IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 – Topic-wise Pattern & PDF

1. Stage 1: Prelims
2. Stage 2: Mains
3. Stage 3: Interview

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS PO exam in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims exam consists of 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes, Mains includes 145 objective questions for 200 marks plus a 25-mark English descriptive paper, and the Interview follows. Negative marking of 0.25 is applied for wrong answers in objective sections.

Since the final merit list considers 80% weightage for Mains marks and 20% for the Interview, aspirants must thoroughly understand the IBPS PO syllabus for effective preparation.

1. Prelims Exam Pattern

Each question carries 1 mark. Negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong answers applies. Prelims is qualifying with sectional and overall cut-offs for Mains shortlisting.

2. Mains Exam Pattern

Mains consists of objective tests and a descriptive English paper.

Descriptive Test (English): 2 questions for 25 marks, completed in 30 minutes, evaluates essay, letter, and comprehension skills.

3. Interview & Final Merit

Candidates clearing Mains cutoff are called for Interview, coordinated by IBPS. Final merit considers 80% Mains and 20% Interview weightage.

Prelims Syllabus

• English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms)
• Quantitative Aptitude: Number Series, Simplification, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Interest, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Average, Data Interpretation (tables, charts)
• Reasoning Ability: Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Inequalities, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Miscellaneous logical reasoning

Mains Syllabus

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: High-level puzzles, Input-Output, Logical Reasoning, Syllogism, Inequalities, Blood Relations, Computer basics, Networking, MS Office, Cybersecurity concepts
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Charts, Caselets, Missing Data, Data Sufficiency, Comparison, Ratio, Percentage, Averages
• General/Economy/Banking/Financial Awareness: Current affairs (6 months), Indian Economy, Banking & RBI knowledge, Financial markets, Government schemes, Static GK
• English Language: Advanced Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Vocabulary
• Descriptive English: Essay writing, Letter/E-mail writing on banking, finance & socio-economic topics

Each objective question carries 1 mark with 0.25 negative marking for incorrect answers. Descriptive test is evaluated separately. Candidates must qualify section-wise and overall to proceed.

• "Objective English for Competitive Exams" by Hari Mohan Prasad & Uma Rani Sinha
• "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
• "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal
• "Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications
• NCERT books for basics in English and Mathematics

• Understand the full syllabus and exam pattern carefully by downloading the official IBPS PO syllabus PDF from IBPS official site.
• Create a realistic study timetable allocating more time to difficult and high-weightage topics.
• Practice previous year question papers and take regular mock tests under timed conditions to gauge performance.
• Improve speed and accuracy to reduce negative marking impact.
• Keep updated with current affairs and banking awareness using reliable sources.
• Refer to standard books and online resources for conceptual clarity.
• Download your hall ticket on time and keep track of exam results and official answer keys on our portal.

Candidates can also explore more Bank Exam Syllabus and check latest exam results on our portal for updates.