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India · 2026 Edition · Updated 2026-04-06
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IBPS PO 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Study Plan

The IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) examination is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for recruitment to the post of Probationary Officer/Management Trainee in public sector banks across India. It is one of the most sought-after banking examinations in India, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year. The PO position is considered a prestigious entry-level role in banking, with opportunities for career advancement to positions like Branch Manager, Deputy Manager, and beyond. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and an Interview round.

Year
2026
Subjects
4
Topics
43
Cost
Free

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📋 Exam Pattern

The IBPS PO Preliminary Examination has three sections: English Language (30 questions, 30 marks), Numerical Ability (35 questions, 35 marks), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks), totaling 100 questions for 100 marks to be completed in 60 minutes. The Main Examination has five sections: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks), English Language (35 questions, 40 marks), Data Analysis and Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks), General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks), and an English Descriptive Paper (2 questions, 25 marks). Total duration is 3 hours 30 minutes for the Main. Both exams are online (CBT) with negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong answers.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must be Indian citizens with a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The age limit is 20-30 years for general category candidates, with relaxations up to 33 years for OBC, 35 years for SC/ST, and 40 years for PwD candidates. Candidates should have basic computer knowledge and proficiency in the official language of the state they are applying for. Some banks may have additional eligibility criteria regarding educational background or experience.

Subjects & Topics Covered — 43 topics across 4 subjects

Reasoning

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10 topics · Topic 1· Topic 2· Topic 3 + more

Quantitative Aptitude

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15 topics · Topic 1· Topic 2· Topic 3 + more

English

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8 topics · Grammar and Usage· Vocabulary in Context· Reading Comprehension + more

General Awareness

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10 topics · Topic 1· Topic 2· Financial Markets and Institutions + more

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Frequently Asked Questions — IBPS PO

Everything you need to know about IBPS PO. Scroll down for the complete study guide.

When will the IBPS PO 2026 notification be released, and what is the expected application window?
The IBPS PO 2026-27 official notification is expected in July–August 2026, following the annual cycle observed since 2015 when IBPS started conducting the Common Recruitment Process (CRP). The online registration typically opens for 2–3 weeks only. Aspirants must bookmark ibps.in and check the CRP PO/MT page every Monday during this window. Do not wait for the last week — technical issues on the portal cause thousands of rejected applications every year. Start gathering documents (Aadhaar, graduation marksheet, category certificate) now. Source: ibps.in
What is the maximum age relaxation for OBC candidates in IBPS PO 2026?
OBC candidates get 3 years of age relaxation beyond the upper cap of 30 years, making them eligible up to 33 years as of the crucial date (typically 1 August 2026). SC/ST candidates receive 5 years (up to 35 years). PwBD candidates across all categories get 10 years relaxation. The age criterion is checked as on 1 August of the recruitment year — candidates born after this date are ineligible regardless of category. Ensure your category certificate mentions the correct issuing authority and is issued within the last 3 years. Source: ibps.in
How many questions appear in IBPS PO Prelims 2026, and what is the negative marking scheme?
The IBPS PO Prelims 2026 comprises 100 questions divided equally across three sections: English Language (30 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions). Each question carries 1 mark. Negative marking applies at 0.25 marks per wrong answer — a single unattempted question costs nothing, but a wrong answer costs 25% of its face value. With 60 minutes total and no section-wise time division, smart time allocation (18 minutes per section) is critical to clear the sectional cutoffs of approximately 14–18 marks. Source: ibps.in
What is the subject-wise weightage for the IBPS PO Mains 2026 exam, and how does the descriptive test work?
The Mains exam has 200 questions across four objective sections: Reasoning/Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks), English Language (35 questions, 40 marks), General/Economic/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks), and Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 40 marks). Additionally, the descriptive test (Letter Writing and Essay) carries 25 marks and must be attempted in English. The composite time is 200 minutes for objective + 30 minutes for descriptive. Failure to attempt the descriptive test results in disqualification, regardless of objective score. Source: ibps.in
What is the current IBPS PO application fee for 2026, and can candidates from any degree stream apply?
The application fee is ₹850 for General/UR category candidates and ₹175 for SC/ST/PwBD categories. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online via net banking, debit card, or credit card only — no offline payment mode is accepted. Regarding educational qualification, a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university (UGC-approved) is sufficient. There is no minimum percentage requirement for most posts. Candidates in their final year of graduation are NOT eligible — you must have your degree certificate or provisional certificate dated on or before the cutoff date specified in the notification. Source: ibps.in

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Exam Name IBPS PO
Country 🇮🇳 India
Subjects Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness
Total Topics 43
Official Source https://example.com
Last Updated 2026-04-06