EXAM SYLLABUS

The Main Exam is a crucial phase of the IBPS PO Mains Exam. The score obtained by the candidate in the IBPS PO Mains Exam holds the highest weightage in the final selection process for the position of Probationary Officer. The Mains Examination consists of 4 + 1 sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Additionally, IBPS has introduced a descriptive paper in the Mains exam for selecting candidates for the Probationary Officer role.

The syllabus for IBPS PO Main Examination is given below:

EXAM SYLLABUS

The Main Exam is a crucial phase of the IBPS PO Mains Exam. The score obtained by the candidate in the IBPS PO Mains Exam holds the highest weightage in the final selection process for the position of Probationary Officer. The Mains Examination consists of 4 + 1 sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Additionally, IBPS has introduced a descriptive paper in the Mains exam for selecting candidates for the Probationary Officer role.

The syllabus for IBPS PO Main Examination is given below:

REASONING & COMPUTER APTITUDE DETAILED SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabus for Reasoning & Computer Aptitude along with the topic description, topic example & difficulty level is given below:-

Note:- The above examples to various topics are for illustrative purposes only.

GENERAL/ BANKING/ ECONOMY AWARENESS DETAILED SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabus for General/ Banking/ Economy Awareness along with the topic description, topic example & difficulty level is given below:-

Note :- The above examples to various topics are for illustrative purpose only.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DETAILED SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabus for the English Language along with the topic description, topic example & difficulty level is given below:

Note:- The above examples of various topics are for illustrative purposes only.

DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION DETAILED SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabus for Data Analysis & Interpretation along with the topic description, topic example & difficulty level is given below:

Note:- The above examples to various topics are for illustrative purposes only.

EXAM PATTERN

The IBPS PO 2026 recruitment process consists of a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Personality Test, and Interview. Both the Prelims and Mains are conducted in online (Computer-Based Test) mode. The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature, while the final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination (80% weightage) and Interview (20% weightage). The Mains pattern has been revised for the 2026 recruitment cycle.

Main Exam Pattern (Objective Test)

The Main Examination consists of 170 objective-type questions carrying 200 marks. The total duration of the objective test is 180 minutes.

The section-wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below:

For Descriptive Test

After the conduction of the Objective Type Computer Based online test, a Descriptive test will be held. This test shall consist of two questions of a total of 25 marks. The time duration of the Descriptive test is 30 minutes.

Note:- No break will be provided between Objective Type Computer Based test and Descriptive test.

Mode Of Examination

Both Objective type and Descriptive Type Tests will be held as a Computer Based Test.

Medium Of Examination

1. From Objective Type Online Computer Based Test,  Questions from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, and Data Analysis & Interpretation section shall be available in both English & Hindi.

2. From Objective Type Online Computer Based Test,  Questions from the English Language shall be available in only English.

3. Descriptive Type Online Computer Based Test shall be held in English only.

Marking Scheme

Sections of the test-

1. English Language

2. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

3. General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness

4. Data Analysis & Interpretation

Question from the above-mentioned sections are asked in IBPS PO Main Examination where the English language comprises 35 Questions of 40 Marks, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude comprises 

EXAM PATTERN

The IBPS PO 2026 recruitment process consists of a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Personality Test, and Interview. Both the Prelims and Mains are conducted in online (Computer-Based Test) mode. The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature, while the final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination (80% weightage) and Interview (20% weightage). The Mains pattern has been revised for the 2026 recruitment cycle.

Main Exam Pattern (Objective Test)

The Main Examination consists of 170 objective-type questions carrying 200 marks. The total duration of the objective test is 180 minutes.

The section-wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below:

For Descriptive Test

After the conduction of the Objective Type Computer Based online test, a Descriptive test will be held. This test shall consist of two questions of a total of 25 marks. The time duration of the Descriptive test is 30 minutes.

Note:- No break will be provided between Objective Type Computer Based test and Descriptive test.

Mode Of Examination

Both Objective type and Descriptive Type Tests will be held as a Computer Based Test.

Medium Of Examination

1. From Objective Type Online Computer Based Test,  Questions from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, and Data Analysis & Interpretation section shall be available in both English & Hindi.

2. From Objective Type Online Computer Based Test,  Questions from the English Language shall be available in only English.

3. Descriptive Type Online Computer Based Test shall be held in English only.

Marking Scheme

Sections of the test-

1. English Language

2. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

3. General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness

4. Data Analysis & Interpretation

Question from the above-mentioned sections are asked in IBPS PO Main Examination where the English language comprises 35 Questions of 40 Marks, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude comprises 45 questions of 60 marks, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness comprises 40 Questions of 40 Marks and Data Analysis & Interpretation comprises 35 questions of 60 Marks summing up to total 200 marks.

