How the papers looked
Shift reviews published by coaching institutes rated the papers easy to moderate overall. Their estimates of 'good attempts' ranged from roughly 69 to 87 out of 100 depending on the shift, with reasoning and English usually the more comfortable sections. These are informal estimates from candidate feedback, not official figures.
Easier papers usually push cut-offs up, but IBPS normalises scores across shifts and fixes cut-offs state-wise. Instead of guessing, estimate your raw score honestly from memory and, if it is comfortably above your state's recent range, treat yourself as a mains candidate from today.
The mains is a different exam
The mains has 190 questions for 200 marks in 160 minutes, with a timer for each section and a quarter-mark penalty for wrong answers. It decides the provisional allotment, so it is where selection actually happens.
- General / Financial Awareness: 50 questions, 50 marks, 35 minutes.
- General English: 40 questions, 40 marks, 35 minutes.
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: 50 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 50 questions, 50 marks, 45 minutes.
An 11-week plan
- Weeks 1–4: Mains-level reasoning (long puzzles, input-output, coded inequalities) and data interpretation, plus 30 minutes of banking and current affairs every day.
- Weeks 5–8: Two sectional tests a day and computer aptitude basics. Start full mocks once a week.
- Weeks 9–10: Three full mocks a week with same-day analysis.
- Week 11: Revision only — financial awareness notes, error log and formulas.
Key takeaways
- IBPS Clerk prelims were held on 10–11 October 2026; reviews rate the papers easy to moderate.
- The prelims result is expected in November; the mains is on 27 December 2026.
- Start mains preparation now — financial awareness and mains-level puzzles need the most time.
Sources
Dates and patterns change — always confirm on the official website before applying.
