
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025, Check New Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 and new exam pattern has been officially released along with the notification. According to the IBPS PO Notification 2025, the exam pattern for both the Prelims and Mains stages has been updated, with changes made to the marks distribution and time duration. The IBPS PO Recruitment process is carried out in three main stages, Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. To be selected for the final appointment, candidates must qualify in each of these stages. It is important to understand the revised exam pattern and syllabus for anyone aiming to clear the IBPS PO exam. It not only helps in organizing your preparation but also ensures that you focus on the right topics within the given time frame. The Prelims stage mainly checks your speed and accuracy through sections like English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Once qualified, candidates appear for the Mains exam, which is more detailed and includes sections like General Awareness and Descriptive Writing. The final stage, the interview, tests your personality and banking knowledge.
Continue reading this article to learn about the revised IBPS PO Exam pattern and the changes made in the time duration and marks distribution. You can also go through the detailed IBPS PO Syllabus to check all the important topics that can help you excel each stage of the IBPS PO Recruitment 2025.
IBPS PO New Exam Pattern
As per the New IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025, the marks and duration has been revised for both prelims and mains. The details for same is mentioned in the IBPS PO Notification 2025. The exam will be held in three phases: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Each section in the Prelims exam has a separate time limit, requiring candidates to manage time efficiently. To secure the position of Probationary Officer in one of the participating Public Sector Banks, candidates must qualify in all three stages. Understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern is essential for effective preparation and success in the selection process. Only those who clear each phase will move on to the next stage of the recruitment process.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern: Old vs New
The IBPS PO Prelims exam will be conducted online and will consist of three sections. Candidates will get a total of 60 minutes to attempt 100 questions. Each section has a fixed time duration of 20 minutes. This year, the marks distribution for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability has been revised. Also, a negative marking of 0.25 marks will be applicable for every wrong answer. Candidates must qualify in each section by securing the minimum cut-off marks to be eligible for the IBPS PO Mains Exam 2025.
Section |
Old Max Marks |
New Max Marks |
Time Allotted (Old) |
Time Allotted (New) |
English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 minutes |
20 minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude |
35 |
30 |
20 minutes |
20 minutes |
Reasoning Ability |
35 |
40 |
20 minutes |
20 minutes |
Total |
100 |
100 |
60 minutes |
60 minutes |
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern: Old vs New
The IBPS PO Mains Exam 2025 has undergone a few important changes that candidates must be aware of before starting their preparation. One of the key updates is the introduction of a Descriptive Paper, similar to the SBI PO exam, where candidates will be assessed on their writing skills through an essay and a letter. The descriptive section carries 25 marks and must be completed within 30 minutes.
Section |
Old Max Marks |
New Max Marks |
Time Allotted (Old) |
Time Allotted (New) |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
60 |
60 |
60 minutes |
50 minutes |
English Language |
40 |
40 |
40 minutes |
40 minutes |
Data Interpretation & Analysis |
60 |
50 |
45 minutes |
45 minutes |
General/Economy/Banking Awareness |
40 |
50 |
35 minutes |
25 minutes |
Descriptive Test (Essay & Letter in English) |
25 |
25 |
30 minutes |
30 minutes |
Total (Excl. Descriptive) |
200 |
200 |
180 minutes |
160 minutes |
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IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 (Descriptive Test)
The IBPS PO Mains Exam 2025 now includes a Descriptive Test to assess candidates’ writing abilities. This section requires candidates to write an essay and a letter, testing their communication and expression skills. It carries 25 marks and must be completed within 30 minutes in English only.
Name of Test |
No. of Questions |
Max. Marks |
Medium |
Time Allotted |
English Language (Letter & Essay) |
2 |
25 |
English only |
30 minutes |
IBPS PO 2025 Interview Process
Candidates who clear the Mains examination will be shortlisted for the final stage of the selection process, the Interview. This round carries 100 marks and plays a crucial role in the final selection. To qualify, candidates must secure at least 40% marks, while the qualifying mark is relaxed to 35% for candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD categories. The interview is conducted by participating banks and coordinated by IBPS at designated centers. It aims to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for a banking career.
