IBPS calendar 2026-27 out: Check PO, Clerk, SO & RRB exam dates – official notice here.

The IBPS Calendar for 2026-27 was officially released on January 16, 2026. This year marks several significant changes in how the recruitment is structured, including name changes for posts and new transparency measures.

1. Official Exam Schedule 2026-27

The recruitment process is divided into two major groups: Public Sector Banks (PSB) and Regional Rural Banks (RRB).

A. Public Sector Banks (CRP PO/MT-XVI, CRP SPL-XVI, CRP CSA-XVI)

Note that “Clerk” is now officially referred to as Customer Service Associate (CSA).

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B. Regional Rural Banks (CRP RRBs-XV)

The RRB cycle has been shifted to later in the year compared to previous cycles to align with new Department of Financial Services (DFS) guidelines.

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2. Major Changes & New Features in 2026

The Ministry of Finance and IBPS have introduced three critical updates for this cycle:

• Transparency Policy: For the first time, IBPS will provide candidates with login-based access to their response sheets and answer keys after the exams.
• Sequenced Result Declaration: Results will be declared in a strict logical order: SBI → Nationalized Banks (PSBs) → RRBs. Additionally, Officer results will always be declared before Clerical results to reduce candidate “overlapping” and seat wasting.
• Job Title Change: The clerical cadre is now universally referred to as Customer Service Associate (CSA) across all official notifications.

3. Eligibility Criteria (Snapshot)

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4. Mandatory Registration Documents

When the application windows open (expected June 2026 onwards), you must have these exact specifications ready:

• Live Photograph: You must capture a live photo during the application process using a webcam or mobile phone.
• Handwritten Declaration: Must be written by the candidate in English only.
• Digital Files:
  • Photograph: 20 KB – 50 KB (JPEG)
  • Signature: 10 KB – 20 KB (JPEG) — Do not use Capital Letters.
  • Left Thumb Impression: 20 KB – 50 KB (JPEG)

5. Expected Vacancies

While exact numbers will be in the detailed notifications, early estimates based on bank requirements suggest:

https://www.ibps.in/index.php/careers

6.The IBPS syllabus for 2026

The IBPS syllabus for 2026 remains highly standardized across the PO, Clerk (CSA), and RRB exams, though the difficulty level and specific weightage vary by post.

1. Preliminary Exam Pattern (Phase 1)

The Prelims for PO and Clerk (CSA) are similar in structure, consisting of 100 marks and 60 minutes.

• English Language: 30 Questions (30 Marks) – 20 Minutes
• Quantitative Aptitude: 35 Questions (35 Marks) – 20 Minutes
• Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions (35 Marks) – 20 Minutes

Note: RRB Prelims are slightly different, consisting of only Reasoning and Numerical Ability (80 questions total in 45 minutes).

2. Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus

A. Quantitative Aptitude & Numerical Ability

This section focuses on your speed and accuracy with numbers.

• Data Interpretation (DI): Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Tabular DI, and Caselets (Mixed DI is common in PO Mains).
• Arithmetic: Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns, Speed-Time-Distance (Trains, Boats), Averages, and Percentages.
• Calculation Speed: Simplification, Approximation, Number Series (Missing & Wrong), and Quadratic Equations.
• Advanced Topics: Probability, Permutation & Combination, and Mensuration (2D/3D).

B. Reasoning Ability

This tests logical deduction and mental visualization.

• High Weightage: Puzzles (Floor, Box, Month-based) and Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Square, Facing In/Out).
• Logical Reasoning: Syllogism (Coded & Reverse), Inequalities (Coded), and Blood Relations.
• Analytical Reasoning: Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Coding-Decoding (Chinese/New Pattern), and Alphanumeric Series.
• Critical Reasoning (Mains Only): Statement & Assumptions, Course of Action, Cause & Effect, and Strong/Weak Arguments.

C. English Language

• Comprehension: Reading Comprehension (Banking/Economy-based topics), Cloze Test, and Para-jumbles.
• Grammar: Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, and Phrase Replacement.
• Vocabulary: Fill in the Blanks (Double/Triple), Synonyms & Antonyms (Contextual), and Idioms & Phrases.

D. General & Financial Awareness (Mains Only)

This is the “score-booster” section in the Main exam.

• Current Affairs: National and International news from the last 6 months prior to the exam date.
• Banking Awareness: RBI Circulars, Monetary Policy, Banking Terms (KYC, Repo Rate, etc.), and Financial History.
• Government Schemes: Latest social security schemes, Budget 2026, and Economic Survey.
• Static GK: National Parks, Dams, Capitals & Currencies, and Important Days.

E. Computer Aptitude

Usually merged with the Reasoning section in Mains.

• Basics: History of Computers, Hardware & Software, and Operating Systems (Windows/Linux).
• Networking: Internet Protocols, Cyber Security, and Viruses.
• Microsoft Office: Shortcut keys for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

3. The “Descriptive Paper” (IBPS PO Mains Only)

Immediately after the Objective Main exam, you must type two tasks:

1. Letter Writing: Formal (to Bank Manager, Editor) or Informal.
2. Essay Writing: Usually 200–250 words on current economic or social issues.

4. Summary of Key Differences