IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2024: Check Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer Exam 2024 ( IBPS PO )

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Rachit Kumar Saxena

Rachit Kumar SaxenaManager-Editorial

Updated on Nov 26, 2024 14:58 IST

The candidates should practice with the IBPS PO exam pattern as mentioned in the official IBPS PO notification. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) mentioned the details about the IBPS PO 2024 exam pattern in the official notification. The candidates are suggested to internalise the IBPS PO exam pattern to score better in the IBPS PO exam 2024. It will help the candidates in time management during the exam. The IBPS PO exam pattern coupled with the IBPS PO syllabus is the two main components of exam preparation. 

IBPS PO exam pattern for prelims, mains and interviews are mentioned separately by the IBPS. According to IBPS PO exam pattern 2024, the prelims exam comprises three sections - English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. The total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. The main exam is a mix of both objective and descriptive-type tests. The total marks allotted to the mains exam of IBPS PO are 225. The interview carries 100 marks. Read below for more details on the IBPS PO exam pattern 2024.

Also Read: IBPS PO Result 2024 Expected SOON

Q:   What is IBPS PO Mains exam pattern?

A:

IBPS PO Mains exam comprises both objective and subjective-type questions. Questions in the objective section are asked from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. Questions in the subjective section are asked from English Language (Letter Writing and Essay. The duration of the exam is 3 hours 30 minutes. The total marks allotted to the test are 225. The structure of IBPS PO Mains exam pattern is given below.

Section name

Total questions

Allotted Time

Total marks

English Language

35 

40

40 

Data Interpretation and Analysis

35 

45

60 

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

45 

60

60 

General Awareness

40 

35

40

Total

155

180

200

English (Essay and Letter Writing)

2

30 minutes

25

Grand Total

157

3 hours 30 minutes

225

 

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Q:   What is IBPS PO exam pattern?

A:

IBPS PO exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the exam such as marking scheme, total marks, time duration, etc. IBPS PO exam pattern is such that it is divided into prelims exam, Mainsexam and interview. IBPS PO prelims exam comprises three sections-Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. The total marks allotted to the test are 200. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. There are sectional timings in the exam. IBPS POMainsexam comprises both objective and descriptive-type questions. The total marks allotted to theMainsexam are 225. The duration of the test is 3 hours 30 minutes. The total marks allotted to the interview are 100.

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Q:   What is IBPS PO prelims exam pattern?

A:

IBPS PO prelims exam is the first stage of selection process. The test carries three sections- Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. The prelims exam carries 100 marks. Candidates gets 60 minutes to solve the question paper. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for theMainsexam. The structure of IBPS PO prelims exam is given below.

Sections

Total questions

Total marks

Duration (In minutes)

English Language

30 

30 

20 

Quantitative Aptitude

35 

35 

20 

Reasoning Ability

35 

35 

20 

Total

100 

100 

60 

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Overview of IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2024

Given below is the IBPS PO exam pattern for prelims, mains and interview.

Parameters  Details

Stages of exam

Three (Prelims, Mains, and Common Interview)

Mode of exam

Online

Duration of prelims exam

One hour (60 minutes)

Duration for Mains exam

3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes)

Question type

Prelims: Objective Type

Mains: Objective and Descriptive Type 

Number of questions 

Prelims: 100

Mains: 157 (155 objective types and 2 descriptive types)

Maximum Marks

Prelims: 100

Mains: 225

Interview: 100

Language of question paper 

English and Hindi

Negative marks 

0.25

Also Read: IBPS PO Shift Timings

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern

IBPS PO prelims exam pattern consists of three sections. The paper will have 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions. Questions in the exam are asked from Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. The total time allotted to candidates to solve questions in IBPS PO prelims exam is 60 minutes. Candidates will get 20 minutes to attempt each section.

