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IBPS PO

IBPS PO Vacancy Out

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 2024

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 02.08.1994 and not later than 01.08.2004 (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:

The preliminary exam is the first stage of the selection process.
It usually consists of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
The exam is conducted online and comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
The duration of the preliminary exam is typically one hour.
The preliminary exam serves as a screening test, and only those who qualify are eligible to appear for the main examination.
Marks obtained in the preliminary exam are not considered for final selection; they are used to shortlist candidates for the main exam.

Mains Exam:

The main exam is the second stage of the selection process and is conducted for candidates who qualify in the preliminary exam.
It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) as well as descriptive questions.
The main exam generally covers several subjects, including Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation.
The duration of the main exam is usually around three hours.
Marks obtained in the main exam are considered for shortlisting candidates for the interview round.

Interview:

Candidates who qualify in the main examination are called for an interview conducted by participating banks.
The interview assesses candidates’ communication skills, personality, and suitability for the banking sector.
The interview is typically conducted by a panel of experts.
The final selection is based on the combined performance in the main examination and the interview.

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

Name of Test	Number of Questions	Maximum Number	Duration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	45	60	60 Minutes
English Language	35	40	35 Minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation	35	60	45 Minutes
General/Economy/Banking Awareness	40	40	35 Minutes
Total	157	225	3 Hours
English Language (Letter Writing & Essay)	2	25	30 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., the Interview round.

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.

Interview Questions:

Interview questions can vary widely and may cover a range of topics, including the candidate’s educational background, work experience (if any), banking and financial awareness, general awareness, current affairs, and personal interests.
The panel may also ask situational or behavioral questions to assess the candidate’s problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, and attitude towards work and colleagues.

IBPS PO Exam Syllabus

English Language

Section	Topics Covered
Reading Comprehension	Comprehension passages and questions based on them
Grammar	Parts of speech, sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, tenses, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, etc.
Vocabulary	Synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, idioms, phrases, etc.
Cloze Test	Passage with blanks, fill in the blanks with appropriate words based on context
Sentence Improvement/Correction	Identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sentences
Para jumbles/Sentence Rearrangement	Rearranging jumbled sentences or paragraphs to form a coherent sequence
Fill in the Blanks	Completing sentences with suitable words or phrases

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.

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

Salary Structure of IBPS PO

Component	Amount (in Rs.)
Basic Pay	₹23,700 to ₹42,020 per month
Dearness Allowance (DA)	Varies (typically around 60% of basic pay)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	Varies based on location (usually 7-9% of basic pay)
Special Allowance	₹1,836 per month
City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)	Varies based on location
Total Salary	40,000 to 42,000
Medical Allowance	₹8000 per annum
Newspaper Allowance	₹500 per month
Travel Allowance	Reimbursement for official travels
Provident Fund (PF)	Deducted as per government rules
Pension	Contribution towards pension scheme
Gross Salary	Basic Pay + DA + HRA + Special Allowance + Other Allowances

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:

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)

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.