Syllabus and Exam Pattern for IBPS Clerk Exam 2024
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Common Recruitment Process (CRP) for Clerical Cadre posts in various Public Sector Banks (PSBs) across India. The IBPS Clerk Exam is a national-level competitive examination for aspiring candidates seeking a career in the banking sector.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the syllabus and exam pattern for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2024, equipping you with the necessary knowledge to prepare effectively.
Exam Pattern
The IBPS Clerk Exam 2024 will be conducted in two phases:
Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Online)
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Duration: 1 hour
- Number of Sections: 3
- Total Marks: 100
- Sectional Time Limit: No sectional time limit
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark for each incorrect answer
Phase II: Mains Examination (Online)
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Number of Sections: 4
- Total Marks: 200
- Sectional Time Limit: No sectional time limit
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark for each incorrect answer
Note: Candidates need to clear the Preliminary Exam to be eligible for the Mains Exam. The final selection will be based on the performance in both phases of the exam and the subsequent interview process.
Detailed Syllabus
Phase I: Preliminary Examination
1. Reasoning Ability:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between objects, concepts, or words.
- Classification: Grouping items based on common characteristics.
- Series: Identifying patterns and missing elements in a series.
- Coding-Decoding: Deciphering codes and messages.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and their connections.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and positions based on given information.
- Seating Arrangement: Arranging individuals in a specific order based on given clues.
- Puzzles: Solving logical puzzles involving various elements and conditions.
- Data Sufficiency: Analyzing given information to determine whether it is sufficient to answer a question.
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Systems: Understanding properties of numbers, including integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Averages: Calculating average values for a set of data.
- Percentages: Calculating percentages, discounts, and profit/loss.
- Ratio and Proportion: Understanding ratios and proportions and their applications.
- Time and Work: Solving problems related to time, work, and efficiency.
- Time and Distance: Calculating speed, distance, and time.
- Simple and Compound Interest: Understanding interest calculations and their applications.
- Data Interpretation: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in various formats like tables, charts, and graphs.
- Mensuration: Calculating areas, perimeters, and volumes of geometric shapes.
3. English Language:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages of text.
- Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words and their usage.
- Grammar: Identifying and correcting grammatical errors.
- Sentence Correction: Identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure and usage.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
- Cloze Test: Filling in missing words in a passage to complete its meaning.
- Error Spotting: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
Phase II: Mains Examination
1. Reasoning Ability:
- Syllogisms: Analyzing logical arguments and drawing conclusions.
- Input-Output: Understanding the logic behind a given input and predicting the output.
- Critical Reasoning: Evaluating arguments and identifying fallacies.
- Verbal Reasoning: Analyzing and interpreting verbal information.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Solving problems based on visual patterns and relationships.
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Series: Identifying patterns and missing numbers in a series.
- Data Sufficiency: Analyzing given information to determine whether it is sufficient to answer a question.
- Quadratic Equations: Solving equations involving quadratic expressions.
- Inequalities: Solving inequalities involving variables.
- Permutation and Combination: Understanding arrangements and selections of objects.
- Probability: Calculating the likelihood of events occurring.
- Statistics: Understanding basic statistical concepts and calculations.
3. General Awareness:
- Current Affairs: Knowledge of recent events in national and international affairs.
- Banking Awareness: Understanding the Indian banking system, financial institutions, and regulations.
- Economy: Knowledge of economic concepts, policies, and trends.
- Static GK: General knowledge about history, geography, science, and culture.
4. Computer Knowledge:
- Basic Computer Operations: Understanding the fundamentals of computer hardware and software.
- MS Office: Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Internet and Web Browsing: Understanding internet concepts and using web browsers.
- Computer Networks: Basic knowledge of network types and protocols.
- Cyber Security: Awareness of common cyber threats and security measures.
Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Syllabus:
- Thoroughly study the detailed syllabus for both Preliminary and Mains exams.
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section.
2. Choose the Right Study Materials:
- Refer to reliable study materials like books, online courses, and mock tests.
- Select materials that are updated and relevant to the current exam pattern.
3. Create a Study Plan:
- Allocate sufficient time for each subject and topic.
