IBPS PO Syllabus 2024: Prelims, Mains and Interview Syllabus PDF

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer Exam 2025 ( IBPS PO )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 4 Oct '25 - 11 Oct '25

Rachit Kumar Saxena
Updated on Jan 23, 2025 17:21 IST

By Rachit Kumar Saxena, Manager-Editorial

The candidates should note that the IBPS PO exam is a very competitive. The candidates are suggested to prepare all the topics mentioned in the official notification to score better in the exam and ensure their selection. The candidates should note that the IBPS PO 2025 syllabus is the main focus area for the preparation because only the syllabus can give a clear idea about the exam. The IBPS PO syllabus for prelims and main is different with various common topics. 

IBPS PO syllabus for prelims comprises

  • English Language
  • Quantitative Ability
  • Reasoning Ability

Candidates who get through the prelims exam appear for the mains exam. The IBPS PO main exam 2025 will be conducted on November 29, 2025. The Candidates can check below the detailed IBPS PO syllabus 2025 for prelims and mains exams.

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.

 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   Is 60% required for IBPS PO?

A: 

Any graduate candidate can apply for IBPS PO exam. It is not necessary to have 60 per cent marks in graduation. However, different banks might have different criteria and it is subject to change. IBPS PO is one of the most renowed banking exams in the country. With practice candidates will be able to crack the exam. Candidates must be thorough with the IBPS PO syllabus inorder to know the topics to cover in the exam.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is IBPS Clerk Syllabus?

A: 

IBPS Clerk syllabus is divided into prelims and Mains exams. The syllabus for the prelims exam comprises the topics such as English Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. IBPS Clerk Mains syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude English Language, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, and General Awareness. It is important to prepare according to the syllabus as the questions in the exam are framed based on it. Candidates must be well-versed with the IBPS Clerk syllabus to know the important topics for the exam. The benefits of knowing the syllabus are given below:

  • IBPS Clerk syllabus outlines the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam
  • Going through the syllabus candidates can know the topics that are important for the exam
  • Candidates can plan their preparation strategy based on the syllabus
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is IBPS PO Syllabus for Descriptive Test?

A: 

The Descriptive section of the IBPS PO Syllabus comprises two parts: essay writing and letter writing. Aspirants should practice writing essays on current topics. For letter writing both formal and informal letters should be practised by candidates. Some of the important topics for the Descriptive Test are given below:

  • Global Warming and its Causes
  • Merger of banks
  • Indian Banking System
  • Public vs Private sector banks
  • Is privatization good for India?
  • Digital India
  • UPI and its benefits
  • Use of Technology in the banking system
  • Digital Literacy

 

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

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.

IBPS PO Logo

IBPS PO Syllabus Overview

Before proceeding to the syllabus, let us have a look at the structure of the IBPS PO exam pattern. 

Parameters Preliminary  Mains 
Mode of exam  Online  Online 
Number of questions  100 157
Nature of questions  Objective type  Objective and Descriptive Type
Marks  100 225 
Negative marks  0.25 0.25
Sections  English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability

Objective test: English Language, Data Interpretation and Analysis, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude and General Awareness.

Descriptive Test: English (Essay and Letter Writing)

IBPS PO Logo

IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

The major subjects of the Prelims and Mains syllabus are arithmetic problems, number series, seating arrangement, puzzles, reading comprehension, cloze test, spotting errors, etc. IBPS PO syllabus outlines the topics that candidates need to study for the exam. Before beginning with the preparation, candidates should check IBPS PO syllabus and chalk out study plans for the exam. The syllabus of IBPS PO is different for the preliminary and mains exam. 

IBPS PO Syllabus PDF

IBPS PO syllabus PDF comprises the important topics that candidates must cover under each subject of the prelims and mains exams. We have provided below IBPS PO syllabus PDF. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and plan their preparations accordingly.

