IBPS PO Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains, Syllabus PDF

Candidates preparing for the IBPS PO Exam must be thorough with the IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026. The IBPS PO is a 3 stage selection process such as Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The syllabus for Prelims and Mains is almost same, however, Mains require more conceptual clarity and in depth knowledge. For both exam stages, the syllabus consists of subjects like Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General or Banking Awareness which are included to assess the knowledge, common sense, and aptitude of the candidates. Candidates need to have conceptual clarity, score and accuracy percentile above 90%, and speed to qualify in IBPS PO exam. So, check all the subject-wise important topics here and start your preparation.

IBPS PO Syllabus 2026

Previously, IBPS introduced some changes in the IBPS PO Exam Pattern, and the marking scheme was changed slightly. However, the overall exam structure is the same as it was previously. Also, we have shared the updated syllabus in this article that candidates can go through and prepare. Take a look at the key highlights of the updated syllabus and exam pattern below.

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IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026 (latest)

IBPS has revised the IBPS PO Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains. The overall/total marks and negative marking remain the same, but changes have been made internally in the exam pattern of both stages. So, check the sections, revised marking scheme, number of questions, and duration of the examination.

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Prelims exam is the screening round. Candidates will have to qualify by securing the cut-off marks both sectionally and overall.

1. The Prelims exam will have three sections of a total duration of 1 Hour.
2. There will be a total of 100 multiple-choice questions.
3. The marking scheme for the Prelims Exam Pattern has been changed, and now, the marks are as follows:

Note:

1. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 (Latest)

The mains examination is the second stage of the exam. The candidates who pass the Prelims examination are qualified to appear in the mains stage.

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

The Syllabus for the Prelims Exam is given below for the all 3 subjects:

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2026

Candidates who score equal to or above the minimum cut-off marks will be eligible to appear for the IBPS PO Mains Exam. The detailed syllabus for each section of the Mains Exam is given below.

Mains Data Analysis and Interpretation Syllabus

• ​Simplification
  
• Average
  
• Percentage
  
• Mixture and Allegations
  
• Ratio and Proportion
  
• Data Interpretation
  
• Mensuration and Geometry
  
• Quadratic Equation
  
• Interest
  
• Problems of Ages
  
• Profit and Loss
  
• Number Series
  
• Speed, Distance, and Time
  
• Time and Work
  
• Number System
  
• Data Sufficiency
  
• Linear Equation
  
• Permutation and Combination
  
• Probability
  

Mains General Awareness and Economy/Banking Awareness Syllabus

• Financial Awareness
  
• Banking Awareness
  
• Banking Reforms
  
• Monetary Policy
  
• Fiscal Policy
  
• Budget and Economic Survey
  
• RBI Reports and Indices
  
• International Organisation Reports
  
• Static Banking Terms (CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, etc.)
  
• Financial Institutions (RBI, NABARD, SEBI, IMF, World Bank, etc.)
  
• Government Schemes and Initiatives
  
• Current Affairs (National and International Importance)
  
• Economy Basics (Inflation, GDP, Growth, etc.)
  
• Capital Market and Money Market
  
• Digital Banking and Payment Systems (UPI, NEFT, RTGS, etc.)
  
• Insurance and Financial Products
  
• Important Committees and Reports
  
• Banking Abbreviations and Terminologies
  
• General Knowledge
  

Mains Reasoning Syllabus

• ​Verbal Reasoning
  
• Syllogism
  
• Circular Seating Arrangement
  
• Code Inequalities
  
• Linear Seating Arrangement
  
• Double Lineup
  
• Scheduling
  
• Input-Output
  
• Blood Relations
  
• Directions and Distances
  
• Ordering and Ranking
  
• Data Sufficiency
  
• Coding and Decoding
  

Mains English Language Syllabus

• ​Reading Comprehension
  
• Vocabulary
  
• Grammar
  
• One Word Substitution
  
• Verbal Ability
  
• Cloze Test
  
• Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement)
  
• Fill in the Blanks
  
• Error Detection (Error Spotting)
  
• Sentence Improvement
  
• Word Swap
  
• Column-Based Questions
  
• Match the Following (Sentence Connectors)
  
• Para Completion
  
• Sentence Connectors
  
• Phrase Replacement
  
• Idioms and Phrases
  

IBPS PO Descriptive Test

IBPS has included the descriptive test of 25 Marks in the PO Mains Exam. The candidates will have to write an essay and a letter of 25 marks. The English Language Paper is to assess the candidates’ writing skills, and it is compulsory to pass this paper by securing a minimum cut-off. Some topics asked in the previous year's essays and letters are listed below for the reference of the candidates.

1. Economic and Social Issues
2. Emerging Trends in Banking
3. Technology,
4. Current events, Ethics etc

IBPS PO Interview 2026

Candidates who have been shortlisted in the Online Main examination for CRP- PO/MT-XIV will subsequently be
called for an Interview to be conducted by the Participating Organisation and coordinated by the Nodal Bank in each State/ UT with the help of IBPS. Interviews will be conducted at select centres.

1. The total marks allotted for the IBPS PO Interview are 100.
2. The minimum qualifying marks in the interview will not be less than 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates).
3. The weightage (ratio) of the IBPS PO Online Main Exam and interview will be 80:20, respectively.
4. The combined final score of candidates shall be arrived at based on scores obtained by the candidates in the Online Main Examination of CRP-PO/MT-XIV and the Interview.
5. A candidate should qualify both in the Online Main Exam and interview and be sufficiently high in merit to be shortlisted for the subsequent provisional allotment process.

IBPS PO Selection Process 2026

The Probationary Officer Exam is conducted in three different stages as listed below:

IBPS PO Negative Marking

An incorrect answer in the IBPS PO objective exam results in a penalty of one-fourth or 0.25 marks being deducted for that question. However, if you choose not to answer a question, there is no penalty. This encourages careful consideration of each question, as guessing incorrectly can lower your score.

How to Prepare with the IBPS PO Syllabus?

To prepare for the IBPS PO 2026 prelims examination, the candidates can go through the details of the IBPS PO Preparation Strategy. Here we have mentioned some tips for the reference of the candidates.

• Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus, which includes sections like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, and General Awareness.
• Make a schedule, adding all the topics and weekly or daily goals.
• Create a study plan that allocates time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Join IBPS PO Online Coaching if you need assistance.
• Practice with IBPS PO Mock Test and IBPS PO Previous Year Question Paper to improve speed and accuracy.
• Focus on time management and regularly review your progress to ensure comprehensive preparation.