Are you preparing for the upcoming IBPS PO 2026 Exam? Understanding the detailed IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 and the latest IBPS PO Exam Pattern is the essential first step towards cracking the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer (IBPS PO) Examination. In this comprehensive guide, we have provided the complete, official, topic-wise IBPS PO Prelims and Mains Syllabus without missing a single detail.
IBPS PO 2026 Selection Process
The IBPS PO Recruitment 2026 is conducted in three stages. A candidate must qualify in each stage to get shortlisted for the vacancies in multiple Public Sector Banks.
- Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Objective)
- Phase II: Mains Examination (Objective + Descriptive)
- Phase III: Interview Process
The final selection of the candidate for the post of Probationary Officer is made by taking into consideration the cumulative score of the Mains Exam and the Interview process. The weightage of both these phases of examination will be in the ratio 80:20 respectively.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS PO preliminary examination will be conducted online. It consists of 3 sections with a total of 100 questions and a maximum score of 100 marks. There is a sectional timing of 20 minutes for each section.
| S.No. | Name of Tests | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes | |
- There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Candidates must clear the cut-off in all 3 sections to qualify for the IBPS PO Main exam.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS PO Mains Examination includes an Objective Test and a Descriptive Paper. The overall time allotted for the Mains Objective Exam is 160 minutes, and the Descriptive Test is 30 minutes. Therefore, the total time for IBPS PO Mains is 190 minutes (3 hours 10 minutes).
| S.No. | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | English & Hindi | 50 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 35 | 40 | English only | 40 minutes |
| 3 | Data Analysis and Interpretation | 35 | 50 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
| 4 | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 35 | 50 | English & Hindi | 25 minutes |
| Total (Objective Test) | 145 | 200 | 160 minutes | ||
| 5 | English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | English | 30 minutes |
- There will be a penalty of 0.25 marks for wrong answers marked in the Objective Tests.
- Descriptive Paper will be conducted immediately after the completion of the objective test.
IBPS PO Prelims Detailed Syllabus 2026
1. Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section tests the candidate's basic mathematical abilities. Topics include:
- Simplification
- Profit & Loss
- Mixtures & Allegations
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Surds & Indices
- Work & Time
- Time & Distance
- Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
- Data Interpretation (Tabulation, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs)
- Ratio & Proportion
- Percentage
- Number Systems
- Sequence & Series
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
2. Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning section evaluates logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Topics include:
- Logical Reasoning
- Alphanumeric Series
- Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test
- Data Sufficiency
- Inequalities
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzle
- Tabulation
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Input-Output
- Coding-Decoding
3. English Language
This section assesses vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension abilities. Topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Word Usage, Word-Swap
- Fill in the blanks
- Error Detection & Error Spotting
- Paragraph Completion
- One word Substitution
- Miscellaneous
IBPS PO Mains Detailed Syllabus 2026
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Reasoning: Verbal Reasoning, Syllogism, Circular Seating Arrangement, Linear Seating Arrangement, Double Lineup, Scheduling, Blood Relations, Directions and Distances, Ordering and Ranking, Data Sufficiency, Coding and Decoding.
- Computer Aptitude: Internet, Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviations, Microsoft Office, Computer Hardware, Computer Software, Operating System, Networking, Computer Fundamentals/Terminologies.
2. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- One Word Substitution
- Verbal Ability
3. Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Simplification
- Average, Percentage
- Mixture and Allegations
- Ratio and Percentage
- Code Inequalities
- Quadratic Equation
- Problems of Ages
- Profit and Loss
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Time and Work
- Number System
- Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables)
- Mensuration and Geometry
- Interest
- Number Series
- Linear Equation
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability
- Data Sufficiency
4. General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness
- Financial Awareness
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- Static Awareness
- Banking Awareness (including RBI circulars)
Note: Candidates who qualify for the Mains Exam are finally called for the Interview Process by IBPS. The Interview Process will constitute 100 marks and the minimum marks for qualifying this round will be 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - IBPS PO Syllabus
Is there any negative marking in the IBPS PO Exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in both the IBPS PO Preliminary and Mains Objective examinations.
What is the time duration for IBPS PO Prelims Exam?
The total time duration for the IBPS PO Prelims Exam is 60 minutes, with a sectional timing of 20 minutes allocated for each of the three sections.
Does IBPS PO Mains include a Descriptive Paper?
Yes, the IBPS PO Mains exam includes a Descriptive Paper consisting of Letter Writing and Essay. It carries 25 marks and must be completed in 30 minutes.
What is the final selection process for IBPS PO?
The final selection is based on the cumulative score obtained in the IBPS PO Mains Exam and the Interview Process, with a weightage ratio of 80:20 respectively.