IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025: Complete Guide & Strategy
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Clerk recruitment drive for 2025 is one of the most awaited banking exams across India. With thousands of aspirants vying for clerk (Customer Service Associate) posts in various public sector banks, the prelims stage is key. This article takes you through the exam pattern, expected cut-offs, preparation strategy section-wise, and what to do after prelims.
Exam Overview- IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Recruiting body | IBPS |
Post | Clerk (Customer Service Associate) |
Prelims exam cycle | 2025 |
Prelims pattern | 100 marks, 60 minutes |
Selection stages | Prelims → Mains |
Prelims Exam Pattern & Syllabus- IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
Negative marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer.
Prelims is qualifying only; mains score will determine final selection.
Expected Cut-Offs for Prelims 2025
While official cut-offs are yet to be declared, exam-prep portals estimate as follows:
Category | Expected Overall Cut-Off (out of 100) |
|---|---|
General (UR) | ~70-80 marks |
OBC | ~65-75 marks |
SC/ST | ~60-70 marks |
Note: These are estimates; actual cut-offs will depend on number of candidates, difficulty level and vacancies.
Section-Wise Preparation Strategy- IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025
English Language
- Focus on: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Correction.
- Time-based approach: practise short passages + grammar daily.
- Aim: Attempt ~30 questions with ~75-85% accuracy.
Numerical Ability
- Key topics: Simplification/Approximation, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Arithmetic (Profit-Loss, Time-Distance, Ratio-Proportion).
- Use mock tests to improve speed & accuracy.
- Aim: Attempt ~30 of 35 with ~80% accuracy.
Reasoning Ability
- Key topics: Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Inequality.
- Prioritise puzzles early in prep—they carry heavy weight.
- Aim: Attempt ~28-32 with high accuracy.
What to Do After Prelims Result- IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025
Step | Action |
|---|---|
Download scorecard/result | Save print-out for future reference |
Analyse performance | Identify weak areas and strengths |
Switch to Mains preparation | Focus on sections: General/Financial Awareness, Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning |
Stay updated | Watch for admit card release, exam dates and guidelines |
Checklist Before Exam Day- IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2025
Download admit card and verify details
Visit exam centre in advance
Carry valid photo-ID + admit card print
No electronic devices inside exam hall
Time-management plan: ~20 minutes per section
Attempt easier questions first, then tougher ones
Stay calm—confidence is key
Conclusion
The IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025 is your gateway to the mains and ultimately a career in banking. With estimated cut-offs of ~70–80 for general category, it’s wise to aim higher. Focus on speed, accuracy and consistent practice now. After prelims result, shift gear to mains preparation with full focus on banking awareness and subject-depth.
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| IBPS official website |


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