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India · 2026 Edition · Updated 2026-05-30
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IBPS PO 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan

The IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) examination is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for recruitment to the post of Probationary Officer/Management Trainee in public sector banks across India. It is one of the most sought-after banking examinations in India, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year. The PO position is considered a prestigious entry-level role in banking, with opportunities for career advancement to positions like Branch Manager, Deputy Manager, and beyond. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and an Interview round.

Year
2026
Subjects
4
Topics
43
Cost
Free

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📋 Exam Pattern

The IBPS PO Preliminary Examination has three sections: English Language (30 questions, 30 marks), Numerical Ability (35 questions, 35 marks), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks), totaling 100 questions for 100 marks to be completed in 60 minutes. The Main Examination has five sections: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks), English Language (35 questions, 40 marks), Data Analysis and Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks), General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks), and an English Descriptive Paper (2 questions, 25 marks). Total duration is 3 hours 30 minutes for the Main. Both exams are online (CBT) with negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong answers.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must be Indian citizens with a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The age limit is 20-30 years for general category candidates, with relaxations up to 33 years for OBC, 35 years for SC/ST, and 40 years for PwD candidates. Candidates should have basic computer knowledge and proficiency in the official language of the state they are applying for. Some banks may have additional eligibility criteria regarding educational background or experience.

Subjects & Topics Covered — 43 topics across 4 subjects

Reasoning

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10 topics · Topic 1· Topic 2· Topic 3 + more

Quantitative Aptitude

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15 topics · Topic 1· Topic 2· Topic 3 + more

English

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8 topics · Grammar and Usage· Vocabulary in Context· Reading Comprehension + more

General Awareness

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10 topics · Indian Banking System and Structure· RBI and Monetary Policy· Financial Markets and Institutions + more

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Frequently Asked Questions — IBPS PO

Everything you need to know about IBPS PO. Scroll down for the complete study guide.

What is the section-wise time allocation in the IBPS PO 2026 Preliminary exam?
The IBPS PO 2026 Preliminary exam gives you 60 minutes to attempt 100 objective questions. Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude each have 35 questions (1.7 minutes per question), while the English Language has 30 questions (1.3 minutes per question). You must individually clear the sectional cut-off IBPS sets for each part—scoring well in one section cannot compensate for another. There are no separate time slots per section; you manage your 60 minutes across all three. Prioritize your stronger sections but do not neglect any part, as passing each is mandatory. Source: ibps.in
How does the IBPS PO 2026 Main exam handle negative marking for wrong answers?
The IBPS PO 2026 Main exam deducts 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. With 200 questions worth 200 marks across 4 sections in 3 hours 30 minutes, strategic risk management is essential. Only attempt questions where you can eliminate at least two wrong options—if you guess blindly, the 0.25 penalty outweighs the 1 mark gained. Each section has its own cut-off, so concentrate on accuracy in your strongest areas first. Allocate roughly 50 minutes to Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, 35 minutes to English, and 40 minutes each to General/Economy/Banking Awareness and Data Analysis & Interpretation. Source: ibps.in
What are the educational qualification and age relaxation rules for IBPS PO 2026?
Candidates for IBPS PO 2026 must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university—the field of study is irrelevant. The age limit is 20-30 years as of the date specified in the official notification. Reserved category relaxations apply: SC/ST get 5 years, OBC (non-creamy layer) get 3 years, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities get 10 years, and Ex-servicemen receive 5 years plus their service period. Your graduation must be completed before the interview stage document verification. Ensure your category certificate is valid and matches the format IBPS requires in the notification. Source: ibps.in
How are the 200 marks distributed across sections in the IBPS PO 2026 Main exam?
The IBPS PO 2026 Main exam allocates marks unevenly across its four sections. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude carries 45 questions worth 60 marks, while General/Economy/Banking Awareness has 40 questions worth 40 marks. The English Language contains 35 questions for 40 marks, and Data Analysis & Interpretation has 35 questions for 60 marks. Focus your preparation on Reasoning and Data Analysis—they together account for 120 marks (60%). For Banking Awareness, concentrate on the last 6 months of current affairs before the notification date. Computer Aptitude questions cover basic fundamentals only. Source: ibps.in
What is the weightage of the interview stage in the IBPS PO 2026 final selection?
The IBPS PO 2026 final selection combines your Main exam score (200 marks) with the Interview (100 marks), totaling 300 marks for merit ranking. Your Main exam performance carries double weight in the final composite score. The interview typically occurs in February-March and you receive the date through your call letter. You must achieve the minimum qualifying marks IBPS sets (generally 40% for General, 35% for reserved categories). Prepare by taking mock interviews, reading current banking news daily, and reviewing every detail in your application form—the panel may ask about your form contents. Source: ibps.in

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Exam Name IBPS PO
Country 🇮🇳 India
Subjects Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness
Total Topics 43
Official Source https://www.ibps.in/
Last Updated 2026-05-30