IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026, Check All Phases

The IBPS Clerk 2026 selection process consists of Prelims and Mains examinations. Candidates who qualify the Prelims are shortlisted for the Mains. This year, IBPS has revised the Mains exam pattern by changing the sectional structure and timing. The final selection is based solely on Mains marks, followed by document verification, local language requirements (if applicable), and fulfillment of eligibility criteria. There is no interview in the recruitment process.

IBPS Clerk Selection Process

The IBPS Clerk Selection Process 2026 is designed to identify candidates with the aptitude, knowledge, and language skills required for a Customer Service Associate role in public sector banks. The recruitment is conducted in multiple stages, including the Prelims Exam, Mains Exam, and Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). Candidates must clear each applicable stage to move closer to final selection and provisional allotment.

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 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

IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam

The IBPS Clerk Selection Process starts with the prelims exam. 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.

IBPS Clerk 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 125 minutes to complete the mains examination.
• There will be negative markings for every wrong answer in both the Prelims and Mains Exam, 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.

IBPS Clerk Marking Scheme 2026

The IBPS Clerk Exam follows a negative marking system in both the Preliminary and Main Examination. Candidates must be careful while attempting questions, as incorrect answers can reduce their overall score. The marking scheme helps candidates understand how marks are calculated in the examination.

• Correct Answer: +1 mark is awarded for each correct response.
• Incorrect Answer: A penalty of 0.25 marks (¼ of the marks assigned to the question) is deducted for every wrong answer.
• Unattempted Questions: No marks are deducted for questions left unanswered.
• Prelims Exam: Marks obtained are considered only for qualifying for the Main Examination.
• Mains Exam: Marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for the final selection.