IBPS PO Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern Revised (Prelims+Mains), Interview Details

Understanding the IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 is important for candidates to structure their preparation effectively. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The syllabus covers Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and Data Analysis & Interpretation, along with a Descriptive Test in the Main exam. This article covers the latest subject-wise syllabus, exam pattern, descriptive paper, interview process, and preparation tips.

IBPS PO Syllabus 2026

Before beginning their preparation, candidates should go through the IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern in detail. Knowing the subject-wise topics, marking scheme, and structure of both Prelims and Mains can help candidates plan their studies better.

The exam evaluates reasoning, analytical ability, subject knowledge, and banking and current affairs awareness. While Prelims is only a qualifying stage, final selection is based on Mains and Interview scores in an 80:20 ratio.

Latest Update: As per official IBPS PO 2026 Notification, the Mains Exam Pattern has been revised with total marks remaining the same and changes have been made in the marking scheme of the exam. Check complete details below.

IBPS PO Notification 2026 Out for 6715 Vacancies

IBPS PO Exam Syllabus 2026- Highlights

Attempt Daily IBPS PO Mock Test to Crack the Exam

IBPS PO Selection Process 2026

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

IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026

IBPS has introduced updates to the IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026 for both the Preliminary and Main examinations. Although the overall marks and negative marking remain the same, changes have been made to the section-wise question and marks distribution. Candidates should check the latest number of questions, marking scheme, and exam duration before starting their preparation.

Prelims Exam Pattern (Revised)

Under the revised IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026, the marks distribution has changed across sections. Reasoning Ability now carries 40 marks, while Quantitative Aptitude carries 30 marks. The English Language section continues to have 30 marks, making the total 100 marks.

1. The Prelims exam has three sections of a total duration of 1 Hour.
2. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

Mains Exam Pattern (Revised)

IBPS PO Apply Online 2026 – Click Here

Important Note: In the official Notification, IBPS has stated that the Descriptive Paper may be assessed using an automated evaluation system that analyses various aspects of writing skills. This system is thoroughly validated and is designed to accurately measure a candidate’s writing proficiency.

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

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

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus

Candidates meeting the prescribed IBPS PO Prelims cut-off will be shortlisted for the Mains Examination. The detailed section-wise Mains syllabus is given below.

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

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

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

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 Mains Descriptive Test

The descriptive paper is conducted to assess the writing skills of the candidates. They will have to write an essay and comprehension of 25 marks. Some of the expected topics and topics that appeared in the previous year’s exam are as follows:

Some Previous Year Essay Topics asked:

• Demonetisation and its impact on the Indian Economy
• Financial Inclusion in Rural India
• Role of Technology in Banking
• Impact of Social Media on Youth
• Women Empowerment and Economic Growth
• Digital India Initiative
• Cryptocurrency and its Future in India

High-Weightage Topics in IBPS PO Syllabus

Knowing the syllabus is not enough, you need to know where the exam actually focuses. Based on previous years’ IBPS PO papers, certain topics consistently carry more questions than others. Prioritising these high-weightage areas will help you score faster and more efficiently.

IBPS PO Interview 2026

Candidates who qualify Mains 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. The total marks allotted for the IBPS PO Interview are 100.

1. The minimum qualifying marks in the interview will not be less than 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates).
2. The weightage (ratio) of the IBPS PO Online Main Exam and interview will be 80:20, respectively.

How to Prepare for IBPS PO Exam?

To prepare for the IBPS PO 2026 examination, the candidates can go through the details of the 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.