IBPS Clerk Admit Card 2026 Out: Prelims Call Letter Released on 1 October, Download at ibps.in
IBPS released the CRP CSA-XVI (Clerk) Preliminary exam call letter and Information Handout on 1 October 2026. Download steps, official prelims pattern (100 questions, 60 minutes), updated vacancy table dated 29.09.2026 and exam-day rules.
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Update (1 October 2026): IBPS Clerk Call Letter Released
IBPS has released the Online Preliminary Exam Call Letter for CRP-CSA-XVI on 1 October 2026, along with the Information Handout (English and Hindi), scribe guidelines and a mock test. Download it from ibps.in → CRP Clerical Cadre → CRP CSA (Customer Service Associate) XVI. Your exact exam date, shift and venue are printed on the call letter.
Official prelims pattern (IBPS Information Handout):
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
For every wrong answer, 1/4 of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.
Vacancies: IBPS published an updated vacancy table as on 29.09.2026 (with a corrigendum of the same date). The state-wise totals in that table add up to 11,663; Union Bank of India's vacancies are shown as "Not Reported". Check your state's figure in the official annexure on ibps.in.
IBPS Clerk Prelims 2026: Exam on 10 and 11 October
The IBPS Clerk preliminary examination (CRP CSA-XVI) will be held on 10 and 11 October 2026, as per the official IBPS Calendar 2026-27. The call letter is expected in late September or the first week of October 2026.
This recruitment covers 11,403 Customer Service Associate vacancies across 11 participating public sector banks, one of the largest clerical intakes in recent years.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | IBPS Clerk Prelims, CRP CSA-XVI |
| Conducting body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Prelims dates | 10 and 11 October 2026 |
| Mains date | 27 December 2026 |
| Vacancies | 11,403 |
| Call letter | Released on 1 October 2026 |
| Official website | ibps.in |
Vacancy Breakdown
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 4,740 |
| OBC-NCL | 2,815 |
| SC | 1,910 |
| EWS | 996 |
| ST | 942 |
| Total | 11,403 |
Some websites claim "15,000+" vacancies. The figure in the official notification is 11,403.
When Will the Call Letter Come?
The official important-dates table lists the prelims call letter download as September 2026, while several trackers say the first week of October. IBPS has not announced a single fixed date, so check ibps.in daily from the last week of September.
Note that IBPS does not issue a separate city intimation slip for clerk prelims, your centre is printed on the call letter itself.
Candidates from eligible reserved categories who opted for pre-exam training were to receive those call letters separately in September 2026.
Shift Timings
IBPS Clerk prelims is conducted in four shifts per day:
| Shift | Reporting | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 08:00 | 09:00 – 10:00 |
| 2 | 10:30 | 11:30 – 12:30 |
| 3 | 13:00 | 14:00 – 15:00 |
| 4 | 15:30 | 16:30 – 17:30 |
Reporting is one hour before the exam starts, and a handwriting declaration is taken shortly before the paper begins. Your own call letter carries the timings that apply to you, treat the table above as the general pattern.
How to Download
- Go to ibps.in.
- Open the CRP CSA-XVI (Clerks) section.
- Click Download Online Preliminary Examination Call Letter.
- Enter your Registration Number or Roll Number with your Password or Date of Birth, plus the captcha.
- Download and print the call letter along with the information handout.
Note: some websites still label this cycle "CSA-XV". The official notification is CRP CSA-XVI.
What to Carry
- Printed call letter with a photograph affixed as instructed
- Information handout
- One valid photo ID in original and a photocopy, Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, passport, driving licence or e-Aadhaar. The photocopy is submitted at the centre.
- Identical passport photographs matching the application
- A pen
If the name on your ID differs from the name in your application (for example after marriage), carry supporting proof such as a gazette notification or marriage certificate. Biometric and photo capture are done at the centre, and no entry is allowed after gate closing.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators and bags are not allowed inside.
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
- Sectional timing of 20 minutes each, you cannot return to a section once its time is over
- Negative marking: 0.25 mark per wrong answer
- Prelims is qualifying only. Its marks do not carry into the final merit, which is based on the mains.
Preparation Notes
- With 20 minutes per section, accuracy beats attempts. Aim for a clean 22 to 25 in each section rather than rushing through 30.
- Numerical Ability and Reasoning carry 35 questions each, this is where the cut-off is won.
- Practise on a computer with a 20-minute sectional timer, because the transition between sections catches candidates out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the IBPS Clerk prelims 2026? 10 and 11 October 2026. The mains is on 27 December 2026.
Q2. When will the admit card be released?
IBPS released it on 1 October 2026 at ibps.in.
Q3. Is there a city intimation slip? No. The centre is printed on the call letter.
Q4. How many vacancies are there?
The original notification listed 11,403. IBPS's updated table as on 29.09.2026 adds up to 11,663 across states (Union Bank of India not reported).
Q5. Do prelims marks count in the final merit? No. Prelims is only qualifying; the merit list comes from the mains.
Q6. Is there negative marking? Yes, 0.25 mark for each wrong answer.
Q7. Can I carry a photocopy of my ID instead of the original? No. You need the original photo ID and a photocopy to submit.
Conclusion
With the prelims on 10 and 11 October 2026 and 11,403 vacancies at stake, the next three weeks should go to sectional practice under a 20-minute clock. Watch ibps.in for the call letter from the last week of September, and verify your shift timing and centre address as soon as you download it.
Disclaimer: Exam dates are from the official IBPS Calendar 2026-27 and the CRP CSA-XVI notification. The call letter release date is expected and not officially announced, and shift timings follow the standard pattern, your own call letter is final.