Structure of IBPS PO Prelims Exam

Sections Total questions Total marks Duration (In minutes)

English Language

30 

30 

20 

Quantitative Aptitude

35 

35 

20 

Reasoning Ability

35 

35 

20 

Total

100 

100 

60 

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 Important Points Related to IBPS PO Prelims Exam

  • IBPS PO prelims exam is qualifying in nature
  • Candidates qualifying this paper are eligible to appear for the mains exam
  • The marks secured in this paper are not considered for the final merit list
  • To qualify the paper, candidates need to secure both sectional and overall cutoff marks 

Also Read:

IBPS Clerk Mains Exam Pattern

The mains exam consists of both objective and descriptive type tests. The objective test is divided into four sections-Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. The descriptive section carries questions from English Language (Letter Writing and Essay). The duration of the test is 3 hours 30 minutes. There is also a sectional time limit in the mains exam. The total marks allotted to the test are 225. 

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Structure of Mains Exam

Section name Total questions Allotted Time Total marks

English Language

35 

40

40 

Data Interpretation and Analysis

35 

45

60 

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

45 

60

60 

General Awareness

40 

35

40

Total

155

180

200

English (Essay and Letter Writing)

2

30 minutes

25

Grand Total

157

3 hours 30 minutes

225

Get the Top Score in DI and Logical Reasoning section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

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Key Points Related to IBPS PO Mains exam

  • There will be sectional and overall IBPS PO cutoff marks in the mains exam
  • Candidates with a higher score are called for the interview
  • The marks of the mains exam are counted for the final merit list
  • There is not a separate section for Computer Knowledge. It has been combined with the Reasoning section

Also Read:

IBPS PO Interview Pattern 

IBPS PO interview is conducted for candidates who clear the mains exam. The interview carries a total of 100 marks. The minimum qualifying marks in the interview are 40 per cent and 35 per cent for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates. The interview assesses a candidate's intellectual capability, overall personality, and general knowledge. IBPS PO interview usually lasts for 15 to 20 min. However, document and background verification takes a long time.

Key Points Related to IBPS PO Exam Pattern

  • The final merit list is prepared based on the score of the mains exam and interview 
  • The ratio of the weightage given to the mains exam and interview is 80:20
  • After completion of the interview round, provisional allotment is done based on the IBPS PO vacancies in different banks
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IBPS PO Negative Marking

There is IBPS PO negative marking in the objective exam. For each wrong answer, one-fourth or 0.25 marks assigned to that question are deducted as IBPS PO negative marking to arrive at the corrected score. There is no IBPS PO negative marking for unattempted questions.

Q:   Is the IBPS PO exam tough to crack?

A:

The difficulty level of IBPS PO exam varies depending on the variety of factors such as the number of applicants, the level of competition, and the complexity of the material being tested. IBPS PO is a competitive exam that requires significant amount of preparation and hard work in order to clear the exam. It is important to familarise themselves with the exam format and syllabus. Candidates must also solve the previous years' question papers to know the type of questions asked in the exam. The tips and tricks to prepare for IBPS PO exam are given below:

  • The first and foremost step towards IBPS PO exam preparation is knowing the syllabus and exam pattern
  • Candidates must also go through the previous years’ cut off marks to know the level of competition and prepare accordingly for the exam
  • After going through the syllabus, candidates must prepare preparation strategy for the exam based on the important topics
  • Candidates must also solve the previous years’ question papers to know the type of questions asked in the exam
  • Candidates must also attempt mock test to improve speed and accuracy
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Q:   What is IBPS PO score calculation process?

A:
IBPS PO scores are calculated based on the marking scheme prescribed by the examination authority. For correct answers, candidates score one mark whereas 0.25 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Candidates need to secure the desired score inorder to qualify the exam. The scores of candidates are calculated based on the following method: The corrected scores obtained by each candidate in different sessions of the exam are normalised using the equi-percentile method. The normalised marks are used to announce the result Scores upto two decimal points are taken for the purpose of calculations The corrected scores are calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers.
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Q:   How important is IBPS PO mock test?

