IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 for Prelims and Mains Exam

Preparing for the IBPS PO 2025 exam? Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for success. The Bank exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit Probationary Officers (PO) in public sector banks. The selection process comprises three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Let's delve into the detailed syllabus for each stage.

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Details About IBPS PO?

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) holds the Probationary Officer (PO) exam every year. This exam helps banks find good candidates for jobs in public sector banks across India. As the competition gets tougher each year, knowing the complete IBPS PO exam syllabus is more important than ever.

IBPS PO Selection Process 2025

The selection process has three main stages:

1. Preliminary Exam (Prelims)

2. Main Exam (Mains)

3. Interview

You must pass each stage to move to the next one. Let's look at what you need to study for each part.

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025

The Prelims is the first hurdle in your IBPS PO journey. It tests three basic skills:

1. English Language

• Reading Comprehension

• Cloze Test

• Fill in the Blanks

• Spotting Errors

• Sentence Correction

• Para Jumbles

• Sentence Improvement

• Para/Sentence Completion

• Word Usage and Vocabulary

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2. Reasoning Ability

• Puzzles

• Seating Arrangements

• Syllogism

• Inequalities

• Blood Relations

• Direction and Distance

• Coding-Decoding

• Input-Output

• Order and Ranking

• Alpha/numeric/symbol Series

• Data Sufficiency

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3. Quantitative Aptitude

• Number Series

• Simplification and Approximation

• Data Interpretation

• Inequality

• Profit & Loss

• Simple and Compound Interest

• Probability

• Permutation & Combination

• Age-Based Problems

• Speed, Time, and Distance

• Time and Work

• Mixture and Alligation

• Ratio & Proportion

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IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The IBPS PO Prelims syllabus covers these three sections in a one-hour test:

Important points about the Prelims:

• All questions are multiple-choice

• There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer

• You need to meet both section-wise and overall cut-offs

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025

If you clear the Prelims, you'll face the Mains exam. The IBPS PO Mains syllabus is more detailed and covers:

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

Reasoning Part:

• Verbal Reasoning

• Syllogism

• Circular Seating Arrangement

• Linear Seating Arrangement

• Double Lineup

• Blood Relations

• Directions and Distances

• Ordering and Ranking

• Input-Output

• Coding and Decoding

• Data Sufficiency

Computer Aptitude Part:

• Internet Knowledge

• Computer Abbreviations

• Microsoft Office

• Keyboard Shortcuts

• Computer Hardware

• Computer Software

• Operating Systems

• Networking

• Computer Fundamentals

2. Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts, Graphs)

• Data Sufficiency

• Quadratic Equations

• Number Series

• Simplification

• Average

• Percentage

• Ratio and Proportion

• Mixture and Allegations

• Interest Problems

• Profit and Loss

• Time and Work

• Speed, Distance, and Time

• Mensuration and Geometry

• Number System

• Linear Equations

• Permutation and Combination

• Probability

3. English Language

• Reading Comprehension

• Grammar

• Vocabulary

• Verbal Ability

• One Word Substitution

4. General/Economy/Banking Awareness

• Current Affairs (last 6-8 months)

• Banking Terms and Concepts

• Financial Awareness

• Economic Developments

• Government Schemes

• Banking History and Organizations

• General Knowledge

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IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025

The Mains exam is more challenging and detailed:

Key points about the Mains exam:

• The questions in Section A are worth 2 marks each

• The questions in Section B are worth 1 mark each

• There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for wrong answers

• Each section has its own time limit

• You must pass each section individually

Descriptive Test in IBPS PO Mains

The Mains exam also includes a descriptive test that checks your writing skills:

• Essay Writing

• Letter Writing

• Total marks: 25

• Time: 30 minutes

This part tests your ability to express your ideas in writing. You must also score above the cut-off in this section.

IBPS PO Interview

If you clear both the Prelims and Mains, you'll be called for an interview. While there's no fixed syllabus for the IBPS PO interview, you should prepare for:

• Questions about your education and work experience

• Why do you want to join banking

• Basic banking concepts

• Current economic trends

• Recent financial news

• Role of the RBI and other banking institutions

• Your problem-solving skills and decision-making ability

The interview carries 100 marks. General category candidates need at least 40 marks, while SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates need at least 35 marks to qualify.

