What is IBPS PO?
IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer) exam is a national-level examination that is conducted to recruit Probationary Officers in various Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India. The exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interviews. The exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria specified by IBPS can apply for the exam. It is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are advised to prepare well by referring to the syllabus, practicing the previous year’s question papers, and taking mock tests.
IBPS PO Eligibility 2023
The Educational Qualification required for the IBPS PO exam is as follows:
- A degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognized university or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government of India.
The Age Criteria for the IBPS PO exam are as follows:
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 30 years
This means that a candidate must have been born not earlier than 02.08.1993 and not later than 01.08.2003 (both dates inclusive) to be eligible to apply for the IBPS PO exam.
However, there are certain age relaxations provided to candidates belonging to certain categories as per government norms. The following table lists the age relaxations provided:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
|
SC/ST |
5 Years |
|
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) |
3 Years |
|
PwD |
10 Years |
|
Ex-Servicemen |
5 Years |
|
Persons affected by 1984 riots |
5 Years |
IBPS PO Exam Pattern
The IBPS Exam pattern consists of three phases:
Preliminary Exam: This phase consists of objective-type questions in three sections – English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The exam duration is 1 hour.
Mains Exam: This phase also consists of objective-type questions, but in four sections – English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. There is also a descriptive paper for English Language (letter and essay writing). The exam duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Interview: This phase involves a personal interview where the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and suitability for the job are assessed by a panel of experts. The interview is usually conducted by the participating banks.
Preliminary Exam Paper Pattern
| Name of Test | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 Minutes |
|
Numerical Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 Minutes |
|
Reasoning Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 Minutes |
|
Total |
100 |
100 |
60 Minutes |
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-based Test)
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the MCQ section. The Descriptive Test is evaluated for 25 marks.
- Cut-off: The cut-off for IBPS Mains is decided based on various factors like the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of candidates appearing for the exam.
- Qualifying Criteria: Candidates need to score the minimum qualifying marks in each section and overall to be eligible for the final selection process, i.e., Interview round.
Mains Exam Paper Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-based Test)
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the MCQ section. The Descriptive Test is evaluated for 25 marks.
- Cut-off: The cut-off for IBPS Mains is decided based on various factors like the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of candidates appearing for the exam.
- Qualifying Criteria: Candidates need to score the minimum qualifying marks in each section and overall to be eligible for the final selection process, i.e., the Interview round.
| Name of Test | Number of Questions | Maximum Number | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
45 |
45 |
60 Minutes |
|
English Language |
35 |
40 |
40 Minutes |
|
Data Analysis & Interpretation |
35 |
60 |
45 Minutes |
|
General/Economy/Banking Awareness |
40 |
40 |
35 Minutes |
|
Total |
155 |
200 |
3 Hours |
|
English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) |
2 |
25 |
30 Minutes |
Interview
- The final stage of the selection process
- Conducted in selected cities
- The panel of 3-5 experts in banking or related fields
- Duration of 15-20 minutes
- Candidates assessed on communication skills, banking knowledge, current affairs, and overall personality
- Necessary documents must be carried
- Final merit list prepared based on Main exam and interview marks (80:20 weightage)
- Job offer as Probationary Officer in participating banks for those who clear the interview and meet eligibility criteria.
Final Calculation of IBPS PO Exam
The final calculation of IBPS PO exam is done based on the candidate’s performance in the Preliminary, Main and Interview rounds. The weightage given to each stage is as follows:
- Preliminary Exam – 100 marks
- Main Exam – 200 marks
- Interview – 100 marks
A candidate’s final score is calculated by adding the marks obtained by them in the Main Exam and Interview and then deducting the penalty for wrong answers.
The formula to calculate the final score is as follows:
Final Score = (Marks obtained in Main Exam * 80/200) + (Marks obtained in Interview * 20/100)
For example, if a candidate scores 140 marks in the Main Exam and 70 marks in the Interview, their final score will be calculated as follows:
Final Score = (140 * 80/200) + (70 * 20/100)
= 56 + 14
= 70
Therefore, the candidate’s final score will be 70 out of 100.
