
- IBPS PO Syllabus Overview (Prelims & Mains) 2025
- IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 PDF download
- IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
- Books for IBPS PO 2025
- How to Prepare for IBPS PO 2025?
- IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 FAQs
IBPS PO Syllabus Overview (Prelims & Mains) 2025
Before proceeding to the syllabus, let us have a look at the structure of the IBPS PO exam pattern.
| Parameters | Preliminary | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of exam | Online | Online |
| Number of questions | 100 | 147 (145 Objective & 2 Descritive) |
| Nature of questions | Objective type | Objective and Descriptive Type |
| Marks | 100 | 225 |
| Negative marks | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Sections | English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability | Objective test: English Language, Data Interpretation and Analysis, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude and General Awareness. Descriptive Test: English (Essay and Letter Writing) |
Commonly asked questions
IBPS PO Mains syllabus is given below:
Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Average, Percentage, Permutation and Combination Age Problems, Interest, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Probability Mixture and Alligations Speed, Time and Distance, etc. English Cloze test, para jumbles, fill in the blanks, sentence improvement, reading comprehensions, detecting the errors etc.
Reasoning Ability: Syllogism, coding-decoding, miscellaneous questions, input-output, seating arrangement, data sufficiency, logical reasoning, computer aptitude etc.
General Awareness: Banking, Financial Awareness, Current Affairs Static General Awareness
Descriptive Test: The syllabus comprises essay writing and letter writing.
Candidates qualifying the mains exam of IBPS PO are called for the interview. The marks obtained in the mains exam are counted for the final merit list.
Any graduate candidate can apply for IBPS PO exam. It is not necessary to have 60 per cent marks in graduation. However, different banks might have different criteria and it is subject to change. IBPS PO is one of the most renowed banking exams in the country. With practice candidates will be able to crack the exam. Candidates must be thorough with the IBPS PO syllabus inorder to know the topics to cover in the exam.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 PDF download
The major subjects of the Prelims and Mains syllabus are arithmetic problems, number series, seating arrangement, puzzles, reading comprehension, cloze test, spotting errors, etc. IBPS PO syllabus outlines the topics that candidates need to study for the exam. Before beginning with the preparation, candidates should check IBPS PO syllabus and chalk out study plans for the exam. The syllabus of IBPS PO is different for the preliminary and mains exam.
IBPS PO Syllabus PDF
IBPS PO syllabus PDF comprises the important topics that candidates must cover under each subject of the prelims and mains exams. We have provided below IBPS PO syllabus PDF. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and plan their preparations accordingly.
Download Here IBPS PO syllabus PDF
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus
The prelims exam of IBPS PO is the primary selection round. Candidates qualifying the exam are called to appear for the mains exam. The preliminary exam mainly comprises three sections, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and English. The maximum mark allotted to the prelims exam is 100. IBPS PO syllabus 2025 for prelims is given below:
English Language |
Quantitative Ability |
Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Simplification |
||
| Cloze Test |
Profit & Loss |
Alphanumeric Series |
| Mixtures & Allegations |
Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test |
|
| Miscellaneous |
Data Sufficiency |
|
| Fill in the blanks |
Work & Time |
Coded Inequalities |
| Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting |
Time & Distance |
Seating Arrangement |
| Paragraph Completion |
Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere |
Puzzle |
| - |
Tabulation |
|
| - |
Ratio & Proportion, Percentage |
Syllogism |
| - |
Blood Relations |
|
| - |
Input-Output |
|
| - |
Permutation, Combination & Probability |
Coding-Decoding |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus
IBPS PO syllabus for mains exam comprises topics from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude & General Awareness. There is one descriptive paper on Letter Writing and Essay in IBPS PO. The mains exam carries 225 marks. Candidates can check below the IBPS PO syllabus for mains:
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Analysis
The topics that candidates need to prepare in Data Interpretation and Analysis are given below.
| IBPS PO Data Interpretation and Analysis Syllabus | |
|---|---|
| Simplification | Average |
| Percentage | Ratio and Percentage |
| Data Interpretation | Mensuration and Geometry |
| Quadratic Equation | Interest |
| Problems of Ages | Profit and Loss |
| Number Series | Speed, Distance and Time |
| Speed, Distance and Time | Time and Work |
| Number System | Data Sufficiency |
| Linear Equation | Permutation and Combination |
| Probability | Mixture and Allegations |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for General Awareness
- Financial Awareness
- Current Affairs
- General Knowledge
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025 for Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
| IBPS PO Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus |
|
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning |
Internet |
| Syllogism |
Memory |
| Circular Seating Arrangement |
Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Linear Seating Arrangement |
Computer Abbreviation |
| Double Lineup |
Microsoft Office |
| Scheduling |
Computer Hardware |
| Input-Output |
Computer Software |
| Blood Relations |
Operating System |
| Directions and Distances |
Networking |
| Ordering and Ranking |
Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies |
| Data Sufficiency |
- |
| Coding and Decoding |
- |
| Code Inequalities |
- |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Verbal Ability
- Fill in the blanks
How to Prepare for IBPS PO Descriptive Test?
