IBPS Clerk Mains Preparation Strategy, Check Section-wise Tips

Key Takeaways

1. Master the Pattern First, Then the Practice: Begin with a clear understanding of the exam structure and sectional timing.
2. Mock-Test Driven Strategy: Weekly full-length mock tests followed by detailed analysis are non-negotiable.
3. Consistency + Smart Planning = Success: Stick to a weekly plan that balances concept revision, topic tests, current affairs, and mock retakes.

IBPS Clerk Prelims exam is over now! Now you have to give full focus to the Mains Preparation to appear in the final merit list. The structured preparation strategy helps you get on the track. This comprehensive step-by-step preparation guide involves exam pattern, mock test attempt tips, revision tips, strong and weak areas tips, and topic tests attempt strategy. This also involves section-wise tips to score well and guides you in the overall preparation journey. Continue reading to get the complete IBPS Clerk Mains Preparation Strategy and check Section-wise Tips.

IBPS Clerk Mains Preparation 2025 Step-by-Step Strategy

To crack IBPS Clerk Mains, you need a focused and layered approach. Start with the basics, build on your strengths, and consistently work on your weak areas. Follow this step-by-step strategy to stay exam-ready.

• After each study session, take a topic test and track your progress.
• First, go through the exam pattern.
• Then revise previously learned concepts of Reasoning, Quant, and English.
• Take a mock test and analyse it to know your weak and strong areas.
• Improve speed in strong areas and accuracy in weak ones.

Go thorough Exam Pattern of IBPS Clerk Mains

Understanding the exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. In IBPS Clerk Mains exam, the weightage of Reasoning (puzzles especially) is more compared to other subjects. The general and financial awareness section also carries many more marks. Quantitative Aptitude is asked for 50 marks, which helps clear the cut-offs.

If you have only studied 2 subjects and want to secure above 100 marks in the exam, then it’s risky because there is a sectional cut-off too. Therefore, based on the latest exam pattern, try to cover each subject. There will be moderate to difficult-level questions in the mains exam. You can choose to attempt moderate-level questions and attempt them all, and secure a safe score. It helps you allocate time and effort wisely across sections.

Section	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Time Allotted
General/Financial Awareness	50	50	35 minutes
General English	40	40	35 minutes
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude	50	60	45 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	45 minutes
Total	190	200	160 minutes

Note: Sectional cut-off applies. Penalty of 1/4th of the allotted marks for each wrong answer. Sectional timing is strictly enforced

Revise Previously Learned Concepts

Before diving into new topics, make sure your basics are solid. This helps you avoid silly mistakes and boosts confidence during practice. For Quant, prepare common topics that you have already studied in Prelims. For Reasoning, before diving into high-level puzzles, revise syllogism and other topics first. For GA, start reading current affairs daily. For English, start reading the Hindu Editorial and improve your grammar and vocab.

• Revisit basic grammar rules, arithmetic formulas, and reasoning techniques.
• Go through your notes from IBPS Prelims and earlier mock tests.
• Focus on accuracy in concepts like percentages, ratios, puzzles, and reading comprehension.

You can create a “Mistake Notebook” to track recurring errors and revise them weekly.

Focus on High-Weightage Topics First

In the IBPS Clerk Mains exam, smart preparation begins with prioritising high-weightage topics across all sections. For Quantitative Aptitude, focus on Data Interpretation, Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, SI/CI), and Number Series. In Reasoning, give extra attention to Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, and Syllogisms. For General Awareness, banking awareness and current affairs from the last 6 months are crucial. The English section often favours Reading Comprehension and Cloze Tests. By mastering these scoring areas first, candidates can maximise their marks efficiently and reduce time spent on low-yield topics during revision.

Take A Mock Test and Analyse

Mock tests are your best tool to simulate the real exam and assess your readiness. But the real value lies in analysing them thoroughly. Mock Tests give you real exam experience before the exam. This makes you more confident and prepared for the exam.

• Attempt full-length mock tests weekly.
• Use analysis to identify weak areas and time-consuming questions.
• Track your accuracy and speed over time.

What Mock Test Analysis provides:

• Accuracy rate
• Time per section
• Number of skipped questions
• Percentile Rank
• Score Vs Percentile Graph
• Sectional Strengths
• Weak and Strong Areas
• Improvement trend

Reattempt the test after learning the solution to not make the same mistake again. 

Work on Your Weak Areas

Improving weak areas is crucial to boost your overall score. Focused practice and concept clarity can turn weaknesses into strengths. For example, if your English is weak, read daily. If your Maths is weak, focus on mastering quant questions through topic tests. And if you are weak in Reasoning, focus on practicing at least 2 to 3 puzzle sets daily.

• Identify topics where your accuracy is below 70%.
• Watch concept videos or attend doubt-clearing sessions.
• Practice 20–30 questions daily from those topics.

Improve Speed in Strong Areas

Speed is a game-changer in Quant. Once you’re confident in a topic, work on solving it faster without compromising accuracy. Speed comes from a lot of practice. So, without any second guesses, start attempting moderate to difficult level questions of strong topics.

• Practice sets with a timer to improve question-solving speed.
• Use shortcuts and mental math tricks for arithmetic.
• Solve 3 to 4 sets of your strong topics daily.

Speed Boosters:

• Tables up to 30
• Squares up to 50
• Cubes up to 20
• Square Roots and Cube Roots Techniques
• Algebra formulas
• Arithmetic Word Problem Formulas
• Short Tricks
• Percentage-to-fraction conversions

Try to apply logical short tricks into tests to solve questions easily. 

