01
Overview
IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection - Probationary Officer) is one of the most prestigious banking examinations in India. It is conducted annually to recruit Probationary Officers and Management Trainees in participating Public Sector Banks. Selected candidates undergo training and are appointed as Scale-I Officers responsible for banking operations, customer service, loan processing, branch administration and managerial functions. The examination attracts lakhs of graduates every year due to excellent career growth, job security and attractive salary packages.
Important: Candidates must regularly check the IBPS official website for notification, application dates, admit cards and examination schedules.
02
Selection Process
| Stage | Type | Papers | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Preliminary Examination | Online Objective Test | 3 Sections | 100 | |
| 2 Main Examination | Online Objective + Descriptive | 5 Sections + Essay & Letter | 225 | Merit |
| 3 Interview | Personal Interview | 1 | 100 | Final Merit |
Marks obtained in Preliminary Examination are not considered for final merit. Final selection is based on Main Examination and Interview scores. The final merit ratio is 80:20 between Mains and Interview.
03
Preparation Roadmap
1
Understand Exam Pattern
Study the latest syllabus and sectional timing pattern of Prelims and Mains.
Week 1
2
Build Quantitative Aptitude Basics
Strengthen arithmetic topics such as percentage, profit-loss, ratio, averages and data interpretation.
Month 1-2
3
Master Reasoning Ability
Practice puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, coding-decoding and logical reasoning daily.
Month 1-3
4
Improve English Language
Read editorials, improve vocabulary and practice comprehension passages regularly.
Daily
5
Prepare Banking Awareness
Study current affairs, banking terminology, RBI functions and financial awareness topics.
Month 3-5
6
Mock Tests and Revision
Attempt full-length mock tests and analyze mistakes to improve speed and accuracy.
Final 2 Months
04
Paper-wise Syllabus
English Language (Prelims)
30 marks
Reading Comprehension
Error Detection
Sentence Improvement
Cloze Test
Para Jumbles
Vocabulary
Fill in the Blanks
Quantitative Aptitude (Prelims)
35 marks
Number Series
Simplification
Percentage
Profit and Loss
Ratio and Proportion
Average
Time and Work
Time Speed Distance
Data Interpretation
Reasoning Ability (Prelims)
35 marks
Puzzles
Seating Arrangement
Blood Relations
Coding-Decoding
Syllogism
Direction Sense
Inequalities
Order and Ranking
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (Mains)
60 marks
Advanced Puzzles
Logical Reasoning
Input Output
Data Sufficiency
Computer Fundamentals
Networking
Internet
Operating Systems
General / Economy / Banking Awareness
40 marks
Current Affairs
Banking Awareness
Financial Awareness
RBI Policies
Government Schemes
Budget
Economic Survey
English Language (Mains)
40 marks
Reading Comprehension
Grammar
Vocabulary
Editorial Analysis
Sentence Connectors
Para Completion
Data Analysis & Interpretation
60 marks
Data Interpretation
Probability
Permutation & Combination
Caselet DI
Data Sufficiency
Arithmetic
Descriptive Test
25 marks
Essay Writing
Letter Writing
Formal Communication
Pro Tip: Speed and accuracy are the key to clearing IBPS PO. Focus heavily on puzzles, data interpretation and current affairs. Attempt at least 50 full-length mock tests before the exam. For the interview round, prepare banking terminology, RBI functions, current economic issues and basic graduation subjects. Maintain daily newspaper reading habits and revise current affairs of the last 6 months thoroughly.
05
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Indian Citizen
Age Limit
20–30 years
Age relaxation is applicable as per Government and IBPS rules.
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university
Attempts (General)
No Limit (within age limit)
Attempts (OBC)
No Limit (within age limit)
Attempts (SC/ST)
No Limit (within age limit)
Application Fee
₹850 / SC·ST Free
06
Recommended Books
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
Quantitative Aptitude
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Reasoning
Objective English
English
Word Power Made Easy
Vocabulary
Banking Awareness
Banking Awareness
Lucent General Knowledge
General Awareness
07
Key Dates & Timeline
Application Start
29 April 2026
Last Date to Apply
20 May 2026
Admit Card Released
5 June 2026
Exam Date
DR General-13 june ,DR General-25 July,