Based on the candidates’ final scores, the merit list is prepared and candidates are selected for the post of Probationary Officer in various participating banks.
Participating Banks
- Allahabad Bank
- Andhra Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
- Bank of Maharashtra
- Canara Bank
- Central Bank of India
- Corporation Bank
- Indian Bank
- Indian Overseas Bank
- Oriental Bank of Commerce
- Punjab National Bank
- Punjab & Sind Bank
- Syndicate Bank
- UCO Bank
- Union Bank of India
- United Bank of India
- Vijaya Bank
Selection Process
Preliminary exam qualifying candidates appear for the Mains exam, followed by an Interview.
Application Process
Candidates can apply for the exam through the official website of IBPS. The application process involves registration, filling up the application form, uploading photographs and signature, and payment of the application fee.
Application Fees
The application fee for IBPS PO varies for different categories. For General/OBC candidates, the application fee is Rs. 850/-, and for SC/ST/PWD candidates, the application fee is Rs. 175/-. The application fee can be paid online using Debit Cards (RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, and Cash Cards/ Mobile Wallets.
Exam Frequency:
The IBPS PO exam is conducted once a year to recruit Probationary Officers in participating banks.
Conducting Authority:
IBPS PO Exam Syllabus
English Language
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
|
Reading Comprehension |
10-15 Marks |
|
Error Detection |
5-10 Marks |
|
Sentence Correction |
5-10 Marks |
|
Para Jumbles |
5-10 Marks |
|
Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Cloze Test) |
5-10 Marks |
|
Grammar (Noun, Pronoun, Adverb, Adjective, Verb, etc.) |
5-10 Marks |
Quantitative Aptitude
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
|
Simplification |
5-10 Marks |
|
Number Series |
5-10 Marks |
|
Data Interpretation |
10-15 Marks |
|
Quadratic Equations |
0-5 Marks |
|
Arithmetic Topics |
10-15 Marks |
|
-Averages |
1-2 Marks |
|
-Percentage |
1-2 Marks |
|
- Ratio & Proportion |
1-2 Marks |
|
- Partnership |
1-2 Marks |
|
- Problems on Ages |
0-1 Marks |
|
- Profit & Loss |
1-2 Marks |
|
- Simple & Compound Interest |
1-2 Marks |
|
- Time, Speed & Distance |
1-2 Marks |
|
- Time & Work |
1-2 Marks |
|
Data Sufficiency |
0-5 Marks |
Reasoning Ability
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
|
Seating Arrangement and Puzzles |
20-25 Marks |
|
Syllogism |
3-5 Marks |
|
Inequality |
3-5 Marks |
|
Blood Relations |
3-5 Marks |
|
Coding-Decoding |
5-7 Marks |
|
Direction Sense |
2-4 Marks |
|
Order and Ranking |
2-4 Marks |
|
Alphanumeric Series |
2-4 Marks |
|
Data Sufficiency |
2-4 Marks |
|
Logical Reasoning |
5-7 Marks |
|
Input-Output |
0-5 Marks |
|
Miscellaneous |
5-7 Marks |
General Awareness
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
|
Banking Awareness |
20-25 Marks |
|
Current Affairs |
10-15 Marks |
|
Static GK (History, Geography, Polity, etc.) |
5-10 Marks |
Computer Aptitude
| Syllabus | Weightage |
|---|---|
|
Basics of computer hardware, Software, Operating System, Internet, Networking, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Computer shortcuts, Computer abbreviations |
20 marks |
Descriptive Writing
| Syllabus | Weightage |
|---|---|
|
Letter Writing: Formal & Informal, Application Writing, Precis Writing, Essay Writing |
25 marks |
Note: The Descriptive Writing section in IBPS PO exam is of qualifying nature and a minimum score is required to clear the exam. The marks obtained in this section are not added to the final score but are considered for the interview round.
