• Updated on 26 Sept, 2025 by Souvik
IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025: The Institute of Banking and Personnel Selection will hold the IBPS PO 2025 prelims exam on August 17, 23, and 24, 2025. This exam will be conducted through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. With limited time remaining, candidates are advised to begin their revision promptly.
To enhance their preparation, aspirants should refer to the recommended IBPS PO books, which provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. It is crucial for candidates to devise an effective preparation strategy, focusing on key areas such as English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Knowledge. Following a well-structured study plan tailored to these subjects will greatly increase the chances of success in the exam.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025
Preparing well for the IBPS PO 2025 exam is very important for candidates who wish to secure a Probationary Officer position. Here are some simple and effective preparation tips written using clear language and sentences.
Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Candidates should first get familiar with the IBPS PO exam structure. The selection process is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims exam tests Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The Mains exam adds General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a descriptive writing section. Knowing the detailed syllabus of each stage helps candidates plan their preparation efficiently.
Make a Study Plan
Candidates should create a daily study schedule covering every subject. It is important to divide time based on individual strengths and weaknesses. More time should be given to topics that candidates find difficult, but easy topics should not be neglected. Setting weekly and monthly goals, along with regular revision, helps reinforce learning.
Build Strong Basics
It is essential for candidates to start with clear understanding of basic concepts, especially in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning. Candidates must avoid jumping to difficult questions without mastering the fundamentals. Using simple books and online videos can make learning easier and organized. Strong base concepts make solving complex questions faster.
Practice Regularly and Solve Right Questions
Candidates must practice questions daily, starting with simple to moderate levels and then challenging ones. They should focus on solving previous years’ question papers and topic-wise quizzes. Practice helps candidates get comfortable with the question types and improves accuracy.
Take Mock Tests and Analyze Performance
Mock tests help candidates experience the real exam environment. Candidates should start with one mock test per week and gradually increase the number. After each test, they should carefully analyze mistakes and identify weak areas to improve on. Time management skills also get better by practicing mock tests.
Time Management is Important
Candidates must learn how to solve questions quickly while maintaining accuracy. They should practice shortcuts and tricks for calculations and reasoning. Taking sectional tests with time limits will boost candidates’ confidence in handling the exam’s strict timing.
Improve English Language Skills
For the English section, candidates should work on vocabulary by learning new words each day. Candidates should practice comprehension, error detection, sentence rearrangement, and fill-in-the-blanks regularly. Reading newspapers daily also helps improve understanding and language skills, which are useful in the exam and interview.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Candidates should stay updated with current events, especially in banking, finance, and government schemes. Regular reading of newspapers and monthly current affairs capsules is helpful. Notes on important topics can make revision easier before the exam.
Prepare for the Descriptive Paper and Interview
Candidates should start practicing essay and letter writing early for the Mains exam’s descriptive paper. It is important to focus on clarity, simple language use, and structure. For the interview, candidates must work on communication skills and banking knowledge. Confidence and honesty in answers leave a good impression.
Maintain Consistency and Stay Motivated
Consistent study is key for candidates aiming to clear the IBPS PO exam. Candidates should study regularly without long breaks and keep their goals in mind. Staying positive and believing in one’s efforts is motivating.
Take Care of Health
Candidates should not ignore their health during intense preparation. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and short breaks during study sessions improve concentration and learning efficiency.
Read IBPS Application Process 2025
IBPS PO Section-wise Preparation Tips 2025
Candidates can check the section-wise IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025 below. They should follow each tip for the respective section to secure a high score.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips: Reasoning Ability
Reasoning Ability is one of the most scoring sections in both Prelims and Mains exams. Candidates should start with understanding the basics such as coding-decoding, syllogisms, inequalities, directions, and blood relations. These topics often carry good weightage. Puzzles and seating arrangement questions are common and require regular practice to solve efficiently.
Candidates should:
- Learn the fundamental rules and shortcuts.
- Practice previous years’ questions and mock tests regularly.
- Start solving easier questions first and then move to tougher problems gradually.
- Work on time management by practicing puzzles and reasoning questions under timed conditions to enhance speed.
- Make short notes of common tricks and formulas to solve puzzles faster.Avoid skipping any topics and attempt sectional tests frequently to build confidence.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips: Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude is a crucial section that tests mathematical skills. Candidates should begin with strengthening the basics of arithmetic topics such as simplification, percentage, profit and loss, time-speed-distance, ratio and proportion, and simple interest.
