Prelims Exam Dates & Tentative Shifts
Prelims Exam Dates & Tentative ShiftsAccording to latest updates, the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam will be held on October 4, 5, and 11, 2025. The official admit cards will specify your exact date, shift, and center.
Though the official 2025 shift timings have not yet been confirmed, past years’ trends suggest there will be four shifts per day. These shifts typically run as follows:
| Shift | Timings* |
|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Shift 3 | 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM |
| Shift 4 | 04:30 PM to 05:30 PM |
* These are expected timings based on previous years’ IBPS Clerk Prelims schedules.
Reporting Time: Candidates are usually expected to reach the exam venue well before the shift time (around 1 hour before) to complete verification, biometric, and other formalities. In past years, reporting times have typically been 8:00 AM for the first shift, 10:30 AM for the second, 1:30 PM for the third, and 4:00 PM for the fourth shift. Always check your admit card for the exact reporting time applicable to your shift.
Exam Duration & Sectional Timings
Exam Duration & Sectional TimingsThe IBPS Clerk Prelims exam 2025 will be conducted online and will carry 100 objective questions for 100 marks. The total allotted time is 60 minutes (1 hour).
What differentiates 2025 is section-wise fixed timings (i.e. each section has its own 20-minute slot) rather than a free navigation across sections. The structure is:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
You get exactly 20 minutes per section. You cannot carry forward unused time from one section to another.
Marking Scheme, Qualifying Nature & Language
Marking Scheme, Qualifying Nature & LanguageMarking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer; –0.25 (¼ mark) for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions will fetch 0 marks.
Qualifying Nature: The Prelims exam is a screening stage—the marks obtained here will not be counted in the final merit list. You only need to qualify it to appear for the Mains exam.
Languages: The question paper will be available in English, Hindi, and several regional languages (as per IBPS’s norms).
What to Carry to the Exam Hall (Mandatory Items)
What to Carry to the Exam Hall (Mandatory Items)Carrying the right set of documents and items is crucial. Here’s a checklist:
Admit Card / Hall Ticket (printed, color print recommended)
Valid Photo Identity Proof (original + photocopy) — e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License
Passport-size Recent Photograph(s) (same as uploaded in registration)
Ballpoint Pen (Blue / Black) — only pen is allowed; no other writing instrument
Glasses / Spectacles (if required) — but avoid frames with heavy design or tinted glass
Transparent Clipboard / Hardboard (optional) — if the hall allows
Mask / Hand Sanitizer / Water Bottle — as per COVID / health norms (if applicable)
Stationery or Paper Sheets — usually provided by the exam centre; candidates should not bring own sheets
Blacklist / Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, tablets, Bluetooth devices, earphones, books, papers, notes, etc., are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Also, ensure that your admit card is affixed with your photograph to avoid any mismatch during verification.
Exam Day Tips: Do’s & Don’ts
Exam Day Tips: Do’s & Don’tsReach your exam center well before the reporting time (ideally 45–60 min early).
Go through the instructions printed on the admit card carefully, especially regarding entry time and verification procedures.
Keep your biometric (thumb/Viva) clean — avoid ink, stains, mehndi, etc.
During the exam, finish the easier sections first to build confidence, but stay within the 20-minute limit per section.
Don’t spend too much time on a single difficult question; mark it and move ahead.
Keep track of time — each section is rigidly timed.
Avoid guesswork unless you can eliminate options — negative marking is applicable.
Final Word
Final WordWith the IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025 set to begin tomorrow (from October 4 onwards), candidates should now double-check their admit cards, confirm shift timings, and ensure they carry all mandatory items. The exam will be a one-hour test with three sections, each with fixed 20-minute duration. Accuracy, time management, and solid preparation will be key.
Would you like me to prepare a printable exam-day checklist PDF that students can download and carry along.
