• Updated on 25 Sept, 2025 by Souvik
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has revised the IBPS PO exam pattern for both the preliminary and main stages in 2025. The exam took place on August 23 and 24, 2025. The updated pattern introduces changes in exam duration, section-wise time division, marking scheme, and weightage. Candidates must carefully go through these modifications mentioned in the official IBPS PO notification to align their preparation effectively. Understanding the new exam structure not only enhances exam strategy but also helps in proper time management during the test. Along with the IBPS PO syllabus, the new exam pattern plays a crucial role in exam readiness.
The exam is conducted in three phases i.e., Prelims, Mains, and Interview. As per the IBPS PO 2025 structure, the preliminary stage has three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, carrying a combined score of 100 marks. The Main examination includes both objective and descriptive questions, with a total of 225 marks. The final stage, the personal interview, is conducted for 100 marks.
- IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
- IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised)
- IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised)
- IBPS PO Interview Pattern 2025
- IBPS PO Marking Scheme 2025
- IBPS PO Qualifying Marks 2025
- IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025
- IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025
- IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025
- IBPS PO Syllabus 2025
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
Interested candidates can refer to the overview table below for IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025.
Check IBPS PO Application Process 2025
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised)
IBPS PO prelims exam pattern has recently been updated. In this revision, the marking scheme for the Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability sections has been modified. The prelims paper includes three sections with a total of 100 multiple-choice questions. These questions are asked from English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates are given 60 minutes in total, with 20 minutes fixed for each section.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 (Revised)
IBPS PO 2025 Mains exam pattern has been updated. The test will now include 145 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 200 marks, along with a Descriptive Paper of 25 marks. This makes the overall score 225 marks. Each section will have a fixed time limit, which increases the need for strong time-management skills.
The mains exam features both objective and descriptive components. The objective part is divided into four sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. The descriptive part assesses English writing skills through essay and letter writing. The complete test duration is 160 minutes.
Read IBPS PO Eligibility Criteria 2025
IBPS PO Interview Pattern 2025
IBPS PO interview is conducted for candidates who qualify for the mains exam. This round carries 100 marks in total. To qualify, candidates must score at least 40%. For SC, ST, OBC, and PWBD candidates, the minimum qualifying mark is 35%. The interview focuses on evaluating a candidate’s knowledge, communication, personality, and overall suitability for the banking role. Generally, the interview lasts 15–20 minutes, though the process of document and background verification may take more time.
Important Points about IBPS PO Selection
- The final merit list is prepared by combining the scores of the mains exam and the interview.
- The weightage ratio is 80:20, with the mains exam carrying more importance.
- After the interview stage, provisional allotment is made according to the available IBPS PO vacancies in participating banks.
Also Read IBPS PO Admit Card 2025
IBPS PO Marking Scheme 2025
The examination authority prescribes IBPS PO marking scheme. The marking scheme is given below:
- Candidates are awarded one mark for correct answers
- 0.25 marks are deducted for wrong answers
- The total marks are calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers
IBPS PO Paper Duration
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) sets different time limits for the IBPS PO exams. The Preliminary exam has a total duration of 60 minutes, while the Main exam runs for 3 hours and 30 minutes. In addition to the overall timing, both stages also include sectional time limits for different sections.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Duration
IBPS PO Mains Exam Duration
IBPS PO Qualifying Marks 2025
The IBPS PO qualifying marks are announced in the form of cut-off scores. These cut-offs are applied both to the overall score and to individual section scores. The cut-off varies for each category, and candidates are shortlisted for the next stages of the selection process based on these marks. Given below are the IBPS PO cut-off marks from previous years for reference.
IBPS PO 2023 Prelims Cut off
Candidates can refer to IBPS PO 2023 Prelims Cutoff for different categories in the table below.
IBPS PO 2022 Prelims Cut off
Candidates can refer to IBPS PO 2022 Prelims Cutoff for different categories in the table below.
IBPS PO Mains Cut off
Candidates can refer to the previous year’s IBPS PO Mains Cutoff for different categories in the table below.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025
The authority conducted IBPS PO Prelims 2025 exam on August 17, 23, and 24, 2025. Candidates can check the syllabus in the table below.
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025
The authority is going to conduct IBPS PO 2025 Mains exam on October 12, 2025. Candidates can check the syllabus for the mains exam in the table below.
Check IBPS PO Syllabus 2025
IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025
Preparing well for the IBPS PO exam 2025 requires a smart and consistent approach. Candidates should follow these tips to improve their chances of success:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Before starting, get familiar with the exam structure for Prelims and Mains. Know the subjects and topics to focus on for better planning.
