IBPS PO 2026 Exam Date, Eligibility, Selection Process & Exam Pattern

IBPS PO 2026 is a national-level banking exam conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to recruit Probationary Officers for public sector banks across India. The official IBPS PO 2026 Exam Date will be released with the exam calendar 2026 on the IBPS website. Fresh graduates from any discipline can apply, even without prior work experience. The selection process has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

IBPS PO 2026 Notification

The IBPS PO Exam is conducted every year by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit Probationary Officers (PO) for public sector banks across India. Started in 2011, the 2026 exam will be the 16th edition, known as IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI, covering 11 banks. The post comes with an attractive starting salary of around Rs. 48,480 along with various allowances, making it a stable and rewarding career choice.

IBPS PO 2026: Overview

The exam is held online, and details about vacancies and eligibility will be shared in the official notification for IBPS PO 2026. The overview table for IBPS PO 2026 will give aspirants a summary of the exam.

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IBPS PO 2026 Exam Date: Important Dates

Candidates preparing for IBPS PO 2026 should note the key dates for the exam cycle. From the notification release in June 2026 to the Prelims in August and Mains in October, staying updated on these timelines is crucial for effective preparation.

IBPS PO Vacancy

*Vacancy Increased

IBPS PO 2026 Application Fees

The category-wise application fee is given below, which is required at the time of filling out the application form. Candidates must note that the IBPS PO Application Fee is non-refundable once they submit the fees. For SC/ ST/ PWD the application fee is Rs. 175, and for General and Others, the fee is Rs. 850.

IBPS PO Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for IBPS PO 2026, candidates must meet certain educational, age, and nationality requirements. This information is based on the previous year’s notification and is provided for reference only. Any changes in the official eligibility criteria for 2026 will be updated once the notification is released. The detailed information regarding educational qualification, age limit, age relaxation, and nationality is given below.

IBPS PO Education Qualification

To be eligible for the IBPS PO 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following educational and language criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A graduation degree in any discipline (e.g., BA, B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech) from a recognized university approved by the Government of India.
• Document Requirement: Candidates must have their degree certificate or mark sheet at the time of application, clearly stating the percentage of marks.
• Computer Knowledge: Basic computer skills are essential as the exam is conducted in online mode.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates should be able to read, write, and speak the official language of the State/UT they are applying for.

IBPS PO Age Limit

The minimum age must be 20 years, and the candidate must not be older than 30 years to be eligible for IBPS PO 2026.

IBPS PO Age Relaxation

Candidates can check age relaxation for different categories in the following table. This includes the different category-wise age relaxation data, which will help you to analyse whether you are eligible or not.

IBPS PO Nationality

A candidate applying for the IBPS CRP PO Examination must be one of the following, which are listed below. If you come under any of these points, you are eligible to appear for the exam.

1. Citizens of India
2. The subject of Nepal or Bhutan
3. Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement
4. Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam or East African countries of Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, or Malawi, with the intention of permanent settlement in India.

Candidates belonging to categories 2, 3 and 4 must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India in their favour.

Major Bank Participating in IBPS PO 2026

The IBPS PO 2026 recruitment process is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), which aims to fill Probationary Officer/ Management Trainee (PO/MT) vacancies across 11 public sector banks in India. These banks participate under the Common Recruitment Process (CRP PO/MT-XV) to select eligible candidates through Prelims, Mains and Interview stages. The list of participating banks includes:

• Bank of Baroda
• Bank of India
• Bank of Maharashtra
• Canara Bank
• Central Bank of India
• Indian Bank
• Indian Overseas Bank
• Punjab National Bank
• Punjab & Sind Bank
• UCO Bank
• Union Bank of India

Candidates can select their preferred banks during the online application process, which is expected to be released soon. The final allotment depends on vacancies, merit and candidate preferences.

IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern

The IBPS PO 2026 selection process will involves three important stages: Prelims Exam, Mains Exam, and a Personal Interview.