A:

IBPS PO Mocks are similar to the actual exam. Solving mocks will give candidates an idea of the kind of questions that can be expected on exam day IBPS PO mock tests familiarise candidates with the kind of syllabus, pattern, and difficulty level of the actual exam IBPS PO mock tests help candidates to keep a check on their preparation. Mock tests help candidates in effective time management. The importance of solving IBPS PO mock tests are given below:

  • IBPS PO mock tests help candidates to ascertain the difficulty level of the actual exam
  • Section-wise IBPS PO online mock tests are formulated in line with the latest syllabus and helps in revision and practice
  • Candidates gain clarity of IBPS PO exam pattern and scope of questions by regularly solving IBPS PO mock tests
  • Solving IBPS PO mock tests help candidates to identify the weak areas and work upon improving those areas
  • Solving mock tests help candidates to improve speed and accuracy
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IBPS PO Marking Scheme 2024

IBPS PO marking scheme is prescribed by the examination authority. 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

IBPS decides paper duration for IBPS PO exam. Prelims and mains exams have separate timings. There are also sectional timings in IBPS PO exam. The prelims exam is held for 60 minutes whereas it is 3 hours 30 minutes fpr the mains exam. IBPS PO exam duration is given below.

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Duration

Sections Duration (In minutes)

English Language

20 

Quantitative Aptitude

20 

Reasoning Ability

20 

Total

60 

IBPS PO Mains Exam Duration

Section name

Allotted Time

English Language

40

Data Interpretation and Analysis

45

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

60

General Awareness

35

Total

180

English (Essay and Letter Writing)

30 minutes

Grand Total

3 hours 30 minutes

Also Read:

IBPS PO Qualifying Marks

The examination authority releases IBPS PO qualifying marks in the form of cut off marks. The cut off marks are applied on overall score and section-wise marks. IBPS PO cut off marks are released for different categories and based on it candidates are selected for the different rounds of selection. Candidates can check below IBPS PO previous years' cut off marks.

IBPS PO 2023 Prelims Cut off

Category Cut-Off Marks
GEN 54.25
SC 49
ST 43
OBC 54.25
EWS 54.25

IBPS PO 2022 Prelims Cut off

Category Cut-Off Marks

Gen

49.75

SC

46.75

ST

40.75 

OBC

49.75

EWS

49.75

HI

17.50

OC

32.75

VI

24.75

ID

19.75

IBPS PO Mains Cut off

Category Cut Off Marks (Out of 225)
General 71.25
OBC 69.75
SC 59.25
ST 53.25
EWS 70.50
HI 37.75
OC 50.50
VI 66.25
ID 36

Q:   What is IBPS PO normalisation of marks?

A:
IBPS calculates the IBPS PO marks of the candidates through a method called normalisation that help candidates to get a rounded-up figure. Since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts and days the difficulty level of the question paper varies from one shift to another. Normalisation of score is done to balance and assist in fair evaluation. This method is followed both for prelims and Mains exams. Some of the benefits of normalisation are given below: The first assumption made for normalisation of marks is that the candidates across all the shifts of the exam have similar abilities The number of candidates appearing in the exam conducted by IBPS in large shifts is randomly done.
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Q:   Are there sectional timings in IBPS PO exam?

A:

Yes, there are sectional timings in IBPS PO exam. In prelims exam, candidates get 20 minutes to solve each section. In Mains exam, to solve English section, candidates get 40 minutes. The duration to attempt Data Interpretation and Analysis section and Reasoning and Computer Aptitude section, candidates get 45 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. The time duration allotted for General Awareness section is 35 minutes. To solve the descriptive paper, candidates get 30 minutes. The sectional timings for IBPS PO prelims and Mains exams are given below.

 Prelims Exam

Sections

Duration (In minutes)

English Language

20 

Quantitative Aptitude

20 

Reasoning Ability

20 

Total

60 

Mains Exam

Section name

Allotted Time

English Language

40

Data Interpretation and Analysis

45

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

60

General Awareness

35

Total

180

English (Essay and Letter Writing)

30 minutes

Grand Total

3 hours 30 minutes

 

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Q:   What are the section-wise total marks for IBPS PO exam?

