IBPS Clerk eligibility: age, education and language

Before you invest months in preparation, check that you meet every condition. Most rules are simple. The trouble usually comes later, at document verification, when a date or a certificate does not match what was filled in the form. By then you have already cleared two exams, and a missing paper can undo all of it.

This guide goes through each condition, shows how to work out your own age window, and ends with a checklist you can fill in today.

Nationality

You must be a citizen of India, or belong to certain other categories listed in the notification (such as subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, subject to conditions and a certificate of eligibility). Almost all candidates fall in the first group.

Age

• General range: 20 to 28 years, counted on a cut-off date given in the notification. For the 2026 cycle, reports give the cut-off date as 1 August 2026.
• The notification also states the exact date-of-birth window. Reports for 2026 give it as born not earlier than 2 August 1998 and not later than 1 August 2006 for the general category. Coaching sites have printed conflicting dates, so take the window from the notification itself.
• Relaxations (as reported; check the notification):

Relaxations for different categories can combine in some cases, for example a person with a benchmark disability who is also SC/ST. The notification explains how.

Working out your window

The method is the same every year. Start from the general window and move the earlier date back by your relaxation.

Example 1. Take the reported 2026 general window: born between 2 August 1998 and 1 August 2006.

1. An OBC (NCL) candidate gets 3 extra years, so the earliest date moves back from 1998 to 1995.
2. Window: born between 2 August 1995 and 1 August 2006.

Example 2. An SC candidate born on 15 March 1994 wants to know if they can apply.

1. Earliest allowed date = 2 August 1998 moved back 5 years = 2 August 1993.
2. 15 March 1994 is after 2 August 1993, and well before 1 August 2006.
3. Eligible on age.

Example 3. A general-category candidate was born on 10 September 2006.

1. The latest allowed date is 1 August 2006.
2. 10 September 2006 is later, so the candidate is under 20 on the cut-off date.
3. Not eligible this cycle, whatever their marks. They can apply next year.

Education

• A degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the central government.
• You must have passed by the last date of online registration, and be able to show the mark sheet or certificate carrying a result date on or before it.
• The percentage of marks obtained in graduation must be entered in the application. Work it out the way the notification asks, and do not round up.

There is no minimum percentage for IBPS Clerk as reported in recent notifications. Any pass in any subject is enough.

Computer literacy

The notification asks for operating and working knowledge of computers. You show this with any one of:

• a certificate, diploma or degree in computer operations or language, or
• having studied computers or information technology as a subject in school, college or university.

Keep that proof ready. Many graduates already qualify through a school or college paper; find that mark sheet now rather than during verification.

Local language

You must be proficient in the official language of the state or union territory you apply for, able to read, write, speak and understand it. Candidates who can produce a Class 10 or 12 mark sheet or certificate showing they studied that language are usually exempt from the test. Others must pass a language proficiency test after provisional allotment. The language test guide explains how it works.

Attempts and fees

There is no limit on attempts for IBPS Clerk as long as you are within the age limit.

Reports for 2026 put the application fee at ₹850 for most candidates and ₹175 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates, inclusive of GST. The fee is non-refundable, so check eligibility before paying.

Eligibility at a glance

Quick check

1. What is the general age range? 20–28 years on the cut-off date.
2. Can you apply with any degree? Yes, any discipline, with no minimum percentage reported.
3. A candidate's final-year result is declared a week after registration closes. Can they apply? No.
4. Is there a limit on attempts? No, within the age limit.
5. An OBC (NCL) candidate's general window starts on 2 August 1998. Where does theirs start? 2 August 1995.

Your eligibility checklist

• Graduation mark sheet and certificate, with result date before the registration deadline
• Class 10 certificate as proof of date of birth
• Category certificate in the prescribed format and valid for the right period (if applicable)
• Computer literacy proof
• Class 10 or 12 mark sheet showing the state's language (if you have it)
• Photo ID with the same name spelling as your application

Anything missing takes time to arrange, and a mismatch in your name or date of birth across documents is best fixed before you apply. Once your papers are in order, read the exam pattern and start preparing.