IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 Overview

The IBPS PO exam is conducted in three phases:

• Prelims

• Mains

• Common Interview

General Exam Parameters

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)

• Question Types:

  • Prelims: Objective Type (MCQs)

  • Mains: Objective + Descriptive

• Duration:

  • Prelims: 60 minutes

  • Mains: 3 hours 30 minutes

• Total Questions:

  • Prelims: 100

  • Mains: 157 (155 objective + 2 descriptive)

• Maximum Marks:

  • Prelims: 100

  • Mains: 225

  • Interview: 100

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern

The Prelims exam tests candidates in three sections. Each section has a time limit of 20 minutes.

Section-wise Breakdown:

• English Language

  • 30 questions

  • 30 marks

  • Time: 20 minutes

• Quantitative Aptitude

  • 35 questions

  • 35 marks

  • Time: 20 minutes

• Reasoning Ability

  • 35 questions

  • 35 marks

  • Time: 20 minutes

• Total

  • 100 questions

  • 100 marks

  • Overall time: 60 minutes

Important Points:

• Prelims is qualifying in nature

• Only candidates who clear sectional and overall cutoffs are eligible for Mains

• Marks in Prelims are not counted in the final merit list

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains exam includes both objective and descriptive tests.

Objective Test Sections:

• English Language

  • 35 questions

  • 40 marks

  • Time: 40 minutes

• Data Interpretation and Analysis

  • 35 questions

  • 60 marks

  • Time: 45 minutes

• Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

  • 45 questions

  • 60 marks

  • Time: 60 minutes

• General/Economy/Banking Awareness

  • 40 questions

  • 40 marks

  • Time: 35 minutes

Descriptive Section:

• English Essay & Letter Writing

  • 2 questions

  • 25 marks

  • Time: 30 minutes

Mains Total:

• 157 questions (155 objective + 2 descriptive)

• 225 marks

• Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Key Mains Points:

• Sectional and overall cutoffs apply

• Marks are counted in the final merit list

• Computer knowledge is tested within the Reasoning section

IBPS PO Interview Round

• Eligibility: Candidates shortlisted from Mains

• Marks: 100

• Minimum Qualifying Marks:

  • General: 40%

  • SC/ST/OBC/PWBD: 35%

• Duration: 15–20 minutes (plus time for document verification)

Focus Areas:

• Communication skills

• Subject knowledge

• Confidence and personality

• General awareness

Final Selection & Merit List

• Final merit is based on:

  • Mains (weightage: 80%)

  • Interview (weightage: 20%)

• Provisional allotment is done based on total scores and bank vacancies

IBPS PO Negative Marking Policy

• Applicable to: Prelims and Mains Objective Tests

• Penalty: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

• No penalty: For unattempted questions

Bank Exam 2025 Syllabus Highlights

• IBPS RRB PO: Reasoning, Quant, GA, English/Hindi, Computer

• IBPS Clerk: Reasoning, Quant, English, GA, Computer

• IBPS PO: Reasoning, Quant, English, GA, Computer Aptitude

• IBPS SO: Varies by specialization; includes Reasoning, Quant, English, and Professional Knowledge

• SBI PO: Reasoning, Quant, English, GA, Data Analysis

• SBI Clerk: Reasoning, Quant, English, GA, Computer

• RBI Assistant: Reasoning, Quant, English, GA, Computer

• RBI Grade B: Economic & Social Issues, Finance, Management, English, GA

• NABARD Grade A/B: Economic & Social Issues, Agriculture, Reasoning, Quant, English