Marking Scheme Highlights

1. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate fourth or 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.

2. If a question is left blank, No answer is marked by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.

Normalization Of Marks

The corrected scores obtained by each of the candidates in different sessions (if held) will be normalized using the equi-percentile method.

1. First, the percentile rank of the students for each shift of the exam is calculated using the formula given below -

Percentile rank of the Candidate = ((Total Students in a shift - Rank of Candidate in that shift) / (Total Students in a shift - 1)) x 100

2. After that, based on the number of available vacancies, a cut-off percentile rank is decided.

3. Based on this cut-off score, candidates are shortlisted for the next phase of the recruitment process.

Note:- Scores up to two decimal points shall be taken for the purpose of calculations.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates applying for IBPS PO 2026 must fulfill the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). The eligibility criteria are based on nationality, educational qualification, age limit, and age relaxation. Candidates who do not meet these requirements at any stage of the recruitment process will be disqualified.

Nationality

A Citizen of India or

A subject of Nepal or

A subject of Bhutan or

A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or (v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) & (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit

The candidate's age is calculated as on 1 July 2026.

Minimum Age: 20 Years

Maximum Age: 30 Years

Candidates should have been born not earlier than 2 July 1996 and not later than 1 July 2006 (both dates inclusive).

Relaxation of Upper Age Limit

Note:-The relaxation in the upper age limit to SC/ST/OBC candidates is allowed on a cumulative basis with only one of the remaining categories for which age relaxation is permitted as mentioned above in Point No. (3) to (5).

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a university recognized by the Government of India or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.

The candidate must have obtained the graduation degree on or before the prescribed cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.

While filling out the application form, candidates must enter the percentage of marks obtained in graduation.

Candidates awarded CGPA/OGPA must convert it into percentage as per their university's conversion formula.

Basic computer knowledge is desirable, as the examination and banking operations are computer-based.

IMPORTANT DATES

The IBPS PO Notification 2026 has been released along with the complete exam schedule. The online application process will remain open until 26th July 2026. As per the official schedule, the IBPS PO Prelims will be held on 22nd and 23rd August 2026, followed by the Main Examination on 4th October 2026.

EXAM ANALYSIS

The IBPS PO 2026 Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 22nd & 23rd August 2026, while the Main Examination will be held on 4th October 2026. Based on the analysis of the IBPS PO 2025 examination, candidates can expect a moderate difficulty level in the Prelims and a moderate to difficult Main examination. The previous year's paper indicates that puzzles, data interpretation, and banking awareness continue to play a major role, making accuracy and time management essential for success.

IBPS PO Previous Year Exam Dates

Preliminary Examination (2025)

Exam Dates: 23rd & 24th August 2025

Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Shifts per Day: 4 Shifts

Main Examination (2025)

Exam Date: 12th October 2025

Mode: Online

Single Shift

IBPS PO Prelims Shift Timings (Previous Year Pattern)

These timings have remained consistent in recent IBPS PO examinations and are a useful reference for the 2026 exam.

IBPS PO 2025 Prelims Difficulty Level

The overall difficulty level of the IBPS PO 2025 Preliminary Examination was Moderate. English was comparatively scoring, while Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude required better speed and time management because of lengthy puzzles and Data Interpretation questions.

Section-wise Analysis

English Language

Questions were largely based on:

Reading Comprehension

Error Spotting

Para Jumbles

Word Swap

Cloze Test / Fillers

Vocabulary-based Questions

The section was considered the most scoring for well-prepared candidates.

Reasoning Ability

The Reasoning section remained puzzle-heavy.

Frequently asked topics included:

Seating Arrangement

Floor Puzzle

Box Puzzle

Month & Date Puzzle

EXAM ANALYSIS

The IBPS PO 2026 Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 22nd & 23rd August 2026, while the Main Examination will be held on 4th October 2026. Based on the analysis of the IBPS PO 2025 examination, candidates can expect a moderate difficulty level in the Prelims and a moderate to difficult Main examination. The previous year's paper indicates that puzzles, data interpretation, and banking awareness continue to play a major role, making accuracy and time management essential for success.

IBPS PO Previous Year Exam Dates

Preliminary Examination (2025)

Exam Dates: 23rd & 24th August 2025

Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Shifts per Day: 4 Shifts

Main Examination (2025)

Exam Date: 12th October 2025

Mode: Online

Single Shift

IBPS PO Prelims Shift Timings (Previous Year Pattern)

These timings have remained consistent in recent IBPS PO examinations and are a useful reference for the 2026 exam.