Read More: Synonyms and Antonyms for Banking Exams

Final Selection for IBPS PO 2025

The final selection is based on:

• Mains exam score (80% weightage)

• Interview score (20% weightage)

Tips to Master the IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

1. Create a study plan covering all topics in the IBPS PO syllabus

2. Practice with previous years' question papers

3. Take regular mock tests to build speed and accuracy

4. Focus on weak areas while maintaining your strong points

5. For the Prelims, build your calculation and reasoning speed

6. For the Mains, deepen your knowledge in all subjects

7. Stay updated with current affairs for the General Awareness section

8. Improve your writing skills for the descriptive test

Important Dates for IBPS PO 2025

• IBPS PO Prelims Exam: October 4, 5, and 11, 2025

• IBPS PO Mains Exam: November 29, 2025

Tips to Master the IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

You have learned about the syllabus and exam, and now see howyou  can master all these and crack the exam.

Study Plan and Strategy

1. Create a detailed study plan covering all topics in the IBPS PO syllabus

2. Divide your day into specific time slots for each subject

3. Practice with previous years' question papers to understand the exam pattern

4. Take at least one mock test every week and analyze your performance

5. Focus on weak areas while maintaining your strong points

6. For the Prelims, build your calculation and reasoning speed with timed practice

7. For the Mains, deepen your knowledge in all subjects, especially banking awareness

8. Stay updated with current affairs for the General Awareness section (read newspapers daily)

9. Improve your writing skills for the descriptive test with daily practice

10. Join online forums or study groups to discuss difficult topics

Subject-wise Preparation Tips

English Language

• Read newspapers and magazines daily to improve vocabulary and comprehension

• Practice reading comprehension passages with a timer

• Learn common grammar rules and their exceptions

• Create a personal word bank of new vocabulary

• Practice error spotting in sentences daily

Reasoning Ability

• Start with easier topics like coding-decoding, and build up to complex puzzles

• Practice at least 5 puzzles and seating arrangements daily

• Draw diagrams for direction and blood relation problems

• Time yourself while solving reasoning questions

• Learn shortcuts for syllogisms and inequality problems

Quantitative Aptitude

• Master basic mathematical formulas and shortcuts

• Practice mental calculations to save time

• Focus on data interpretation with different types of graphs and tables

• Solve at least 20-30 questions daily

• Learn tables, squares, cubes, and percentages by heart

General/Banking Awareness

• Read financial newspapers like Financial Express or Economic Times

• Make short notes on important banking news and revise weekly

• Follow RBI notifications and banking regulation updates

• Learn about government schemes related to banking and finance

• Use mobile apps dedicated to current affairs for quick revision

Computer Aptitude

• Learn basic computer terminology and abbreviations

• Understand the fundamentals of operating systems and software

• Practice questions on MS Office functions and shortcuts

• Learn about internet protocols and basic networking concepts

Descriptive Writing Tips

• Practice essay writing on banking and economic topics

• Work on formal letter writing, especially complaint letters and application letters

• Improve your handwriting for better presentation

• Learn to structure your essays with proper introduction, body, and conclusion

• Practice time management by writing essays within 15-20 minutes

Understanding the complete IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 is your first step toward success. With proper planning and regular practice, you can master each topic in the IBPS PO exam syllabus and move closer to your dream banking job. Remember, the key is not just studying hard but studying smart by focusing on the right topics and practicing regularly.

Whether you're preparing for the IBPS PO prelims syllabus or diving into the IBPS PO mains syllabus, this guide will help you stay on track.

Also Read, IBPS PO 2025 Exam Preparation Tips

IBPS PO Syllabus FAQs

1. What are the eligibility criteria for IBPS PO 2025?

To apply for IBPS PO 2025, candidates must be Indian citizens between 20-30 years of age (with relaxation for reserved categories). They should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university and be proficient in the official language of the state they're applying for.

2. Is there a sectional time limit in the IBPS PO Prelims exam?

Yes, the IBPS PO Prelims exam has sectional time limits. You get 20 minutes each for English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude sections, making the total exam duration 60 minutes.

3. How much is the negative marking in IBPS PO exams?

Both IBPS PO Prelims and Mains exams have a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. There is no penalty for questions left unanswered.

4. How many attempts are allowed for the IBPS PO exam?

There is no limit to the number of attempts for general category candidates. However, candidates must meet the age criteria each time they apply.