Download Here IBPS PO syllabus PDF

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

Click Here

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus

The prelims exam of IBPS PO is the primary selection round. Candidates qualifying the exam are called to appear for the mains exam. The preliminary exam mainly comprises three sections, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and English. The maximum mark allotted to the mains exam is 100. IBPS PO syllabus 2025 for prelims is given below: 

English Language

Quantitative Ability

Reasoning

Reading Comprehension

Simplification

Logical Reasoning

Cloze Test

Profit & Loss

Alphanumeric Series

Para jumbles

Mixtures & Allegations

Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test

Miscellaneous

Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices

Data Sufficiency

Fill in the blanks

Work & Time

Coded Inequalities

Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting

Time & Distance

Seating Arrangement

Paragraph Completion

Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere

Puzzle

-

Data Interpretation

Tabulation

-

Ratio & Proportion, Percentage

Syllogism

-

Number Systems

Blood Relations

-

Sequence & Series

Input-Output

-

Permutation, Combination & Probability

Coding-Decoding

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus

IBPS PO syllabus for mains exam comprises topics from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude & General Awareness. There is one descriptive paper on Letter Writing and Essay in IBPS PO. The mains exam carries 225 marks. Candidates can check below the IBPS PO syllabus for mains:

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Analysis

The topics that candidates need to prepare in Data Interpretation and Analysis are given below.

IBPS PO Data Interpretation and Analysis Syllabus
Simplification Average
Percentage Ratio and Percentage
Data Interpretation Mensuration and Geometry
Quadratic Equation Interest
Problems of Ages Profit and Loss
Number Series Speed, Distance and Time
Speed, Distance and Time Time and Work
Number System Data Sufficiency
Linear Equation Permutation and Combination
Probability Mixture and Allegations

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for General Awareness 

  • Financial Awareness
  • Current Affairs
  • General Knowledge

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025 for Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

IBPS PO Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus 

Verbal Reasoning

Internet

Syllogism

Memory

Circular Seating Arrangement

Keyboard Shortcuts

Linear Seating Arrangement

Computer Abbreviation

Double Lineup

Microsoft Office

Scheduling

Computer Hardware

Input-Output

Computer Software

Blood Relations

Operating System

Directions and Distances

Networking

Ordering and Ranking

Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies

Data Sufficiency

-

Coding and Decoding

-

Code Inequalities

-

 

 

 

 

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for English Language 

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar
  • Verbal Ability
  • Fill in the blanks 

How to Prepare for IBPS PO Descriptive Test?

The tips and tricks to prepare for IBPS PO descriptive test are given below: 

  • Candidates should familiarise themselves with the format of the paper by reviewing the syllabus and previous years' question papers
  • They should develop the writing skills by practising essay writing, letter writing and precis writing
  • Candidates should improve their vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure
  • Practice writing on different topics to improve flexibility and creativity

How to Prepare for IBPS PO Interview?

IBPS PO syllabus for interview can range from numerous topics such as banking and or finance-related questions. The questions can be based on RBI functions, Governors, and Headquarters, types of cards, bank accounts, and questions related to KYC. Candidates must be versed in current affairs such as budget-related questions etc. The maximum mark allotted to the interview round is 100. 

IBPS PO Interview Questions

 Questions in the interview are asked from educational qualification, banking awareness and current affairs, general knowledge, current job profile (if anyone is working), etc. Few questions that candidates can expect for IBPS PO interview are given below:

Banking Awareness & Current Affairs

  • New government schemes (Example: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan etc)
  • Trending Topics or Terms (Example: Cryptocurrency,  NPA, KYC, Money Laundering, Inflation, Deflation, FDI etc)
  • Recent Events (Example: GST, FRDI Bill, BREXIT, Banking Scams, Recapitalization of Banks etc)
  • Important Banking Terms (Example: CRR, PLR, NPAs, Repo rate, Reverse Repo Rate etc)
  • Terms related to Processes having Day to Day in Banks (eg: Types of account, Types of Check, Lockers, Check vs Draft, Demat Account)
  • Terms related to day to day processes in banks (Example: Types of account, Types of Check, Lockers, Check vs Draft, Demat Account)
  • Apart from these topics questions from the complete syllabus of Bank PO exams can be asked during the Bank PO interview.