Penalty for Wrong Answers
In both the Prelims and Mains exams, there is a negative marking scheme in place. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from the total score. However, no marks are deducted for questions that are left unanswered. Candidates are advised to avoid guesswork, especially when unsure, to minimize negative impact on their scores.
Final Selection
The final merit for the post of Probationary Officer is prepared based on a candidate’s performance in the Mains Exam and Interview, with a weightage ratio of 80:20 respectively. The scores from the Preliminary Exam are not included in the final selection. After the interview round is completed, IBPS prepares a merit list of selected candidates. Those who make it to the list are then offered appointment letters by the participating banks, depending on their preferences and availability of vacancies.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025
If you're aiming to crack the IBPS PO 2025 exam, having a clear understanding of the syllabus is one of the first and most important steps. The exam is conducted in two written phases, Prelims and Mains, and each has a slightly different syllabus. While the Prelims focuses more on basic aptitude and speed, the Mains goes deeper into reasoning, data interpretation, and banking awareness.
To help you prepare better, we’ve outlined the key topics covered in both stages of the IBPS PO 2025 exam. Take a look at the detailed syllabus below and plan your study schedule accordingly.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025
The IBPS PO Prelims Exam syllabus covers a range of topics from three main subjects: English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. Check the detailed subject-wise syllabus below.
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IBPS PO Syllabus for English Language
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Syllabus for English Language section evaluates the candidates' language skills and understanding abilities which are essential for effective communication in the banking profession. Topics included in the IBPS PO English Syllabus are as follows:
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
English Language |
|
Paragraph Completion |
|
Multiple Meaning/Error |
|
Miscellaneous |
|
Active & passive |
|
Substitution |
|
Adjectives |
|
Preposition |
|
Practice IBPS PO English Language Questions for Prelims Exam!
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 for Quantitative Aptitude
The IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude includes topics on arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, geometry, etc. Questions in this section assess candidates' numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Candidates should be well versed with concepts such as simplification, percentage, ratio & proportion, and the basics of geometry. The detailed IBPS PO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus is listed below.
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
Quantitative Aptitude |
|
Average |
|
Decimal Fractions |
|
Age Problems |
|
HCF and LCM |
|
IBPS PO Syllabus for Logical Reasoning
The IBPS PO Prelims syllabus for Logical Reasoning is curated to evaluate the candidates' problem-solving and analytical skills. Candidates should practice and solve all important logical reasoning questions to score well in this section.Topics like puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, coding-decoding, and blood relations are the most frequently asked. Check the IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus for the Prelims below.
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
Logical Reasoning |
|
Inequality |
|
Tabulation |
|
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IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025
IBPS PO Mains syllabus consists of topics related to the English language, General Awareness, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data interpretation & Analysis, and Essay & Letter writing. The subject-wise IBPS PO Syllabus for the Mains is discussed in the following sub-sections.
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus English Language
The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for English Language Section includes Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension etc Check the IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for English here.
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
English Language |
|
Editing |
|
Vocabulary |
|
Verbal Ability |
|
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for General Awareness
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for General Awareness (GA) section covers current affairs, banking and financial awareness and more. Candidates should stay updated with national and international news, economics, banking policies, and other important events. Below we have listed important topics for the General Awareness section.
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
General Awareness |
|
General Knowledge |
|
Current Affairs |
|
Basic Economics |
|
Banking Terms & Definitions | |
Economic Indices | |
Economic Theories | |
Latest Banking Regulation & Developments |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Reasoning
The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Reasoning section requires strong Problem-Solving Skills. The Reasoning section includes topics Input Output, Blood Relation, Coding, Decoding & more. Candidates will be examined on their analytical ability to solve problems logically. Given below is the IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus for the Mains Exam.
