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

The IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 covers five subjects: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and Data Analysis & Interpretation along with a Descriptive Test and Interview in the final stages. The exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Prelims is qualifying only, so a candidate’s final rank is based on Mains + Interview marks combined in an 80:20 ratio.

Candidates need to have conceptual clarity, a score and accuracy percentile above 90%, and speed to qualify for the IBPS PO exam. In this article, we have shared the latest IBPS PO Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Subject-wise Topics, and Interview details, and how to prepare for the exam.

IBPS PO Syllabus 2026

Aspirants mostly look out for the official IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern and this is why we have shared the Prelims and Mains syllabus along with latest marking scheme and subject-wise topics to be covered for the exam. The exam not only tests knowledge, but is assess common sense and awareness of the world around.

Candidates are advised to follow the syllabus and stick to the exam pattern to score more marks and work on qualifying both sectional and overall cut off marks.

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 revised the Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains. The overall/total marks and negative marking remain the same, but changes have been made in terms of the marking scheme within the subjects. So, check the sections, revised marking scheme, number of questions, and duration of the examination.

Prelims Exam Pattern

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 has three sections of a total duration of 1 Hour.
2. There will be a total of 100 multiple-choice questions.
3. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
4. The number of questions in the Reasoning and Quants section is the same, but the marks per question is different, this is why reasoning section weighs more.

Mains Exam Pattern

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.

Note: The computer aptitude section has been removed from the Reasoning section in Mains exam pattern.

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus

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

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus

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.

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 a letter of 25 marks. Some of the expected topics and topics that appeared in previous year exam are as follows:

Expected Essay topics:

• Economic and Social Issues (poverty, unemployment, financial inclusion, rural economy)
• Banking & Financial Sector (digital banking, RBI policies, banking reforms, fintech)
• Technology & Society (AI in banking, cybersecurity, digital payments, data privacy)
• Current Events (national and international developments of significance)
• Ethics & Governance (corruption, accountability, public policy)
• Environment & Sustainability

Expected Letter topics:

• Formal letters (to bank managers, government departments, newspaper editors)
• Application letters (loan applications, grievance redressal, job application)

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

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.