Take Regular Topic Tests

Topic-wise tests help reinforce learning and build confidence. They also help you identify which topics need more attention. Mastering important topics requires timed sets of exam-level questions. Take at least 2 to 3 10-minute topic- tests daily.

• Schedule 2–3 topic tests daily (Quant, Reasoning, English).
• Use platforms that offer detailed analysis and explanations. (Ex. PracticeMock)
• Mix easy, moderate, and difficult level questions.

Full-Length Mock Test Attempt Strategy

Attempting full-length mock tests is essential for building exam stamina and refining time management. Start with one mock every 2–3 days, gradually increasing frequency as the exam nears. Always simulate real exam conditions like fixed time slots, no interruptions, and strict sectional timing. After each mock, analyse your performance section-wise: identify weak areas, note recurring mistakes, and revise concepts accordingly. Track your accuracy and speed, especially in Quant and Reasoning sections. Use mock tests not just for practice, but as diagnostic tools to fine-tune your strategy and boost confidence.

Read Current Affairs Daily for GA Section

The General Awareness section can be a game-changer if approached consistently. Dedicate 20–30 minutes daily to reading reliable current affairs sources, focusing on banking, economy, government schemes, and international news. Monthly PDF compilations (Bazooka) and weekly quizzes help reinforce retention. Pay special attention to RBI updates, financial terms, and static GK linked to recent events. Integrating current affairs into your daily routine ensures you’re not cramming last-minute and helps you tackle GA questions with precision and context during the exam.

Sectionwise Tips to Score Well in IBPS Clerk Mains

Each section in the Mains exam demands a unique approach. Therefore, a sectional approach helps in overall preparation. When you are confident in a section, you will eventually perform well in the exam. Below, we have provided how to tackle each section effectively and maximise your score.

Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (50 Questions, 60 marks, 45 Minutes)

This section tests your logical thinking and computer basics. Focus on high-weightage topics and practice regularly. In reasoning, you require consistent practice to build logic. Smart focus and approach only come from daily practice.

• Focus on puzzles, seating arrangements, and input-output.
• Practice high-level questions with multiple variables.
• Learn tricks for syllogism, coding-decoding, and blood relations.

• Use diagrams for puzzles.
• Practice 3 to 4 sets of seating arrangements weekly.
• Revise previous year questions.
• Learn Computer Aptitude Basics

Quantitative Aptitude (50 Questions, 50 Marks, 45 Minutes)

Quant requires both speed and accuracy. Prioritise arithmetic and DI, and use formulas and tricks to solve faster. Don’t panic because of lengthy questions in Mains. Try to attempt them by understanding concepts.

• Prioritize arithmetic, Data Interpretation, and number series.
• Strengthen basics of percentages, ratio & proportion, profit & loss, and time-speed-distance.
• Practice caselet and missing DI formats.

Must-do Topics for Mains:

• Simplification & Approximation, Number Series
• Arithmetic Word Problems (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ages, Averages, Boats and Stream, Pipes and Cistern, Trains, Mixture and Alligation, Ratio and Proportion, SI & CI, Investment, Partnership, Time & work, Time, Speed & Distance)
• Data Interpretation (Pie, Bar, Line Graphs, Caselet)

General English (40 Questions, 40 Marks, 35 Minutes)

English tests your comprehension and grammar skills. Daily reading and vocabulary practice are key to scoring well. Daily practice at least 1 Reading Comprehension and read the Hindu Editorial Vocabulary for improving your English.

• Improve vocabulary and grammar through daily reading.
• Practice RCs with inference-based questions.
• Focus on error spotting, sentence improvement, and para jumbles.

Daily Practice Plan:

• 2 RC passage and 2 Cloze Test
• 5 error spotting questions and 5 Para Jumbles
• 5 editorial vocabulary words with usage

General/ Financial Awareness (50 Questions, 50 Marks, 35 Minutes)

This section can be a score booster if prepared well. Focus on current affairs, banking awareness, and static GK. You can use Bazooka monthly PDFs by PracticeMock for current affairs revision. Follow only 1 to 2 trusted sources for current affairs.

• Cover current affairs of the last 6 months.
• Focus on banking awareness, static GK, and financial news.
• Use monthly capsules (Bazooka monthly PDFs) and CA quizzes.

Key Areas:

• RBI updates, banking terms
• Current Affairs related to Banking
• Government schemes
• Awards, appointments, sports

Join our exclusive Telegram group for Daily Updates!

Weekly Plan for Success in IBPS Clerk Mains Exam

A weekly plan helps you stay consistent and cover all areas without burnout. Follow this schedule to balance revision, practice, and analysis.

Day	Focus Area	Activities
Monday	Quant + Reasoning	Topic tests + Concept revision
Tuesday	English + GA	RC + Current Affairs quiz
Wednesday	Full-Length Mock Test + Computer Aptitude	Attempt + Detailed Analysis
Thursday	Weak Area Focus	Practice + Doubt Clearing
Friday	Mixed Sectional Practice	Speed drills + Accuracy tracking
Saturday	Revision + Static GK	Mistake notebook + Flashcards
Sunday	Mock Retake + Strategy Review	Reattempt tough mock + Plan for next week

Note: Daily 5 to 6 hours of focused practice is mandatory if you are aiming to clear IBPS Clerk Mains exam.

Conclusion

Success in IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 demands consistency, smart planning, and regular self-assessment. Focus on building accuracy, improving speed, and staying updated with current affairs. With the right strategy and disciplined execution, cracking the exam becomes a realistic goal. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep practicing. Your dream career is just one exam away!

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