Preparation tips for Quant:
- Memorize multiplication tables, squares, cubes, and important formulas.
- Learn shortcut and quick calculation methods to save time.
- Practice data interpretation questions as these appear in both Prelims and Mains.
- Solve previous years’ papers to understand question patterns.
- Regularly take timed quizzes to increase accuracy and speed.
- Focus on topics like quadratic equations and number series to increase the chances of scoring high.Candidates should avoid panic by gradually increasing the difficulty level of practice questions and revising formulas frequently.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips: English Language
English Language questions mainly test reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and language usage. This section tends to be scoring if candidates maintain regular practice.
Candidates should:
- Read newspapers and editorials daily to improve comprehension skills and build vocabulary.
- Practice different types of questions such as error spotting, sentence improvement, para jumbles, and cloze tests.
- Work on grammar basics including tenses, subject-verb agreement, and prepositions.
- Attempt mock tests focusing on speed and accuracy.
- Keep a vocabulary journal to note down new words and practice using them.
- Solve previous years' questions to familiarize with exam patterns.Candidates should read passages carefully and avoid guesswork in answers to maximize scores.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips: General Awareness and Banking Awareness
This section is very important in the Mains exam and also helps in interviews. It assesses candidates’ knowledge of current affairs, banking, economic developments, and general knowledge.
Preparation tips:
- Follow daily current affairs through newspapers, news apps, or monthly magazines.
- Pay special attention to banking reforms, government schemes, RBI policies, and budget highlights.
- Make short notes of important events for periodic revision.
- Quiz yourself regularly on recent national and international events.
- Read banking awareness books and study about different types of bank accounts, functions, and basic financial products.
- Take online quizzes and mock tests on general awareness to evaluate preparation.Consistency is key; even 15 minutes of daily reading can add up significantly over time.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips: Computer Knowledge
Computer Aptitude is a small yet scoring section in the Mains exam. It checks basic familiarity with computers, software, hardware, and internet terminology.
Candidates should:
- Know basic computer terms like CPU, RAM, ROM, software types, and operating systems.
- Understand common shortcuts used in Windows and Microsoft Office.
- Study basic networking concepts and computer abbreviations.
- Practice questions on input/output devices, internet, email, and computer security.
- Use online practice tests to check speed and understanding.Even a little preparation on computers can help gain easy marks, so candidates should not ignore this section.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips: Descriptive Writing
The descriptive section in the Mains exam requires candidates to write an essay and a letter, testing their English writing skills.
Key tips:
- Practice essay writing on banking-related topics and current affairs.
- Stick to a clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Use simple and clear language with proper grammar.
- Learn to write formal and informal letters as per the letter format.
- Manage time while practicing to complete both tasks within the allotted 30 minutes.
- Get your writing reviewed by mentors or use online tools to improve grammar and style.Strong writing skills can help candidates secure good marks in this qualitative section.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips: Interview Preparation
The interview is the final step of selection and assesses personality, communication skills, and banking knowledge.
Candidates should:
- Stay updated with the latest banking and economic news.
- Be confident and polite while speaking.
- Practice answers to common interview questions on education, hobbies, banking, current affairs.
- Work on clear pronunciation and body language.
- Prepare documents and dress professionally for the interview.
- Mock interviews can build confidence.Honest and calm responses often impress interviewers, so candidates should remain truthful and composed.
General Preparation Tips for IBPS PO
- Understand the detailed syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly to create a focused study plan.
- Prioritize topics according to weightage and personal strengths.
- Use trusted books, online study materials, and video lectures for learning.
- Regularly attempt mock tests and previous year papers to identify weak areas.
- Take breaks between study sessions to avoid burnout.
- Stay motivated and disciplined throughout preparation.
- Analyze mistakes carefully and work on improving weak sections.
- Maintain good ahealth by eating well, exercising, and sleeping properly.
Time Management Tips
- Divide time wisely among all subjects during preparation and exam.
- Practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve speed.
- In the exam, attempt easier questions first to secure marks quickly.
- Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions; move on and come back if time permits.
- Use short tricks and shortcuts in Quant and Reasoning to save time.
Check IBPS PO Syllabus 2025
IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025 for Interview
Candidates who will qualifyIBPS PO Mains exam will be eligible for IBPS PO interview round. They can follow the tips below to prepare for the interview round.
