IBPS PO 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

About IBPS PO Exam

IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) is one of the most prestigious banking exams conducted every year for officer-level recruitment in public sector banks across India. It is highly competitive and provides excellent career growth, salary, and stability.

IBPS PO Exam Highlights

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Graduation from a recognized university
• Final year students can also apply (subject to passing before joining)

Age Limit

• General: 20–30 years
• OBC: 20–33 years
• SC/ST: 20–35 years
• Ex-servicemen, PwD – Age relaxation as per rules

IBPS PO Exam Pattern

Preliminary Exam (100 Marks)

• English Language – 30 Questions
• Quantitative Aptitude – 35 Questions
• Reasoning Ability – 35 Questions
• Duration: 60 minutes

Main Exam (200 Marks)

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – 45 Questions
• Data Interpretation & Analysis – 35 Questions
• English Language – 35 Questions
• General / Banking Awareness – 40 Questions
• Descriptive Test (Essay & Letter) – 30 Marks
• Duration: 3 hours

Interview

Personal Interview – 100 Marks (Candidates qualifying Main Exam)

IBPS PO Syllabus Overview

Quantitative Aptitude

Number System, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Data Interpretation, Mensuration, Algebra, Probability

Reasoning Ability

Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Inequalities, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Logical Reasoning

English Language

Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Spotting, Synonyms & Antonyms

General / Banking Awareness

Current Affairs, Banking Terms, RBI Policies, Economy, History & Polity, Financial Awareness, Static GK

Computer Knowledge

Basics of Computers, MS Office, Internet, Banking Software, Networking, Database Concepts

Salary Structure & Career Growth

Preparation Strategy for IBPS PO 2026

Important Exam Tips

• Start preparation at least 6–8 months before exam
• Make short notes for last-minute revision
• Focus on high weightage topics
• Practice speed and accuracy through timed quizzes
• Read newspaper daily for current affairs

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can final year students apply? – Yes, if they complete graduation before joining.
• Is there negative marking? – Yes, 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
• Can 12th pass apply? – No, only graduates for PO posts.
• Is coaching mandatory? – No, self-study with good resources is enough.
• What is the age relaxation? – As per government rules for reserved categories.