IBPS PO exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this exam is a gateway to becoming a probationary officer in various public sector banks. To help you with your preparation, this article provides a detailed breakdown of the IBPS PO exam pattern for 2025.
Understanding the structure of the exam is crucial for effective preparation, so let’s dive into the exam pattern and explore everything you need to know.
Candidates must clear each stage to move to the next. The exam is conducted online and tests the candidates’ aptitude, reasoning ability, and knowledge in various areas.
2. IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO Prelims exam is the initial phase and consists of three sections. Candidates need to answer 100 questions in 1 hour.
Section
Number of Questions
Maximum Marks
Time Duration
English Language
30
30
20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude
35
35
20 minutes
Reasoning Ability
35
35
20 minutes
Key Highlights of Prelims:
Total Marks: 100
Time: 1 hour (20 minutes per section)
Negative Marking: 0.25 for each wrong answer
The Prelims exam is qualifying. Only those who clear the Prelims move to the Mains exam.
3. IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO Mains exam is more comprehensive and consists of four sections, including a Descriptive Paper. The total number of questions is 155, which candidates must complete in 3 hours.
Section
Number of Questions
Maximum Marks
Time Duration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
45
60
60 minutes
General/Banking Awareness
40
40
35 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude
35
60
45 minutes
English Language
35
40
40 minutes
In addition to these, there is a Descriptive Paper consisting of:
Descriptive Paper
Questions
Maximum Marks
Time Duration
Letter Writing & Essay
2
25
30 minutes
Key Highlights of Mains:
Total Marks: 200 (including the Descriptive Paper)
Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (with specific time for each section)
Negative Marking: 0.25 for each wrong answer
4. IBPS PO Interview Process
After successfully clearing the Mains exam, shortlisted candidates are called for an interview. The interview is a crucial part of the final selection process, and candidates who clear the interview will be selected for the role of Probationary Officer.
Interview Marks: 100
Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40% (for General candidates), 35% (for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates)
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined score of Mains and Interview.
5. Key Points to Remember
Prelims Exam is qualifying in nature; the Mains Exam and Interview are crucial for final selection.
Descriptive Paper: Pay attention to letter writing and essay writing in the Mains exam, as these are important for scoring high marks.
Time Management: With a total of 200 marks to be completed in a strict time limit, effective time management is essential for success.
Negative Marking: Avoid guessing answers as 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
6. How to Prepare for the IBPS PO Exam?
Effective preparation is the key to cracking the IBPS PO exam. Here are a few tips for successful preparation:
Understand the syllabus: Get a detailed understanding of the syllabus and focus on areas with higher weightage.
Practice Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy and familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
Strengthen Weak Areas: Focus on your weaker sections to improve overall performance.
Stay Updated: Keep up with current affairs and general knowledge related to banking, economics, and finance for the General Awareness section.
Improve English Proficiency: For the English section, practice reading comprehension, sentence correction, and vocabulary regularly.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO exam is a highly competitive exam that requires thorough preparation. Understanding the exam pattern, including the sections, marking scheme, and time duration, is the first step toward creating a solid preparation plan. Stay focused, practice consistently, and stay updated with the latest exam-related news to increase your chances of success.
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