The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS PO exam every year to recruit Probationary Officers (PO) in public sector banks. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for planning and preparation.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the IBPS PO 2025 exam pattern, including Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages.
IBPS PO 2025: Selection Process
The IBPS PO recruitment process is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Interview / Personality Test
Only candidates who qualify in each stage will move to the next.
IBPS PO 2025 Prelims Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Key Points:
- The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature.
- There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Sectional timing: 20 minutes per section.
IBPS PO 2025 Mains Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Objective Total | 155 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Descriptive (Essay & Letter) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
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Key Points:
- The Mains is weighted heavily in final selection (80% weight).
- Descriptive writing is evaluated only after the Objective section is cleared.
- Each section has separate timing.
IBPS PO Interview 2025
- Candidates shortlisted from the Mains will be called for a personal interview.
- Interview Marks: 100
- Minimum qualifying: 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD)
Final Merit List Formula:
- Mains Score (80%) + Interview Score (20%) = Final Score
Final Allotment
- Final allotment to banks is based on merit and preference filled during registration.
- Marks from Prelims are not considered in the final selection.
Summary: IBPS PO 2025 Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Stage | Type | Marks | Weight in Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Objective | 100 | Qualifying Only |
| Mains | Objective + Descriptive | 225 | 80% |
| Interview | Face-to-Face | 100 | 20% |