IBPS Clerk is Easy or Tough? - A straightforward answer to this question is easy to moderate. But it depends on the preparation capability of the banking aspirants. They need to prepare for the exam with current exam-level trend questions and answers. The IBPS Clerk exam 2026 notification has been released with 11403 Customer Service Associate (CSA) vacancies. Candidates willing to become IBPS Clerks must clear the selection process mentioned in the official notification. The selection process includes a preliminary examination and a mains examination. Lakhs of candidates will compete for this job with a strong dedication to crack this exam. This page deals with the complete details regarding the difficulty of the exam, various aspects to determine whether the IBPS Clerk exam is easy or not, and also the other aspects to support the candidate's preparation.

IBPS Clerk Vacancy 2026 Details

IBPS Clerk 2026

Before going into the analysis of the topic, "IBPS clerk is easy or tough", check the important dates of the IBPS Clerk 2026 recruitment here. The recruitment happens in 2 stages - prelims and mains. The candidates clearing the prelims exam will be called for the mains exam. Then the candidates clearing the mains exam will be considered for the final selection.

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IBPS Clerk Salary 2026 Details

IBPS Clerk is Easy or Tough?

To crack any exam, you have to know the level of the exam and prepare according to it. So, you have to analyse well whether the IBPS Clerk is easy or tough to crack. For both the prelims and mains stages, we have analysed some important points to know the solution to this topic: Is the IBPS Clerk exam easy or tough to crack?

IBPS Clerk is Easy or Tough? - Check Prelims Level

The IBPS Clerk prelims exam has 3 sections - English language, Numerical Ability, & Reasoning Ability. Each section will have separate sectional timing. The total marks for the prelims are 100. Check the important points of analysis to know whether the prelims exam of IBPS Clerk is easy or tough to crack.

• In 1 hr duration, you have to attend a total of 100 questions. So, this exam is meant for speed and accuracy.

• Last year, the average good attempts of the prelims exam were in the range of 65 to 75. Hence, by looking at this range, we can expect the prelims exam to be at an easy to moderate level for this year.

As the exam will be at an easy to moderate level, concentrate more on your speed and accuracy to score high. Only then can you compete well to crack the high cut-offs.

IBPS Clerk is Easy or Tough? - Check Mains Level

Is the IBPS Clerk mains exam tough? Here we have analysed the main exam level. The IBPS Clerk mains exam has 4 sections with separate sectional timings. The total marks for the mains exam is 200. In the main exam, the difficulty level may vary for each section. We have analysed last year's good attempts to check whether the mains exam of IBPS Clerk is easy or tough to crack.

• The Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude section in the mains exam of last year was at a moderate to difficult level (good attempts - 18 to 24).

• The Quantitative aptitude section in the mains exam of last year was at a moderate level (good attempts - 20 to 25).

• The General English section in the mains exam of last year was at a moderate level (good attempts - 18 to 23).

• The General/ Financial Awareness section in the mains exam of last year was at a moderate level (good attempts - 22 to 28).

• The overall good attempt range for last year's mains exam was 82 to 92. Hence, by looking at this range, we can expect the mains exam to be at a moderate level for this year.

IBPS Clerk Cut Off Details

IBPS Clerk Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026

FAQs

Q: Is the IBPS Clerk exam easy or tough?

The difficulty level depends on your preparation level. With the right strategy and consistent practice, many find IBPS Clerk manageable and crackable, especially when compared to officer-level exams.

Q: What makes the IBPS Clerk exam challenging for some candidates?

Time management, high competition, and speed-based questions in the Prelims can be tricky. For some, the accuracy required in the Mains is also a challenge.

Q: Is IBPS Clerk easier than IBPS PO or RRB PO?

Yes. Generally, IBPS Clerk is considered easier, as it has no interview round, and the difficulty level of questions is slightly lower.

Q: What sections are asked in the IBPS Clerk exam?

The exam includes English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability in Prelims, with General Awareness and Computer Aptitude added in the Mains.

Q: How much time is needed to prepare effectively for IBPS Clerk?

With consistent study of 3–4 months, including regular practice and mock tests, you can confidently cover the entire syllabus.

Q: How can I improve my speed and accuracy for this exam?

Focus on daily quizzes, timed mock tests, and section-wise practice. Analyse your performance and work on your weak areas.

Q: Can beginners crack the IBPS Clerk exam on their first attempt?

Absolutely! Many first-timers crack it by following a structured plan, understanding the syllabus, and taking regular mock tests.

Q: Does the difficulty level vary every year?

Yes, the level can vary slightly. IBPS often balances between moderate and slightly tough papers to test conceptual clarity and speed.

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