With the IBPS Clerk Prelims 2026 exam approaching, candidates should not only revise the important topics but also know which questions they should attempt first. Every minute matters in the exam. A simple attempt strategy can help candidates save time and avoid getting stuck on difficult and time-consuming questions. The aim should be to pick questions that you can solve quickly and accurately and leave lengthy questions for later.
English Language: Start With Easy Questions
While attempting the English language section of the IBPS Clerk Prelims 2026, candidates should not immediately begin with a lengthy reading comprehension question if it takes too much time. First, candidates should look for questions they can answer quickly. Candidates can attempt the topics listed below first if asked in the exam:-
- Fillers
- Error Detection
- Sentence-based questions
- Easy vocabulary questions
- Short grammar questions
Once the candidates have attempted these types of questions, they should move on to the next topics, which are as follows:-
- Confusing vocabulary type questions
- Questions which require detailed explanations
- Lengthy Reading Comprehension
Candidates are advised to read the complete questions before selecting an answer. If the candidate is unsure, they should move ahead and return to those questions later if there is time left.
Also check, IBPS Clerk Prelims 2026: 7 Things Candidates Should Avoid
Numerical Ability: Pick Quick Calculations First
Numerical Ability can take up a lot of time if the candidate starts with lengthy calculations. Begin with questions where the method is clear, and the calculations are quick. Candidates can attempt these calculations first:-
- Approximation
- Simplification
- Familiar arithmetic questions
- Easy Number series
- Direct percentage or average questions
Once these questions have been attempted by the candidates, they should move to other lengthy questions like:-
- Lengthy word problems
- Questions involving multiple calculations
- Complicated data Interpretation
Candidates are advised not to spend several minutes trying to solve one difficult question. The same time may help the candidates solve two or three easier scoring questions.
Reasoning Ability: Secure Easy Marks First
Reasoning can include both quick questions and lengthy puzzles. Do not get stuck on a puzzle in the first few minutes. Candidates can attempt these topics first, once they move to the reasoning ability section:-
- Inequality
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction-based questions
- Easy alphanumeric series
Once the candidates have completed these types of questions, they can move on to the other topics like:-
- Lengthy Puzzles
- Complex seating arrangements
- Questions requiring several conditions
There is no fixed number of questions that every candidate must attempt. A candidate’s target should depend on the difficulty of the paper and their accuracy. Candidates should also remember that they should solve easy questions first, lengthy questions later, and difficult questions only if time allows.
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