- Make a Study Plan: Create a daily timetable covering all subjects. Allocate specific time for Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness. Stick to the schedule strictly.
- Strengthen Basics: Begin with clear concepts. Focus on fundamental formulas and rules in Quantitative Aptitude and basic grammar in English. This builds a strong foundation.
- Practice Regularly: Solve topic-wise quizzes and questions daily. Gradually increase the difficulty level. Practising regularly helps improve accuracy and speed.
- Take Mock Tests: Start with sectional mock tests and progressively attempt full-length mocks. Analyse mistakes after each test and work on weak areas.
- Improve Speed and Accuracy: Learn shortcuts and tricks for Quant and Reasoning. Avoid guesswork to reduce negative marking and gain confidence with timed practice.
- Stay updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers or use apps daily for banking and financial news, especially for the General Awareness section in Mains.
- Work on Descriptive Writing: Practice essay and letter writing regularly to score well in the Mains descriptive section.
- Stay Positive and Consistent: Keep a positive attitude, avoid distractions, and maintain discipline. Consistency over time is key to cracking the exam.
- Take Care of Health: Eat well, sleep enough, and take short breaks during study to keep your mind fresh and focused.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2025
What are the stages of the IBPS PO Exam 2025?
The IBPS PO Exam 2025 has three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. Candidates first appear for the Prelims, which is a screening test. Those who clear it move to Mains, a detailed written exam with objective and descriptive sections. Candidates qualifying Mains are called for the Interview round. Clearing all three stages is necessary for final selection as a Probationary Officer in banks.
How long is the IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2025?
The Prelims exam is 60 minutes in total. It consists of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Each section has an individual time limit of 20 minutes. Candidates must complete all 100 questions within this one-hour duration. The separate timing helps candidates focus on each section without time loss.
How many questions are there in the IBPS PO Prelims?
There are 100 questions in the Prelims exam. The English Language contains 30 questions, Quantitative Aptitude has 35 questions, and Reasoning Ability also has 35 questions. All questions are multiple-choice type, testing basic proficiency and speed necessary to qualify for Mains.
What is the marking scheme for IBPS PO Prelims?
Each correct answer carries one mark, making a total of 100 marks. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted as negative marking to discourage guessing. There is no penalty for unanswered questions. Candidates need to clear the sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for the next round.
What sections are in IBPS PO Mains Exam 2025?
The Mains exam consists of Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and a Descriptive English paper. The descriptive section involves essay and letter writing to assess communication skills, essential for banking roles.
How long is the IBPS PO Mains Exam?
The Mains exam duration is 190 minutes total. The objective test lasts 160 minutes, covering reasoning, English, data analysis, and awareness. The descriptive paper follows and lasts 30 minutes. Candidates must manage time well to complete and skillfully write the descriptive section.
How many questions are in IBPS PO Mains?
The Mains has 145 objective questions spread across four sections and two descriptive tasks. Reasoning has 40 questions, English 35, Data Analysis 35, and General Awareness 35. The descriptive section tests essay and letter writing, crucial for assessing language skills.
What are the total marks for the IBPS PO Mains Exam?
Mains is for a total of 225 marks; 200 marks for the objective test and 25 marks for the descriptive writing paper. Candidates must score well overall and pass the descriptive section to clear the Mains round.
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO Mains Exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer in the objective portions of the Mains exam as well. This motivates candidates to answer carefully and avoid blind guessing, which may reduce their scores.
In which languages is the IBPS PO exam conducted?
The IBPS PO exam is mainly in English and Hindi. The English section is only in English, but the Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning sections are offered in both English and Hindi to help candidates from different language backgrounds.
Can candidates clear Prelims by qualifying overall score alone?
No, candidates must clear the cut-offs for each section and the overall cut-off in Prelims to qualify for Mains. Both sectional and overall performance are considered to ensure balanced skills.
What does the descriptive test in IBPS PO Mains consist of?
The descriptive test includes essay and letter writing tasks. Candidates have 30 minutes to complete these. It tests the ability to communicate clearly, which is vital for bank officers. The test is scored out of 25 marks.
Are computer aptitude questions part of the Mains?
Yes, computer aptitude is tested within the Reasoning Ability section of the Mains exam. Topics include the basics of hardware, software, the internet, and computer terms relevant to banking jobs.
How many sections are there in Prelims and Mains each?
Prelims has three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Mains has four objective sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English, Data Analysis, and General Awareness, plus one descriptive writing section.
Is IBPS PO exam online or offline?
The IBPS PO exam for both Prelims and Mains is conducted online in a computer-based test format at designated centres. Candidates answer questions on computers during the exam.