The IBPS PO 2025 is a competitive recruitment test organized by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to hire Probationary Officers for public sector banks nationwide on 17, 23 & 24 August 2025. Conducted in three phases Prelims, Mains, and Interview the exam follows a strict schedule for each shift. It is important for candidates to know the exact shift timings, reporting requirements, and exam duration to plan their exam.
IBPS PO Shift Timings 2025
The IBPS PO 2025 Exam is conducted in multiple shifts across India to manage the large number of candidates. The Preliminary Exam is held in four shifts: morning, late morning, afternoon, and evening, while the Mains Exam takes place in two shifts. Each shift has a fixed reporting time, start time, and duration that candidates must adhere to to avoid disqualification. The Mains Exam lasts for 190 minutes, including 160 minutes for objective questions and 30 minutes for the descriptive paper. Knowing your shift timing ensures timely entry, smooth verification, and better focus during the exam.
Reporting Time and Exam Duration of IBPS PO 2025
For candidates appearing in the IBPS PO 2025 Prelims and Mains, being aware of the reporting time and exam duration is essential to avoid last-minute stress. Every shift is conducted under a fixed schedule, which includes reporting, security checks, biometric verification, handwriting sample submission, and the examination itself. The table below outlines the shift-wise timings for both stages, along with important instructions to help ensure a hassle-free exam day.
IBPS PO 2025 Prelims & Mains Shift Timings
Shift | Reporting Time | Handwriting Sample Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time |
Shift 1 | 8:00 AM | 08:45 AM – 08:50 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
Shift 2 | 10:30 AM | 11:15 AM – 11:20 AM | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
Shift 3 | 1:00 PM | 01:45 PM – 01:50 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
Shift 4 | 3:30 PM | 04:15 PM – 04:20 PM | 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
Key Highlights:
- Mode of Exam: Online (Objective Type)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Sectional Timing: Each section is timed separately for 20 minutes
- Purpose: Prelims are qualifying in nature; marks are not counted in the final merit
Important Notes:
- Candidates must arrive at least 30 minutes before the reporting time.
- A handwriting sample is mandatory.
- Late arrivals may not be allowed to enter once the gates close.
- Carry your admit card, valid photo ID, and passport-size photo.
Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time |
Shift 1 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
Shift 2 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
Key Highlights:
- Mode of Exam: Online (Objective + Descriptive)
- Total Marks: 225 (Objective: 200 + Descriptive: 25)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer in objective sections
- Descriptive Paper: Evaluates writing skills through Essay & Letter/Comprehension
Important Instructions for IBPS PO 2025 Shift Reporting
Candidates appearing for IBPS PO 2025 must carefully follow the shift reporting time mentioned on their admit card. It is advised to reach the venue well in advance to smoothly complete security checks, document verification, and biometric registration. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter the exam hall under any circumstances, so plan your travel and arrival time accordingly.
IBPS PO 2025 Shift Duration and Breaks
The IBPS PO 2025 exam is conducted in multiple shifts, and each shift has a fixed duration as per the exam pattern. Candidates are required to remain in the exam hall for the entire duration, even if they finish early. Although there are no long breaks between sections, short breaks may be allowed during system changes. It is important to manage your time effectively in each section, as switching between sections before the allotted time is not allowed.