IBPS PO Syllabus 2026
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer
Conducted By
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Eligibility
Graduate in any discipline from a recognized University
Age Limit
20-30 years (varies by category)
Exam Pattern
Prelims (Online), Mains (Online + Descriptive), Interview
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection conducts this national exam to recruit Probationary Officers for public sector banks. It is one of the most sought-after jobs in the banking sector. The selection involves three phases: Prelims, Mains with a descriptive writing test, and a personal interview. The Prelims test focuses on speed in English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning. The Mains phase is highly analytical and tests deep knowledge of data interpretation, reasoning, and banking awareness. High accuracy is essential to clear the sectional cut-offs. Preparing for IBPS PO takes six to nine months of intensive practice and mock tests. Use our subject checklists below to monitor your progress daily.
Detailed Topic-wise Syllabus (48 topics)
Preliminary Examination
Online | 100 marks | 60 minutes | 100 MCQs | Sectional Time Limits
English Language 30 Marks
- Reading Comprehension - Banking/Economy Theme Passages
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks - Double Fillers
- Error Spotting
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction and Improvement
- Word Usage and Vocabulary
Quantitative Aptitude 35 Marks
- Number Series - Missing and Wrong Term
- Data Interpretation - Bar, Line, Pie, Mixed DI
- Simplification and Approximation
- Quadratic Equations
- Percentage, Profit and Loss
- Ratio, Proportion and Mixture
- Time, Work and Partnership
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Mensuration - 2D and 3D
Reasoning Ability 35 Marks
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
- Inequality - Direct and Coded
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Alphanumeric Series
- Machine Input-Output
- Floor and Box Puzzles
Mains Examination
Online + Descriptive | 225 + 25 marks | 180 + 30 minutes
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude 60 Marks
- Complex Puzzles - Multi-variable
- Critical Reasoning - Course of Action, Assumption
- Computer Aptitude - Basic Hardware, Software, Networking
- Input-Output Problems
English Language (Advanced) 40 Marks
- Reading Comprehension - Long Passage with Inference
- Grammar - Complex Error Types
- Paragraph Completion and Summary
- New Pattern English - Sentence Rearrangement
Data Analysis & Interpretation 60 Marks
- Advanced DI - Caselet, Radar, Mixed Graph
- Data Sufficiency
- Advanced Quantitative Problems - Partnership, Boats
General/Economy/Banking Awareness 40 Marks
- Banking History - Nationalization, Reforms, Committees
- Monetary Policy - RBI Functions, Rates, Tools
- Financial Markets - Capital Market, Money Market, SEBI
- Banking Products - CASA, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI
- Union Budget, Economic Survey, GDP Concepts
- Government Schemes - PM-Kisan, PMJDY, Jan Dhan
- Current Banking News and Appointments
- Basel Norms, NPA, CAR
- International Banking - IMF, World Bank, ADB
Descriptive Paper (Letter and Essay Writing) 25 Marks
- Essay Writing - Banking, Economic, Social Topics
- Formal Letter - Complaint, Request, Application
Recommended Reference Books
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | A New Approach to Reasoning | B.S. Sijwali |
| English | High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin |
| Banking Awareness | Banking & Financial Awareness | Arihant Experts |
| Computer | Computer Knowledge for SBI/IBPS | Arihant |
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