Official Exam Guide

IBPS PO (Prelims & Mains) Syllabus Exam Pattern

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IBPS PO (Prelims & Mains) Syllabus Exam Pattern

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IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 consists of all the subjects that aspirants need to know to crack the IBPS Probationary Officer Prelims, Mains and Descriptive Tests. This recruitment is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). The IBPS PO 2026 syllabus consists of Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude/Data Analysis, English Language, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, Digital Awareness and Descriptive Test. Besides IBPS PO syllabus, it is also important for the candidates to have knowledge of the latest IBPS PO exam pattern and weightage of sections and topics. Candidates can go through the complete IBPS PO syllabus before the beginning of their preparation for making their study plan and concentrating on important topics which can fetch them high scores. This will also increase their chances of clearing all the stages of the recruitment process. Know more about the syllabus here.

IBPS PO Syllabus 2026: Overview

Candidates need to qualify each stage of the IBPS PO Exam to become probationary officers. Check the key details of the IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus such as total questions, marks, durations, etc below in the table.

Particular Details
Conducting Body Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Post Probationary Officer (PO) / Management Trainee
Selection Stages Prelims → Mains → Interview
Total Marks
  • Prelims: 100 (qualifying in nature)
  • Mains: 225 (200 objective + 25 descriptive)
Exam Duration
  • Prelims: 60 minutes
  • Mains: 190 minutes
Total Questions
  • Prelims: 100
  • Mains: 170+ 2
Interview Marks 100
Negative Marking 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
Final Merit Ratio Mains : Interview = 80 : 20
Official Website ibps.in

IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has revised IBPS PO Exam Pattern in the 2026 notification. In the Prelims, the marks distribution for some sections has been changed. In the Mains, the number of objective questions has increased; for example, the Banking Awareness section now has more weightage.

  • Updated Pattern for IBPS PO Prelims Examination: This test will contain 100 questions of 100 marks in total, which will be held for 60 minutes. The test will have 30 questions from English Language (30 marks), 35 questions from Quantitative Aptitude (30 marks) and 35 questions from Reasoning Ability (40 marks).
  • IBPS PO Mains Revised Exam Pattern: The objective test now contains 170 questions instead of the previous 145, though the total objective marks remain 200.
Stage Format Marks / Detail
Prelims Objective, online 100 marks — qualifying only, not counted in final merit
Mains Objective + Descriptive 225 marks (200 objective + 25 descriptive)
Interview Personal interview 100 marks; min. 40% to qualify (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD)

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern

The IBPS PO Preliminary Exam tests candidates' basic knowledge of math, reasoning and English. Each section has separate timing and candidates need to clear each section to qualify the exam. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. Check the marking scheme of the IBPS PO Phase 1 Exam below.

Section Questions Marks Duration
English Language 30 30 20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 35 30 20 minutes
Reasoning Ability 35 40 20 minutes
Total 100 100 60 minutes

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern

The IBPS PO Mains Exam includes 2 sections: Objective and Descriptive Test. Candidates need to clear both sections to appear for the interview. This year, there is a slight change in the marking scheme of the IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern. Check the table below to know the revised exam pattern.

Section Questions Marks Medium Duration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude 40 60 English & Hindi 45 minutes
General/Economy/Banking Awareness (incl. RBI circulars) 50 60 English & Hindi 35 minutes
English Language 40 20 English 35 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation 40 60 English & Hindi 45 minutes
Objective Total 170 (revised) 200 — 160 minutes (revised)
Descriptive Paper (Essay + Letter) 2 25 English 30 minutes

IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 PDF Download

The IBPS PO Syllabus for the Prelims and Mains examination is given below. Candidates must know the syllabus before starting their preparation journey to prepare effectively for the examination. Click on the link provided here to download the IBPS PO 2026 syllabus PDF.

Download IBPS PO Syllabus PDF

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus

The IBPS PO prelims syllabus includes the list of topics that will come from reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English Language. Check the topic-wise IBPS PO syllabus for Prelims exam below.

IBPS PO Syllabus for Reasoning Ability

IBPS PO Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude

IBPS PO Syllabus for English Language

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus

The IBPS PO Mains Exam is the most important stage of the selection process. The mains stage carries 80% marks in the merit list. The IBPS PO syllabus for mains consists of subjects such as Reasoning, English, Mathematics, General & Banking Awareness and Computer Aptitude.

IBPS PO Syllabus for English

The IBPS PO English Syllabus includes Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, etc. Check the IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for the English language.

Subject IBPS PO Syllabus Topics
English Language Reading Comprehension
Grammar
Editing
Vocabulary
Verbal Ability
Fill in the blanks

IBPS PO Syllabus for General Awareness

IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus for General Awareness (GA) section covers current affairs, banking and financial awareness and many more. Candidates should stay updated with national and international news, economics, banking policies, and other important events. Below we have listed important topics under IBPS PO GA syllabus.

