Why IBPS PO is expected before IBPS RRB

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts several major banking exams every year, including IBPS PO (Probationary Officer), IBPS Clerk, and IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks) exams. For the 2025-2026 cycle, there is a strong possibility that the IBPS PO and Clerk exams will be scheduled before the IBPS RRB exams. One of the key reasons for this expected shift is the mergers of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across India.

Expected Schedule for IBPS PO & Clerk

According to recent updates, the IBPS PO and Clerk exams are tentatively scheduled for August or September 2025. If this holds true, it will be the first time in recent years that these exams are conducted before the IBPS RRB PO and Clerk exams, which are now likely to be held after the PO/Clerk cycle begins. This shift would mark a notable change in IBPS’s typical recruitment timeline.

Why IBPS PO is expected before IBPS RRB: Possible Reasons

The decision to schedule IBPS RRB exams after IBPS Clerk and PO exams in 2025 could stem from multiple operational and administrative factors. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the following reasons are being considered likely contributors:

1. RRB Mergers Across India: One of the major reasons could be the consolidation and restructuring of Regional Rural Banks across the country. With RRBs being merged or reorganised state-wise, there may be delays in finalising vacancies, locations, and coordination between regional banks and IBPS. This restructuring needs to settle before new recruitment processes begin.

2. Revised IBPS Calendar and Recruitment Priorities: With the revised IBPS calendar expected soon, it is anticipated that IBPS may prioritise the PO and Clerk exams for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) before conducting the IBPS RRB exams. This helps ensure that the recruitment process for the larger national banks, which have a higher intake and more urgent staffing needs, is completed on time.

3. Logistical and Administrative Reasons: The merger process adds complexity to exam logistics, including the allocation of vacancies, exam centres, and interview panels. Delaying the RRB exams gives both IBPS and the participating banks more time to manage these logistics smoothly.

4. Avoiding Exam Clashes: By scheduling IBPS PO and Clerk exams before the RRB exams, IBPS can prevent overlapping exam dates, which is beneficial for candidates who wish to appear for multiple exams. This also reduces administrative burden and confusion.

Current IBPS Exam Calendar and Trends

The official IBPS Calendar 2025 was released in January, but a revised calendar is expected within the next 6-8 days, which may change some dates.

• According to the current schedule, the IBPS RRB PO prelims are set for July 27, August 2, and August 3, 2025, with the mains on September 13, 2025.
• The IBPS Clerk prelims are scheduled for December 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2025, and the mains on February 1, 2026.
• The IBPS PO prelims are expected on October 4, 5, and 11, 2025, with the mains on November 29, 2025.