What Is the Syllabus for Bank Exams? (Prelims and Mains Explained)

The Bank Exam Syllabus 2026 is the roadmap for aspirants on what to study, how much to study, and where to focus. It clearly describes the subjects, important topics, and exam pattern followed in major banking examinations. Understanding the syllabus at the beginning of preparation helps candidates avoid confusion, save time, and prepare effectively instead of studying random topics. The syllabus plays a crucial role because bank exams are highly competitive, and smart preparation matters more than hard work alone. Knowing the syllabus helps aspirants plan their daily study routine, prioritise high-scoring sections, and practise relevant questions through mock tests. This syllabus applies to all major bank exams conducted in India, including IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Assistant, RBI Grade B, and RRB Officer/Clerk exams. These exams generally have three stages, including Prelims, Mains, and Interview. This blog provides a Bank Exam Syllabus 2026, covering section-wise topics, exam patterns, and marks distribution in a clear and simple format.

Bank Exam Syllabus PDF 2025 Free Download Link

What Are Bank Exams in India?

Bank exams in India are competitive tests conducted by organisations such as the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), State Bank of India (SBI), and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to recruit candidates for roles including Probationary Officers (PO), Clerks, and Specialist Officers (SO) in public sector banks. These annual exams follow a multi-stage process, which includes preliminary and main written tests, as well as an interview for officer positions. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement.

IBPS Exam Calendar 2025

What Is the Bank Exam Syllabus?

The bank exam syllabus specifies the subjects and topics to prepare for each exam stage and post. It mainly includes Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General or Financial Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.

SBI Exam Calendar 2025

Which subjects have the highest weightage in Bank Exams?

Knowing the importance of each subject can help you prepare better for bank exams. The section-wise Syllabus 2026 weightage provides transparency for creating effective study plans. The weighted syllabus banking exam for the preliminary and main exams is given here.

 

Selection Process for Bank Exams
Posts Process Exams
Clerk Two-tier Pre + Main
PO Three-tier Pre + Main + Interview

 

Prelims Exam Weightage

Subjects

Weightage

English Language

30%

Reasoning Ability

35%

Quantitative Aptitude

35%

 

Mains Exam Weightage

Subjects

Weightage

English Language

20%

Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude

30%

Quantitative Aptitude

30%

General Awareness

20%

Upcoming Government Exams

 

What is the Bank Exam Syllabus for Prelims 2026?

The Bank Exam Prelims syllabus assesses aptitude, speed, and accuracy across three sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. As this is a qualifying stage, focus on meeting sectional cut-offs through consistent practice and a solid understanding of fundamentals.

Bank Exam Syllabus for IBPS PO / Clerk Prelims

 

 IBPS PO / Clerk Prelims

English Language

Quantitative Aptitude

Reasoning Ability

Reading Comprehension

Simplification & Approximation

Logical Reasoning

Cloze Test

Profit & Loss

Alphanumeric Series

Para jumbles

Mixtures & Allegations

Ranking /Direction /Alphabet Test

Miscellaneous

Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices

Data Sufficiency

Fillers

Work & Time

Coded Inequalities

Error Spotting

Time & Distance

Seating Arrangement

Paragraph Completion

Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere

Puzzle

Sentence Rearrangement

Data Interpretation

Tabulation

 

Ratio & Proportion, Percentage

Syllogism

 

Number Systems

Blood Relations

 

Sequence & Series

Input-Output

 

Permutation, Combination & Probability

Coding-Decoding

For Detailed IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025

What is the SBI PO and Clerk Syllabus for 2026?

 

SBI PO/Clerk Prelims

Reasoning Ability Quantitative Aptitude English Language
Logical Reasoning Simplification Reading Comprehension
Alphanumeric Series Profit & Loss Cloze Test
Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test Mixtures & Allegations Para jumbles
Data Sufficiency Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices Miscellaneous
Coded Inequalities Work & Time Fill in the blanks
Seating Arrangement Time & Distance Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting
Puzzle Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere Paragraph Completion
Tabulation Data Interpretation Vocabulary
Syllogism Ratio & Proportion, Percentage Sentence Improvement
Blood Relations Number Systems  Word Association
Input-Output Sequence & Series Error Spotting
Coding-Decoding Permutation, Combination &Probability Verbal Ability

For Detailed SBI PO Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025

 

What is the Bank Exam Syllabus for Mains 2026?

The Bank Exam Mains syllabus is more detailed and checks your deeper understanding of subjects. It includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude or Data Analysis, English Language, and General/Financial Awareness. Since Mains marks are crucial for final selection, regular practice and clear concepts are very important.

