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

The IBPS PO is a 3-stage selection process, which includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The syllabus for Prelims and Mains is almost the same; however, Mains requires more conceptual clarity and in-depth knowledge. 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

The Syllabus is a roadmap to ace any exam, and it provides clarity about what to cover and what to leave while preparing for the exam. Based on the latest exam pattern provided by IBPS, we have provided the detailed Syllabus for both Prelims and Mains.

For both Prelims and Mains exam, candidates have to cover Reasoning, Quants, English, Data Analysis, GA, Banking/Financial Awareness, and Current Affairs. Also, there is a descriptive paper in the Mains exam stage.

IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 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. here will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

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.

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 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 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. 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 and the Interview.

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.