IBPS PO 2026 Overview - Exam Date, Eligibility, Salary, Syllabus & More (CRP PO/MT-XVI)
Table of Contents
IBPS PO 2026 Prelims Exam will be held on 22 & 23 August 2026, while the Mains Exam is scheduled for 4 October 2026. The detailed notification and vacancy details are expected to be released soon on the official IBPS website.
What is IBPS PO?
IBPS PO stands for Probationary Officer of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.
The IBPS PO is a competitive banking examination, which is conducted for the recruitment of Probationary Officers in public sector banks in India. It is conducted every year by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).
There are three stages in the exam: Prelims, Mains and Interview. Those candidates who clear all the stages are selected for the officer level jobs in banking. It is one of the most popular exams for graduates who are looking for a stable banking career with a good salary and growth opportunities.
IBPS PO Overview 2026
Here is a quick, detailed overview of the IBPS PO exam for 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer (IBPS PO) |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Recruitment Cycle | CRP PO/MT-XVI |
| Participating Banks | 11 Public Sector Banks |
| Selection Stages | Prelims (qualifying) → Mains (Objective + Descriptive) → Interview |
| Prelims Exam Date | 22 and 23 August 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 4 October 2026 |
| Notification (Expected) | June–July 2026 (not yet released) |
| Application Fee | ₹850 (General/OBC/EWS) | ₹175 (SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Age Limit | 20–30 years (as on the cut-off date in the notification) |
| Official Website | ibps.in |
IBPS PO 2026 Important Dates
Here are the confirmed & expected IBPS PO 2026 Exam Dates as per official IBPS Calendar 2026-27 released on 16 January 2026:
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Expected June–July 2026 (not yet released) |
| Online Application Window | To be announced with the notification |
| Prelims Admit Card | Usually released about 10 days before the Prelims exam |
| Prelims Exam | 22 and 23 August 2026 (confirmed) |
| Prelims Result | To be announced after the exam |
| Mains Admit Card | Usually released about 10 days before the Mains exam |
| Mains Exam | 4 October 2026 (confirmed) |
| Interview & Final Result | To be announced after Mains |
IBPS PO Bank Preference Guide
IBPS PO Bank allotment is done on the basis of merit cum preference. The higher your rank, the more chance you have of getting your preferred bank. So filling preferences wisely is very important. Quick overview of each bank to help you decide:
| Bank | Headquarters | Vacancy Trend | Notable Strengths | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of Baroda | Vadodara, Gujarat | High (800–1200+) | Strong international presence, technology-driven | Candidates wanting global banking exposure |
| Bank of India | Mumbai, Maharashtra | High | Large branch network, strong in western India | Maharashtra, Goa, western region aspirants |
| Bank of Maharashtra | Pune, Maharashtra | Moderate | Growing bank, excellent work-life balance reputation | Candidates preferring western & central India posting |
| Canara Bank | Bengaluru, Karnataka | High (often 700+) | One of the largest PSBs, strong in South India | South India aspirants, stable growth path |
| Central Bank of India | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Moderate | Pan-India presence, good for rural postings | Candidates open to diverse posting locations |
| Indian Bank | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Moderate | Strong in South India, digitally progressive | South India, particularly Tamil Nadu aspirants |
| Indian Overseas Bank | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Moderate–Low | International branches, South India focused | Aspirants preferring Tamil Nadu / South India |
| Punjab National Bank | New Delhi | High (700–1000+) | Second largest PSB, strong in North India | North India aspirants, large career ecosystem |
| Punjab & Sind Bank | New Delhi | Low | Smaller bank, faster promotions possible | Candidates who want faster career growth |
| UCO Bank | Kolkata, West Bengal | Low–Moderate | East India focus, strong in Bengal & NE states | East India and North-East aspirants |
| Union Bank of India | Mumbai, Maharashtra | High | Large bank post-merger, pan-India presence | Candidates wanting a large, well-resourced bank |
Tips for filling bank preferences
- Look into where the banks are posted. If you want to stay close to home, give preference to banks with a large presence in your state.
- Salary and allowances: The HRA varies greatly between metro and non-metro locations. Banks having more branches in metro locations may have a better effective in-hand salary.
- Have a look at the latest merger news before you complete your preferences. Bank mergers affect the size of the team, the workload, and the promotion pipelines.
- Leave no preference slots blank. To avoid a random allotment at the end, rank all 11 banks in order of preference.
IBPS PO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The IBPS PO eligibility criteria include basic nationality, education, and age requirements prescribed by the exam conducting authority. Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognised university.
The age limit will be between 20 to 30 years generally and relaxation for reserved categories as per rules. Candidates must also satisfy the criteria regarding nationality as prescribed in the official notification.
