IBPS PO 2026: Date, Exam Pattern, and Syllabus

If you’re aiming for a banking career as a Probationary Officer in India, the IBPS PO exam is the first big milestone to cross. While the official notification for IBPS PO 2026 is yet to be announced, knowing the expected dates, exam pattern, and syllabus in advance can help you prepare strategically and stay ahead of the competition.

This blog covers all the essential details you need to know to get a head start.

About IBPS PO Exam 2026 

Conducted annually by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), the Probationary Officer (PO) exam is a national-level recruitment test for officer posts across India’s public sector banks.

The selection process comprises three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview Round. Candidates who qualify in all three are shortlisted for recruitment as Probationary Officers in participating banks such as Bank of India, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, and others.

The IBPS PO exam 2026 is expected to be conducted in a wide network of cities across India. In recent years, the Prelims exam was held in approximately 200 cities, while the Mains took place in around 100 cities. 

Expected Dates for IBPS PO 2026

Here is the expected timeline for the IBPS PO exam 2026.  

• Notification Release: Mid-2026

• Application Window Opening Date: Shortly after the notification is out 

• Preliminary Exam Date: August 2026

• Main Exam Date: Likely October 2026 

• Interview Round Date: End of 2026 or early 2027 

*Note: These timelines are based on past trends. For 2025, the IBPS PO Prelims were held on 17, 23, and 24 August 2025. 

Also Read: IBPS PO Registration Process & Eligibility Criteria 

IBPS PO Exam Pattern for 2026

Here’s the exam pattern for IBPS PO 2026 across all three levels. 

IBPS PO Preliminary Examination

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based (conducted at designated exam centers across India)

• Medium of Exam: English and Hindi 

• Duration: 60 minutes (1 hour) 

• Total No. of Questions: 100 

• Type of Questions: MCQs 

• Sections: English Language (30 Q), Quantitative Aptitude (35 Q), Reasoning Ability (35 Q)

• Total Marks: 100 

• Negative Marking: Applicable. 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer 

• Cut-offs: Sectional and overall, as decided by IBPS 

IBPS PO Mains Examination

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based (conducted at designated exam centers across India)

• Medium of Exam: English and Hindi (except for the English Language section, which will be in English only)

• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (including descriptive test)

• Total No. of Questions: 157

• Type of Questions: 155 Objective-type questions and 2 descriptive-type questions for 25 marks each. 

• Sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, General/Economy/Banking Awareness

• Total Marks: 200 

• Negative Marking: Applicable. 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer 

• Cut-offs: 80% of weightage is given to this exam for the final merit list 

 IBPS PO Interview Round

• Mode of Interview: Physical, face-to-face 

• Medium of Exam: Conducted in English and Hindi (candidates can choose their preferred language)

• Duration: Around 15-20 minutes per candidate

• Total No. of Questions: Varies from one candidate to another. Typically, the panel asks 8 to 12 questions during the session.

• Type of Questions: Personal background, banking awareness, situational and opinion-based questions, current affairs, and general knowledge

• Interviewer Panel Composition: 3-5 members, including senior bank officials and IBPS representatives

• Total Marks: 100 

• Qualifying Marks: Minimum qualifying marks are decided by IBPS and vary for different categories (usually around 40% for general and 35% for reserved categories)

• Cut-offs: 20% of weightage is given to this round for the final merit list 

Also Read: RBI Exam Pattern & Syllabus 

IBPS PO Syllabus for 2026

The IBPS PO syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning ability, communication skills, and general awareness; all essential for a managerial role in banking. While the official 2026 syllabus will be confirmed in the notification, it is expected to remain the same as in 2025.

Preliminary Examination Syllabus

1. English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Error Detection, Para Jumbles, Vocabulary (Synonyms & Antonyms), and Sentence Rearrangement. 

2. Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Time & Work, Speed-Distance-Time, Profit & Loss, Average, Simple & Compound Interest

3. Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Inequalities, Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Alphanumeric Series 

Main Examination Syllabus

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Logical Reasoning, Input–Output, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency, Decision Making, Computer Fundamentals, Networking, Internet, MS Office, Programming Basics 

2. English Language: Advanced Reading Comprehension, Grammar Usage, Error Spotting, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary, Para Completion, Descriptive Writing (Essay & Letter) 

3. Data Analysis & Interpretation: Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Tables, Caselets, Data Sufficiency, Probability, Permutation & Combination, Simplification 

4. General / Economy / Banking Awareness: Current Affairs (last 6 months), Banking Terms & Abbreviations, RBI Policies, Financial Awareness, Budget, Monetary & Fiscal Policy, Static GK, Government Schemes 

Interview Syllabus 

1. Personal Background: Educational qualifications, hobbies, strengths and weaknesses, reasons for joining the banking sector, understanding of the PO role 

2. Banking Awareness: Functions of RBI, Monetary Policies, Banking Terms, Financial Inclusion, NPA, Digital Banking, UPI, Types of Accounts, and Recent Developments in the Banking Sector 

3. Current Affairs & Economy: Recent Union Budget, Key Government Schemes, Global Economic Trends, RBI Reports, Indian Economy Updates, Important National & International Events 

4. Situational & Decision-Making: Hypothetical scenarios such as customer disputes, teamwork challenges, leadership situations, and ethical dilemmas in banking 

5. General Knowledge: Static GK, important institutions, Indian polity basics, and general awareness related to the financial system 

*Note: In this round, the candidate’s clarity of speech, body language, logical flow of thoughts, and ability to stay calm under pressure are also considered for marking. 

Also Read: Central Government’s Free Coaching Scheme for ST and OBC candidates Appearing for Competitive Exams in Banking and More. 

To conclude, over 12.35 lakh candidates applied for the IBPS PO exam across India in the 2025 cycle, highlighting just how competitive this recruitment process is. Amid such large-scale participation, clarity and early preparation can make a decisive difference as it helps candidates approach each stage with focus and confidence.

For moe updates on IBPS PO 2026, or other competitive exams in India, follow Primebook’s Students’ Corner.