The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is gearing up for the IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 Exam, which will take place from November 29 to December 2, 2025, in a single shift from 8:35 am to 10:35 am. This nationwide competitive exam aims to recruit candidates for clerical positions across various public sector banks in India.
With a total of 10,277 vacancies announced, IBPS Clerk 2025 offers a great opportunity for aspirants aiming to secure a stable and reputed banking job. In this comprehensive blog, we will cover the exam pattern, shift timings, selection stages, category-wise vacancies, and an insightful comparison with CAT 2025, which is another major competitive exam scheduled for the same year.
IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 Exam Dates and Shift Timings
The IBPS Clerk Mains Exam will be conducted on 4 consecutive days: November 29, 30, December 1 and 2, 2025.
Shift Timing: 8:35 am to 10:35 am
Exam Duration: 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes)
The candidates must arrive at the venue well before the reporting time to complete formalities such as biometric verification, ID checks, and document validation. Late entry is not allowed under any circumstances.
IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 Selection Process
The IBPS Clerk selection process involves:
- Preliminary Examination (Qualifying in nature)
- Mains Examination (Final merit prepared on Mains score)
- Document Verification
Unlike PO and other officer-level exams, IBPS Clerk does not include an interview stage. However, document verification and provisional allotment are critical final steps.
IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 Exam Pattern
The IBPS Clerk Mains exam consists of four combined sections, totaling 200 marks, with a composite duration of 160 minutes.
| 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 |
Important Highlights:
- There will be negative marking of 0.25 mark for each incorrect answer.
- Sectional timing is strict, and candidates cannot switch between sections.
- Computer-based test (CBT) conducted online.
Category-Wise Vacancies for IBPS Clerk 2025
The 15th edition of the IBPS Clerk Recruitment drive released 10,277 vacancies distributed across five categories:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General | 4,671 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 2,271 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 972 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 1,550 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 813 |
| Total | 10,277 |
These vacancies are further distributed state-wise, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka among the states offering higher vacancies.
Key Documents Required After Mains
Candidates who clear the Mains exam will be required to submit:
- Aadhaar Card / Valid ID proof
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- EWS/Disability Certificate
- Birth and Education Certificates
- IBPS Application Form & Scorecard
Make sure all documents are updated, valid, and match the details provided in the application.
Comparison: IBPS Clerk Mains vs CAT 2025
Many aspirants often appear for multiple exams like IBPS Clerk, SBI, and CAT. Here is a quick comparison to help understand the structure and nature of both exams:
| Feature | IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 | CAT 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Clerical Recruitment in PSUs | MBA/PGDM Admission |
| Duration | 160 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Sections | 4 | 3 |
| Sectional Time | Yes, fixed | Yes, fixed (40 min each) |
| Shift Timing | 8:35 am – 10:35 am | Multiple slots (Expected) |
| Number of Cities | Conducted across India | 170 cities |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Yes (except some MCQs) |
| Medium | English | English |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate to High |
While IBPS Clerk tests banking, financial awareness, and computer skills, CAT focuses on logical reasoning, verbal ability, and mathematical aptitude.
Preparation Strategy for IBPS Clerk Mains 2025
To crack IBPS Clerk Mains, candidates must balance speed, accuracy, and conceptual clarity. Here’s how to prepare:
Focus on High-Scoring Sections
- Financial Awareness and English are scoring and less time-consuming.
- Prepare static GK, recent banking news, schemes, and RBI updates.
Master Calculation and Data Interpretation
- Work on short-cut methods, Vedic maths, and approximation skills.
- Practice DI and caselets daily.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Focus on puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, syllogism.
- Study basic computer terminology, internet, network basics, and MS Office.
Mock Tests & Previous Papers
- Solve sectional and full-length mock tests.
- Analyze weak sections and improve accuracy.
IBPS Clerk Mains Admit Card & Guidelines
- Admit cards will be released approx. 10–15 days before the exam.
- Carry Admit Card, Photo ID, Photograph, and COVID-related documents if required.
- Follow exam-day instructions, biometric authentication, and COVID protocols.
Final Thoughts
IBPS Clerk Mains 2025 provides a golden chance for aspiring candidates to enter the public banking sector. With a detailed understanding of the exam pattern, category-wise vacancies, and structured preparation strategy, candidates can approach the exam confidently.
Whether you aim for IBPS Clerk or CAT, disciplined preparation, mock tests, time management, and a positive mindset are the keys to success.
Stay updated with the latest job notifications, admit cards, and result updates at BharatNaukri.com.