Bank Exam Syllabus for IBPS PO/ Clerk Mains

 

IBPS PO / Clerk Mains

Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude

General English

Quantitative Aptitude

General/Financial Awareness

Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Inequalities, Syllogism, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Blood Relations, Order and Ranking, Alphanumeric Series, Distance and Direction, Verbal Reasoning

Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Para/Sentence Completion

Number Series, Data Interpretation, Simplification/ Approximation, Quadratic Equation, Data Sufficiency, Mensuration, Average, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Work, Time, and Energy, Time and Distance, Probability, Relations, Simple and Compound Interest, Permutation, and Combination

Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, GK Updates, Currencies, Important Places, Books and Authors, Awards, Headquarters, Prime Minister Schemes, Important Days, Basic Computer Knowledge

For Detailed IBPS PO Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025

Bank Exam Syllabus for IBPS RRB PO / Clerk

 

IBPS RRB PO / Clerk

Reasoning

  • Puzzles

  • Seating Arrangement

  • Number Sequence

  • Input - Output

  • Coding-Decoding

  • Blood Relation 

  • Syllogism

  • Alphabet test

  • Alphanumeric Sequence

  • Order & Ranking 

  • Causes and Effects

  • Direction Sense

  • Word Formation

  • Inequality

  • Statement and Assumption 

  • Assertion and Reason

  • Statement and Conclusion

  • Statement and Arguments 

  • Statements and Action Courses

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Number Series

  • Data Interpretation

  • Quadratic Equation

  • HCF & LCM

  • Simplification

  • Approximation 

  • Profit & Loss 

  • Simple Interest & Compound Interest

  • Time & Work

  • Time, Speed, & Distance

  • Decimal & Fraction

  • Data Sufficiency

  • Quantity-Based Questions

  • Average

  • Partnership 

  • Percentage

  • Mixture & Allegations

  • Ratio & Proportion

  • Boats and Streams

  • Problems On Trains

  • Ages

  • Mensuration

  • Pipes and Cisterns

  • Permutation & Combination 

  • Probability

Computer Awareness

  • Fundamentals of Computer

  • History of Computers

  • Networking

  • Software & Hardware

  • Basic Knowledge of the Internet

  • Computer Languages

  • Computer Shortcut Keys

  • Database

  • Input and Output Devices

  • MS Office

  • Number System

  • Virus, Hacking, and Security Tools

  • Important computer terminologies and abbreviations

General Awareness

Hindi Language (or) English Language

  • Reading Comprehensions

  • Grammar / Vyakaran

  • Spotting Errors

  • Fillers

  • Misspelt Words

  • Jumbled Words 

  • Sentence Rearrangement

  • Jumbled sentences

  • Idioms and Phrases

  • Cloze Tests

  • Match the Column

  • One Word Substitution

  • Sentence correction

  • Identify the Correct Sentence

  • Antonyms and Synonyms

  • Word Replacement

  • Word Usage

  • Word rearrangement

  • Phrase Replacement

  • Sentence Connector

  • Sentence Improvement

  • Vocabulary

  • Word Swap

  • Pairs of words

  • Starters

For Detailed IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025

Bank Exam Syllabus for SBI Clerk Mains

 

SBI Clerk Mains

Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude General English General/Financial Awareness
Approximation and Simplification, Boats and Stream Problems, Data Sufficiency, Data Interpretation – Caselete, Radar/Web, Bar Graph, Line Chart, Tabular, Pie Chart, etc. Number Series, Average, HCF and LCM, SI & CI, Problem on Ages, Pipes, and Cisterns, Probability, Mixture and Allegation, Mensuration, Permutation and Combination, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Partnership, Quantity Comparison, Speed Distance and Time, Train Problems, Work and Time, Quadratic Equations.

Reasoning: Logical Reasoning – Passage Inference, Statement, Assumption, Conclusion, Argument, etc. Alpha-Numeric Series, Blood-Relation, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Inequalities, Order and Ranking, Alphabet Related Questions, Age Puzzles, Floor Puzzles, & Circular Seating Arrangement, Linear Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Symbol Series.


Computer Aptitude: Flow Charts, Binary Numbers conversion, Numbers to Binary Conversion, Computer program-based puzzles and aptitude problems, Computer Memory, Computer Hardware and I/O Devices, Computer Software, Computer Languages, Operating System, Computer Networks, Internet, MS Office Suite, and Shortcut keys.

