Official Exam Guide

IBPS PO (Prelims & Mains) Preference List

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✍️ Reviewed by PrepMe247 Exam Editorial Board ⏱️ Updated 2026-09-13 🛡️ Verified Official Commission Source

Once the IBPS PO Registration Process 2024 begins, the candidates have to fill IBPS PO Bank Preference. Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IPS PO exam every year for recruitment of probationary officers, management trainees in different PSU Banks. The official IBPS PO notification for the year is expected to be released, candidates can check out the details on their official website. The IBPS PO examination will be conducted in three stages namely prelim exam, mains exam and the final interview round. This article on IBPS PO Bank Preference 2024 will help the candidates to decide which bank they should opt for and what are the vacancies for the several participating banks. There are tips on how to choose the right bank for oneself under the IBPS PO Bank Preference which the candidates can go through to make their decision more easier and clear.

List of Participating Banks - IBPS PO Bank Preference 2024

The most important thing is to know what all options the candidates have to choose from. The list of participating bans has been released and candidates can check it on the official website. Here is the list of 11 banks for the IBPS PO Bank Preference list

  • Bank of Baroda
  • Bank of India
  • Bank of Maharashtra
  • Canara Bank
  • Central Bank of India
  • Indian Bank
  • Indian Overseas Bank
  • Punjab National Bank
  • Punjab and Sind Bank
  • UCO Bank
  • United Bank of India

Check the previous year IBPS PO exam analysis to get a idea of this year as well

Factors to consider for IBPS PO Bank Preference

There will be a huge confusion among the candidates on which IBPS PO Bank Preference should they opt for. Here are a few factors on which the candidates can select their IBPS PO Bank Preference based on:

Job Priority

Some candidates might not be looking forward to relocating and continuing working in the same state or region. They should research the banks in their state and fill up the same as their prior preference. There are reserved seats for female applicants which makes it easier for them to get their preferred bank at their desired location. Before finalising the bank preference candidates must know that the bank they will be allotted, they will have to work there for a particularly long time.

Vacancies

Candidates can also set their IBPS PO Bank Preference based on the vacancies available. Choosing the bank with the maximum number of vacancies increases the chances of the candidates to get selected at the preferred location. The table consists of the vacancies available at several banks. Below mentioned is the category-wise vacancies available for IBPS PO 2024:

Category

Vacancies

General

1224

EWS

300

OBC

829

ST

234

SC

462

Check out this IBPS PO Vacancy List 2024 here.

Location

If candidates have a specific location preference it is important that they check out the best bank preferences for the particular regions. Usually the banks have maximum vacancies in the city their headquarters is located. However, the candidates must not take chances to select only a limited number of banks.

Work Culture and Headquarters

Candidates must think that these factors are not so important but they are. The work culture of the bank will make a huge impact on the candidates career growth and overall job satisfaction. Work cultures in different banks are different. Check out the work culture of all the IBPS PO Bank Preferences below:

Bank

Work Culture

Bank of Baroda

Most of the branches of this bank are in metro, urban and semi-urban locations. There are a few international branch locations as well. Bank of Baroda is the second largest bank after SBI and has a very organized and friendly working environment.

Bank of India

The bank has a healthy work environment and the career growth marked is also really good. There are several foreign branches of the bank as well. Maximum branches are located in the Western India.

Bank of Maharashtra

There are no foreign branches of this bank. The work environment is very helpful and there are several good career opportunities.

Canara Bank

Canara bank is one of the oldest public sector banks. There's different scope for proficient and individual development and the general criticism of representatives is positive. The work culture and vibe are exceptionally progressive. There are several foreign branches of this bank.

Central Bank of India

There are openings for development but the strategy of working is or maybe unorganized. There are blended reviews of employees. There are several foreign branches of this bank.

Indian Bank

The work environment is imaginative and accommodating to the new-comers. There are ceaseless learning openings and the audits are positive from the workers. There are several foreign branches of this bank.

Indian Overseas Bank

Neighborly work culture and great openings to learn. There are several foreign branches of this bank.

Punjab National Bank

Habitually preparing programs for workers. Proficient working environment.

Punjab and Sind Bank

The work environment is steady but the development and learning scopes are constrained. There are several foreign branches of this bank.

UCO Bank

The work environment is challenging and sound at the same time. There are several foreign branches of this bank.

United Bank of India

There's sufficient scope for development and openings in this bank. There are several foreign branches of this bank.

