IBPS PO Syllabus 2025, Exam Pattern, Books, Prep Tips

IBPS PO Recruitment 2025 is conducted in three crucial stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview. To secure a position, candidates must qualify in each of these rounds. A thorough understanding of the detailed syllabus and exam pattern is essential for strategic and focused preparation. Knowing the structure, subjects, and marking scheme helps aspirants allocate their time wisely and strengthen weak areas. Candidates can go through this detailed article to know about IBPS PO Syllabus 2025, exam pattern, best books and improve their performance, and increase their chances of success.

IBPS PO Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025 Overview

IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025

The IBPS PO Exam (CRP XIII) follows a three-stage recruitment process to select candidates for the post of Probationary Officer in public sector banks. IBPS has introduced sectional timing for each part of the Preliminary Exam. The recruitment process includes:

• Tier 1: IBPS PO Preliminary Exam (Online)
• Tier 2: IBPS PO Mains Exam (Online)
• Tier 3: Personal Interview (Face-to-face interaction with a panel)

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

• The IBPS PO Prelims Exam is conducted online and serves as the first stage of the selection process.
• The exam comprises 3 sections with a total of 100 questions, carrying a maximum of 100 marks.
• Each section has a fixed time limit of 20 minutes, making the total exam duration 60 minutes.
• Negative marking is applicable: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
• Candidates must qualify in each of the three sections individually by clearing the sectional cut-offs

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025

• The IBPS PO Mains Exam is conducted online and consists of 5 sections (4 objective + 1 descriptive).
• The exam carries a total of 225 marks (200 for objective + 25 for descriptive).
• The total duration of the exam is 210 minutes (180 minutes for objective + 30 minutes for descriptive).
• The descriptive paper tests candidates' writing skills and is crucial for shortlisting for the Probationary Officer position.
• There is a negative marking in both Preliminary and Mains Objective Tests.
• 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the marks assigned) will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
• No penalty will be applied for unattempted questions (if no answer is selected).

IBPS PO Interview

Candidates who clear the IBPS PO Mains Exam are shortlisted for the final interview round, which carries a total of 100 marks. To qualify, candidates must score at least 40% (or 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories).

The IBPS PO interview typically lasts for 15–20 minutes and is conducted by a panel of senior bank officials. During the session, candidates are asked questions about their background, the banking and financial sector, current affairs, and general awareness.

IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

The IBPS PO syllabus closely aligns with the pattern followed in other major bank exams. While the Institute provides a broad outline of subjects, these can be broken down into specific topics based on previous years’ question trends. The IBPS PO syllabus is categorised into two main sections:

IBPS PO Books 2025

Choosing the right books is crucial for IBPS PO 2025 preparation. Quality study materials covering Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness help build strong fundamentals and improve problem-solving speed, ensuring effective and comprehensive exam readiness.

IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2025

Preparing for IBPS PO 2025 requires a disciplined approach, focusing on understanding the exam pattern, practising previous year papers, and improving time management. Consistent study, regular mock tests, and strengthening weak areas are key to scoring well and clearing the exam.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern Thoroughly

Before starting preparation, get a clear idea of the IBPS PO exam stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Know the subjects covered, number of questions, marking scheme, and time limits. This helps you plan your study efficiently and avoid surprises on exam day.

2. Create a Realistic and Consistent Study Schedule

Design a daily or weekly timetable balancing all subjects—Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness. Stick to the schedule religiously. Consistency beats last-minute cramming, and a well-structured plan ensures you cover the entire syllabus systematically.

3. Practice Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

Regularly solving mock tests improves your speed, accuracy, and exam temperament. Analyse your mistakes after every test to avoid repeating them. Practising past papers also familiarises you with the exam’s question style and difficulty level.

4. Focus on Strengthening Weak Areas

Identify which subjects or topics you find difficult. Dedicate extra time to improve these areas instead of only practising your strengths. Use online tutorials, reference books, or coaching if needed, to build confidence and ensure balanced preparation.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs and Banking Awareness

Reading newspapers, monthly current affairs magazines, and banking news websites daily keeps you informed. This is crucial for the General Awareness section and the interview round. Focus on banking policies, government schemes, and financial news.

6. Work on Time Management and Accuracy

During practice sessions, simulate exam conditions to build speed. Learn shortcuts and tricks for quantitative problems, and improve reading speed for English. Avoid guesswork; accuracy is as important as speed to maximise your score.

FAQs

1. What subjects are included in the IBPS PO 2025 syllabus?

Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge form the core IBPS PO syllabus.

2. How is the IBPS PO 2025 exam pattern structured?

The exam has three stages: Prelims (objective), Mains (objective + descriptive), and an Interview round.

3. Which books are recommended for IBPS PO 2025 preparation?

R.S. Aggarwal for Quant & Reasoning, S.P. Bakshi for English, and Arihant Publications for General Awareness.

4. What is the best way to prepare for IBPS PO 2025?

Understand the syllabus, create a study schedule, practice mocks regularly, improve weak areas, and stay updated with current affairs.

5. How important is time management in IBPS PO preparation?

Time management is crucial for balancing speed and accuracy to attempt all questions confidently within exam time limits.