The tips and tricks to prepare for IBPS PO descriptive test are given below:
- Candidates should familiarise themselves with the format of the paper by reviewing the syllabus and past year question papers
- They should develop the writing skills by practising essay writing, letter writing and precis writing
- Candidates should improve their vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure
- Practice writing on different topics to improve flexibility and creativity
How to Prepare for IBPS PO Interview?
IBPS PO syllabus for interview can range from numerous topics such as banking and or finance-related questions. The questions can be based on RBI functions, Governors, and Headquarters, types of cards, bank accounts, and questions related to KYC. Candidates must be versed in current affairs such as budget-related questions etc. The maximum mark allotted to the interview round is 100.
IBPS PO Interview Questions
Questions in the interview are asked from educational qualification, banking awareness and current affairs, general knowledge, current job profile (if anyone is working), etc. Few questions that candidates can expect for IBPS PO interview are given below:
Banking Awareness & Current Affairs
- New government schemes (Example: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan etc)
- Trending Topics or Terms (Example: Cryptocurrency, NPA, KYC, Money Laundering, Inflation, Deflation, FDI etc)
- Recent Events (Example: GST, FRDI Bill, BREXIT, Banking Scams, Recapitalization of Banks etc)
- Important Banking Terms (Example: CRR, PLR, NPAs, Repo rate, Reverse Repo Rate etc)
- Terms related to Processes having Day to Day in Banks (eg: Types of account, Types of Check, Lockers, Check vs Draft, Demat Account)
- Terms related to day to day processes in banks (Example: Types of account, Types of Check, Lockers, Check vs Draft, Demat Account)
- Apart from these topics questions from the complete syllabus of Bank PO exams can be asked during the Bank PO interview.
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Critical points from constitution of India
- Important events from around the world (Election in any country, Conflict between two countries etc.)
- Person in News (Example: A leader from other country visiting in our country, Sports Person etc.)
- Environmental issues (Example: Global Warming, Pollutions etc)
- Your political opinion (Example: Which government is better? Which is your favorite political party?)
- Who are you going to vote in the election, who is better in the previous government and this time governments etc.)
Educational Background or Career Objectives
- Why did you choose this stream?
- What you did after your graduation?
- Why do you want to join Banking Sector?
- Why you want to join the government sector, being an XYZ graduate?
- Why the government sector, why not the private sector?
- Why do you not want to pursue higher education?
Personal Questions
- Tell me something about yourself.
- What's Special About Your Hometown?
- What does your father do?
- Why don't you join your father business?
- Who is your role model and why?
- What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
- Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
- Tell me about a time you worked in a team?
Commonly asked questions
The English section appears in both prelims and mains exams. Questions in the English section are asked from Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Miscellaneous, Fill in the blanks, Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting and Paragraph Completion. The tips and tricks to crack the English section of IBPS PO exam are given below:
- Make a separate notebook for this section and jot down all the topics
- In the first half of the notebook write down the rules of grammar and in the second half of the notebook write down all the new words from newspaper editorials on regular basis
- For Reading Comprehension, read books, novels, magazines, etc.
- For Vocabulary part, write down the new words Attempt mock tests and analyse the mocks
After clearing the online tests of IBPS PO exam, candidates are called to participate in a Personal Interview with a panel of experts. This interview assess the overall suitability for the position of probationary officer, and include questions about their qualifications, work experience, and personal characteristics. After the Personal Interview a merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Mains exam and interview. Candidates who are placed in the merit list are eligible for appointment as a probationary officer in the participating banks. Candidates should note the letter of appointment is issued by the participating banks. Allotment of candidates is done based on merit-cum-preference.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
IBPS PO exam pattern is such that it comprises prelims exam, mains exam and and interview. IBPS PO prelims exam comprises questions from Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The mains exam comprises both objective and descriptive tests. The total marks allotted to the mains exam are 250. The interview carries 100 marks. The marking scheme of IBPS PO is given below:
- For the correct answer, one mark is awarded
- For incorrect answers, 0.25 marks are deducted
- The total marks are calculated based on the correct and incorrect answers
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern
| Sections | Total questions | Total marks | Duration (In minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
35 |
35 |
20 |
| Reasoning Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 |
| Total |
100 |
100 |
60 |
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern
| Section name | Total questions | Allotted Time | Total marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language |
35 |
40 |
40 |
| Data Interpretation and Analysis |
35 |
45 |
60 |
| Reasoning and Computer Aptitude |
45 |
60 |
60 |
| General Awareness |
40 |
35 |
40 |
| Total |
155 |
180 |
200 |
| English (Essay and Letter Writing) |
2 |
30 minutes |
25 |
| Grand Total |
157 |
3 hours 30 minutes |
225 |
Normalisation of Marks
Normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of question papers spread across various shifts. The exam is conducted in multiple sessions therefore the difficulty level varies. To evaluate the performance of candidates fairly, normalisation is done.