Salary Structure of IBPS PO
| Component | Amount (in Rs.) |
|---|---|
|
Basic Pay |
23,700 |
|
Dearness Allowance (DA) |
10,550
|
|
House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
2,370 to 3,210 |
|
Special Allowance |
1,836
|
|
City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) |
0 to 870 |
|
Total Salary |
40,000 to 42,000 |
IBPS PO cutoff scores for Prelims, Mains, Interview, and Final selection
IBPS PO Cutoff 2021
| Category | Prelims | Mains | Interview | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General |
58.75 |
111.25 |
38.50 |
60.58 |
|
EWS |
57.00 |
105.75 |
34.00 |
57.88 |
|
OBC |
54.25 |
110.50 |
36.13 |
55.63 |
|
SC |
49.00 |
91.50 |
33.75 |
53.38 |
|
ST |
42.75 |
76.25 |
28.88 |
45.38 |
IBPS PO Cutoff 2020
| Category | Prelims | Mains | Interview | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General |
58.75 |
89.75 |
44.38 |
52.50 |
|
EWS |
58.75 |
89.75 |
40.83 |
52.50 |
|
OBC |
58.75 |
76.75 |
40.63 |
52.50 |
|
SC |
50.00 |
62.50 |
38.13 |
45.13 |
|
ST |
39.38 |
62.50 |
28.88 |
39.38 |
IBPS PO Cutoff 2019
| Category | Prelims | Mains | Interview | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General |
59.75 |
71.50 |
44.44 |
54.74 |
|
EWS |
59.75 |
65.88 |
40.82 |
48.98 |
|
OBC |
59.75 |
70.25 |
40.27 |
53.02 |
|
SC |
53.50 |
55.63 |
38.67 |
45.74 |
|
ST |
46.25 |
38.13 |
28.86 |
40.48 |
IBPS PO Preparation Tips
IBPS PO preparation tips that can help you clear the exam:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: The first step towards preparing for any exam is to understand its pattern and syllabus. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus for IBPS PO.
- Make a study plan: Once you have a clear understanding of the syllabus, make a study plan that suits your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate sufficient time to each section and practice regularly.
- Practice with previous year question papers: Practicing with previous year question papers can help you understand the types of questions asked in the exam and also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Take mock tests: Taking mock tests can help you evaluate your preparation level and identify areas where you need to improve. It will also help you improve your time management skills and build your confidence.
- Improve your speed and accuracy: Speed and accuracy are crucial to clearing the IBPS PO exam. Practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy in solving questions.
- Focus on your weak areas: Identify your weak areas and work on them. Practice more questions and take help from experts if required.
- Stay updated with current affairs: The General Awareness section of the IBPS PO exam includes questions on current affairs. Stay updated with the latest happenings in the world and India by reading newspapers, magazines, and online sources.
- Read English newspapers and books: The English Language section of the IBPS PO exam includes questions on comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Reading English newspapers and books can help you improve your English language skills.
- Take care of your health: Taking care of your health is important during the exam preparation phase. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.
- Stay motivated and confident: Lastly, stay motivated and confident throughout the preparation phase. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and work hard towards your goal of clearing the IBPS PO exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the selection process for IBPS PO Exam?
The selection process for IBPS PO Exam consists of three stages – Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Exam will be eligible to appear for the Main Exam. Those who clear the Main Exam will be called for the Interview.
Is there any negative marking in IBPS PO Exam?
Is there any sectional cut off in IBPS PO Exam?
Can final year students apply for IBPS PO Exam?
How many attempts are allowed for IBPS PO Exam?
There is a limit on the number of attempts for IBPS PO Exam. General category candidates can attempt the exam 4 times, OBC category candidates can attempt the exam 7 times, and there is no limit for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