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern

• Total: 100 questions, 100 marks, 1 hour
• Negative Marking: –0.25 will be deducted for each wrong answer

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026:

Part B – Descriptive Test (25 marks – 30 minutes)

• Format: 1 Essay + 1 Letter
• Time limit: 30 minutes
• Total Marks: 25

Stage 3: Personal Interview (100 marks)

• This stage is conducted after clearing the Mains exam.
• Evaluates personality, communication skills, and fit for the banking role
• Minimum qualifying marks: 40% for General; 35% for reserved categories
• Final selection: 80% weightage for Mains + 20% for Interview

IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus

IBPS PO 2026 Selection Process

IBPS PO 2026 Salary

The basic pay for a newly appointed IBPS PO, as per the previous year’s notification, starts at ₹48,480 per month, while the gross salary is nearly ₹90,733 per month, including various allowances and benefits. After deductions like taxes, provident fund, and pension contributions, the in-hand salary comes to around ₹76,431 per month. Along with the salary, officers enjoy several perks and allowances.

Candidates note that these figures are based on the previous year’s notification, and the exact salary for IBPS PO 2026 will be provided once the official notification is released.

Key Components of IBPS PO Salary 2026:

Allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• Special Allowance
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
• Learning Allowance and other location-based allowances
• Perks & Benefits:
• Medical insurance coverage
• Travel and conveyance reimbursement
• Newspaper and utility allowances
• Pension benefits under the National Pension Scheme (NPS)

Best Resources for IBPS PO Preparation

For aspirants aiming to crack IBPS PO 2026, Adda247 offers a complete ecosystem of resources to cover every stage of preparation.

1. Video Courses & Expert Guidance

• Adda247 provides comprehensive video courses for Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness.
• Expert instructors explain concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way, helping you strengthen fundamentals and tackle advanced problems.

2. Mobile App for Daily Practice

• The Adda247 App gives access to daily quizzes, current affairs, practice questions, and performance tracking.
• Study anytime, anywhere, and stay updated on banking and financial news.

3. Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers

• Practice with full-length IBPS PO mock tests and previous year question papers (PYP) available on Adda247.
• Simulate real exam conditions, analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and improve speed and accuracy before the actual exam.

4. Test Series & Sectional Practice

• Adda247 offers section-wise test series to focus on your weaker areas in Quant, Reasoning, English, and GA.
• Detailed performance analysis helps track progress and fine-tune your preparation strategy.

5. Revision & Study Material

• Adda247 provides concise notes, formula sheets, and study material for last-minute revision.
• Keep all important shortcuts, concepts, and current affairs in one place for quick and effective revision.

Is 6 Months Enough to Prepare for IBPS PO?

Yes, 6 months can be sufficient if you follow a focused and consistent plan. Preparing for IBPS PO 2026 in 6 months is possible with the right strategy and consistent effort. By focusing on concepts, practicing regularly, and taking mock tests, aspirants can cover the syllabus effectively and improve their chances of success. Here’s a simple approach:

• Month 1–2: Build fundamentals in Quant, Reasoning, English; start reading current affairs.
• Month 3–4: Practice section-wise questions; take small quizzes; identify weak areas.
• Month 5: Attempt full-length mock tests; revise shortcuts, formulas, and key concepts.
• Month 6: Solve previous year papers; take 3–4 full mocks weekly; focus on accuracy and speed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IBPS PO Preparation

Preparing for the IBPS PO exam can be challenging, and aspirants often fall into common traps that affect their performance. Being aware of these mistakes can save valuable time and improve your chances of success. Here are the key mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring the Syllabus: Many candidates start preparation without thoroughly understanding the syllabus. Skipping topics or studying randomly can lead to gaps in knowledge and lower scores. Always refer to the official IBPS PO syllabus before planning your strategy.

Overlooking Time Management: Time management is critical both during preparation and in the exam. Spending too much time on one section or practising excessively without a timetable can reduce efficiency. Create a daily and weekly schedule, and stick to it.

Relying Only on Coaching or Notes: Blindly following coaching material or notes without practising can be a mistake. Self-study, solving previous year papers, and attempting mock tests are equally important to gauge your preparation level.

Ignoring Mock Tests and Analysis: Taking mock tests without analyzing performance is a common error. Always review mistakes, understand weak areas, and work on them systematically. Mock tests are the closest simulation to the real exam.

Neglecting General Awareness: Many aspirants focus only on Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, neglecting General Awareness. Current affairs, banking awareness, and economic updates are crucial for the IBPS PO exam and can make a significant difference.

Last-Minute Preparation Panic: Cramming at the last moment often backfires. Instead, maintain a consistent study routine and revise regularly. Focus on strengthening weak areas and practising shortcuts rather than trying to learn everything at the last minute.