IBPS Clerk 2026: 11403 Posts, Apply Process Explained
IBPS opens applications for 11403 Clerk posts from August 1. Check eligibility, age limit, fees, and exam pattern before the deadline.
AC Team
Good news for graduates looking for a stable job in banking. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has opened online applications for Clerk posts starting today, August 1. If you have been waiting for a sign to start your banking exam prep, this is it.
IBPS will fill a total of 11,403 Clerk posts across various banks this year. The application window stays open till August 21, so you have about three weeks to get your documents ready and submit the form. IBPS also gives candidates two extra days after the deadline to fix any mistakes in their form, so double check everything before the correction window closes too.
Who Can Apply
Before you rush to fill the form, check if you meet these basic conditions:
- You must be at least 20 years old and not more than 28 years old.
- You need a graduation degree from any recognised university in India.
Age relaxations apply for reserved categories:
- SC and ST candidates get 5 years relaxation.
- OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation.
- Candidates with disabilities get 10 years relaxation.
So if you fall under any of these categories, do the maths before you assume you are out of the age bracket.
Registration Fee
Applying is not free, but it is not expensive either. Here is what you need to pay:
- SC, ST and candidates with disabilities: Rs 175
- All other candidates (unreserved): Rs 850
Keep a copy of your payment receipt handy. You never know when you might need it later during document verification.
Exam Pattern: What to Expect
The selection process has two stages: a preliminary exam and a main exam. Think of the prelims as the gatekeeper round and the mains as the real test of your skills.
Preliminary Exam
- Total marks: 100
- Total questions: 100
- Subjects: English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning
- Duration: 1 hour
Only candidates who clear this stage move on to the main exam. So this is not the time to take things lightly, even though it feels like the easier round.
Main Exam
- Total marks: 200
- Total questions: 160
- Subjects: General and Financial Awareness, English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude
- Duration: 125 minutes
The main exam covers a wider range of topics, so your preparation strategy needs to shift once you clear the prelims. General awareness questions often trip up candidates who only focus on reasoning and maths, so keep an eye on current affairs and banking news too.
Exam Timeline
IBPS plans to conduct the exam in October this year. That gives you roughly two months from the application deadline to prepare, assuming you start early instead of waiting till the last week like most of us tend to do.
Quick Tips Before You Apply
- Keep your graduation certificate and mark sheets ready before you start the form.
- Use a valid email ID and phone number since IBPS sends updates through these channels.
- Read the official notification carefully for category-specific instructions.
- Do not wait till August 21 to submit your form. Servers tend to slow down closer to deadlines.
This recruitment cycle offers a solid opportunity for graduates who want to build a career in the banking sector. With over 11,000 posts up for grabs, your chances look decent if you prepare well and apply on time.
