Scoring 85+ marks in IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025 is not just about hard work but also about following the right strategy, consistency and concentration. Toppers score high marks by mastering high-weightage topics, managing time smartly and solving mock tests regularly to improve accuracy and speed. Instead of trying to solve everything, they focus on their strengths, solve scoring sections quickly, so that they can make fewer mistakes in the examination. With the right preparation plan and topic-wise smart approach, you too can score 85+ marks and secure your place in the mains exam.
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Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Thoroughly
The IBPS Clerk Prelims consists of three sections: English Language (30 marks), Numerical Ability (35 marks), and Reasoning Ability (35 marks), total of 100 marks in 60 minutes. Each section has a sectional time limit of 20 minutes.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration (in minutes) |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 |
Topper’s Tip: Create a checklist of high-weightage topics (e.g., simplification, puzzles) and master them first to ensure maximum marks.
Quantitative Aptitude
Important Topics (Based on Previous Years’ Analysis)
- Simplification & Approximation
- Number Series (Missing/Wrong)
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Interpretation (DI)
- Arithmetic Word Problems – Topics like Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Partnership, Simple & Compound Interest, Boats & Streams, Mixture & Allegation, and Mensuration.
Tips to Boost Marks in Quant
- Target high-scoring areas first: Attempt simplification, quadratic equations, and number series before moving to DI and arithmetic.
- Solve a Variety of Questions: Solve daily 10 to 15 questions on all high-weightage topics so that you can know what type of questions can come in the exam.
- Strengthen calculation speed: Learn Vedic Maths tricks for multiplication, squares, and percentages.
- Focus on arithmetic basics: Conceptual clarity in percentage, ratio, and averages will help in solving word problems faster.
- Use approximation smartly: In DI and word problems, approximate values when exact calculation isn’t required.
- Take the Topic Test: If you struggle with any topic, you can take our topic-wise test. Additionally, in our blog section, we provide topic-wise strategies for all subjects that will be very helpful.
- Mock test practice: Set a timer and attempt sectional tests to build speed and accuracy.
| Year | Download Link |
| Question Paper 2024 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Question Paper 2023 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Question Paper 2022 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Question Paper 2021 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Question Paper 2020 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Question Paper 2019 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
Reasoning Ability (Prelims)
Important Topics (Based on Previous Years’ Analysis)
- Seating Arrangement & Puzzles (Linear, Circular, Floor-based, Box-based)
- Syllogism
- Inequality (Direct & Coded)
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Coding-Decoding
- Alphanumeric Series
- Miscellaneous (Ranking, Order & Sequence)
Tips to Boost Marks in Reasoning
- Attempt easy questions first: Start with inequality, syllogism, blood relations, and coding-decoding before puzzles.
- Practice puzzles daily: Puzzles play a very important role in the reasoning section because, in the SBI PO paper analysis, it was observed that in the preliminary exam, the overall paper was dependent on puzzles only, so those who were strong in the puzzle section performed well. So you solve daily 2–3 puzzles of different types to handle the bulk of the section.
- Draw diagrams: Use flowcharts or quick sketches for direction and relation-based questions instead of solving mentally.
- Sectional mocks: Take reasoning mini-tests to improve time management.
| Year | Download Link |
| Reasoning Question Paper 2024 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Reasoning Question Paper 2023 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Reasoning Question Paper 2022 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Reasoning Question Paper 2021 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Reasoning Question Paper 2020 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| Reasoning Question Paper 2019 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
English Language (Prelims)
Important Topics (Based on Previous Years’ Analysis)
- Reading Comprehension (Short passages, fact-based, and vocabulary-based)
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks (Single/Double)
- Vocabulary (Word Replacement, Synonyms, Antonyms)
Tips to Boost Marks in English (Prelims)
- Revise grammar basics: Focus on subject-verb agreement, tenses, and prepositions for error spotting.
- Read daily: Short news articles or editorials improve RC speed and vocabulary.
- RC strategy: Attempt direct fact-based questions first, then inference-based ones.
- Time-saving approach: Attempt grammar-based questions first, then RC.
- Topic tests & mocks: Regular English sectional tests help reduce negative marking.
| Year | Download Link |
| English Question Paper 2024 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| English Section Question Paper 2023 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| English Section Question Paper 2022 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| English Section Question Paper 2021 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| English Section Question Paper 2020 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |
| English Section Question Paper 2019 | Click & Download the PDF with a Detailed Solution |

How to Score 85+ in IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025 Exam
Here we are providing 7 Topper’s tips to boost their score 85+ in the IBPS Clerk prelims exam. The key is to balance speed and accuracy while covering the complete syllabus for the IBPS Clerk 2025 exam.
After Knowing the Syllabus and Exam Pattern, You Can Strengthen Your Basics
Before you start practising, take time to understand the updated syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you identify high-weightage topics in Quant, Reasoning and English. Once you know what is important, focus on clearing your basic concepts to avoid making silly mistakes.
Create a Detailed Study Plan According to Your Preparation
A realistic study plan ensures you cover every topic without rushing at the last moment. Divide your time into smaller daily and weekly targets for better tracking. Include practice, mock tests, and revision slots in your plan to keep your preparation well-balanced.
Take the Topic Test and the Mini Mock Test for Your Weak Topics
Don’t avoid your weak areas; work on them early in your preparation. Topic tests and mini mocks help you focus on a single concept at a time and improve steadily. Analyse your mistakes after each test so you can correct them before moving to full-length practice.
Take a Full-Length Mock Test to Know the Overall IBPS Clerk Performance
Full-length mock tests give you a real-time exam experience and help to know your current level of preparation. They highlight your strengths and weaknesses across all sections. Take them regularly and work on your scheduling strategy for each section.
Master Time Management Because 100 Questions Are Solved in 60 Minutes
You have less than a minute for each question, so it’s important to make quick decisions. Avoid getting stuck on difficult questions; skip them and do them again if you have time. Practising timed tests will make you more efficient and reduce test stress.
Score 85+ in IBPS Clerk Prelims exam
If your target is to score 85+ marks, then focus on accuracy. Speed alone will not fetch you good marks; accuracy is equally important. To solve questions quickly without compromising on accuracy, solve easy questions first and then move on to difficult questions.
Revise Regularly and Use Short Notes
Candidates revise all important topics for all sections. Use short notes, formulas, and shortcut methods for quick recalls before the exam. Regularly revisiting topics will keep concepts fresh in your mind and boost your confidence.
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.
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