The IBPS Clerk exam is one of the most sought-after banking recruitment tests in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply, but only a fraction make it through the rigorous selection process. If you’re aiming for the 2025 cycle, understanding the Prelims, Mains, and final selection stages is crucial. This guide breaks down the exam pattern, marking scheme, cutoffs, and expert tips to help you strategize effectively. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights 🚀
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) |
| Exam Levels | Prelims + Mains |
| Total Marks (Prelims) | 100 |
| Total Marks (Mains) | 200 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 marks deduction) |
| Final Selection | Based on Mains marks only |
| Language Options | English & Hindi |
| Job Role | Clerical Cadre in Public Sector Banks |
| Official Website | https://www.ibps.in |
IBPS Clerk 2025 Exam Stages: Prelims & Mains
1. Preliminary Exam (First Filter) 📋
The Prelims is a qualifying round—only top scorers move to Mains.
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
⚠️ Key Notes:
- No sectional cutoff, but overall cutoff applies.
- Speed and accuracy matter—you can’t afford to linger on tough questions.
2. Mains Exam (The Decider) 🎯
Only Prelims qualifiers take the Mains. This stage decides your final rank.
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 mins |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 mins |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 mins |
💡 Pro Tip:
- General Awareness is scoring—focus on banking terms, current affairs, and static GK.
- Computer Aptitude is basic—no need for advanced tech knowledge.
IBPS Clerk 2025 Marking Scheme & Cutoffs
How Marks Are Calculated
- Correct Answer: +1 (Prelims), +1 or +1.25 (Mains)
- Wrong Answer: -0.25 (both stages)
- Unattempted: No penalty
Previous Year Cutoffs (Approx.)
| Stage | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | 70-75 | 65-70 | 60-65 | 55-60 |
| Mains | 145-150 | 135-140 | 125-130 | 120-125 |
📌 Note: Cutoffs vary yearly based on difficulty and vacancies.
Expert Strategies to Crack IBPS Clerk 2025
1. Prelims Strategy (Speed + Accuracy) ⚡
- English: Focus on reading comprehension, cloze tests, and error spotting.
- Maths: Master simplification, number series, and data interpretation.
- Reasoning: Practice puzzles, seating arrangement, and syllogism.
2. Mains Strategy (Depth + Time Management) 🕒
- GA: Read newspapers (The Hindu, Economic Times) daily.
- Computer: Revise basics like OS, internet, and MS Office.
- Quant: Strengthen data interpretation and arithmetic.
🎯 Real-Life Example:
Rahul, a 2024 qualifier, prioritized mock tests—solved 30+ papers before the exam, helping him manage time efficiently.
Final Selection & Document Verification
- Mains score is the only factor in final selection.
- Provisional allotment depends on bank preferences, category, and vacancies.
- Document verification checks eligibility (age, education, caste certificates).
🔍 Did You Know?
In 2024, over 8 lakh candidates applied, but only around 5,000 got selected—making the competition fierce!
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Ignoring Sectional Timing → Leads to incomplete papers.
- Overlooking GK → Losing easy marks in Mains.
- No Mock Tests → Poor time management in real exams.
📊 Research-Backed Insight:
A 2023 IBPS study found that candidates who practiced 15+ mocks had a 40% higher success rate.
Final Thoughts
The IBPS Clerk 2025 selection process is challenging but crackable with the right plan. Focus on concept clarity, speed, and smart preparation—your dream banking job is within reach! 🚀
(Need more tips? Check out IBPS’s official website for updates!)