IBPS PO 2025 Prelims Difficulty Level

The overall difficulty level of the IBPS PO 2025 Preliminary Examination was Moderate. English was comparatively scoring, while Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude required better speed and time management because of lengthy puzzles and Data Interpretation questions.

Section-wise Analysis

English Language

Questions were largely based on:

Reading Comprehension

Error Spotting

Para Jumbles

Word Swap

Cloze Test / Fillers

Vocabulary-based Questions

The section was considered the most scoring for well-prepared candidates.

Reasoning Ability

The Reasoning section remained puzzle-heavy.

Frequently asked topics included:

Seating Arrangement

Floor Puzzle

Box Puzzle

Month & Date Puzzle

Syllogism

Inequality

Direction Sense

Blood Relation

Candidates reported that puzzles consumed most of the available time.

Quantitative Aptitude

Important topics included:

Data Interpretation

Arithmetic Word Problems

Simplification

Quadratic Equations

Number Series

Approximation

Arithmetic and DI formed the largest share of questions.

Good Attempts (Prelims)

Based on candidates' feedback from different shifts:

The exact number varied slightly across shifts depending on the paper's difficulty.

IBPS PO 2025 Mains Analysis

The IBPS PO 2025 Main Examination was rated Moderate to Difficult overall.

The descriptive paper included topics related to Biodiversity and a comprehension passage on AI in India and comparison with foreign countries.

Expected Cut-off Trend for IBPS PO 2026

The official IBPS cut-offs are released after each stage, but based on recent trends:

Prelims: The cut-off is expected to remain close to recent years and will vary by category and state.

Mains: The final cut-off will depend on the overall difficulty level, number of vacancies, and candidate performance.

Candidates should aim to score well above the expected cut-off rather than targeting the minimum qualifying marks, as competition remains high.

What to Expect in IBPS PO 2026

Based on the previous year's analysis, candidates should expect:

A Moderate Preliminary Examination with puzzle-intensive Reasoning and arithmetic-focused Quant.

English Language to remain relatively scoring with comprehension and grammar-based questions.

The Main Examination to feature lengthy Data Interpretation sets and concept-based Banking & Financial Awareness.

Strong emphasis on speed, accuracy, and effective time management in both stages.

Continued importance of current affairs, RBI updates, banking awareness, and descriptive writing for the Main Examination.

STUDY TIPS

Preparing for the IBPS PO 2026 exam requires a well-planned strategy, regular practice, and consistent revision. Since the recruitment process includes Preliminary and Main examinations, candidates should focus on building strong fundamentals, improving speed and accuracy, and staying updated with current banking and financial affairs.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Start your preparation by thoroughly understanding the latest IBPS PO exam pattern and syllabus. Identify the topics covered in each section and prepare a realistic study plan to complete the syllabus before the examination.

2. Build Strong Basics

Strengthen your fundamentals in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. A solid understanding of basic concepts will make solving difficult questions much easier.

3. Practice Daily

Solve topic-wise questions every day to improve speed and accuracy. Regular practice helps you identify weak areas and boosts your confidence before the examination.

4. Take Mock Tests Regularly

Attempt full-length mock tests and sectional tests every week. Analyze your performance after each test, work on your mistakes, and focus on improving time management.

5. Improve Time Management

The IBPS PO exam is highly competitive and time-bound. Learn to allocate time efficiently to each section and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.

6. Focus on Current Affairs

For the Main Examination, regularly read banking, financial, and national current affairs. Revise important news, RBI updates, government schemes, and economic developments from the last 5–6 months.

7. Strengthen Data Interpretation and Banking Awareness

Practice Data Interpretation sets and improve your knowledge of banking terminology, financial awareness, RBI circulars, and economic concepts, as these play a significant role in the Main Examination.

8. Improve English Writing Skills

Prepare for the descriptive section by practicing essay and comprehension writing. Focus on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and clarity of expression.

9. Revise Regularly

Allocate dedicated time each week for revision. Revising formulas, shortcuts, vocabulary, grammar rules, and current affairs notes helps improve retention and exam performance.

10. Maintain Consistency

Study consistently instead of relying on last-minute preparation. Following a disciplined study schedule, maintaining a positive attitude, and taking adequate rest will help you perform better on the exam day.