Subject IBPS PO Syllabus Topics
General/ Economy/Banking/ Financial Awareness Financial Awareness
General Knowledge
Current Affairs
Basic Economics
Banking Terms & Definitions
Economic Indices
Economic Theories
Latest Banking Regulation & Developments
Financial Awareness
Economy
Banking Awareness

IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus

The IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 for Reasoning section requires strong Problem-Solving Skills. Given below, you can check complete reasoning topics that come in the mains exam.

IBPS PO Syllabus for Digital Awareness

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Digital Awareness requires good knowledge of computer operations, new trends in the technology field to score good marks in the Computer Aptitude section.

Subject IBPS PO Syllabus Topics
Digital Awareness Internet
Keyboard shortcuts
Microsoft office
Memory
Computer Hardware
Computer Abbreviation
Operating system
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Software
Networking
Technologies

IBPS PO Syllabus Data Interpretation and Analysis

The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Data Interpretation & Analysis has been revised for the 2026 cycle. Candidates now have to practice higher-level DI topics like caselet-heavy DI. Check the table below to know the topics.

IBPS PO Syllabus for Descriptive Section

IBPS PO descriptive paper is only for those who secure the minimum qualifying marks in the objective test. It consists of 2 essay-type questions for 25 marks. Candidates can check some of the expected topics for Essay Writing and Letter Writing below.

  • Global Warming and its Causes
  • Merger of banks
  • Indian Banking System
  • The present economic condition of India
  • Reasons for the present condition of Sri Lanka
  • Russia- Ukraine War
  • Is war the solution for all? Express your views for or against the motion
  • Public vs Private sector banks
  • India and United States of America trade relations
  • Green Hydrogen Policy and your views
  • Electric Vehicles in India
  • India – the new global power
  • Export-Import policy of India
  • Expected Topics for Letters
  • Write a letter to the Superintendent of Police of your district suggesting steps to make the police department more approachable
  • Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper about the stray animal problem getting out of hand in your locality.
  • Write a letter to the branch manager of your bank to conduct a campaign in your area to create awareness about the benefits of KYC.
  • Write a letter to an editor on types of pollution and on the ways of tackling them.
  • Write a letter to the GM of a Bank for Failure transaction on UPI.
  • Write a letter to your favorite author about her recent bestseller.

IBPS PO Syllabus Topic-wise Weightage

Below we’ve provided the IBPS PO topic-wise weightage based on previous year trends. Candidates can check this to prepare accordingly for the examination.

Section High-Frequency Topics Priority
Reasoning Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequality High
Quantitative Aptitude Data Interpretation, Simplification/Approximation, Arithmetic (SI/CI, P&L, Averages) High
English Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting Medium-High
Mains Reasoning Complex Puzzles, Machine Input-Output, Coded Direction & Distance High
Mains DI Caselet DI, Tabular DI, Data Sufficiency High
General Awareness Banking current affairs, RBI policy rates, government schemes Medium-High

How to Prepare for IBPS PO Exam 2026?

Just studying normally without any proper preparation strategy won’t help in cracking the IBPS PO Exam. There should be a proper study plan to prepare for this exam. The best way to prepare for IBPS PO is as follows:

  • Dedicate 40 minutes regularly for the General Awareness section.
  • Solve IBPS PO Previous Year Papers and IBPS PO Mock Test on a regular basis to evaluate your performance.
  • Practice for the descriptive test regularly.
  • Solve the Questions in the mock tests in the given time limit.
  • Focus on concept building specially for the Mental Aptitude section.
  • Focus on high-weightage topics and practice on a regular basis.

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 is the IBPS PO exam pattern for 2026?

The IBPS PO 2026 exam has three stages: Prelims, which is of 100 marks, 100 questions and the duration is 60 minutes; Mains, which is of 225 marks, having 200 objective questions across 4 sections + 25 descriptive questions, and an Interview (100 marks).

When will IBPS PO Notification 2026 release?

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

Is there any negative marking in the IBPS PO Prelims Exam?

Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 in the IBPS PO Prelims Exam.

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.

How many sections are there in the IBPS PO Prelims exam?

There are three sections in the prelims exam, i.e., English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.

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

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

What are the subjects included in the IBPS PO Mains syllabus?

The IBPS PO Mains Exam includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (Digital Awareness), Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and a Descriptive Test covering essay and letter writing

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.

Is essay & letter writing included in the IBPS PO Mains exam?

Yes, as per the IBPS PO Syllabus 2026, the Mains exam includes a Descriptive Test with essay & letter writing tasks.

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.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">How much time is required to cover the complete IBPS PO Syllabus?</p>

If candidates give 4-6 months with proper dedication, they can complete the syllabus of IBPS PO

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.

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">What are the minimum qualifying marks in the IBPS PO Interview?</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;">&nbsp;</p>

The minimum qualifying marks are 40% for General category candidates and 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates.

 

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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