IBPS Competitive Exam

IBPS Clerk Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2020

IBPS has released the IBPS Clerk 2020 Exam Pattern and Syllabus along with its official notification. You can check the updated IBPS Clerk syllabus & exam pattern in this post below. IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2020 is very much same as any other Bank Exam. The major three sections on which a candidate needs complete command to ace IBPS Clerk 2020 Preliminary Exam are:
When a candidate clears the Preliminary Exam, he/she must start preparing for the Mains Exam. The Mains Examination of IBPS Clerk exam 2020 consists of 4 sections which are mentioned below:
  • Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • English Language
  • General/ Financial Awareness
IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam :

Major changes have been observed in the Exam Pattern of IBPS Clerk 2020 Prelims Exam. The IBPS Clerk preliminary examination is conducted online and candidates are allocated total duration of 1 hour (20 minutes for each section) to complete the preliminary exam.

Candidates have to qualify in each of the three tests by securing cut-off marks to be decided by IBPS. Adequate number of candidates in each category as decided by IBPS depending upon requirements will be shortlisted for Online Main examination.

S.No. Name of Tests(Objective) No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
1 English Language 30 30 20 minutes
2 Numerical Ability 35 35 20 minutes
3 Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 minutes
Total 100 100 1 Hour

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam :

In the latest update by IBPS, IBPS Clerk Mains Exam will now constitute of 190 questions that needs to be completed in a time frame of 160 minutes.

Previously, Computer Aptitude and Reasoning Ability Section used to be conducted separately. But, in the recent update by IBPS, both these sections are amalgamated together and will constitute of 50 questions that needs to be solved in a time duration of 45 minutes. Both Preliminary Exam and Mains Exam will be conducted bilingually, i.e. both in English and in Hindi. Let’s have a look at the Exam Pattern for IBPS Clerk CWE VII.
S.No. Name of Tests(Objective No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
1 Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude 50 60 45 minutes
2 English Language 40 40 35 minutes
3 Quantitative Aptitude 50 50 45 minutes
4 General/ Financial Awareness 50 50 35 minutes
Total 190 200 160 minutes

English Language :

Vocabulary Grammar Reading Comprehension
Homonyms, Antonyms, Synonyms, Word Formation, Spelling Spotting Errors, Phrases and idioms, Direct and Indirect speech, Active/ Passive voice Theme Detection, Passage completion, Topic rearrangement of passage, Deriving Conclusion.

Reasoning :

Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning
Analogy, Classification, Word formation, Statement and conclusions Syllogism, Statement and assumptions, Statement and arguments, Coding Decoding, Blood Relations, Passage and conclusions, Alphabet test, Series Test, Number, Ranking and time sequence, Direction sense Test, Decision making test, Figure series, Input/output, Assertion and reasoning, Sitting Arrangement Series test, Odd figure Out, Analogy, Miscellaneous Test

Quantitative Aptitude :

Ratio and proportion, Averages, Time and work, Speed, Distance and time, Mixture and allegation Stocks and shares, Percentages, Partnership, Clocks, Volume and surface Area, Bar & Graphs, Line charts, Tables Height and Distances, Logarithms, Permutation and combinations, Simple and compound interest, Equations, Probability, Trigonometry, Profit, Loss and Discount, Mensuration, Elements of Algebra, Data Interpretation, Pie charts

Computer Knowledge :

Basics of Hardware and software, Windows operating system basics, Internet terms and services, Basic Functionalities of MS-Office( MS-word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint) History of computers, Networking and communication, Database basics, Basics of Hacking, Security Tools and Viruses

General Awareness :

Current affairs related to national and international issues of last 6 months,Overview of Indian Financial System,History of Indian banking system, Recent credit and monetary policies Introduction to National financial institutions like RBI, SEBI, IRDA, FSDC etc and of International organizations like IMF, World Bank, ADB, UN etc,Abbreviations and Economic terminologies, Banking Terms,Important Government Schemes on capital & money market.

IBPS Clerk Eligibility Criteria 2020: At a Glance

Age limit The aspirants who are belonging from the age group of 20-28 years, can apply for IBPS Clerk. The reserved category students will have age relaxation for applying the exam.
Educational qualification The applicants should complete their graduation in any subject.

IBPS Clerk 2020 Best Books :

Sections of IBPS Clerk Best Books for IBPS Clerk
General/Financial Awareness Lucent’s General Knowledge
General English Word Power Made Easy – By Norman Lewis, Penguin Publication
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (Revised Edition) – By R.S. Aggarwal, S. Chand Computer Knowledge for IBPS – CWE Clerical Cadre - Content Crop Publication
Quantitative Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude Test – By N.K Singh, Upkar Prakashan

IBPS PO Exam Pattern :

Candidates need to understand the IBPS PO Exam Pattern to have an idea of the topics covered in the exam.

The IBPS PO Exam Pattern consists of Prelims, Mains and an Interview.

IBPS PO Exam Pattern for Prelims :

Sr. No. Name of the Test No. of Questions & Maximum Marks Language of the exam Duration of each IBPS PO Prelims exam
1 English Language 30 English 20 minutes
2 Quantitative Aptitude 35 English & Hindi 20 minutes
3 Reasoning Ability 35 English & Hindi 20 minutes
Total 100 1 Hour

IBPS PO Exam Pattern for Mains :

Sr. No. Name of the Test No. of Questions Maximum Marks Language of the exam
1 Reasoning & Computer Aptitude 45 60 English
2 General/Economy/Banking Awareness 35 40 English & Hindi
3 English Language 35 40 English & Hindi
4 Data Analysis & Interpretation 35 60 English & Hindi
5 English Language( Letter Writing & Essay) 2 25 English
Total 155 200

IBPS PO Syllabus for Prelims

The preliminary exam consists of one paper of 100 marks divided into three sections.