Error Detection, Connectors, Fill in the blanks (Double/Multiple/Sentence) Cloze Test (New Pattern), Inference, Phrase Replacement, Find the Odd man Out, Phrasal Verb Related, Para Jumbles, Reading comprehension, Paragraph Conclusion, Sentence Completion, Word usage/ Vocabulary Based Questions, Antonyms and Synonyms.

General Awareness: Current Affairs, Sports News, General Knowledge, Superlatives – India and world, Science, and Tech-related current events, Important Days, Government schemes, etc.


Financial Awareness: Economic current affairs, Important Bank, Economic and Corporate Appointments, Bank names, headquarters and Chairpersons, Annual Budget, etc.

For Detailed SBI Clerk Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025

Bank Exam Syllabus for SBI PO Mains

 

Data Analysis

Reasoning

English Language

Computer Aptitude

General Awareness/ Economy/ Banking Awareness

Tabular Graph,

Line Graph,

Pie Chart,

Bar Graph,

Radar Graph Case-let,

Missing Case DI,

Let it Case DI,

Data Sufficiency,

Probability,

Permutation and Combination

Verbal Reasoning,

Syllogism,

Circular Seating Arrangement,

Linear Seating Arrangement,

Double Lineup,

Scheduling,

Input-Output,

Blood Relations,

Directions and Distances,

Ordering and Ranking,

Data Sufficiency,

Coding and Decoding,

Coded Inequalities,

The course of Action,

Critical Reasoning,

Analytical and Decision Making

Reading Comprehension,

Grammar,

Vocabulary,

Verbal Ability,

Word Association,

Sentence Improvement,

Para Jumbles,

Cloze Test,

Error Spotting,

Fill in the blanks

Internet,

Memory,

Keyboard Shortcuts,

Computer Abbreviation,

Microsoft Office,

Computer Hardware,

Computer Software,

Operating System,

Networking,

Computer Fundamentals/ Terminologies,

Financial Awareness,

Current Affairs,

General Knowledge,

Static Awareness,

Banking and Financial Awareness

For Detailed IBPS RRB Clerk Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025

Section-Wise Bank Exam Syllabus

The following table is a section-wise bank exam syllabus that helps aspirants to understand the syllabus and effectively utilise their time.

 

Section Name

Asked In

Focus Level

Reasoning Ability

Prelims & Mains

Speed + Accuracy

Quantitative Aptitude

Prelims & Mains

Calculation + Logic

English Language

Prelims & Mains

Comprehension + Grammar

General Awareness

Mains Only

Current Affairs

Computer Awareness

Mains (Selected Exams)

Basics

Descriptive English

Mains (PO / AO Exams)

Writing Skills

 

Exam-Wise Syllabus (SBI, IBPS, RRB)

Below is a simple and clear overview of the syllabus, followed by major banking exams conducted by SBI, IBPS, and RRB. While the core subjects remain similar, the difficulty level and focus areas may vary slightly.

 

Exam Body

Prelims Subjects

Mains Subjects

IBPS (PO/Clerk)

Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude / Data Analysis, English Language, General/Banking Awareness

SBI (PO/Clerk)

Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis, English Language, General/Financial Awareness

IBPS RRB (PO/Clerk)

Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English/Hindi Language

Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Computer Awareness, General Awareness, English/Hindi Language

 

Why Knowing the Syllabus Is Important

Here, we have provided key points to focus on to understand the importance of the syllabus for the exam.

  • It helps you clearly understand what topics to study and what to skip, saving time and effort.

  • You can plan your preparation better by focusing on high-weightage and scoring sections.

  • It avoids confusion caused by studying unnecessary or out-of-scope topics.

  • Knowing the syllabus helps you manage time effectively during preparation and exams.

  • It allows you to choose the right books, mock tests, and practice materials.

  • Regular syllabus-based revision improves confidence and exam performance.

 

FAQs on Bank Exam Syllabus 2026

Q: Is the bank exam syllabus the same every year?

The core syllabus remains mostly the same, but the exam pattern and difficulty level may change slightly each year based on the exam authority.

Q: Is there any change in the syllabus for SBI and IBPS exams?

The basic syllabus is similar for SBI and IBPS, though the question pattern and level may vary slightly between the two.

Q: Which subject is most important in bank exams?

All subjects are important, but Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability usually carry higher weightage and score if prepared well.

Q: Is GA asked in the prelims exam?

No, General Awareness (GA) is generally asked only in the Mains exam, not in the Prelims.

Q: How many months of current affairs should be prepared?

Candidates should prepare at least the last 6 months of current affairs for most bank exams.

Q: Is the syllabus the same for the Clerk and PO exams?

The syllabus is mostly the same, but PO exams are slightly more difficult and include additional topics like descriptive tests and interviews.

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