The table below has the headquarters and total number of branches of the IBPS PO Bank Preferences:

Bank

Headquarters

Total branches

Bank of Baroda

Vadodara

9470

Bank of India

Mumbai

5100

Bank of Maharashtra

Mumbai

1897

Canara Bank

Bangalore

6205

Central Bank of India

Mumbai

4685

Indian Bank

Chennai

2900

Indian Overseas Bank

Chennai

3700

Punjab National Bank

Delhi

6937

Punjab and Sind Bank

Delhi

1559

UCO Bank

Kolkata

4000+

United Bank of India

Kolkata

4298

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Salary and Transfers

Salary, promotions, career growth are also the factors to be taken into consideration while choosing the IBPS PO Bank Preference. Candidates should also look into the allowance schemes available in the banks to make sure they have the benefits in the job they are looking for. Know more about IBPS PO Salary & Job Role here.

The more branches the more will be the chances of candidates getting transferred frequently. If frequent transfers could be a possible problem then the candidates must choose the banks with less number of branches. Also going through the transfer policies is advisable.

Go through the IBPS PO Recruitment previous years’ question papers and solve those.

Best IBPS PO Bank Preference based on regions

Below mentioned are the list of IBPS PO Bank Preferences options for the candidates based on the regions:

Regions

IBPS PO Bank Preferences

Northern India

Punjab National Bank

Bank of Baroda

Punjab and Sind Bank

Canara Bank

West and Central India

Bank of Baroda

Bank of Maharashtra

Canara Bank

Indian Overseas Bank

East and North-East India

Bank of India

Bank of baroda

UCO Bank

Union Bank of India

Canara Bank

Download IBPS PO Exam Previous Year Papers to boost your exam preparation!

Tips to choose right IBPS PO Bank Preference

Along with the factors mentioned above, candidates must also follow the below mentioned tips for the selection of IBPS PO Bank Preference so that they choose the right bank preference-

  • It is necessary to do a deep research for each and every bank preference available and also look into its perks and benefits before the application forms are filled out. Once decided candidates can choose the bank reference on the application form.
  • Candidates can also choose to stay in their own state and avoid relocation, in this case it is advised to make sure of the available bank preference options available in the candidate's state and choose accordingly.
  • There are many vacancies for the female candidates hence they can easily get their desired bank preference in their own region/ state.
  • Know the complete IBPS PO Syllabus here. 

To know more about the IBPS PO exam candidates can check out the PrepMe247 app. Candidates can also get the preparation tips, previous year papers, detailed notes, and much more for the preparation of the IBPS PO exam. Download the application today and avail the benefits provided!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for IBPS PO recruitment 2026?

The candidates must be between 20 to 30 years of age to apply for IBPS PO 2026 Exam.

What are the IBPS PO Bank reference options which the candidates have?

Candidates have a total of 11 bank options which they can select. These are Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra , Canara Bank, Central, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab National Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, UCO Bank and United Bank of India

When will IBPS PO Notification 2026 release?

The IBPS PO 2026 Notification has been released on 30th June 2026.

Can candidates choose the bank and location of their preference in IBPS PO?

Yes, candidates will be given options to fill out in which they can state the bank and its location as per their choice.

What is the selection process for IBPS PO Recruitment 2026?

The candidates will undergo 3 stages of the selection process - preliminary examination, mains examination, and interview.

Are there chances that a candidate can work for a bank overseas?

Almost all the banks have their branches in India and abroad, hence candidates can get posted overseas as well through the IBPS PO.

What is the application fee for IBPS PO UR category candidates?

The application fee for the UR category candidates is INR 850.

How to choose the right bank for the IBPS PO posting?

One must take into consideration all the necessities such as location, transfer policy, salary, work culture, headquarters and job priority before choosing the right IBPS PO Bank Preference for themselves.

What are the sections in the Prelims exam of the IBPS PO exam?

There are 3 sections namely: English language, Quantitative Ability, and Reasoning Ability.

What Factors to Consider for IBPS PO Bank Preference?

Candidates can consider factors like Job Priority, vacancies, location, work culture, and salary.

How can I apply for the IBPS PO Recruitment 2026?

Candidates can apply online for IBPS PO 2026 through the official website www.ibps.in.

What documents are required for IBPS PO 2026 registration?

To register for IBPS PO 2026, you need to upload your photograph, signature, thumb impression, and handwritten declaration in the specified file sizes. A live photograph must also be uploaded during the application process.

What is the salary structure for an IBPS PO in 2026?

The IBPS PO 2026 salary starts with a basic pay of ₹48,480, going up to ₹85,920 with allowances, making the in-hand salary approx ₹52,000–₹55,000 per month.

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