The age limit will be between 20 to 30 years generally and relaxation for reserved categories as per rules. Candidates must also satisfy the criteria regarding nationality as prescribed in the official notification.
Nationality
A candidate must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling here
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India
Educational Qualification
Candidates should have a graduation degree in any discipline from a university recognised by the Government of India. IBPS does not have any minimum percentage requirement for PO exam.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The general age limit for IBPS PO is between 20 and 30 years as on the cut-off date specified in the official notification (generally around July 1st or August 1st of the exam year).
| Category | Age Relaxation | Effective Max Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | No relaxation | 30 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 33 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years | 35 years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years | 40 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen | As per government rules | Varies by category combination |
Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate is allowed to appear for the IBPS PO exam. If you meet the age eligibility requirements, you can apply every year.
IBPS PO Notification 2026
The IBPS PO 2026 notification is anticipated to be released soon and it will provide crucial information such as vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam centers, application guidelines, and much more. Candidates are advised to prepare in advance and keep their documents ready. This section will be updated as soon as the official notification is out.
IBPS PO Vacancy Trend
IBPS PO vacancies are announced every year based on the recruitment needs of the participating banks. The vacancies trend over the years is as follows:
| Recruitment Year | Final Allotted (Actual Selection) |
|---|---|
| 2026 (CRP XVI) | TBA |
| 2025 (CRP XV) | 6,189 |
| 2024 (CRP XIV) | 6,300+ |
| 2023 (CRP XIII) | 5,532 |
| 2022 (CRP XII) | 7,402 |
| 2021 (CRP XI) | 5,809 |
| 2020 (CRP X) | 4,755 |
| 2019 (CRP IX) | 4,336 |
| 2018 (CRP VIII) | 4,252 |
Note: The exact number of IBPS PO 2026 vacancies will be released with the official notification. The vacancies will be published bank-wise and category-wise for all participating public sector banks.
IBPS PO 2026 How to Apply Online
The IBPS PO application process is completely online and is done through the official IBPS website. Candidates are required to register, fill in the details, upload the documents and pay the application fee. The application is easy and should only take a few minutes to complete with the right information and documentation.
Application Fee for the IBPS PO
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹850 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹175 |
How to Apply Online for IBPS PO Exam
- After the notification is released, go to the official website ibps.in.
- Click the link for “CRP PO/MT-XVI” Registration.
- Register once again with your name, email Id and mobile number to receive a provisional registration number and password.
- Log in and complete the application form with your personal and academic details and bank preference.
- Upload your photograph, signature and other necessary documents in the prescribed format and size.
- Check all details thoroughly in the preview section.
- Pay the application fee online using net banking, debit/credit card or UPI.
- Submit the form and download a copy of the final application and fee receipt for your records.
Please ensure that you double check your category certificate and bank preference order before you finally submit. These are not editable after the application window closes.
IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern is divided into three stages namely Prelims, Mains and Interview. To proceed to the next round candidates must pass each stage. It is very important to know the latest exam pattern to prepare well and manage time and score well in the examination.
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
Mains Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Descriptive Test (Letter + Essay) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
Note: The objective Mains paper has 200 marks for the first four sections and a separate 25 marks Descriptive Test. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the objective tests. IBPS Exam Pattern details can be revised.
Final Merit Weightage: Mains score (80%) + Interview score (20%)
Final Merit Weightage: Mains score (80%) + Interview score (20%)
IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus
The IBPS PO 2026 syllabus is divided into two stages Prelims and Mains. It includes topics like English Language, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Aptitude and Data Analysis. Candidates must be aware of the latest syllabus to plan their preparation effectively.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Vocabulary (Synonyms & Antonyms), Phrase Replacement |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification & Approximation, Number Series, Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Table, Line Graph), Quadratic Equations, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time Speed Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Average, Mixture & Allegation |
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Input-Output, Alphanumeric Series, Logical Reasoning |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | Advanced Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Data Sufficiency, Machine Input-Output, Logical Reasoning, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Inequality, Computer Basics, Operating System, Internet & Networking, MS Office, Computer Abbreviations, Cyber Security Basics |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension (Advanced), Para Jumbles, Cloze Test, Sentence Rearrangement, Error Spotting, Fillers, Vocabulary-based Questions, Sentence Correction |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Advanced DI (Caselets, Missing DI, Radar Graph), Data Sufficiency, Probability, Permutation & Combination, Mensuration, Ratio-based DI, Advanced Number Series |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | Banking Awareness, Financial Awareness, Current Affairs (6–12 months), Static GK, Government Schemes, Budget & Economic Survey, RBI Functions & Policies, National & International Events |
| Descriptive Paper (English) | Essay Writing, Letter Writing (Formal & Informal), Precis Writing |
IBPS PO 2026 Selection Process
The IBPS PO 2026 Selection Process will be in three stages. Candidates need to qualify each stage to move on to the next round.