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
Reasoning |
|
Double lineup |
|
Scheduling |
|
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 for Computer Aptitude
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Computer Aptitude required candidates understanding of computer systems, software, and technology. Candidates should have good knowledge of computer operations, new trends in the technology field to score good marks in the Computer Aptitude section.
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
Computer Aptitude |
|
Memory |
|
Computer Hardware |
|
Computer Software |
|
Technologies |
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 Data Interpretation and Analysis
The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Data Interpretation & Analysis section evaluated candidates ability to interpret and analyze complex data sets. Candidates must have strong mathematical and logical thinking skills to crack this Data Interpretation & Analysis section.
Subject |
Syllabus Topics |
Data Interpretation & Analysis |
|
IBPS PO Descriptive Paper Syllabus for Letter Writing and Essay
There is a descriptive paper in English that includes Letter and essay writing. If candidates have scored minimum marks in objective paper only then IBPS will examine those candidates' descriptive papers. The topics for letter writing and essay are usually related to current issues of development, economy, environment, governance, etc. Some of the expected topics for Essay Writing and Letter Writing are listed below for your reference
Important Topics for IBPS PO Descriptive Exam |
|
---|---|
Expected Topics for Essay |
Previously Asked Essay Topics |
Global Warming and its Causes |
Pros and cons of ‘one rank one pension scheme. |
Merger of banks |
Women Empowerment |
Indian Banking System |
Ethical problems of e-commerce |
The present economic condition of India |
Women's Safety - It is our responsibility |
Reasons for the present condition of Sri Lanka |
Over-dependence on monsoon |
Russia- Ukraine War |
Ethical problems of e-commerce |
Is war the solution for all? Express your views for or against the motion |
Is the election commission right in banning election symbols during the casting of votes? |
Public vs Private sector banks |
Roll of uneducated people in Indian Economy |
India and United States of America trade relations |
Is the generation gap a myth? |
Green Hydrogen Policy and your views |
Benefits of Mutual fund investments |
Electric Vehicles in India |
United Nations Organization's contribution to the recent turmoil in Ukraine |
India – the new global power |
Suggestions to alleviate the unemployment problem |
Export – Import policy of India |
Role of newspapers in influencing society or youth |
Expected Topics for Letters |
Previously Asked Topics for Letters |
Write a letter to the Superintendent of Police of your district suggesting steps to make the police department more approachable |
Write a letter to the bank manager to share an innovative idea on file management systems in banks. |
Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper about the stray animal problem getting out of hand in your locality. |
Write a letter to the newspaper editor on how to stop crime in the city |
Write a letter to the branch manager of your bank to conduct a campaign in your area to create awareness about the benefits of KYC. |
Write a letter to your old teacher to thank him/her for making you a good human being. |
Write a letter to an editor on types of pollution and on the ways of tackling them. |
A letter to Complaint Letter: Being a customer of a so and so bank, you have to write a complaint letter to the Bank Manager about the negligence/irresponsibility of the employees. |
Write a letter to the GM of a Bank for Failure transaction on UPI. |
Letter to Editor: About tampering with the currency notes by punching pins into them. |
Write a letter to your younger sibling, who has recently started working, to not take too much stress at work. |
An Informal Letter about telling your friend about the advantages of a PPF account and suggesting he open a PPF account. |
Write a letter to your parents advising them to invest in mutual funds. |
You are withdrawing money from the ATM but the ATM turns out to be malfunctioning. So, money didn't come out but was deducted from the account. Write a letter to the bank manager for the refund. |
Write a letter to your friend telling you about your experience of a foreign trip. |
Letter to regional manager for change in bank timing as it is inconvenient for customers. |
Write a letter to your sister to start her own start-up. |
A Letter to the Superintendent of Police raising the concern over the increased cases of theft near ATMs. |
Write a letter to your favorite author on her recent bestseller. |
A letter to the bank for applying for an educational loan providing all particulars. |
Get IBPS PO Recruitment previous years’ question papers here!
Also, Check Important Questions for IBPS PO Mains Topics |
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