IBPS PO 2026 Books: Check Subject-wise Books for Exam Preparation

In the prelims exam of IBPS PO, the English section carries 30 marks whereas the Quant carieis 30 marks and Reasoning sections carries 40 marks. In the Mains exam of IBPS PO, the total marks allotted to the English section are 40 whereas the Data Interpretation and Analysis carries 50 marks, Reasoning section carries 60 marks each. The General Awareness section carries 50 marks.

Section-Wise Distribution of Marks in Prelims Exam

Sections	Total marks
English Language	30
Quantitative Aptitude	30
Reasoning Ability	40
Total	100

Section-Wise Distribution of Marks in Mains Exam

Section name	Total marks
English Language	40
Data Interpretation and Analysis	50
Reasoning	60
General Awareness	50
Total	200
English (Essay and Letter Writing)	25
Grand Total	225

 

IBPS calculates the IBPS PO marks of the candidates through a method called normalisation that help candidates to get a rounded-up figure. Since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts and days the difficulty level of the question paper varies from one shift to another. Normalisation of score is done to balance and assist in fair evaluation. This method is followed both for prelims and Mains exams. Some of the benefits of normalisation are given below: The first assumption made for normalisation of marks is that the candidates across all the shifts of the exam have similar abilities The number of candidates appearing in the exam conducted by IBPS in large shifts is randomly done.

The IBPS PO exam syllabus for preliminary and mains exam is different. The prelim exam tests a candidate's knowledge in English Language, Maths and Reasoning Ability. The main exam tests aspirants' knowledge in GK, English, Maths, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, and Financial Awareness. The level of difficulty of both the exams is also not same. 

No, the marks of IBPS PO prelims exam are not considered for the final merit list. For provisional allotment of candidates, only the marks obtained in Mains and interview are considered. IBPS PO scores are calculated out of 100 marks. The marks obtained in the prelims exam are taken into consideration to select candidates for the Mains exam. The prelims exam is qualifying in nature. It is just to screen candidates for the Mains exam. Candidates need to qualify the prelims exam inorder to get shortlisted for the Mains exam. Candidates need to secure the desired cut off marks to get shortlisted for the Mains exam.

Yes, there are sectional timings in IBPS PO exam. In prelims exam, candidates get 20 minutes to solve each section. In Mains exam, to solve English section, candidates get 40 minutes. The duration to attempt Data Interpretation and Analysis section and Reasoning section, candidates get 45 minutes and 50 minutes respectively. The time duration allotted for General Awareness section is 25 minutes. To solve the descriptive paper, candidates get 30 minutes. The sectional timings for IBPS PO prelims and Mains exams are given below.

 Prelims Exam

Sections	Duration (In minutes)
English Language	20
Quantitative Aptitude	20
Reasoning Ability	20
Total	60

Mains Exam

Section name	Allotted Time
English Language	40
Data Interpretation and Analysis	45
Reasoning	50
General Awareness	25
Total	160
English (Essay and Letter Writing)	30 minutes
Grand Total	3 hours 10 minutes

 

IBPS PO exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the exam such as marking scheme, total marks, time duration, etc. IBPS PO exam pattern is such that it is divided into prelims exam, Mainsexam and interview. IBPS PO prelims exam comprises three sections-Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. There are sectional timings in the exam. IBPS PO Mains exam comprises both objective and descriptive-type questions. The total marks allotted to the Mains exam are 225. The duration of the test is 3 hours 10 minutes. The total marks allotted to the interview are 100.

IBPS PO educational qualification is a Degree/Graduation in any discipline from a university recognised by the government. Of India or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the Central Government. Candidates must possess valid marksheet/degree Certificate that they are graduate on the day they register and indicates the percentage of marks obtained in graduation while registration online. All educational mentioned by the examination authority should be from a university/institution/board recognised by government. Of India/approved by government/approved by government on or before July 21, 2026.  Proper document from Board / University for having declared the result on or before
July 21, 2026 has to be submitted at the time of interview. Candidates who are in the final year of graduation are not eligible to apply for the exam. At the time of interview, candidates are required to submit the educational qualification certificates.

Yes, candidates selected for the post of IBPS PO will be on probation for two years. During probation, the performance of candidates is assessed. They need to undergo training in the various branches. On successful completion of training, candidates are confirmed to the position of Probationary Officers. During the probation period, candidates are trained on various banking services. They are also required to undergo certain banking courses. The basic salary of IBPS PO is INR 48,480. Besides the salary, candidates are also entitled to various perks and benefits.

Yes. The authority revised the IBPS PO exam pattern in 2025 for Prelims and Mains. The official notification was released on June 30, 2025 on the official website at ibps.in. The IBPS PO prelims exam carries 100 marks, whereas the Mains exam was conducted for 200 marks (objective)+ 25 marks (Descriptive).

The revision of IBPS PO salary for bank employees was approved to be effective from November 2017 under the 11th bipartite settlement. The revised salary is valid for a span of five years till 2023 or until revised by the government. Nearly 8.8 Lakhs employees are benefiting from the approval of the 11th bipartite settlement.