Preliminary Examination
An online objective test of English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.
Mains Examination
The candidates who qualify the Prelims appear for the Mains that consists of objective and descriptive tests that cover more advanced banking awareness, reasoning, data analysis, and English.
Interview
The shortlisted candidates for mains are called for an interview to test the communication skills, knowledge on banking and overall suitability for the post.
Final Selection:
The final merit list is prepared on the basis of Marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview.
IBPS PO Interview Preparation
IBPS PO interview is considered for 20% of the final merit. This is the stage that most of the candidates tend to under estimate after the intense preparation for the Mains. A good interview can make the difference between getting a placement in a top bank or not even making it to the final merit list.
- Duration: Typically 15 to 25 minutes.
- Panel: Usually 3–5 members including banking professionals and HR representatives.
- Language: Primarily English, though regional language may be used for some questions.
- Marks: 100 marks (converted to 20% weightage in the final merit list).
- Qualifying Marks: Candidates must score at least 40% in the interview (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates) to be considered for the final merit list.
Most commonly asked interview questions
The interview panel focuses on three main areas: personal background, banking and financial knowledge, and current affairs.
| Category | Commonly Asked Questions |
|---|---|
| Personal | Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to join banking? Why IBPS PO specifically? What did you study in graduation? How does your degree relate to banking? |
| Banking Basics | What is a Repo Rate / Reverse Repo Rate? What is CRR and SLR? Difference between NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS. What is a NPA (Non-Performing Asset)? What is KYC and why is it important? |
| Current Affairs | Recent RBI policy announcements. New government schemes related to banking or finance. Latest Union Budget highlights. Digital India or UPI-related developments. |
| Scenario-based | How would you handle an angry customer at the branch? What would you do if a colleague asks you to approve a transaction that seems suspicious? How would you meet a loan disbursement target? |
| Strengths / Weaknesses | What is your biggest strength for a banking career? What is your weakness and how are you working on it? Where do you see yourself in five years? |
topics to prepare for the banking knowledge section
- Important functions and policies of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- Various types of bank accounts: current, savings, fixed deposit, recurring deposit
- Priority sector lending and its forms
- Financial Inclusion schemes: Jan Dhan Yojana, PMMY, Mudra Loans
- Basel norms and its relevance to Indian banking
- Comparison of commercial banks, cooperative banks and development finance institutions
- Recent banking mergers and their implications
- Digital Payment Ecosystem – UPI, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, Bharat Bill Pay
IBPS PO 2026 Salary
The IBPS PO job offers an attractive salary package along with various allowances and benefits. The latest revised bank pay structure indicates the starting basic pay as ₹48,480 per month. The take-home salary is typically around ₹65,000 to ₹76,000 per month after deductions depending on posting location and allowances
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹48,480 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹3,500 - ₹5,000 |
| Special Allowance | ₹3,500 - ₹4,000 |
| City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) | ₹0 - ₹2,000 |
| Gross Monthly Salary | ₹72,000 - ₹90,000 |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹65,000 - ₹76,000 |
The salary may vary depending on the bank, city of posting, and applicable allowances
IBPS PO 2026 Allowances & Perks
- Dearness Allowance (DA) – Given to compensate the effect of inflation and revised periodically as per the cost of living index.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided to meet accommodation expenses. The amount is based on the city you are posting from.
- Special Allowance: An extra part of the salary paid to boost the total compensation package.
- Medical Benefits: Covers medical expenses for employees and includes reimbursement of certain healthcare costs as per bank rules.
- Travel & Leave Benefits: Employees are entitled to benefits like Leave Travel Concession (LTC), a travel refund, paid leaves and other welfare facilities.
IBPS PO 2026 Admit Card
The IBPS PO 2026 Admit Card for the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam and Interview will be released separately on the official website of IBPS. Candidates can download their admit card by using Registration Number/Roll Number and Password/Date of Birth. Details mentioned on the admit card are: Exam date Reporting time Exam center Instructions to be followed on the day of exam
How to Download IBPS PO 2026 Admit Card?
- Visit the official website of IBPS.
- Click on "CRP PO/MT".
- Select the IBPS PO 2026 Admit Card Link.
- Provide your Registration Number/Roll Number and Password/Date of Birth.
- Click the “Login” button.
- Download and take a print out of the admit card for future reference.
IBPS PO 2026 Answer Key
IBPS usually doesn’t make the official answer keys and response sheets public like SSC exams. Most of the answer keys available online are unofficial memory-based solutions released by coaching institutes after the exam. Candidates can use them to estimate their scores but the official result remains the final basis for selection.
