IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 (October 12, Shift 1 & Shift 2: Easy Paper, Good Attempts & Questions Asked
The much-awaited IBPS Clerk Preliminary Examination 2025 has officially begun, with the first shift successfully concluding on October 12, 2025. This examination is the gateway for lakhs of aspirants seeking a clerical career in India’s esteemed Public Sector Banks, making it one of the most competitive exams in the country. Candidates appeared in large numbers at centers nationwide, equipped with their IBPS Clerk Admit Card and having put in months of preparation.
Key Highlights of the Exam (October 12, Shift 1)
- Overall Difficulty Level: The paper was Easy.
- Most Scorable Sections: The Reasoning Ability and English Language sections were particularly straightforward, allowing candidates to attempt a high number of questions.
- Slightly Calculative Section: The Numerical Ability section was rated as Easy-to-Moderate, primarily because of the time-consuming nature of some arithmetic questions.
- Dominant Topics: The exam was heavily dominated by Simplification in the Numerical Ability section and puzzles and seating arrangements in the Reasoning section.
Overall Difficulty and Good Attempts (Shift 1)
For a well-prepared candidate, the first shift was highly scorable. A good attempt is made with approximately 90-95% accuracy.
Subject-Wise: An Exhaustive Breakdown (Shift 1)
Here is a granular, topic-by-topic breakdown of the questions that appeared in each section in the first shift.
Reasoning Ability (Easy)
This section was a major confidence booster for most aspirants. It was highly scorable, with a good mix of straightforward miscellaneous questions and manageable puzzles.
In-depth Analysis:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: There were three sets in Shift 1, all of which were single-variable and considered easy.
- A Floor-based puzzle with 7 people living on 7 different floors.
- A Linear Seating Arrangement with 8 people sitting in a single row, all facing north.
- A Day-based puzzle where 7 people had activities on 7 different days of the week (Monday to Sunday).
- Miscellaneous Topics: The questions from Syllogism (mostly “Only a few” and “Some/All” types), direct Inequality, and Blood Relation were very easy and could be solved in seconds, allowing candidates to secure marks quickly before tackling the puzzles. The Alphanumeric series was also direct and scorable.
Numerical Ability (Easy-Moderate)
This section was slightly more time-consuming but was dominated by Speed Maths questions, which made it manageable for candidates with good calculation skills.
In-depth Analysis:
- Simplification: A massive 15 questions were from this topic. They were based on the BODMAS rule, fractions, and percentages, and were a gift for candidates with strong calculation speed.
- Data Interpretation (DI): A single, straightforward set of Bar Graph DI was asked. The data was related to the production of two different companies over 5 years. The 5 questions based on it involved simple calculations of averages, ratios, and percentages.
- Arithmetic: The word problems were from a range of topics, including Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Work, and Mixtures & Alligations.
- Number Series: The missing number series questions followed standard patterns (differences, squares, etc.) and were considered easy.
English Language (Easy)
The English section was unanimously rated as the easiest of the three. It tested fundamental grammar and reading skills, and most candidates were able to complete it well within the allotted time.
In-depth Analysis:
- Reading Comprehension (RC): The passage was story-based, making it easy to read and understand. The questions were mostly direct, with 2 vocabulary-based questions (synonyms/antonyms) from the passage.
- Grammar and Vocabulary: The questions on Error Spotting were based on simple subject-verb agreement and tense rules. The Single Fillers and Word Swap questions were based on common, everyday vocabulary, making this a very high-scoring section.
IBPS Clerk Prelims Expected Cut-Off 2025
It is crucial to remember that the IBPS Clerk cut-off is applied on a state-wise basis and can vary significantly depending on the number of vacancies and applicants in each state. Given the overall “Easy” difficulty level of the Day 1 exam, the cut-offs are expected to be high across all states.
What’s Next? Guidance for All Aspirants
The entry process at most centers was smooth. Candidates were required to present a printout of their IBPS Clerk Admit Card along with an original photo ID and its photocopy. Biometric verification was conducted before entry into the exam hall.
- For Candidates with Upcoming Shifts: Expect a paper of a similar, easy difficulty level. Your primary focus should be on maximizing your attempts with very high accuracy. Speed is of the essence. Do not get stuck on any single question. Candidates appearing in the next shifts should re-verify their reporting time on their IBPS Clerk Admit Card and reach the venue on time.
- For Candidates of Day 1: If you have attempted anywhere close to the “good attempts” range (79-86+) with high accuracy, you have a very strong chance of qualifying. Do not wait for the results. Begin your preparation for the IBPS Clerk Main Examination immediately. The Mains exam is a significant step up in difficulty and includes the crucial General/Financial Awareness section, which requires dedicated preparation.
A senior banking exam analyst commented, “The Day 1, Shift 1 trend for the IBPS Clerk Prelims has been set. The paper is easy and is a game of speed and accuracy. Candidates in the upcoming shifts should go in with a confident mindset to attempt as many questions as possible. High attempts will be the key to clearing the high cut-offs this year.”
In conclusion, the first shift of the IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025 has set a high-scoring precedent. The paper was straightforward and rewarded candidates with strong fundamentals and good speed. Good luck to all aspirants!