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

The IBPS PO Prelims cover English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains include Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Analysis, General/Banking Awareness, and English Language, along with a Descriptive Paper (Essay & Letter Writing). The IBPS PO 2025 Exam, scheduled to begin with the Prelims on 4, 5, and 11 October 2025, is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. In this article we present fully detailed about IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains Exams.

IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

The IBPS PO exam evaluates a candidate’s readiness for the banking sector through a well-structured syllabus that covers essential topics. To succeed, it’s crucial for aspirants to gain a clear understanding of the syllabus early on. This helps in building a smart and focused preparation strategy. Since both the exam pattern and syllabus are already available, candidates should familiarize themselves with the key sections and begin targeted preparation. The exam is crafted to test vital abilities like problem-solving, speed, accuracy, banking awareness, and effective communication through writing.

IBPS Probationary Officer Syllabus

The IBPS PO 2025 exam is structured to assess candidates through multiple subjects at different stages. The Preliminary exam focuses on three core areas: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates who qualify in this stage move forward to the Mains, which features a broader range of topics including Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. The Mains also includes a Descriptive Paper that tests writing skills through Essay and Letter Writing.

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, those 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

Candidates who are preparing for the IBPS PO Exam 2025 should understand the exam pattern, which will help them to know how the exam is structured and the types of questions asked. The tables below shows 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 subjective types, valuing 200 marks and 25 marks, respectively.
• The questions asked in Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation are further divided into Sections A and B. The questions of Section A are of 2 Marks, and those of Section B are worth 1 mark.
• In Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, 15 Questions are from Section A and 30 from Section B.
• Out of the total 35 questions from the English Language, 5 are from Section A and 30 from Section B.
• In Data Analysis & Interpretation, 25 Questions are from Section A and 10 from Section B.
• 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 behavioral 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.