IBPS PO Cut-Off 2026
IBPS PO Cut Off refers to the minimum marks that a candidate has to secure to qualify to the next stage of the selection process. After each stage of the exam IBPS releases the cut-offs as per category.
The cut off changes every year on the basis of different factors such as the number of vacancies, difficulty level of the exam and the overall performance of the candidates. Candidates can check the cut-off trends of previous years and set a safe target score for the exam.
The cut off changes every year on the basis of different factors such as the number of vacancies, difficulty level of the exam and the overall performance of the candidates. Candidates can check the cut-off trends of previous years and set a safe target score for the exam.
IBPS PO Prelims Cut-Off Trends (Out of 100)
| Category | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 49.21 | 48.50 | 54.25 | 49.75 | 50.50 |
| OBC | 49.21 | 48.50 | 54.25 | 49.75 | 50.50 |
| EWS | 49.21 | 48.50 | 54.25 | 49.75 | 50.50 |
| SC | 45.96 | 48.00 | 49.50 | 46.75 | 44.50 |
| ST | 40.96 | 41.00 | 43.00 | 40.75 | 38.00 |
IBPS PO Mains Cut-Off Trends (Out of 225)
The Mains cut-off includes marks from the Objective test (200) and Descriptive English (25).
| Category | 2025* | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 64.64 | 66.50 | 63.00 | 71.25 | 80.75 |
| OBC | 56.36 | 66.00 | 62.25 | 69.75 | 75.75 |
| EWS | 51.89 | 64.75 | 61.00 | 70.50 | 77.25 |
| SC | 53.87 | 54.25 | 50.25 | 59.25 | 65.50 |
| ST | 51.44 | 47.50 | 41.00 | 53.25 | 57.75 |
IBPS PO 2026 Result
The IBPS PO 2026 Result will be announced online on the official website of IBPS separately for Preliminary Exam, Main Exam and Final Selection stage. Candidates can check their qualifying status by logging in with their Registration Number/Roll Number and Password/Date of Birth.
The candidates who pass all the stages are selected for the next stage of the recruitment process. The final result is prepared on the basis of combined performance in Main Examination and Interview.
IBPS PO Job Profile - Roles, Responsibilities & Probation Period..5
An IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) is responsible for carrying out banking operations, providing customer service, and performing administrative duties. During the initial training period before candidates are assigned managerial responsibilities, they gain practical knowledge of banking procedures.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Help customers open accounts, obtain loans, make deposits and use other banking services.
- Oversee the daily operations of the bank and ensure that the branch runs efficiently.
- Process transactions, verify documents and maintain records.
- Sell banking products and services to customers.
- Handle customer enquiries and deliver excellent customer service.
- Time of the Trial
Probation Period
Selected candidates are placed on a 2 year probation period during which they are trained in various banking functions, customer relationship management and branch operations. On successful completion of the probation period, they are confirmed as Regular Officers in the bank.
Career Growth
IBPS POs have good promotion opportunities and can move to higher positions like Assistant Manager, Branch Manager, Chief Manager and General Manager depending on their performance and experience.
How to Prepare for IBPS PO 2026
With a smart study plan, regular practice, and consistent revision, IBPS PO exam can be cracked. Since the exam tests candidates on reasoning, aptitude, English, banking awareness and computer aptitude, it is important to prepare all sections simultaneously.
IBPS PO 2026 Preparation Tips
- Please check the latest exam pattern and syllabus before you start your preparation.
- Make a realistic timetable. Give time for every subject daily.
- Work on your weak subjects, and don't let your strong ones slide.
- Practice previous year papers and topic wise questions regularly.
- Take full-length practice tests to improve your speed, accuracy and time management.
- Read newspapers and current affairs everyday with focus on banking and financial news.
- Revise important formulas, shortcuts, vocab and current affairs notes regularly.
Best Books for IBPS PO 2026
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| English Language | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi |
| Banking Awareness | Banking Awareness by Arihant Experts |
| Current Affairs | Monthly Current Affairs Magazines & Newspapers |
Recommended Study Plan
| Phase | Duration | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | First 2 Months | Complete the syllabus and learn concepts |
| Phase 2 | Next 1 Month | Practice topic-wise and sectional tests |
| Phase 3 | Final 1 Month | Full-length mock tests and revision |
FAQ’S About The IBPS PO Exam 2026
The IBPS PO 2026 notification is expected to be released in June or July 2026.
Candidates must be between 20 and 30 years of age. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories.
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
The starting basic pay is ₹48,480 per month, with an in-hand salary of around ₹65,000 to ₹76,000.
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
There is no limit on attempts as long as you meet the age eligibility criteria.