Personal Introduction and Background
In the interview, candidates will likely be asked to introduce themselves. It is important to prepare a clear and concise introduction that covers educational background, hobbies, and strengths. Keep the introduction simple and focused on qualities that are relevant for a banking job, such as discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Candidates should practice speaking confidently but naturally, without sounding scripted. This helps create a positive first impression.
Why Banking and Why IBPS PO?
Candidates should be ready to explain why they chose banking as a career and specifically why they want to join through IBPS. Answers can include interest in finance, desire for a stable government job, and passion for serving the public through banking services. Avoid vague answers; instead, give honest reasons showing awareness of the banking sector's importance and growth opportunities. This shows motivation and commitment.
Educational and Professional Background
Candidates may be asked questions about their academic qualifications and any work experience. It is advisable to review important projects, internships, and skills gained during studies or jobs. Candidates should connect their education and experience with skills needed in banking like analytical thinking, communication, and customer handling. Being able to explain how previous experiences prepare them for the bank PO role is valuable.
Banking and Financial Knowledge
A strong grasp of basic banking and economic concepts is essential. Candidates need to understand banking terms such as balance sheet, capital adequacy ratio (CAR), types of loans, Reserve Bank of India's role, CRR and SLR requirements, and digital banking services. Awareness of ongoing reforms like mergers of banks and government schemes like PMJDY is beneficial. Candidates should keep updated with current interest rates, recent monetary policies, and banking regulations as these topics often come up in interviews.
Current Affairs and Economy
Candidates should stay informed about recent national and international news, especially focusing on the economy, government policies, and financial markets. Knowing about India's GDP, inflation rate, GST, budget announcements, and major initiatives like Digital India will help answer questions confidently. Reading newspapers, online news, and monthly current affairs capsules regularly will build this knowledge effectively.
Situational and Problem-Solving Questions
Interviewers often ask situational questions to assess decision-making and problem-solving skills. Examples might include handling a difficult customer or prioritizing tasks under pressure. Candidates should prepare answers that highlight patience, empathy, and promptness in dealing with clients. Giving examples from personal or professional life where candidates resolved issues or showed leadership will strengthen responses.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Candidates should identify their key strengths and how these relate to the PO job, like good communication or quick learning ability. When discussing weaknesses, it is best to mention something genuine but not critical, and importantly, describe steps taken to improve. This shows self-awareness and willingness to develop professionally.
Communication Skills and Attitude
Clear and polite communication is vital in interviews. Candidates must speak slowly, clearly, and confidently. Maintaining a calm demeanor and positive attitude helps in creating a good impression. Being honest and respectful during answers, showing enthusiasm for the job, and demonstrating the ability to work in a team will impress the interview panel.
Knowledge of Banking Technology and Future Trends
With the rise of digital banking, candidates should be aware of new technologies like mobile banking, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and Artificial Intelligence applications in banks. Understanding how technology improves customer service and operational efficiency will show candidates are forward-looking and adaptable.
Also Read IBPS PO Admit Card 2025
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is anticipated to publish the official notification detailing the IBPS PO Exam Pattern, with no expected changes to the syllabus.
Prelims: For the Preliminary exam, candidates will face three sections comprising 100 multiple-choice questions in total. The exam is scored out of 100 marks and lasts for 60 minutes.
Mains: In the Mains exam, both objective and descriptive formats are included. The paper contains a total of 157 questions—155 objective and 2 descriptive—and the duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes. The maximum marks for this stage are 225.
Interview: During the interview round, which carries 100 marks, candidates must meet minimum qualifying scores of 40% for general categories and 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates.
Regarding the marking scheme, one mark is awarded for each correct answer, while 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect response. The final score is calculated by considering the total number of right and wrong answers.
Best Books for IBPS PO 2025
Candidates can refer to the below books to prepare for IBPS PO 2025 exam.
- Objective English for Competitive Examinations by Hari Mohan Prasad and Uma Rani Sinha
- Objective General English by S P Bakshi
- IBPS PO Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude by Arihant Experts
- IBPS PO English Language by Arihant Experts
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R S Aggarwal
IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025 FAQs
How should I start preparing for IBPS PO 2025?
Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus clearly. Start with strengthening your basics in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English. Make a study plan that dedicates time daily for each subject. Begin practicing topic-wise questions and gradually increase difficulty. Also, keep some time for current affairs as it is important for the mains exam. Consistency and clarity are key to strong preparation.
What is the best way to improve speed and accuracy?
