IBPS Clerk (CRP Clerical Cadre) Examination Guide (2026)

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Clerk (IBPS CRP Clerical Cadre) recruitment serves as the premier annual gateway for staffing clerical, teller, deposit operations, single-window customer service, and branch front-desk cadres across 11 nationalized Public Sector Banks in India (including Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, and Indian Bank). Vacancies are state and union territory specific, meaning candidates apply for vacancies in a particular state and must demonstrate proficiency in the official local regional language of that state or union territory. Conducted in regional languages alongside Hindi and English, the examination structure comprises a two-stage computer-based screening framework (Preliminary and Mains examinations) with no interview stage, offering direct merit-based appointment.

1. Statutory Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit & Crucial Date:

20 to 28 Years as on crucial date. Standard category relaxations: OBC-NCL +3 yrs, SC/ST +5 yrs, PwBD +10 yrs.

Educational Qualification:

A Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized University. Operating and working knowledge in computer systems is mandatory.

Nationality:

Citizen of India.

Permissible Attempts:

No restriction within the age limit.

2. Multi-Stage Selection Framework

Prelims: Preliminary Examination Online CBT (100 Qs, 100 Marks, 60 Mins)

English (30), Numerical Ability (35), Reasoning (35). Sectional timers of 20 mins. Qualifying for Mains.

Mains: Mains Examination Online CBT (190 Qs, 200 Marks, 160 Mins)

General/Financial Awareness (50), General English (40), Quantitative Aptitude (50), Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (50). Decides final merit.

3. Examination Scheme & Syllabus

Sectional timers in both phases with 1/4th negative marking penalty.

Section / Paper	Questions	Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
Prelims: English, Math, Reasoning	100	100	60 Mins	0.25 marks
Mains: General / Financial Awareness	50	50	35 Mins	0.25 marks
Mains: General English	40	40	35 Mins	0.25 marks
Mains: Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	45 Mins	0.25 marks
Mains: Reasoning & Computer	50	60	45 Mins	0.25 marks

4. 7th CPC Pay Scale & Career Growth

Pay Level & Grade Pay:

Starting Basic Pay of ₹24,050 under the revised 12th Bipartite Wage Settlement

Starting Basic & In-Hand Range:

₹24,050 (Estimated in-hand: ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per month depending on posting city classification.)

Hierarchical Promotion Ladder:

Customer Service Associate (Clerk) -> Senior Associate -> Special Associate
Officer Track: Scale-I Officer (Assistant Manager via internal promotion exam after 3 years)
Management Track: Scale-II (Manager) -> Scale-III (Senior Manager)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (IBPS Clerical Cadre (Customer Service Associates))

Is there an interview in IBPS Clerk?

No. There is zero interview. Final selection is based 100% on the normalized score in the online Mains Examination.

Is IBPS Clerk conducted in regional languages?

Yes. The examination is conducted in 13 regional languages in addition to English and Hindi, allowing candidates to read questions in their state language.

What is the starting salary of an IBPS Clerk?

An IBPS Clerk receives an initial in-hand monthly salary of approximately ₹35,000 to ₹39,000 post deductions.

Can an IBPS Clerk become a Branch Manager?

Yes. Through internal promotional examinations (TRA / OJM), clerks can be promoted to Scale-I Officer in 3 years and subsequently rise to Branch Manager (Scale-III).

Is negative marking applicable in IBPS Clerk?

Yes. A negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks (1/4th) is deducted for each incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains.