IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026, Prelims & Mains Subject-wise Topics
Table of Contents
IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 contains the subjects and topics asked in Prelims and Mains examination. The Prelims exam comprises English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. The Mains exam comprises Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation and Descriptive Test. Candidates should read the latest IBPS PO syllabus and exam pattern before starting their preparation so that they can focus on the most important topics and increase their chances of success.
Overview of IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern
IBPS releases PO exam pattern and subjects list every year in its official notification. Below are the key highlights for the 2026 cycle (CRP PO/MT-XVI) at a glance.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post | Probationary Officer (PO) / Management Trainee (MT) |
| Category | IBPS PO Syllabus & Exam Pattern |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100 | Mains: 170 + Descriptive: 2 (Revised) |
| Total Marks | Prelims: 100 | Mains: 200 + Descriptive: 25 | Interview: 100 |
| Duration of Exam | Prelims: 60 minutes | Mains: 160 minutes (Objective) + 30 minutes (Descriptive) |
| Negative Marking | 1/4 (0.25) of that question's marks deducted for each wrong answer (objective papers only) |
| Recruitment Stages | Prelims, Mains, Personality Test, Interview |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
Important IBPS PO 2026 Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 30 June 2026 |
| Online Application Window | 1 July - 21 July 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | 22 and 23 August 2026 |
| Mains Exam | 4 October 2026 |
Dates are as per the official notification; always cross-check your call letter for the exact date, shift, and centre.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO Prelims exam pattern consists of 100 questions of 100 marks divided into 3 sections, and the total duration is 60 minutes. Note: No. of marks in each section is not equal to the no. of questions in each section. The detailed pattern of IBPS PO preliminary exam is as follows:
| S.No. | Name of Test (Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes | English |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 minutes | English & Hindi |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 minutes | English & Hindi |
| Total | - | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes | - |
Some important points about the IBPS PO Prelims are:
- IBPS PO Prelims is held for 100 marks but these marks are not counted for final merit list. These are only used for shortlisting candidates for the Mains exam.
- Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-off to qualify for the next level.
- There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Calculators are not allowed inside the examination hall.
- IBPS has no fixed order. You can attempt the sections as per your strategy in the given time for each section.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO Mains exam pattern has 170 objective questions and 1 descriptive test with total of 200 marks and 160 minutes, and the descriptive test is of 25 marks and 30 minutes and the total marks for the exam are 225 and time allotted is 190 minutes. Mains pattern is more important than Prelims pattern because Mains marks determine the maximum of your final rank. mains timing is sectional and strict like Prelims.
Here is the section-wise IBPS PO mains paper pattern for Mains:
Here is the section-wise IBPS PO mains paper pattern for Mains:
| Sr.No. | Subjects | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning (incl. Computer Aptitude topics) | 40 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
| 2 | General/Economy/Banking/Digital & Financial Awareness (incl. RBI Circulars) | 50 | 60 | English & Hindi | 35 minutes |
| 3 | English Language | 40 | 20 | English | 35 minutes |
| 4 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 40 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
| Objective Test Total | - | 170 | 200 | - | 160 minutes |
| 5 | Descriptive Paper (Essay and Comprehension) | 2 | 25 | English | 30 minutes |
Some important points about the IBPS PO Mains are:
- For every wrong answer in the objective type test, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question).
- No negative marking for questions not attempted
- The Descriptive Test has a separate qualifying cut off so candidates are advised to prepare well for objective as well as descriptive papers.
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness section is of 60 marks and 50 questions. It is a high scoring section with good preparation.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation and Reasoning sections together account for 120 out of 200 marks in the objective test and therefore, these are the most important sections to score well in the Mains exam.
How Many Marks Does Each Question Carry?
Some questions are worth more marks than others, and this changes the way in which you should prioritise your time.
| Section | Marks per Question |
|---|---|
| Reasoning (Mains) | 1.5 marks/question |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation (Mains) | 1.5 marks/question |
| General/Banking Awareness (Mains) | 1.2 marks/question |
| English Language (Mains) | 0.5 marks/question |
| Reasoning Ability (Prelims) | ~1.14 marks/question |
| English Language (Prelims) | 1.0 mark/question |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Prelims) | ~0.86 marks/question |
Hence Reasoning and DI in Mains require more of your accuracy based effort. Each correct answer in there is worth 3 times a correct English answer. Both Quant and Reasoning are equally important for Prelims. Reasoning is slightly more important than Quant.
What Changed in the IBPS PO Exam Pattern (Year-on-Year)
The most significant change IBPS PO saw in recent years is the increase in the number of questions in Mains from 145 to 170 and the introduction of a compulsory Personality Test, while the total marks for objective questions remained the same.
| Year | Mains Questions | Mains Total Marks | Descriptive Marks | Key Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 155 | 200 | 25 | Standard pattern, Essay & Letter Writing |
| 2024 | 155 | 200 | 25 | No major change |
| 2025 | 145 | 200 | 25 | Reduced questions; Prelims marks revised (Reasoning 40, Quant 30) |
| 2026 | 170 | 200 | 25 | Questions increased; GA expanded; Personality Test introduced; Essay & Comprehension replaces Letter Writing |
With this IBPS PO new exam pattern, in 2026 every question will have slightly lower average marks in some sections than in 2025, so accuracy is more important than ever as one mistake will still cost one-fourth of the marks of that question, which is a lower penalty in absolute terms in lower-weight sections like English. In this new pattern, candidates who depend on guesswork lose more in total as compared to years with fewer but high-value questions.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The IBPS PO prelims syllabus has three subjects namely Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language each having a fixed set of recurring topics every year. Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, Puzzle and Seating Arrangement are the high priority topics in all the three subjects. The subject-wise IBPS PO prelims syllabus is provided below.
| Reasoning Ability | Quantitative Aptitude | English Language |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle and Seating Arrangement | Number System | Reading Comprehension |
| Syllogism | Simplification and Approximation | Para Jumbles |
| Inequality | Arithmetic (Profit-Loss, SI-CI) | Cloze Test |
| Coding-Decoding | Time and Work, Ratio | Error Detection / Spotting |
| Blood Relations | Data Interpretation | Sentence Rearrangement |
| Direction Sense | Number Series | Fill in the Blanks |
| Alphanumeric Series | Quadratic Equations | Paragraph Completion |
| Order and Ranking | Data Sufficiency | Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms) |
| Alphabet Test | Average, Percentage | Idioms and Phrases |
| Tabulation | Decimal Fractions, Age Problems | Tense, Active & Passive Voice |
| Input-Output | HCF and LCM, Time and Distance | Articles, Preposition |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The full IBPS PO syllabus for Mains includes two additional topics from the Prelims – Data Analysis & Interpretation and General/Economy/Banking Awareness and also includes Computer Aptitude under the Reasoning section. This detailed IBPS PO syllabus for Mains is best studied subject wise as shown below.
IBPS PO Mains Reasoning, Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis Syllabus
| Reasoning Topics | Computer Aptitude Topics | Data Analysis & Interpretation Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Puzzles and Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Double Lineup) | Computer Fundamentals and Abbreviations | Caselet DI |
| IBPS PO Mains Puzzle (Complex 3D / box-based sets) | Internet and Networking | Tabular, Bar, Pie, and Line DI |
| Data Sufficiency | MS Office and Keyboard Shortcuts | Data Sufficiency |
| Syllogism (Advanced) and Verbal Reasoning | Operating System and Memory | Probability and Permutation-Combination |
| Input-Output | Computer Hardware and Software | Quadratic Equations, Mensuration, and Geometry |
| Blood Relations, Direction and Distance | Average, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple/Compound Interest | |
| Ordering and Ranking, Scheduling | Mixture & Allegation, Ages, Speed-Distance-Time | |
| Coding-Decoding (Advanced) |
IBPS PO Mains General, Economy, and Banking Awareness Syllabus
General awareness for IBPS PO has four broad areas: static GK, current affairs, banking and financial terms, and RBI policies. In 2026, this section was expanded to include Digital and Financial Awareness
| Sub-topic | Approx. Share |
|---|---|
| Banking Current Affairs (last 6 months) | 35% |
| Static GK (Capitals, Currencies, Headquarters) | 20% |
| Banking Terms and RBI Circulars/Policies | 25% |
| Digital & Financial Awareness, Government Schemes, Budget | 20% |
IBPS PO Mains English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension (2-3 passages)
- Vocabulary and Verbal Ability
- Grammar and Error Spotting / Editing
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
Prelims are easier than mains. Prelims has 1 reading comprehension passage but 40 questions for 40 marks.
IBPS PO Topic-wise Weightage: Where Marks Actually Come From
IBPS PO topic wise weightage analysis of last 3 years says that Puzzles and Seating Arrangement, Data Interpretation and Banking Awareness alone contribute more than half of your Mains score.
| Section | High-Weight Topic | Typical Marks Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning (Mains) | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 22-28 out of 60 |
| DI (Mains) | Tabular & Caselet DI | 22-28 out of 60 |
| GA (Mains) | Current Affairs (Banking) | 20-25 out of 60 |
| Quant (Prelims) | Arithmetic | 13-16 out of 30 |
| English (Both stages) | Reading Comprehension | 8-10 per stage |
So if you have less time for revision before the exam then you should give first priority to puzzles, DI and banking current affairs as these three areas are repeated every year and have the maximum marks share.
Where Candidates Lose the Most Time
In Reasoning puzzles and Data Interpretation, most of the candidates lose time, not because they don’t know the concept but because they attempt every question in order, instead of picking the easier sets first.
| Section | Section Time | Ideal Time on High-Weight Topic | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puzzles & Seating (Mains) | 45 minutes | 25-28 minutes | Attempting the hardest puzzle first |
| Data Interpretation (Mains) | 45 minutes | 20-22 minutes | Solving every sub-question instead of skipping tough sets |
| Banking Awareness (Mains) | 35 minutes | 12-15 minutes | Overthinking unfamiliar terms instead of moving on |
| English Comprehension (Mains) | 35 minutes | 10-12 minutes | Re-reading the passage multiple times |
A simple fix that works for most students: in the first two minutes of the section, scan all puzzle sets, fully solve the two easiest ones, and only attempt the hardest set if you have time left.
IBPS PO Descriptive Test
The descriptive paper in IBPS PO will have 1 Essay writing and 1 Answer writing based on comprehension. This paper will be of 25 marks and time allotted for this paper will be 30 mins. It replaced the earlier Essay and Letter Writing pattern. The descriptive paper will be checked separately and the candidate has to secure minimum qualifying marks in it to be considered for the final merit. Some of the common essay topics are banking reforms, Digital India, financial inclusion and current economic issues.
| Expected Essay Topics | Previously Asked Essay Topics |
|---|---|
| Global Warming and its Causes | Women Empowerment |
| Merger of Banks | Ethical Problems of E-commerce |
| Indian Banking System | Over-dependence on Monsoon |
| Digital India and Financial Inclusion | Role of Newspapers in Society |
| Green Hydrogen Policy | Benefits of Mutual Fund Investments |
Tips for the IBPS PO mains descriptive pattern:
- Keep your essay structured: introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Stick closely to the word count advised – both answers that are too short and too long lose marks.
- Practice comprehension based writing (summarising a passage in your own words) as it has replaced letter writing for 2026.
- Practice typing speed as the exam is computer-based and many candidates run out of time in this 30-minute window.
IBPS PO Personality Test and Interview
The IBPS PO Personality Test is a new mandatory non-qualifying self-report assessment conducted after Mains and before the Interview. It has no markings but if you miss this, you are disqualified from the Interview and your personality profile is shared with the interview panel.
The Personality Test is an online test based on multiple-choice questions. It assesses personality traits like decision making, ethics, teamwork, stress management and customer orientation. Candidates should be honest and consistent in their answers. Interview shall be of 100 marks. Minimum qualifying marks in Interview shall be 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates). Common topics of the interview:
| Interview Topics |
|---|
| Economy and Banking Sector Updates |
| Basic Banking and Financial Concepts |
| Educational Background and Work Experience |
| Strengths, Weaknesses, and Hobbies |
| Situational and Decision-Making Questions |
Your final selection is based on combined Mains and Interview marks in 80:20 ratio, so even a strong Mains score can be affected by a weak interview performance. That is why interview and personality test preparation should be started as soon as your Mains result is out, not after the call letter arrives.
Download IBPS PO Syllabus PDF
The IBPS PO Syllabus PDF includes the latest Prelims and Mains syllabus, exam pattern, and subject-wise topics in one place. It helps candidates to know the important topics for each section and prepare systematically. Regularly referring to the syllabus also helps you to stay focused on the exam requirements and not miss out on any important topics during your preparation.
FAQ’s About IBPS PO Exam Pattern & Syllabus
IBPS PO 2026 syllabus includes English Language, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, Data Analysis & Interpretation and Descriptive Test.
IBPS PO exam includes Prelims, Mains, Personality Test and Interview.
Yes, there is a negative marking system for objective type questions for both the Prelims and the Mains. For every incorrect answer there is a deduction of 0.25 marks.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Duration is 60 minutes with 20 minutes for each section.
Yes, the Mains exam has a descriptive test of 25 marks. It has an essay and one answer based on comprehension based answer.
No, the Prelims exam is just a qualifying exam. The final merit is prepared on the basis of Mains and Interview scores.