IBPS PO Syllabus 2026: Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern and Interview Guide
IBPS has released the updated IBPS PO 2026 syllabus and exam pattern for both Preliminary and Main stages. Review the latest modifications, including revised marking schemes, section-wise weightage, and paper formats to streamline your preparation.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2026
Aspirants searching for the official IBPS PO syllabus and exam pattern can find comprehensive details here. We have mapped out the Prelims and Mains syllabi, marking schemes, and essential topics to help you navigate the exam, which evaluates both your analytical aptitude and professional awareness.
To maximize your performance, it is vital to align your study plan with the official syllabus and exam pattern. This approach helps you effectively clear both sectional and overall cut-off marks required for success.
IBPS PO Exam Syllabus 2026- Highlights
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Particular
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Details
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Exam Conducting Body
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Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, IBPS
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Name of Exam
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Post
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Probationary Officer (PO)
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Total Marks
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Duration of Exam
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Marking scheme
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1 mark each for every correct answer in the Online Test
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Negative marking
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1/4th of the marks assigned to the question in the MCQ
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Mode of Examination
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Online For Prelims & Mains
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Language of examination
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English OR Hindi
The English Language paper has to be attempted in English. |
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Prelims Exam Date
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22 and 23 August 2026
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Mains Exam Date
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4 October 2026
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Attempt Daily IBPS PO Mock Tests to Master the Exam
IBPS PO Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process for the Probationary Officer (PO) position is divided into the following three stages:
| Stage | Exam Pattern |
| Prelims Exam | Objective Test Total Marks: 100 |
| Mains Exam | Objective + Descriptive Test Total Marks: 225 (200 Objective + 25 Descriptive) |
| Interview | Candidates shortlisted based on the Mains score Minimum qualifying marks set by IBPS |
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026
IBPS has updated the exam pattern for the Prelims and Mains. While the total marks and negative marking criteria remain unchanged, there are specific adjustments to section-wise marking. Review these updates, including the number of questions and duration, to stay ahead.
Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims exam serves as the initial screening round. Candidates must secure the minimum sectional and overall cut-off marks to progress to the next stage.
- The Prelims exam has three sections of a total duration of 1 Hour.
- There will be a total of 100 multiple-choice questions.
- There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
- The number of questions in the Reasoning and Quants section is the same, but the marks per question is different, this is why reasoning section weighs more.
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IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern (New)
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Sr. No.
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Name of Tests
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No. of Questions
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Marks
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Medium of Exam
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Time Allotted
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1
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English Language
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30
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30
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English
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20 minutes
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2
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Quantitative Aptitude
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35
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30
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English and Hindi
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20 minutes
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3
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Reasoning Ability
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35
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40
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English and Hindi
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20 minutes
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Total
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100
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100
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60 Minutes (1 Hour)
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Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains examination represents the second and most critical stage of the selection process, open only to candidates who successfully clear the Preliminary cut-off.
- There are 4 sections such as Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation.
- The total time for the Mains Objective Exam is 160 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for the descriptive test.
- Candidates will be assessed on their writing skills through an essay and a letter, totalling 25 marks to be completed within 30 minutes.
- A penalty of 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer in the Objective Tests.
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IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern (New)
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Name of Tests
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No. of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Medium of Exam
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Time Allotted
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Reasoning
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40
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60
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English & Hindi
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50 minutes
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General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness / Digital/ Financial Awareness (incl. RBI)
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35
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50
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English & Hindi
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25 minutes
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English Language
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35
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40
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English
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40 minutes
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Data Analysis & Interpretation
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35
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50
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English & Hindi
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45 minutes
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Total
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145
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200
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160 minutes
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Descriptive Paper
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No. of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Medium of Exam
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Time Allotted
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Essay & Comprehension Writing (Economic and Social issues, emerging trends in Banking and Technology, Current events, Ethics etc.)
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2
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25
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English
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30 minutes
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Note: Computer Aptitude questions have been excluded from the Reasoning section in the current IBPS PO Mains exam pattern.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus
The comprehensive syllabus for the three Prelims subjects is outlined below:
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Reasoning Syllabus
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English Language Syllabus
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Quantitative Ability Syllabus
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Logical Reasoning
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Reading Comprehension
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Simplification
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Alphanumeric Series
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Cloze Test
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Profit & Loss
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Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test
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Para jumbles
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Mixtures & Allegations
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Data Sufficiency
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Word Usage, Word-Swap
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Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices
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Inequalities
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Fill in the blanks
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Work & Time
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Seating Arrangement
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Error Detection, Error Spotting
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Time & Distance
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Puzzle
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Paragraph Completion
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Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
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Tabulation
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One word Substitution
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Data Interpretation
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Syllogism
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Miscellaneous
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Ratio & Proportion, Percentage
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Blood Relations
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–
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Number Systems
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Input-Output
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–
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Sequence & Series
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Coding-Decoding
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–
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Permutation, Combination &Probability
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IBPS PO Mains Syllabus
Candidates who meet or exceed the qualifying cut-off are eligible for the IBPS PO Mains exam. Detailed section-wise syllabus topics for the Mains are provided below.
