How Many Marks Are Required to Clear IBPS PO Prelims Exam?

If you are planning to Attempt the IBPS PO Exam 2025, you may wonder How Many Marks Are Required to Clear IBPS PO Prelims Exam? Understanding the cutoff trends can help you set a clear goal for your preparation. In this article, we will explain the marks required to clear the exam and provide the cutoffs from the last five years. This will give you a complete understanding of what to aim for while preparing.

How Many Marks Are Required to Clear IBPS PO Prelims Exam?

The IBPS PO Preliminary Exam is the first step in the selection process for the Probationary Officer post in various public sector banks. It is a computer-based test that lasts for 1 hour. The paper has three sections English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Each section is timed separately for 20 minutes.

The IBPS PO Prelims Exam consists of 100 questions, each worth 1 mark, making the maximum score 100. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted, so accuracy is crucial in this exam. To move on to the next stage, which is the IBPS PO Mains Exam, you need to meet the minimum marks in each section (sectional cutoff) as well as a minimum total score (overall cutoff).

How Many Marks Should You Aim for?

The number of marks required to pass the IBPS PO Prelims Exam varies each year. There is no fixed cutoff, but based on trends from previous years, general category candidates usually need between 48.50 to 59 marks out of 100. For candidates from reserved categories like SC, ST, or OBC, the cutoff tends to be lower.

The cutoff is determined by factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants, and the number of vacancies available. This means that a score of 50 might be enough one year but not in another.

In addition to the overall marks, you must also clear the sectional cutoffs. For instance, in 2024, a general category candidate needed around 10 marks in English, 7 in Quantitative Aptitude, and approximately 6.75 in Reasoning Ability. If you score below the required marks in any section, you won’t qualify, even if your total score is high.

Trends in IBPS PO Prelims Cutoff Over the Last 5 Years

To give you a better understanding, here is a table showing the overall cutoff marks for the General category over the past five years:

As you can see, the cutoff has gone up and down depending on the exam conditions. In 2020, it was as high as 58.75, while in 2024, it dropped to 48.50. So you should always try to score as high as possible to stay on the safer side.

What Should Be Your Target?

To be on the safe side, it’s best to aim for at least 55 to 60 marks in the IBPS PO Prelims if you’re from the general category. This gives you a better chance, even if the cutoff is higher. If you’re from a reserved category, aiming for around 45 to 50 marks should be enough, but scoring higher will always boost your confidence. Remember, clearing sectional cutoffs is equally important. Make sure to practice all three sections regularly and don’t neglect any one subject.