Commonly asked questions
The IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer) exam has two stages: the preliminary exam and the main exam. The syllabus for both exams is different. The preliminary exam tests a candidate's knowledge in English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. The main exam tests a candidate's knowledge in General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude, and Financial Awareness. The difficulty level of both the exams is different. The level of the prelims exam is easier than the mains exam. Candidates should be thorough with the IBPS PO syllabus as the questions in the exam are framed based on it.
Yes. The authority revised the IBPS PO 2025 exam pattern 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 will be conducted for 200 marks (objective)+ 25 marks (Descriptive).
Books for IBPS PO 2025
Candidates can check below the best books for IBPS PO. Candidates refer to these IBPS PO books to prepare for the exam. These books will help candidates clear the concepts of various topics in the syllabus.
Sections |
Books for IBPS PO |
|---|---|
| English Language |
|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
|
| Reasoning Ability |
|
| General Awareness |
|
Commonly asked questions
The best books to refer to for Reasoning section of IBPS PO exam are given below: A Modern approach Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by BS Sijwali Verbal Reasoning by RS Agarwal A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal & Non Verbal by B S Sijwali Logical reasoning by K Kundan Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey. IBPS PO syllabus for Reasoning is given below:
Seating Arrangement and Puzzles: Questions from this topic are based on Linear, Square or circular puzzles. Around 15 questions and three sets are asked in this section.
Inequality: Approximately 5 questions are asked from this topic.
Syllogism: Candidates can expect questions from reverse syllogism
Coding-Decoding: Word-based and sentence-based coding are asked in this section. Candidates can expect three to four questions.
Miscellaneous Problems: Questions are asked from numerous topics like Blood Relations, Direction sense, Order and Ranking, Alphanumeric Series, etc.
How to Prepare for IBPS PO 2025?
Discussed below is the strategy candidates should adopt right now in order to ensure a good score in the preliminary and mains exam:
- Make a section-wise list of all the topics from where questions may be asked
- Start with the ones candidates find the toughest or have never heard of before
- Devote one hour to each section
- Refer only to school textbooks and normal exercise books to learn the fundamental concepts
- Buy a preparation book for bank exams and start solving questions topic-wise
- Focus on learning the shortcut tricks for solving lengthy problems
- Give mock test as much as you can
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Questions in the English section are asked from Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Miscellaneous, Fill in the blanks, Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting and Paragraph Completion. The books to refer to for English section of IBPS PO exam are given below:
Word Power Made Easy by Normal Lewis
English Grammar & Composition by Wren and Martin
Descriptive General English by S P Bakshi and Rich Sharma
Objective English for Competitive Examinations by Hari Mohan Prasad, Uma Rani Sinha, Mcgraw Hill Education Publication
Candidates can prepare the English Language section by practicing previous years’ question papers. They should also read books and newspapers to improve vocabularly.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 FAQs
Candidates can check below IBPS PO syllabus 2025 FAQs.
Commonly asked questions
IBPS PO Mocks are similar to the actual exam. Solving mocks will give candidates an idea of the kind of questions that can be expected on exam day IBPS PO mock tests familiarise candidates with the kind of syllabus, pattern, and difficulty level of the actual exam IBPS PO mock tests help candidates to keep a check on their preparation. Mock tests help candidates in effective time management. The importance of solving IBPS PO mock tests are given below:
- IBPS PO mock tests help candidates to ascertain the difficulty level of the actual exam
- Section-wise IBPS PO online mock tests are formulated in line with the latest syllabus and helps in revision and practice
- Candidates gain clarity of IBPS PO exam pattern and scope of questions by regularly solving IBPS PO mock tests
- Solving IBPS PO mock tests help candidates to identify the weak areas and work upon improving those areas
- Solving mock tests help candidates to improve speed and accuracy
IBPS PO Exam
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
Yes, the IBPS had released the IBPS PO main admit card 2025 on October 1. The candidates can download their admit card to know their exam centre, exam date and shift timing.
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 months ago
The IBPS PO cutoff is the minimum qualifying mark for the Mains exam, and it varies as per the categories. It is influenced by factors including the difficulty level of the exam, number of candidates, overall performance, and so on. As per the past trends and insights from the subject-matter experts
C
Contributor-Level 6
Is the IBPS PO Main Admit Card 2025 Released?