The IBPS PO Prelims syllabus covers the following subjects: The new pattern of exam introduced in 2019 has added a few topics to each subject, which were not included in the IBPS PO syllabus earlier.

The IBPS does not specify a list of topics in their notification; hence the syllabus is drawn up by analysing past years’ papers.

Candidates can also check the best IBPS PO books which may help them ace the upcoming Probationary Officer exam at the linked article.

The following is the subject wise breakdown of the IBPS PO Prelims syllabus

IBPS PO Syllabus for Prelims exam is given below:

English Language Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning Ability
Reading Comprehension Idioms & Phrases Paragraph Jumbles Tenses Rules (Fill in the blanks)/Cloze Test Error Detection Multiple Meanings(Contextual Usage) Paragraph and passage completion Simplification and Approximation Quadratic Equations Profit and Loss Mixtures and Alligations Simple and Compound Interest Surds and Indices Work and Time Speed, Time and Distance Mensuration: Cylinder, Cone, Sphere and Cuboid Data Interpretation Ratio And Proportion Percentages Number Series Boat Stream Series and Sequences Permutation and Combination Measures of Central Tendency and Variation Probability Logical Reasoning Alphanumeric Series Directions Reasoning Puzzles Order and Ranking Alphabet Combination Data Sufficiency Tests Coded Inequalities Seating Arrangements Picture Series Puzzles Tabulation Syllogism Relationships Input/Output Coding and Decoding Assertion and Reason Statement, Argument and Assumption Word Formation

To get some simple maths shortcuts and tricks to solve the questions from the quantitative aptitude section quicker and more efficiently, candidates can check the linked article.

The IBPS PO syllabus for the Prelims exam covers a large number of topics. Thorough practice and proper IBPS PO preparation need to be done to cover these topics before the Prelims exam in the best possible way.

Candidates can check IBPS PO Mock Tests for performance review and revision.

IBPS PO Syllabus for Mains

The IBPS PO Mains syllabus has topics similar to the Prelims phase, but the standard of questions is a bit complex.

Two new subjects are added in the syllabus for phase II exam. These are Computer Knowledge and Banking Awareness. Also, a descriptive paper is included in this stage of the examination.

To get the detailed Probationary Officer Mains exam syllabus, refer to the table below:

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude General/Economy/Banking Awareness English Language
Reasoning:Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Syllogism Seating Arrangements (Circular and Linear) Double and Triple Lineups Scheduling Input/Output Blood Relations Ordering and Ranking Coding and Decoding Sufficiency of Arguments and Data Directions and Displacement Code Inequalities Alphanumeric Series Computer Aptitude:Internet Memory Keyboard Shortcuts Computer Related Terms Abbreviations Computer Fundamentals Microsoft Office and Related Word Processing and Spreadsheet Applications Computer Hardware and Software Operating Systems and GUI Basics Computer Network Microsoft Office Microsoft Windows Banking Awareness Financial Knowledge Basic Economics Current Affairs Current Events of National and International Importance with focus on financial news Static GK General Knowledge on various topics of importance to financial institutions Reading Comprehension Vocabulary Grammar Usage of English in Business Letter Writing Essay Writing Verbal Ability

IBPS PO Interview :

The IBPS PO Interview does not cover any specific topic. It is advisable to focus on general knowledge and awareness, current affairs and some essential matters under finance while preparing for the Probationary Officer Interview.

The Interview will be for 100 marks, and minimum 40% marks (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD) are necessary to qualify the Interview phase. Also, the final result is according to the marks scored in Interview+ Mains, and they shall be calculated in a 20:80 ratio, respectively.

It is more important to display excellent interpersonal skills and business acumen during the IBPS PO Interview.

The IBPS PO exam process is relatively short when compared to other competitive exams. It makes it very important that candidates do not get distracted during preparation.

IBPS PO Books for English Language

Questions in English Language are asked from Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Fill in the blanks, Paragraph Completion, etc. Candidates can refer to the following books.
IBPS PO Books for Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude carries questions from Simplification, Percentage, Average, Ratio and Percentage, Data Interpretation, Speed, Distance and Time, Time and Work, Number Series, Quadratic Equation. To score good marks in this section, candidates can refer to the following banks.

Books Author/Publication
Quantitative Aptitude Book Wiley’s Publication
Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examination The Pearson Guide
Teach Yourself Quantitative Aptitude Arun Sharma
Rapid Quantitative Aptitude with Shortcuts & Tricks Disha Publication
Quantitative Aptitude Sarvesh Verma
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic Rajesh Verma (Arihant Publication)
Quantitative Aptitude Disha Experts
Data interpretation Arun Sharma
Data Interpretation magical books series BSC Publication

IBPS PO Books for Reasoning Ability

This section, candidates will get questions from Verbal Reasoning, Syllogism, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, etc. Candidates can buy the following books for this section.
IBPS PO Books for General Awareness

Questions from General Awareness are basically asked from financial awareness, current affairs, banking awareness and general knowledge. Usually questions are asked from events that takes place 3 to 4 months prior to the examination. Candidates should read the newspapers, watch news and read magazines to prepare this section. The following books are recommended for this section

Books Author/Publication
Guide to Banking General Awareness R Gupta
Manohar Pandey Book Arihant Publications
Manorama Yearbook 2020 ( English) Paperback Philip Mathew

IBPS PO Books for Computer Aptitude

In this section, candidates should prepare topics such as Internet, Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviation, Microsoft Office, Computer Hardware, Computer Software, Operating System, Operating System and Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies. Candidates can refer to the following books.
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