Latest verified update
The official CSA-XVI register lists preliminary call letters from 1 October. The tentative calendar schedules prelims for 10–11 October and mains for 27 December 2026. Registration has closed.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official post | Customer Service Associate |
| Recruitment | CRP CSA-XVI, for participating-bank vacancies of 2027–28 |
| Application status | Registration closed 28 August 2026 |
| Preliminary stage | Call-letter entry published 1 October; calendar dates 10–11 October 2026 |
| Main examination | 27 December 2026, tentative |
| Selection | Prelims, main and applicable local-language proficiency requirement |
What changed and notification PDF
IBPS issued an updated indicative vacancy annexure on 29 September. Use its state/UT, bank and category rows instead of the earlier estimated total. The amendment says other notification terms remain unchanged. The official register lists preliminary call letters, handouts, scribe guidance and a mock-test link dated 1 October.
Official reference: Detailed notification.
Official reference: 29 September corrigendum.
Official reference: Current official notice register.
Important dates
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration and payment, candidate portal | 1–28 August 2026 — closed |
| Editing application details | 4–5 September 2026 — closed |
| Last application printing date | 23 September 2026 — elapsed |
| Preliminary examination | 10–11 October 2026, tentative calendar |
| Main examination | 27 December 2026, tentative calendar |
The original PDF gives 21 August for qualification completion; the registration portal shows the later registration closing date. Do not assume the portal’s extension changed every eligibility cut-off. Read any specific amendment or obtain IBPS clarification if that distinction affects you.
Official reference: Official registration timeline.
Official reference: Tentative examination calendar.
Vacancies and participating banks
The latest reviewed vacancy table is dated 29 September 2026. Its figures are indicative and anticipated; actual reported vacancies determine provisional allotment. Apply the state/UT and category relevant to your application. A vacancy count is not a promise of a particular bank or branch.
Official reference: Updated Annexure I.
Eligibility: age, education and language
Detailed guide: IBPS Clerk 2026–27: CSA XVI Notification, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Pattern
The base age is 20–28 as on 1 August 2026; the notification gives inclusive birth dates 2 August 1998–1 August 2006. Prescribed category relaxations apply. A recognised graduation degree or accepted equivalent is required, with documentary proof of the prescribed completion date.
Computer operating/working knowledge is mandatory, evidenced by the specified computer qualification or study of Computer/IT at school, college or institute. The chosen state/UT’s specified local language must be understood, read, written and spoken.
Candidates with a Class 10 or higher certificate showing study of the specified/opted language are exempt from the Local Language Proficiency Test under the stated rule. Otherwise the qualifying language test is conducted after main qualification/provisional allotment and before joining; failure prevents appointment.
Official reference: Eligibility and section H language provisions.
Application process and fees
Fresh applications and editing are closed. Retain the submitted form and payment record. The notification sets ₹175 inclusive of GST for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM/DESM and ₹850 for other candidates, plus applicable transaction charges. An admit-card link does not reopen registration.
Exam pattern
| Test | 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 |
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 | 20 minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 160 | 200 | 125 minutes |
Objective wrong answers lose one-quarter of the marks assigned to the question; blanks have no penalty. Main-exam marks determine final merit under the notification’s allotment rules. Prelims are screening and each test requires the IBPS cut-off.
Official reference: Examination structure and scoring.
Syllabus and preparation resources
Use the official test names above and the current information handout. Editorial preparation priorities include reading comprehension/grammar, arithmetic and data interpretation, reasoning puzzles and logical questions, and banking/current financial awareness. These are study suggestions, not a fabricated official chapter list or predicted topic weight.
Use IBPS Clerk previous-paper resources with their original years and source limitations. Practise the current section timings rather than an older mains duration.
Call letter, results and salary
Open the CSA-XVI official register and follow its preliminary call-letter entry. Verify your personal date, reporting time, venue and required documents. Keep the authenticated preliminary call letter if the handout requires it for later stages. No individual result is inferred from an available download link.
The notification’s basic-pay scale starts at ₹24,050. Allowances and other service terms follow the participating bank; this is not guaranteed take-home pay. Provisional allotment and language/eligibility checks must not be described as an unconditional appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is IBPS Clerk now called CSA?
The official XVI recruitment is for Customer Service Associates; Clerk remains a common search term.
Can I apply while call letters are available?
No. The application period has closed.
How many questions are in mains?
The reviewed XVI notification gives 160 questions, 200 marks and 125 minutes.
Does every candidate take the language test?
The notification provides an exemption for the specified documentary proof of studying the opted local language.
Official sources and review scope
- CSA-XVI detailed notification
- CSA-XVI notice register
- 29 September vacancy amendment
- Official registration portal
- IBPS tentative calendar
Read subsequent official amendments and your candidate-specific instructions. A shortlist or provisional allotment does not by itself establish appointment. No unannounced 2027 recruitment facts are inferred.