- Set realistic goals and track your progress regularly.
4. Practice Regularly:
- Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Analyze your performance and identify areas that need improvement.
5. Focus on Conceptual Clarity:
- Understand the underlying concepts rather than memorizing formulas and facts.
- Develop a strong foundation in all subjects.
6. Improve Time Management:
- Practice solving questions within the stipulated time limit.
- Develop strategies to attempt questions efficiently.
7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
- Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay informed about current events.
- Focus on banking and economic news.
8. Enhance Your Computer Skills:
- Practice using MS Office applications and learn about basic computer concepts.
- Familiarize yourself with internet and web browsing.
9. Take Care of Your Health:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
- Avoid stress and anxiety by taking breaks and engaging in relaxation techniques.
10. Stay Motivated:
- Believe in yourself and your abilities.
- Seek support from friends, family, and mentors.
Important Resources
- IBPS Official Website: www.ibps.in
- Banking Awareness Websites: www.bankersadda.com, www.gradeup.co
- Current Affairs Websites: www.thehindu.com, www.indianexpress.com
- Online Mock Test Platforms: www.testbook.com, www.oliveboard.in
Sample Tables
Table 1: IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern (Preliminary)
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 |
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Table 2: IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern (Mains)
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| Computer Knowledge | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 160 | 160 |
Note: The number of questions and marks may vary slightly from year to year.
Conclusion
The IBPS Clerk Exam is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for aspiring banking professionals. By understanding the syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to stay focused, dedicated, and persistent in your preparation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the IBPS Clerk Exam?
- You must be a graduate from a recognized university.
- Age limit varies depending on the category.
2. How many phases are there in the IBPS Clerk Exam?
- There are two phases: Preliminary and Mains.
3. What is the duration of the Preliminary Exam?
- The Preliminary Exam is 1 hour long.
4. What is the duration of the Mains Exam?
- The Mains Exam is 2 hours and 40 minutes long.
5. How many sections are there in the Preliminary Exam?
- There are three sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
6. How many sections are there in the Mains Exam?
- There are four sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
7. Is there any sectional time limit in the exam?
- No, there is no sectional time limit in either phase.
8. What is the marking scheme for the exam?
- 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer.
- 1/4th mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
9. What are the important topics for the Reasoning Ability section?
- Analogies, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Data Sufficiency.
10. What are the important topics for the Quantitative Aptitude section?
- Number Systems, Averages, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Data Interpretation, Mensuration.
11. What are the important topics for the English Language section?
- Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Cloze Test, Error Spotting.
12. What are the important topics for the General Awareness section?
- Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, Economy, Static GK.
13. What are the important topics for the Computer Knowledge section?
- Basic Computer Operations, MS Office, Internet and Web Browsing, Computer Networks, Cyber Security.
14. How can I prepare for the IBPS Clerk Exam?
- Understand the syllabus thoroughly.
- Choose the right study materials.
- Create a study plan and stick to it.
- Practice regularly with previous years’ papers and mock tests.
- Focus on conceptual clarity.
- Improve your time management skills.
- Stay updated with current affairs.
- Enhance your computer skills.
- Take care of your health and stay motivated.
15. Where can I find the official notification for the IBPS Clerk Exam?
- The official notification is released on the IBPS website: www.ibps.in
16. What are the important resources for preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam?
- IBPS Official Website: www.ibps.in
- Banking Awareness Websites: www.bankersadda.com, www.gradeup.co
- Current Affairs Websites: www.thehindu.com, www.indianexpress.com
- Online Mock Test Platforms: www.testbook.com, www.oliveboard.in
17. What is the selection process for the IBPS Clerk Exam?
- The selection process involves two phases of online exams followed by an interview.
18. What is the salary for an IBPS Clerk?
- The salary for an IBPS Clerk varies depending on the bank and location.
19. What are the career prospects for an IBPS Clerk?
- An IBPS Clerk can progress to higher positions within the bank through promotions and training.
20. What are some tips for clearing the IBPS Clerk Exam?
- Stay focused and dedicated to your preparation.
- Practice regularly and analyze your performance.
- Stay updated with current affairs and banking knowledge.
- Believe in yourself and your abilities.