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

  • Critical points from constitution of India
  • Important events from around the world (Election in any country, Conflict between two countries etc.)
  • Person in News (Example: A leader from other country visiting in our country, Sports Person etc.)
  • Environmental issues (Example: Global Warming, Pollutions etc)
  • Your political opinion (Example: Which government is better? Which is your favorite political party?)
  • Who are you going to vote in the election, who is better in the previous government and this time governments etc.)

Educational Background or Career Objectives

  • Why did you choose this stream?
  • What you did after your graduation?
  •  Why do you want to join Banking Sector?
  • Why you want to join the government sector, being an XYZ graduate?
  • Why the government sector, why not the private sector?
  • Why do you not want to pursue higher education?

Personal Questions

  • Tell me something about yourself.
  • What's Special About Your Hometown?
  • What does your father do? 
  •  Why don't you join your father business?
  • Who is your role model and why?
  • What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
  • Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
  • Tell me about a time you worked in a team?

Get the Top Score in Numerical Ability section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

Click Here
IBPS PO Logo

Important Subjects of the IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

The important topics given in IBPS PO syllabus are mentioned below. 

  • English: Reading Comprehension, cloze test, spotting errors, new pattern questions, etc. 
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, arithmetic problems, number series, etc. 
  • Reasoning Ability: Seating arrangement, syllogism, data sufficiency, etc.
IBPS PO Logo

IBPS PO Exam Pattern

IBPS PO exam pattern is such that it comprises prelims exam, mains exam and and interview. IBPS PO prelims exam comprises questions from Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The mains exam comprises both objective and descriptive tests. The total marks allotted to the mains exam are 250. The interview carries 100 marks. The marking scheme of IBPS PO is given below:

  • For the correct answer, one mark is awarded
  • For incorrect answers, 0.25 marks are deducted
  • The total marks are calculated based on the correct and incorrect answers

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern

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 

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern

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

Normalisation of Marks

Normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of question papers spread across various shifts. The exam is conducted in multiple sessions therefore the difficulty level varies. To evaluate the performance of candidates fairly, normalisation is done.

IBPS PO Logo

Books for IBPS PO 2025

Candidates can check below the best books for IBPS PO. Candidates refer to these IBPS PO books to prepare for the exam. These books will help candidates clear the concepts of various topics in the syllabus.

Sections

Books for IBPS PO

English Language

  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Quantitative Aptitude by RS Agarwal

Reasoning Ability

  • Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning by RS Agarwal
  • A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal & Non-Verbal (Arihant) by BS Sijwali
  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey

General Awareness

  • Banking and Economic Awareness by Rakesh Kumar
  • Banking, Financial & General Awareness by I K Pavel

Prepare for Competitive Exams with Expert Tips on the English Section

Click Here
IBPS PO Logo

How to Prepare for IBPS PO 2025?

Discussed below is the strategy candidates should adopt right now in order to ensure a good score in the preliminary and mains exam:

  • Make a section-wise list of all the topics from where questions may be asked
  • Start with the ones candidates find the toughest or have never heard of before
  • Devote one hour to each section
  • Refer only to school textbooks and normal exercise books to learn the fundamental concepts
  • Buy a preparation book for bank exams and start solving questions topic-wise
  • Focus on learning the shortcut tricks for solving lengthy problems
  • Candidates should focus on attempting the mock tests

Also Read:

IBPS PO Logo

IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 FAQs

Candidates can check below IBPS PO syllabus 2025 FAQs.

Get all exam details, important updates and more.

Download Important Dates for Sarkari Exams Exams

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2025 7 Feb '25
SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2025 10 Feb '25
IAS 2025 Application Dates 22 Jan '25 - 11 Feb '25
RRB ALP Result 2024 CBT 1 12 Feb '25
Dates • Results • Answer Key
WBCS Admit Card 2024 Feb '25

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News