IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern Revised for Prelims and Mains Exams

The IBPS PO 2025 Notification is now officially out, and the exam dates have already been announced. With the recruitment process in motion, aspirants aiming for a competitive and reputed position like that of a Probationary Officer must begin their preparation without delay. This year, IBPS has changed the marking scheme in the IBPS PO prelims and mains exam pattern, so check the IBPS PO revised exam pattern very carefully.

IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

The Prelims will test candidates on Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language, all of which demand strong conceptual clarity and fast, accurate problem-solving skills. Moving to the Mains stage, the scope broadens with the inclusion of General/Economic/ Banking Awareness/ Digital/ Financial Awareness, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and a Descriptive English section. To perform well in IBPS PO 2025 in both stages, it’s important to focus on topic-wise preparation and give extra attention to high-scoring areas. Smart time management and targeted revision will be crucial in these final weeks.

IBPS Probationary Officer Syllabus

The IBPS PO 2025 exam consists of two major written stages, Prelims and Mains, each designed to test different skill sets. Candidates must understand the structure and subjects covered in both stages to prepare efficiently.

Preliminary Exam Pattern

• English Language – Tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
• Quantitative Aptitude – Includes arithmetic, number series, simplification, and data interpretation.
• Reasoning Ability – Covers puzzles, seating arrangement, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning.

Mains Exam Pattern

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – Focuses on logical reasoning, puzzles, and basic computer knowledge.
• General/Economy/Banking Awareness – Includes current affairs, banking & financial awareness, and economic developments.
• English Language – Assesses grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary usage.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation – Tests skills in charts, graphs, caselets, and high-level arithmetic.
• Descriptive Paper (English) – Includes Essay and Letter Writing to evaluate written communication skills.

IBPS PO Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025

The IBPS PO 2025 selection process is divided into three key phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Candidates must first clear the Preliminary exam to qualify for the Mains. Those who perform well in both written stages are then shortlisted for the final Interview round. Understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for each stage is essential, as it allows candidates to plan strategically and concentrate on the topics that matter most for success.

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025

The syllabus is an essential tool for candidates to prepare. Along with the IBPS PO Syllabus, candidates should practice questions through the IBPS PO Previous Year Question Papers, which will provide an insight into the exam pattern. Questions in the IBPS PO Prelims exam will be asked from three sections, which are:

1. English Language
2. Quantitative Aptitude
3. Reasoning Ability

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025

Candidates who will be able to achieve the cutoff marks of the IBPS PO prelims exam will qualify for the Mains exam. The syllabus of the IBPS PO Mains exam is mentioned below.

IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised)

Candidates who are preparing for the IBPS PO Exam 2025 should check the IBPS PO revised exam pattern, which will help them to know how the exam is structured and the types of questions asked. The tables below show a quick overview of the IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 for each stage in detail.

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The first phase of the IBPS PO 2025 exam is prelims, which serve as a screening round.

• The Prelims stage of the IBPS PO consists of three sections and has a total duration of 1 hour.
• A total of 100 multiple-choice questions in the Prelims exam for a maximum of 100 marks.
• There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
• Candidates must meet the minimum cut-off marks set by IBPS in all the tests to qualify.

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates who qualify for the prelims round will become eligible to sit for the mains exam, which is the second phase of the IBPS PO 2025 selection process.

• The IBPS PO Mains Exam consists of four sections and an additional section for the descriptive test, which will be conducted separately on the same exam date.
• In the Mains exam, the question paper will consist of both objective and descriptive types, valuing 200 marks and 25 marks, respectively.
• There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
• Each section will have a designated time limit, similar to the IBPS PO Prelims Exam.
• Candidates must pass each test/section individually to succeed in the IBPS PO Mains Exam.

Introduction of Descriptive Test: 25 Marks

In the IBPS PO Mains Exam, IBPS has introduced a descriptive test worth 25 marks. This test requires candidates to write an essay and a letter, carrying 25 marks. The English Language Paper is designed to evaluate candidates’ writing skills, and it is necessary to pass this paper by getting a minimum cut-off mark.

IBPS PO Interview 2025

Below are some important points about the IBPS PO Interview. Candidates must read them carefully.

• The IBPS PO Interview does not have a fixed syllabus. However, candidates should be well prepared with current affairs general awareness and basic financial knowledge to do well in the interview.
• The interview is scored out of 100 marks. General category candidates must get at least 40 marks to pass, while SC, ST, OBC and PWD category candidates need a minimum of 35 marks.
• Final selection is done by combining the scores of the IBPS PO Mains and the Interview. The Mains exam carries 80 percent weightage while the Interview has 20 percent.
• During the interview, panel members may ask questions about your education, your past work experience, if any and your reason for choosing banking as a career.
• They may also check your understanding of important banking rules, recent economic trends, the financial market and the role of the Reserve Bank of India.
• To score high, candidates must show good communication skills, clear thinking and confidence while answering the questions.
• The panel might also ask situational or behavioural questions to test how well you can make decisions and solve problems.
• It is important to stay updated with recent changes in the banking sector such as digital banking, financial inclusion and government schemes.
• The interview panel usually includes senior officials and banking experts who judge you based on your personality, knowledge and whether you are fit for the role of a Probationary Officer.
• Practicing with mock interviews can help improve how you present yourself and also teach you how to stay calm under pressure.

How to Prepare IBPS PO in 2 Months?

Preparing for the IBPS PO exam in just 2 months requires a focused, disciplined, and well-structured approach. Start by understanding the latest exam pattern and syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Divide your time wisely allocate the first month to cover the basics and important topics from Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language, while gradually incorporating current affairs and banking awareness for the Mains. Practice daily with topic-wise quizzes, mock tests, and previous year papers to build speed and accuracy. In the second month, shift your focus to full-length mock tests, revision, and time management strategies. Analyze your performance regularly and work on weak areas to boost your overall score. Consistency, smart work, and regular practice are key to cracking the IBPS PO in two months.