STUDY PLAN

Preparing for the IBPS PO 2026 exam requires a structured study plan based on the time available. Whether you have 6 months, 3 months, or just 1 month, following a disciplined schedule with regular practice, mock tests, and revision can significantly improve your chances of success.

6 Month Study Plan

A 6-month study plan gives candidates enough time to complete the syllabus thoroughly, strengthen concepts, and practice extensively before the exam.

Month 1–2: Build Strong Fundamentals

Understand the latest exam pattern and syllabus.

Complete the basics of Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language.

Learn shortcuts, formulas, and grammar rules.

Read current affairs daily and maintain short notes.

Month 3–4: Complete the Syllabus

Cover advanced topics in Quant, Reasoning, and English.

Start Banking & Financial Awareness preparation.

Practice Data Interpretation and Puzzle questions regularly.

Attempt sectional mock tests every week.

Month 5: Intensive Practice

Solve previous years' question papers.

Attempt 3–4 full-length mock tests every week.

Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas.

Revise current affairs of the last 5–6 months.

Month 6: Final Revision

Revise all important topics, formulas, vocabulary, and banking awareness.

Attempt full-length mock tests in an exam-like environment.

Focus on speed, accuracy, and time management.

Avoid learning new topics during the last week.

3 Month Study Plan

A 3-month study plan is ideal for candidates who already have basic knowledge and can dedicate sufficient study hours every day.

Month 1: Complete the Core Syllabus

Cover all important topics in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English.

Start preparing Banking Awareness and Current Affairs.

Solve topic-wise practice questions daily.

Month 2: Practice & Mock Tests

Attempt sectional and full-length mock tests regularly.

Solve previous years' papers.

Focus on Data Interpretation, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, and Reading Comprehension.

Improve speed and accuracy.

Month 3: Revision & Exam Preparation

Revise the complete syllabus.

Practice current affairs and banking awareness daily.

Attempt 4–5 full-length mock tests every week.

Analyze every mock test and avoid repeating mistakes.

1 Month Study Plan

A 1-month study plan is best suited for candidates who have already completed most of the syllabus and need focused revision before the exam.

Week 1: Quick Revision

Revise Quant formulas, Reasoning concepts, and English grammar.

Practice 2–3 sectional tests daily.

Revise current affairs and banking awareness.

Week 2: Mock Test Practice

Attempt one full-length mock test every day.

Analyze mistakes immediately after each test.

Practice weak topics separately.

Week 3: Strengthen Weak Areas

Focus on difficult topics such as Data Interpretation, Puzzles, and Reading Comprehension.

Revise descriptive writing for the Main Examination.

Continue solving previous years' question papers.

Week 4: Final Preparation

Revise short notes, formulas, vocabulary, and current affairs.

Attempt 2–3 final mock tests.

Avoid studying new topics.

Stay confident, maintain a healthy routine, and get adequate sleep before the examination.

OVERVIEW

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officers or IBPS PO Exam is conducted every year for Recruitment to the post of Probationary Officer/  Management Trainee  in 11 Public Sector Banks in India. IBPS PO is a 3 stage Examination Procedure, which includes Preliminary Examinations, Main Examinations and Interview. The final selection will be based on the marks achieved in the Main and Interview round. The Probationary Officer recruited under IBPS PO recruitment will deal with customer service, customer complaints, administrative labor inspection, credit process, queries regarding the loan process, supervising clerical work, and more depending on various offices across the country.

SELECTION PROCESS

The IBPS PO 2026 Selection Process consists of four stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next round. The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview.

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the selection process. It is conducted in online mode and consists of 100 objective-type questions for 100 marks. The exam includes three sections:

English Language

Quantitative Aptitude

Reasoning Ability

Candidates must secure the sectional as well as overall cut-off marks to qualify for the Main Examination. The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not included in the final merit list.

Stage 2: Main Examination

Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are shortlisted for the Main Examination. The Mains Exam is conducted in online mode and consists of both objective and descriptive tests.

The objective test includes the following sections:

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

English Language

Data Analysis & Interpretation

The descriptive test includes:

Essay Writing

Letter Writing

Marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for the final selection.

Stage 3: Personality Test and Interview

Candidates shortlisted based on their Main Examination performance are called for the Personality Test followed by the Interview.

Personality Test: Conducted for 100 marks.

Interview: Conducted for 100 marks.

Candidates must obtain the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by IBPS in both stages.

Stage 4: Final Selection

The final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance in the Main Examination and Interview.

Main Examination Weightage: 80%

Interview Weightage: 20%

Candidates are allotted participating banks according to their merit rank, category, bank preferences, and availability of vacancies.