Practice regularly with mock tests and sectional quizzes. Time yourself while solving questions to improve speed. Focus on accuracy first by clearing concepts, then try to solve questions quickly. Analyse your mistakes after each practice session and avoid repeating them. Gradually increase the number of questions you attempt within a time limit. Improving both speed and accuracy helps to score well in IBPS PO.
How important are mock tests for preparation?
Mock tests are very important as they create exam-like conditions. They help you understand the difficulty level and question pattern. Regular mocks improve your time management skills and exam temperament. After each mock test, analyze your performance carefully to find weak areas. Work on those weak topics and keep practicing. Mock tests boost confidence and prepare you mentally for the online exam environment.
How can I prepare for the English section effectively?
Improve your vocabulary by reading newspapers and books regularly. Practice reading comprehension and grammar exercises daily. Solve previous years’ questions on Cloze Test, Para jumbles, and Error Detection. Listening to English news or podcasts can also help improve language skills. Writing short essays or letters strengthens your writing skills, which is important for mains descriptive paper. Consistent practice is vital.
What topics should I focus on in Quantitative Aptitude?
Focus on important topics like Simplification, Number Series, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Data Interpretation. Strong basics in these topics will help solve questions quickly. Practice solving different types of problems regularly. Using shortcut methods and formulas can save time during the exam. Make sure to revise all important formulas frequently for quick recall during the test.
How should I prepare for the Reasoning section?
Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, and syllogism questions consistently. These are frequently asked and carry good weight. Solve both easy and difficult level questions to build confidence. Take sectional tests to track your progress. Learning tricks and shortcuts can help solve reasoning questions faster. Understanding the logic behind problems is important for applying concepts correctly.
Is current affairs important for IBPS PO?
Yes, current affairs are very important especially for mains and interview stages. Focus on banking, financial, and economic news. Reading a good daily newspaper like The Hindu or Economic Times is helpful. Making short notes of important events can make revision easier. Stay updated on government schemes, RBI policies, and recent economic developments. This also helps prepare for the interview round.
How can I improve my general awareness for IBPS PO?
Regularly read newspapers, watch news channels, or use current affairs apps. Focus on banking awareness, government schemes, awards, and international events. Monthly current affairs compilations are useful for quick revision. Practice quizzes on general awareness and banking topics to boost your preparation. Stay consistent with updates because this section is scoring and important for mains exam.
Should I leave any syllabus topic while preparing?
No, it is better to cover the entire syllabus. However, focus more on topics that carry higher weight and those you are comfortable with. Leave very difficult or less important topics only if time is short. But try to at least glance through all sections so that you don’t miss any chance to score. Balanced preparation ensures better performance in both prelims and mains.
How to prepare well for the descriptive paper in mains?
Practice essay writing and letter writing on banking and current affairs topics regularly. Focus on clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion. Work on grammar, vocabulary, and coherence in your writing. Read editorials and opinion pieces from newspapers for ideas. Time yourself to complete the descriptive paper within the allotted 30 minutes. Regular practice boosts confidence and writing speed.
How to handle negative marking in IBPS PO exam?
Negative marking means you lose 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. To avoid this, do not guess blindly. Attempt questions only when you are reasonably sure of the answer. Practice questions to improve accuracy and reduce silly mistakes. Prioritize accuracy over attempting all questions. With good preparation and focus, you can minimize negative marking and secure a higher score.
How important is a study schedule for IBPS PO preparation?
A study schedule is very important to manage time well and cover the syllabus systematically. It helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures balanced preparation. Make a realistic timetable that includes time for revision and mock tests. Stick to the plan with discipline and evaluate your progress weekly. A good schedule makes exam preparation efficient and effective.
Can I prepare for IBPS PO while working or studying?
Yes, with proper time management it is possible. Dedicate fixed hours daily for preparation. Use early mornings, evenings, or weekends effectively. Focus on important topics and solve mocks during free time. Stay consistent and avoid distractions. Prioritize quality over quantity by making study sessions productive. Many candidates succeed with part-time preparation.
How to stay motivated during IBPS PO preparation?
Set small achievable goals and celebrate their completion. Track progress regularly. Study with friends or join online forums for support. Take breaks and maintain a healthy routine for better focus. Remind yourself of the career goals and benefits of becoming a PO. Staying positive and persistent is the key to long-term success.
What are the key books or resources for IBPS PO preparation?
Use standard books for each section such as “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S. Aggarwal, “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal, and “Objective English” by S.P. Bakshi. Follow daily newspapers like The Hindu for English and current affairs. Use online mock tests and apps for practice. Consistent use of quality resources enhances preparation significantly.