IBPS PO 2025 Syllabus: Prelims and Mains

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Preliminary Exam Syllabus

The preliminary exam comprises three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

1. English Language:

• Reading Comprehension: Passage-based questions with direct and inference-based queries.
• Cloze Test: Fill in the blanks based on context.
• Fill in the Blanks: Single or double blank sentences with appropriate word choices.
• Spotting Errors: Grammar or sentence structure errors.
• Sentence Improvement: Correcting underlined parts of sentences.
• Para Jumbles: Rearranging sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
• Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases.

2. Quantitative Aptitude:

• Simplification/Approximation: Solve simple equations.
• Number Series: Identify the pattern in sequences.
• Data Interpretation: Questions based on tables, pie charts, line graphs, bar graphs.
• Arithmetic Problems: Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Speed & Distance.
• Miscellaneous: Problems involving ages, mixtures, allegations, etc.

3. Reasoning Ability:

• Seating Arrangement: Linear and circular arrangements.
• Puzzles: Logic-based scenarios to solve.
• Syllogisms: Logical conclusions based on statements.
• Inequalities: Statements to determine relationships.
• Blood Relations: Family tree problems.
• Direction Sense: Position and movement-based questions.
• Coding-Decoding: Understanding coding patterns.
• Miscellaneous: Order and ranking, alphanumeric series, etc.

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Main Exam Syllabus

The main exam has five sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and a Descriptive Test.

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:

• Reasoning:
  • Advanced puzzles and seating arrangements.
  • Logical reasoning: assumptions, arguments, and conclusions.
  • Input-Output: Sequence-based operations.
  • Data Sufficiency.
• Computer Aptitude:
  • Basics of computer hardware and software.
  • Internet, MS Office, operating systems.
  • Networking and email protocols.

2. English Language:

• Advanced reading comprehension and para jumbles.
• Grammar-based questions: Sentence correction and improvement.
• Vocabulary: Cloze tests, synonyms, and antonyms.

3. Data Analysis & Interpretation:

• Complex data interpretation: Pie charts, line graphs, bar graphs, and caselets.
• Data sufficiency.
• Arithmetic problems: Time and work, probability, permutations, combinations, etc.

4. General/Economy/Banking Awareness:

• Current affairs (last six months).
• Banking and financial awareness: RBI policies, monetary systems, banking terms.
• Government schemes: PMJDY, PMAY, Mudra Yojana, etc.
• Static GK: National parks, countries, capitals, sports, etc.

5. Descriptive Test:

• Essay Writing: Current events, economic issues, or social topics.
• Letter Writing: Formal (to a bank manager) or informal (to a friend/relative).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Is there any negative marking in the IBPS PO exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in both prelims and mains.

2. How many questions are there in the IBPS PO prelims?
The prelims have 100 questions: 30 from English, 35 each from Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.

3. What is the time duration for the IBPS PO mains exam?
The total duration is 3 hours 30 minutes, including the descriptive section.

4. Is the descriptive section in the mains exam evaluated?
Yes, it is evaluated, and its marks are considered in the final merit list.

5. Can I attempt the exam in Hindi?
Yes, except for the English language section, you can choose between English and Hindi.

6. How can I prepare for the current affairs section?
Refer to monthly magazines, newspapers like The Hindu, and online platforms focusing on banking and finance updates.

7. What is the cut-off for prelims?
The cut-off varies yearly based on difficulty level and competition but usually ranges between 50-60 marks.

8. Are calculators allowed in the exam?
No, calculators or electronic gadgets are not permitted. However, virtual calculators are available in the mains exam.

9. Is there any sectional timing in the prelims?
Yes, each section has a fixed duration of 20 minutes in prelims.

10. What resources are best for preparation?

• Books: Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
• Online Platforms: Mock tests, YouTube tutorials.
• Newspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times.

Let me know if you need further details!

August 2025

Probationary Officer

To be announced

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

August 2025

IBPS Official Website