IBPS Clerk (Junior Associate) Eligibility 2026

General eligibility (IBPS Clerk / Junior Associate)

Age

20 to 28 years as on the cut-off date specified in the notification (typically 1st August of the recruitment year). Age relaxation: SC/ST +5 years (up to 33), OBC (non-creamy layer) +3 years (up to 31), PwBD +10 years over and above category relaxation, Ex-servicemen and Disabled Ex-servicemen relaxation as per Government rules, J&K domicile (1980-1989) +5 years, widows/divorced women not remarried +9 years (subject to overall ceiling of 35-40 depending on category).

Education

A graduate degree (in any discipline) from a university recognised by the Government of India, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government, on the cut-off date specified in the notification. Computer literacy — operating and working knowledge of computer systems — is mandatory. Candidates must also be proficient in the Official Language of the State/UT for which vacancies are being advertised (read, write, speak, understand the Opted Local Language). Final-year graduates are NOT eligible.

Nationality

The candidate must be (a) a Citizen of India, OR (b) a subject of Nepal, OR (c) a subject of Bhutan, OR (d) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with intent of permanently settling in India, OR (e) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with intent of permanently settling in India. Candidates in categories (b)-(e) require an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.

Attempts

NO maximum attempt limit for IBPS Clerk — a candidate may appear any number of times within the prescribed age band. Application fee: Rs 175 for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-servicemen; Rs 850 for all other categories (indicative — to be confirmed against the current cycle's notification).