A:

In the prelims exam of IBPS PO, the English section carries 30 marks whereas the Quant and Reasoning sections carries 25 marks. In the Mains exam of IBPS PO, the total marks allotted to the English section are 40 whereas the Data Interpretation and Analysis, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude section carries 60 marks each. The General Awareness section carries 40 marks.

Section-Wise Distribution of Marks in Prelims Exam

Sections

Total marks

English Language

30 

Quantitative Aptitude

35 

Reasoning Ability

35 

Total

100 

Section-Wise Distribution of Marks in Mains Exam

Section name

Total marks

English Language

40 

Data Interpretation and Analysis

60 

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

60 

General Awareness

40

Total

200

English (Essay and Letter Writing)

25

Grand Total

225

 

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IBPS PO Syllabus 2024

The syllabus of IBPS PO comprises the topics that candidates have studied in Class 10, 12, and graduation. The English Language section comprises, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Fill in the blanks, etc. The Quantitative Ability section comprises topics such as Simplification, Profit & Loss, Work & Time, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, etc.

Also Read: IBPS PO syllabus

Q:   What is IBPS PO Mains Syllabus?

A:

IBPS PO Mains syllabus is given below:

Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Average, Percentage, Permutation and Combination Age Problems, Interest, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Probability Mixture and Alligations Speed, Time and Distance, etc. English Cloze test, para jumbles, fill in the blanks, sentence improvement, reading comprehensions, detecting the errors etc.

Reasoning Ability: Syllogism, coding-decoding, miscellaneous questions, input-output, seating arrangement, data sufficiency, logical reasoning, computer aptitude etc.

General Awareness: Banking, Financial Awareness, Current Affairs Static General Awareness

Descriptive Test: The syllabus comprises essay writing and letter writing.

Candidates qualifying the mains exam of IBPS PO are called for the interview. The marks obtained in the mains exam are counted for the final merit list.

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Q:   What is the IBPS PO Prelims syllabus?

A:

IBPS PO prelims syllabus is given below: English Reading comprehension, Cloze Test, Spotting Errors, Para Jumbles, Sentence Improvements, Fill in the blanks, Sentence Connectors etc. Reasoning Ability: Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Inequality, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, miscellaneous questions, data sufficiency etc. Quantitative Aptitude Number series, simplification, quadratic equations, data interpretation, arithmetic problems, quantity-based questions etc. IBPS PO prelims syllabus is given below:

IBPS PO prelims Reasoning syllabus: Logical Reasoning, Alphanumeric Series, Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test, Data Sufficiency, Coded Inequalities, Seating Arrangement, Puzzle, Syllogism, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation.

IBPS PO Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus: Simplification, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligations, Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices, Work & Time, Time & Distance, Mensuration-Cylinder, Cone, Sphere, Data Interpretation, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Number Systems, Sequence & Series and Permutation, Combination & Probability.

IBPS PO Prelims English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Spotting Error, Fill in the blanks, etc.

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Q:   What is the IBPS PO syllabus?

A:

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection formulates the IBPS PO syllabus. Candidates must prepare according to the syllabus to get good score in the exam. IBPS PO syllabus is segregated into prelims, Mains and interview. IBPS PO Prelims syllabus comprises the English Language, Quantitative Ability, and Reasoning Ability. IBPS Mains syllabus covers the various topics of Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Interpretation and Analysis, General economy or Banking Awareness. IBPS PO Syllabus is given below.

Subjects

Topics

Reasoning

Logical Reasoning, Alphanumeric Series, Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test, Data Sufficiency, Coded Inequalities, Seating Arrangement, Puzzle, Syllogism, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation.

 

Quantitative Aptitude

Simplification, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligations, Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices, Work & Time, Time & Distance, Mensuration-Cylinder, Cone, Sphere, Data Interpretation, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Number Systems, Sequence & Series and Permutation, Combination & Probability

English Language

Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Spotting Error, Fill in the blanks, etc

General Awareness

Financial Awareness, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Static Awareness

Computer Aptitude

Internet, Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviation, Microsoft Office, Operating System, etc.

