IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026, Check All Phases

The IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026 is designed to identify candidates who possess the right mix of aptitude, accuracy, and consistency required for clerical roles in public sector banks. Each stage of the process plays a specific role in filtering applicants based on their performance rather than subjective factors. Aspirants must clearly understand all the phases involved, as even a small mistake or lack of preparation can affect final selection.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process

If you are aiming to become an IBPS Clerk in 2026, it’s important to know how the selection process works from the start. The recruitment is done in two phases, Prelims and Mains, followed by the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). Each stage has its own format and marking system, and both are equally important for getting shortlisted. To make things easier, we have broken down each step so you’ll know exactly what lies ahead and how to prepare for it.

IBPS Clerk Selection Criteria 2026: Overview

Here is a brief overview of the IBPS Clerk Selection Process with all stages in the description.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process: Stages

The selection process for IBPS Clerk 2026 is carried out in two main phases. First, candidates appear for the Preliminary Exam. Only those who perform well in this stage move on to the Mains Exam. While the Prelims is qualifying in nature, it’s the Mains score that plays a key role in the final selection. Let’s take a closer look at each stage involved in the recruitment process.

1. Prelims Exam
2. Mains Exam

Prelims Exam

The IBPS Clerk Selection Process starts with the prelims examination. The details on the prelim examination are given below. You must keep in mind this is only a qualifying stage of the examination.

1. IBPS Clerk prelims exam consists of three sections: English language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.
2. Candidates will be given 60 minutes to complete the examination.
3. There is a negative marking in the examination.

Mains Exam

The IBPS Clerk 2026 selection process concludes with the Mains Examination, which plays a decisive role in the final merit list. This phase is critical, as your score here alone will determine whether you get selected. Importantly, the exam pattern for the IBPS Clerk Mains has been changed this year, making it essential for candidates to understand the latest structure before preparing. Here’s a detailed look at the updated Mains exam pattern for IBPS Clerk 2026.

• The IBPS Clerk mains exam is divided into four sections.
• Candidates will have a total of 120 minutes to complete the mains examination.
• There will be negative markings for every wrong answer in both the Preliminary and Main Examination, for which there is a penalty of ¼ or 0.25 of the marks assigned to the particular question.

IBPS Clerk LLPT

The Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) is a qualifying test to check your reading, writing, speaking and understanding of the local language of the state/UT you applied for. Candidates who don’t have 10th-or-above proof of that language must pass this test to get the final appointment.

• Held after mains/provisional allotment but before joining the bank.​
• Not needed if your 10th+ marksheet shows the specified/ opted local language.
• Conducted by the bank/independent body; marks-based but only qualifying in nature.
• If you fail LLPT or cannot show valid language proof, your candidature is cancelled.

Is There Any Interview in the IBPS Clerk Selection Process?

No, there is no interview in the IBPS Clerk Selection process. Candidates who will clear the IBPS Clerk mains cut off will be finally selected as IBPS Clerk. After the prelims and mains exam, qualified candidates will be called for the Document verification.