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IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is all set to conduct the online preliminary exam for the Probationary Officer/ Management Trainee (PO/MT) posts from tomorrow, i.e. August 17, 2025, to fill 5208 vacancies. All the registered and eligible candidates can download the admit card for the same till August 24, 2025, only from the official website. With less than 24 hours left, candidates should review the paper pattern to avoid any silly mistakes in the exam. It will also help them plan their test-taking strategy and manage time efficiently across all the sections. Further details about the IBPS PO Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme are shared on this page.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has invited online applications to fill 5208 vacancies for the Probationary Officer/ Management Trainee (PO/MT) posts in the Participating Public Sector Banks. The recruitment process includes three stages such as Online Preliminary, Online Main Examination and Personality Test. As per the official calendar, the prelims exam will take place on August 17, 23rd, and 24th, 2025. Thus, candidates should review the IBPS PO syllabus and exam pattern to gain insights into question format, exam duration, marking scheme, and other parameters. The IBPS PO Prelims exam features 100 multiple-choice questions for 100 marks. Candidates will get 20 minutes to solve each section in the exam. Each wrong response will also attract a penalty in the form of negative marking.
Stage 1: IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
Overview
The preliminary stage is a qualifying exam, screening candidates for the Mains.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
Key Insights
Each section is separately timed, giving precise control over pacing.
Focus on accuracy along with speed due to negative marking.
Stage 2: IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Objective Test (Online, MCQs)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 35 | 50 | 25 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 40–50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 145 | 200 | ~160 minutes |
Descriptive Test: Letter Writing & Essay, 2 questions for 25 marks, 30 minutes.
Total Exam Duration: Approximately 3 hrs 30 mins (incl. Descriptive)
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect MCQ.
Highlights of Changes
New sections like Digital/Financial Awareness added under General Awareness.
Combined Reasoning & Computer Aptitude streamlines assessment.
Descriptive writing included to test communication skills and practical banking writing.
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Testy
Conducted post-Mains.
Marks: Usually out of 100. Qualifying marks: 40% general, 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD.
Final merit derived from Mains marks + Interview marks (approx. 80:20 ratio).
Summary Table: At-a-Glance
| Stage | Sections | Marks | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | English, Quant, Reasoning | 100 | 60 mins | Qualifying exam, negative marking |
| Mains | Obj.: 4 sections + Descriptive | 225 | ~3 hrs 30 mins | Objective + Descriptive |
| Interview | Personality Test | 100 | ~15–20 mins | Final merit includes this stage |
FAQs
The Prelims exam lasts for 60 minutes, with 20 minutes allocated to each of the three sections: English, Quant, and Reasoning
Yes. The Mains includes a Descriptive Test with two tasks: Essay and Letter Writing, worth 25 marks and 30 minutes.
Mains now includes “Digital or Financial Awareness” under General Awareness and combines Reasoning with Computer Aptitude.
Practice section-wise with timers.
Strengthen writing skills for the descriptive test.
Stay updated on financial and digital awareness.
Use mock tests to master pacing and error control due to negative marking.