IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the IBPS PO 2025 Notification along with significant changes in the exam pattern. If you’re aiming to crack the IBPS PO exam this year, it’s crucial to understand the latest Prelims and Mains exam structure. This article covers the updated IBPS PO exam pattern 2025, including section-wise details, marking scheme, time duration, and preparation tips.
IBPS PO 2025 Selection Process: 3 Stages
The IBPS PO recruitment process consists of the following three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive)
- Interview
Candidates must qualify in each stage to be shortlisted for the final selection.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Vacancies | 5208 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Education Qualification | Graduation (Any stream) |
| Age Limit | 20 to 30 years |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised)
The IBPS PO Prelims 2025 exam has three sections. Each section is timed separately for 20 minutes, and the total duration is 60 minutes.
| Sr. No. | Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | English | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | English & Hindi | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | English & Hindi | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Nature: Prelims is qualifying in nature; marks are not counted in the final merit list.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 (Updated)
The Mains exam includes Objective + Descriptive tests. Each section is separately timed, and candidates must clear both to qualify.
Objective Test
| Sr. No. | Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 mins | English & Hindi |
| 2 | General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 35 | 50 | 25 mins | English & Hindi |
| 3 | English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 mins | English |
| 4 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 50 | 45 mins | English & Hindi |
| Total | 145 | 200 | 160 mins |
Descriptive Test
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay & Letter Writing | 2 | 25 | 30 mins | English |
Total Mains Marks: 225
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer.
Note: Mains score is crucial for final selection.
IBPS PO Interview Pattern 2025
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Face-to-Face |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Qualifying Marks | 40% (General), 35% (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) |
| Focus | Banking knowledge, personality, communication skills |
The final selection is based on marks obtained in Mains + Interview.
IBPS PO 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Exam | 17th, 23rd, 24th August 2025 |
| Mains Exam | 12th October 2025 |
How IBPS PO Exam Pattern Helps in Strategic Preparation
Understanding the updated exam pattern allows candidates to:
- Plan time management better
- Focus on high-weightage sections
- Practice mock tests in real exam conditions
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Prepare section-wise with proper revision strategy
IBPS PO 2025 Preparation Tips
Understand the Syllabus & Pattern: Know what to study and how much time to allot per section.
Mock Tests: Practice daily to build exam temperament.
Previous Year Papers: Analyze trends and difficulty level.
Newspapers & Magazines: Stay updated for the General Awareness section.
Time Management: Master the art of attempting more in less time with accuracy.
Related articles :
FAQs on IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
Q1. How many sections are there in IBPS PO Prelims?
Three: English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
Q2. What is the total mark for IBPS PO Mains?
225 (Objective: 200 + Descriptive: 25)
Q3. Is there negative marking in IBPS PO exams?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Q4. Is the Prelims score considered for the final merit list?
No, Prelims is only qualifying in nature.
Q5. What is the selection process for IBPS PO 2025?
Prelims → Mains (Objective + Descriptive) → Interview
With the revised IBPS PO exam pattern 2025, aspirants must align their preparation accordingly. Focus on sectional performance, accuracy, and mock test analysis. A clear understanding of the Prelims and Mains pattern gives you a strategic edge in cracking the exam on your first attempt.