 

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IBPS PO Mock Test

IBPS PO mock tests are like actual tests that help candidates know the exam pattern. Solving the mock tests candidates can know the pattern of the exam. Candidates can build their ability to solve questions easily. Mock tests also help candidates to learn effective time management skills. 

IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2024 FAQs

Candidates can check below IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2024 FAQs.

Q:   What is the IBPS PO syllabus?

A:

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection formulates the IBPS PO syllabus. Candidates must prepare according to the syllabus to get good score in the exam. IBPS PO syllabus is segregated into prelims, Mains and interview. IBPS PO Prelims syllabus comprises the English Language, Quantitative Ability, and Reasoning Ability. IBPS Mains syllabus covers the various topics of Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Interpretation and Analysis, General economy or Banking Awareness. IBPS PO Syllabus is given below.

Subjects

Topics

Reasoning

Logical Reasoning, Alphanumeric Series, Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test, Data Sufficiency, Coded Inequalities, Seating Arrangement, Puzzle, Syllogism, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation.

 

Quantitative Aptitude

Simplification, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligations, Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices, Work & Time, Time & Distance, Mensuration-Cylinder, Cone, Sphere, Data Interpretation, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Number Systems, Sequence & Series and Permutation, Combination & Probability

English Language

Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Spotting Error, Fill in the blanks, etc

General Awareness

Financial Awareness, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Static Awareness

Computer Aptitude

Internet, Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviation, Microsoft Office, Operating System, etc.

 

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Q:   Does IBPS maintains reserve list for IBPS PO exam?

A:
A reserve list to the extent of approximately 10 percent of the vacancies under each category may be kept, subject to the availability of candidates. This does not guarantee provisional allotment to/recruitment by the participating banks. In the event of Participating Banks providing further vacancies during April 2024-March 2025 at different intervals, provisional allotment may be carried out three to four times for the candidates in the reserve list, based on the vacancies provided by some or any of the participating banks at different intervals during the period. However, if no vacancy is furnished by the Participating Banks owing to exigencies or otherwise during the validity period, the candidates under the reserve list will not be considered for provisional allotment. The reserve list will expire automatically on March 31, 2025. Candidates who are not provisionally allotted or not in the reserve list will not be considered for further process.
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IBPS PO Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

The IBPS PO main exam result 2024 is expected to be released soon. The Institute of Banking and Personnel Selection conducted the IBPS PO main exam on November 30, 2024. The IBPS will release the IBPS PO result 2024 will be released on its official website - ibps.in.

To check the IBPS PO main result

...more

A

Aashi Tiwari

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 2 weeks ago

If you missed downloading your IBPS PO admit card before the deadline, follow these steps:

1. Check for Re-issue: Pay a visit to the official website of the IBPS and look for any possibility to download the admit card again/ for those candidates who were unable to download the card before the due dat

...more

K

Kunal Lalwani

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 weeks ago

The Institute of Banking and Personnel Selection released the IBPS PO 2024 sectional cutoff and for all the categories. The IBPS PO cutoff for the prelims exam was reduced to 48.50. The Institute also released the sectional cutoff for IBPS PO prelims exam 2024. 

The candidates can see below the IBPS

...more

15103363
Rachit Kumar Saxena

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

IBPS PO cut off is released for prelims, mains, and final selection. IBPS PO cut off for the preliminary exam is calculated out of 100 marks. The Mains cut off is determined out of 225. The minimum qualifying marks in the interview will not be less than 40 per cent for the general category while 35

...more

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The IBPS PO Prelims result 2024 was released on its official website - ibps.in. The candidates should note the IBPS PO exam 2024 (prelims) was conducted on October 19 and 20. The IBPS PO result 2024 is available online only. The IBPS PO scorecard has been released on the official website.

The IBPS PO

...more

15103363
Rachit Kumar Saxena

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has released the IBPS PO Pre-Exam Training Admit Card on October 7. The candidates who opted for the PET can download their admit card and attend the training as per the schedule mentioned in the hall ticket. 

The IBPS PO 2024 admit card for the exam

...more

15103363
Rachit Kumar Saxena

Contributor-Level 10

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