrate on complex puzzles, data sufficiency, input-output, coded inequalities, and logical reasoning sets.
- Dedicate time to improving pattern recognition and decision-making accuracy.
- Revise basic computer fundamentals, shortcut keys, MS Office tools, and topics like Internet Security and Operating Systems.
- Attempt mixed-section reasoning sets as often as possible to improve focus-switching skills.
General/Financial Awareness
- Read daily news focused on banking, finance, and the economy.
- Cover static GK related to RBI, banking history, and headquarters.
- Study recent government schemes, financial terms, and monetary policy updates.
- Use weekly and monthly current affairs capsules by ADDA247 for crisp revision before the exam.
Time Management
Manage your time effectively during preparation. Set aside dedicated study hours, minimize distractions, and maintain a consistent study schedule. Break down complex topics into smaller sections for easier understanding and retention.
- Practice solving lengthy DI sets and puzzles within 10–12 minutes.
- Avoid over-attempting in one section at the cost of another.
- Build a habit of scanning the paper quickly to identify easy-to-score questions first.
- During preparation, maintain a disciplined study schedule and track progress weekly.
Practice Regularly
By Solving mock tests, sample papers, and IBPS Clerk Previous Year Papers, candidates can improve their speed and accuracy. This will also familiarize you with the exam pattern and boost your confidence. Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Mock Test and Analysis
Incorporate full-length mock tests into the preparation routine to simulate the exam environment. Analyse the performance to identify the areas of improvement and work on those weaknesses.
Strengthen Weak Areas
Note down challenging topics from mock analyses and allocate extra sessions to them. Use sectional quizzes and concept videos to close learning gaps. Participate in discussion groups or doubt-solving classes for quick concept clarifications.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Remain updated with the last six months of current and financial affairs for the Mains exam. Stay updated with the latest current affairs, especially related to banking, finance, and general awareness. Read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to enhance your knowledge. Our team provides the Daily, weekly and Monthly Current Affairs
- RBI and SEBI updates
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Banking terminologies
- Committees and indices
Stay Positive and Confident
Maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation. Believe in your abilities and stay confident in your exam-taking skills. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage exam stress. Remember, consistency and perseverance are key to success. Stay dedicated, follow your study plan diligently, and maintain a disciplined approach toward your preparation.



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