Data Analysis and Interpretation Syllabus
- Simplification
- Average
- Percentage
- Mixture and Allegations
- Ratio and Proportion
- Data Interpretation
- Mensuration and Geometry
- Quadratic Equation
- Interest
- Problems of Ages
- Profit and Loss
- Number Series
- Speed, Distance, and Time
- Time and Work
- Number System
- Data Sufficiency
- Linear Equation
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability
General Awareness and Economy/Banking Awareness Syllabus
- Financial Awareness
- Banking Awareness
- Banking Reforms
- Monetary Policy
- Fiscal Policy
- Budget and Economic Survey
- RBI Reports and Indices
- International Organisation Reports
- Static Banking Terms (CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, etc.)
- Financial Institutions (RBI, NABARD, SEBI, IMF, World Bank, etc.)
- Government Schemes and Initiatives
- Current Affairs (National and International Importance)
- Economy Basics (Inflation, GDP, Growth, etc.)
- Capital Market and Money Market
- Digital Banking and Payment Systems (UPI, NEFT, RTGS, etc.)
- Insurance and Financial Products
- Important Committees and Reports
- Banking Abbreviations and Terminologies
- General Knowledge
Reasoning Syllabus
- Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Circular Seating Arrangement
- Code Inequalities
- Linear Seating Arrangement
- Double Lineup
- Scheduling
- Input-Output
- Blood Relations
- Directions and Distances
- Ordering and Ranking
- Data Sufficiency
- Coding and Decoding
English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- One Word Substitution
- Verbal Ability
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement)
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Detection (Error Spotting)
- Sentence Improvement
- Word Swap
- Column-Based Questions
- Match the Following (Sentence Connectors)
- Para Completion
- Sentence Connectors
- Phrase Replacement
- Idioms and Phrases
IBPS PO Mains Descriptive Test
The Descriptive Test evaluates your English writing proficiency. Candidates are expected to draft an essay and a letter, worth 25 marks. Familiarize yourself with the frequently asked and anticipated topics listed below:
Expected Essay Topics:
- Economic and Social Issues (poverty, unemployment, financial inclusion, rural economy)
- Banking & Financial Sector (digital banking, RBI policies, banking reforms, fintech)
- Technology & Society (AI in banking, cybersecurity, digital payments, data privacy)
- Current Events (national and international developments of significance)
- Ethics & Governance (corruption, accountability, public policy)
- Environment & Sustainability
Expected Letter Topics:
- Formal letters (to bank managers, government departments, newspaper editors)
- Application letters (loan applications, grievance redressal, job application)
Previously Asked Essay Topics:
- Demonetisation and its impact on the Indian Economy
- Financial Inclusion in Rural India
- Role of Technology in Banking
- Impact of Social Media on Youth
- Women Empowerment and Economic Growth
- Digital India Initiative
- Cryptocurrency and its Future in India
IBPS PO Interview 2026
Candidates who qualify for the Mains are invited for a final Interview, conducted by participating banks and coordinated by IBPS. The interview carries a total of 100 marks.
- The minimum qualifying marks in the interview will not be less than 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates).
- The weightage (ratio) of the IBPS PO Online Main Exam and interview will be 80:20, respectively.
How to Prepare for IBPS PO Exam?
To excel in the IBPS PO 2026 exam, candidates should adopt a strategic preparation approach. Below are some expert-recommended tips for your study plan.
- Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus, which includes sections like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, and General Awareness.
- Make a schedule, adding all the topics and weekly or daily goals.
- Create a study plan that allocates time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Join IBPS PO Online Coaching if you need assistance.
- Practice with IBPS PO Mock Test and IBPS PO Previous Year Question Paper to improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on time management and regularly review your progress to ensure comprehensive preparation.
FAQs
The IBPS PO syllabus encompasses Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General/Banking Awareness, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and a Descriptive Test. Prepare thoroughly for both exam phases.
While the Prelims and Mains share similar core subjects, the Mains requires advanced conceptual clarity and includes additional specialized sections like Banking Awareness and Data Analysis & Interpretation.
Key Quantitative Aptitude topics include Simplification, Data Interpretation, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Probability, Permutations & Combinations, and Number Series.
The Banking Awareness section requires knowledge of RBI policies, banking reforms, financial institutions, monetary and fiscal policy, digital banking, current terminology, and relevant government schemes.
Yes, the IBPS PO Mains features a 25-mark Descriptive Test where candidates must demonstrate their writing skills through an essay and a letter in English.
To perform well in General Awareness, focus on banking updates, RBI notifications, budget highlights, economic surveys, government schemes, and major national/international developments.
You can download the official IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 PDF from the IBPS website or via the direct download link provided in this article once officially released.
While difficulty is subjective, most candidates find Data Analysis & Interpretation and Reasoning Ability to be the most time-consuming and challenging sections.
Consistent preparation over 4 to 6 months is generally recommended to cover the entire syllabus, perform in-depth revisions, and practice ample mock tests.
Recommended study material includes Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi, Reasoning books by R.S. Aggarwal, and reliable banking awareness resources for current affairs.