IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern – Complete Updated Guide for Aspirants

If you’re preparing for IBPS PO 2026, understanding the latest syllabus and exam pattern is the foundation of your success. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection conducts the IBPS PO exam annually to recruit Probationary Officers (PO) in public sector banks across India.

With rising competition and evolving exam trends, strategic preparation aligned with the latest pattern is crucial.

This guide covers:

• IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern (Prelims + Mains + Interview)

• Updated Section-wise Syllabus

• Marking Scheme

• Preparation Strategy

• FAQs

IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern (Latest Structure)

The IBPS PO selection process has three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Interview

Key Points:

• Sectional timing is applicable.
• Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer.
• Prelims is qualifying in nature.
• Candidates must clear sectional & overall cut-off.

IBPS PO 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language	30	30	20 mins
Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 mins
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 mins
Total	100	100	60 mins

Important Updates for 2026

• Increased focus on Data Interpretation.

• High-level puzzle-based reasoning.

• Banking & Financial Awareness remains scoring.

• Descriptive writing plays a key role in merit ranking.

IBPS PO 2026 Mains Exam Pattern

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	45	60	60 mins
Data Analysis & Interpretation	35	60	45 mins
English Language	35	40	40 mins
General/Economy/Banking Awareness	40	40	35 mins
Objective Total	155	200	3 Hours
Descriptive (Letter & Essay)	2	25	30 mins

IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus (Section-wise Breakdown)

Quantitative Aptitude / Data Interpretation

• Simplification & Approximation
• Number Series
• Data Interpretation (Caselet DI, Missing DI, Arithmetic DI)
• Profit & Loss
• Time & Work
• SI & CI
• Speed, Time & Distance

Reasoning Ability

• Seating Arrangement (Circular & Linear)
• Floor & Box Puzzles
• Coding-Decoding
• Syllogism
• Inequality
• Blood Relations

English Language

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Para Jumbles
• Error Detection
• Vocabulary

General or Banking Awareness

• Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
• RBI Updates
• Monetary Policy
• Government Schemes
• Banking & Financial Terms

IBPS PO 2026 Interview

Candidates shortlisted from Mains are called for Interview (100 marks).

Final Selection Weightage:

• Mains: 80%
• Interview: 20%

IBPS PO 2026 Preparation Strategy

• Start mock tests early.
• Strengthen DI and puzzle-solving speed.
• Revise banking awareness weekly.
• Practice descriptive writing regularly.
• Analyze previous year question papers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exam pattern for IBPS PO 2026?

IBPS PO 2026 consists of Prelims (100 marks), Mains (200 + 25 marks descriptive), and Interview (100 marks). Prelims is qualifying; final merit is based on Mains and Interview.

Is there negative marking in IBPS PO 2026?

Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains.

Is the IBPS PO syllabus changing in 2026?

The core syllabus remains similar, but question difficulty and pattern emphasis (especially DI and puzzles) continue to evolve.

How many attempts are allowed for IBPS PO?

There is no fixed attempt limit, but age eligibility criteria apply as per official notification.

What is the best strategy to crack IBPS PO 2026?

Concept clarity + daily mock practice + banking awareness revision + time management.