IBPS Clerk Preparation Strategy 2025, Know Prelims & Mains Section Wise Strategy According to Latest Pattern

The IBPS Clerk 2025 exam is just around the corner, and its official dates have been announced. The preliminary exam will be held on October 4, 5 and 11, 2025, while the main exam is scheduled on November 29, 2025. As per the exam date, there is not much gap between the preliminary and main exam, so we suggest you to prepare for the General Knowledge (GA) section of the mains exam along with the preliminary exam. Spend 1 hour a day reading our weekly and monthly CA to boost your mains preparation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive preparation plan, covering a section-wise, detailed plan along with the section-wise scoring topics. Whether you are just starting your preparation or looking to refine your study routine, this strategy will help you stay ahead of the competition.

Before Starting Preparation, Know Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern

Before going to the preparation strategy, candidates must know the latest prelims and mains exam pattern. The IBPS Clerk 2025 exam consists of two stages: Prelims and Mains, both conducted online with objective-type questions. The Preliminary Exam is a qualifying phase, but the preliminary marks do not count in the final merit list.

• Preliminary Exam:
  • Duration: 1 hour (20 minutes per section).
  • Sections:
    • English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks.
    • Numerical Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks.
    • Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks.
  • Total: 100 questions, 100 marks.
  • Key Notes: Candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs. 
• Mains Exam Pattern: (Revised)
  • Duration: 120 minutes.
  • Sections:
    • General/Financial Awareness: 40 questions, 50 marks (20 minutes).
    • General English: 40 questions, 40 marks (35 minutes).
    • Reasoning Ability: 40 questions, 60 marks (35 minutes).
    • Quantitative Aptitude: 40 questions, 50 marks (30 minutes).
  • Total: 155 questions, 200 marks.
  • This year mains exam pattern has been revised. The reasoning section is the most scoring section in the mains exam.

Candidates know the Prelims Last 4-year Paper Analysis

To help candidates prepare strategically for the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam, we have already provided a detailed link to the last 4 years’ paper analysis of the prelims exam. This analysis shows the changes in the difficulty level, topic-wise weightage, and trends of the last four years’ exams. First, you check the last 4 years’ analysis to identify high-scoring areas, understand the types of frequently asked questions, and start their preparation accordingly.

Section-wise Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk 2025 Exam

1. Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section in the IBPS Clerk exam is considered to be a scoring area, especially in the preliminary exam. The syllabus of both the preliminary and mains exams is almost the same, but the difficulty level increases in the main exam. In the preliminary exam, candidates have to solve 30 questions 30 marks, in 20 minutes. However, in the Mains, there are 35 questions carrying 50 marks to be solved in 30 minutes..

• Scoring Topics: Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work). (This scoring information is based on the analysis of last year’s question paper)
• Strategy:
  • Candidates must solve 10 to 15 questions daily for all topics and solve previous year papers to know the types of questions asked in the examination.
  • Master calculation shortcuts to solve questions quickly.
  • Practice 2–3 DI sets daily, as they carry high weightage (10–20 marks).

2. Reasoning

The Reasoning Ability section plays an important role in the preliminary and main stages of the IBPS Clerk exam. This section is based on the candidate’s logical thinking, analytical skills. In the preliminary exam, this section consists of 35 questions, 35 marks. In the main exam, the level of questions becomes even more challenging as there are 40 questions carrying 60 marks to be solved in 35 minutes.

• Scoring Topics: Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequalities, Coding-Decoding. (This scoring information is based on the analysis of last year’s question paper)
• Strategy:
  • Prioritise easy topics first (Syllogism, Inequalities) to secure quick marks.
  • Practice 3–4 puzzles variety of questions daily, to improve question-solving speed.
  • Use a timer to solve puzzles within 2-3 minutes in prelims and 4 to 5 minutes in mains.

3. English Language

The English Language section is a scoring and easy section in both the IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains exams. It consists of sections based on reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary for the candidates. With constant practice and a good understanding of the basics, this section can increase the overall score in both stages of the exam.

• Key Topics: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error, Para Jumbles, Fillers, Sentence Rearrangement (This scoring information is based on the analysis of last year’s question paper)
• Strategy:
  • Read our daily Hindu vocab article to boost your performance in the english section.
  • Practice descriptive writing for mains (essays on banking, economy, and social issues).

4. General Awareness

The General Awareness section is an important part of the IBPS Clerk Mains exam and can significantly impact your final score. It is advisable to start preparing for this section along with the preparation for the preliminary exam. This section mainly covers Current Affairs, Banking Awareness and Static GK. There is no calculation in this section, so it is easy to score in it.

• Key Topics: Banking Awareness, Current Affairs (last 6 months), Static GK.
• Strategy:
  • Read weekly and monthly current affairs last 6 months.
  • Focus on banking terms, RBI policies, and government schemes.
  • Revise current affairs weekly to retain information.

Utilise Our IBPS Clerk Study Resources Like a Topper

Cracking the IBPS Clerk exam requires a smart strategy and the right resources. Whether you are a beginner or going through a revision phase, using our study material effectively can make a big difference in your preparation. Here is how you can proceed with your preparation using our tools – step by step:

Start with the basics: Build a strong foundation using topic-wise tests

If you are just starting your IBPS Clerk preparation, don’t jump straight into full mock tests. Start small – with topic-wise tests. These tests are specifically designed to help you understand the type of questions asked in each topic. Whether it is Simplification in Quant, Puzzles in Reasoning, or Reading Comprehension in English, our topic tests will help you improve your conceptual clarity and give you the confidence to move to the next level.

Stuck on a section? Target it with Mini Mocks + Sectional Test

If you have already covered the basics but are struggling with a particular section (such as Reasoning, English or Quant), it’s time to change strategy. Use our Mini Mock Tests & Sectional Mock Test along with targeted topic-wise practice to focus on that particular section.

Stay Updated with Weekly & Monthly Current Affairs PDFs and Quizzes

Current affairs are an important part of the mains exam, so we provide weekly and monthly PDFs, quizzes, and quick revision notes to help you stay updated. Start revising now and make current affairs a daily habit for scoring better.

Time to Level Up: Start Full-Length Mock Tests

Once your basics are clear, it’s time to take your preparation to the next level. Attempt our free full-length mock test and access 20 additional mocks along with 5 Rank Booster mocks, designed from easy to difficult levels. This will help you improve time management and question selection. For IBPS Clerk Mains, we also provide 10 full-length mock tests.

The Most Important Step: Analyse Your Mocks Smartly

Taking mock tests is not enough; analysing them is the key to real improvement. Review your wrong answers, note the time spent on each section, and identify weak areas. Smart analysis will help you avoid repeating the same mistakes in the real exam.

Resources for Preparation

• Telegram & YouTube Channels: Follow the channels telegram https://t.me/bankgovtjobexamprep and PracticeMock YouTube Channel for video tutorials on number series tricks and all the latest details.

Final Words: Your Success is Built on Strategy + Practice

The IBPS Clerk exam is not just about hard work but also smart preparation. By following this roadmap and utilising our resources effectively, you will consistently improve your accuracy, speed, and confidence in clearing the IBPS Clerk prelims and mains exams easily.

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