IBPS PO Selection Process 2025, Check Prelims, Mains, Interview Details

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS PO Exam in multiple phases to recruit eligible candidates. The IBPS PO Selection Process includes three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Each stage is designed to filter candidates, and the final selection is based on the combined scores of the Mains Exam and Interview. For complete information about each stage—Prelims, Mains, Interview, and document verification—check the detailed breakdown provided here.

IBPS PO Selection Process 2025

The IBPS PO Notification 2025 has been released for Probationary Officer vacancies in participating Public Sector Banks. The selection process is a step-by-step journey that helps choose the right candidates for the role of PO in various banks. It mainly includes three stages:

1. First is the Preliminary Exam, which is a short online test to screen candidates.
2. Those who pass Prelims move to the next stage, the Main Exam, which is more detailed and tests your knowledge in depth.
3. Finally, shortlisted candidates are called for a Personal Interview, where their communication skills, confidence, and overall personality are assessed.
4. Based on performance in the Main Exam and Interview, a final merit list is prepared, and successful candidates are offered bank jobs.

IBPS PO Stage 1: Preliminary Exam

The Preliminary Exam is a qualifying stage and the first stage of the recruitment process. It consists of three sections- Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Candidates who score above the cut-off marks in this stage are eligible to appear for the Mains Exam.

• English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks, English only, 20 minutes
• Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 30 marks, English & Hindi, 20 minutes
• Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 40 marks, English & Hindi, 20 minutes

• The question type remains Multiple Choice questions.
• There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks in the exam for each wrong answer.
• This round of IBPS PO exams is only qualifying in nature.
• Time duration for the Prelims exam is 60 minutes (1 hour)

IBPS PO Stage 2: Mains Exam

The Mains Exam is the core of the selection process. It comprises five sections- Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General/Financial Awareness, and English Language (Descriptive). This stage assesses a candidate’s overall banking aptitude and knowledge.

• Reasoning: 40 questions, 60 marks, English & Hindi, 50 minutes.
• General/Economy/Banking/Digital/Financial Awareness: 35 questions, 50 marks, English & Hindi, 25 minutes.
• English Language: 35 questions, 40 marks, English only, 40 minutes.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: 35 questions, 50 marks, English & Hindi, 45 minutes.
• Descriptive Paper (Essay & Comprehension): 2 questions, 25 marks, English only, 30 minutes.

• Candidates must pass the preliminary round to qualify for the IBPS PO Mains 2025 exam.
• The Descriptive Test evaluates writing skills through an essay and a letter.
• Each wrong answer carries a penalty of 0.25 marks and each section has a time limit, similar to the prelims.
• The Objective Test duration is 160 minutes, and the Descriptive Paper is 30 minutes.
• It’s important to meet the minimum cut-off for the Descriptive Test section.
• The Mains exam includes a new Descriptive Test worth 25 marks.

Attempt Daily IBPS PO Mock Test to Crack the Exam

IBPS PO Stage 3: Interview

The Interview is the final stage of the selection process. It evaluates a candidate’s personality, communication skills, general awareness, and overall suitability for a banking role. The interview is conducted by a committee of experts and carries significant weightage in the final merit list. The final selection of candidates is based on their combined performance in the Mains Exam and Interview.

Candidates who score well in the Prelims and Mains will move on to the interview process, which is worth 100 marks. The final score for the IBPS PO exam is calculated with an 80:20 weightage ratio for the Mains and interview marks, respectively. IBPS will conduct interviews at various centres across the country. Candidates need to dress formally and present themselves well, as personal conduct will be evaluated during the interview.

Documents to Carry to IBPS PO Interview Stage

The following are the documents that the candidate must carry to the IBPS PO Interview Centre:

• IBPS PO Application Form
• Birth Certificate
• Photo ID Proof
• Admit Card
• Category Certificate
• Educational Certificates (Marksheet for Degree, 12th, and 10th Standard)
• Disability Certificate
• Income and Asset Certificate
• Certificates and Domiciles for candidates claiming certain types of relaxation.
• Copy of Service or Discharge in case of ESM candidates

IBPS PO Final Selection

The IBPS PO Final Selection is determined by a candidate’s combined performance in the Main Exam and the Interview. The Main Exam holds a weightage of 80%, while the Interview accounts for the remaining 20%. Once both stages are completed, IBPS compiles a final merit list based on the total marks from these two phases.

Candidates who secure top positions in this list are allotted to participating banks as Probationary Officers. It’s important to note that the Preliminary Exam scores are not considered in the final selection—they are only used to shortlist candidates for the Main Exam.

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