If you’re aiming to land a prestigious job in the banking sector, then cracking the IBPS PO exam is your golden opportunity. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam every year to recruit candidates in various public sector banks across India. While the competition is fierce, understanding the IBPS PO syllabus thoroughly can give you a solid edge.
In this blog, we’ll break down the IBPS PO syllabus 2025 stage-by-stage, helping you prepare more strategically and confidently. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a returning candidate, this detailed guide will make your preparation smoother.
📚 IBPS PO Exam Pattern at a Glance
The IBPS PO exam is conducted in three phases:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Interview
Clearing each stage is mandatory to move to the next. Let’s dive into the syllabus for each stage.
📝 IBPS PO Preliminary Exam Syllabus
The Prelims is a screening test designed to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It includes three sections:
1. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary (Synonyms & Antonyms)
👉 Tip: Focus on reading newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express daily. It improves comprehension and vocabulary naturally.
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification & Approximation
- Data Interpretation (Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Tables)
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Simple Interest & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion)
👉 Tip: Practice is key here. Aim for speed and accuracy with daily mock tests.
3. Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements
- Inequality
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Coding-Decoding
- Alphanumeric Series
👉 Tip: Begin with basic topics and slowly move to high-level puzzles. Building logical thinking helps here.
⏱️ Exam Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes for each section)
✅ Qualifying in Prelims is essential to be eligible for Mains.
📘 IBPS PO Main Exam Syllabus
Once you clear the Prelims, you step into the Main exam, which is a bit more comprehensive and analytical.
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning
- Statement & Assumption/Conclusion
- Input-Output
- Coding-Decoding (Advanced)
- Decision Making
- Computer Basics (Internet, MS Office, Networking, Hardware & Software)
👉 Tip: Computer section is merged with reasoning, but don’t ignore it. Basic knowledge can fetch crucial marks.
2. English Language
- Reading Comprehension (Lengthier and more complex than Prelims)
- Error Detection
- Para Completion
- Sentence Connector
- Cloze Test
- Essay and Letter Writing (in Descriptive section)
👉 Tip: Focus on advanced comprehension and grammar. Practice writing essays regularly.
3. Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Caselet DI
- Missing DI
- Data Sufficiency
- Graphs (Line, Pie, Bar)
- Probability, Permutation & Combination
👉 Tip: Prioritize DI and Arithmetic. Use a calculator app during practice, but remember, no calculators are allowed in the exam.
4. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Static GK (Important Days, Countries & Capitals)
- Banking Terminologies
- RBI Functions
- Budget & Economic Survey
- Financial & Monetary Policies
👉 Tip: Stay updated with a monthly current affairs magazine or follow trusted online portals like PIB or RBI updates.
5. Descriptive Paper
- Essay Writing (250 words)
- Letter Writing (Formal & Informal)
👉 Tip: Clarity and structure matter more than fancy vocabulary. Practice writing within time limits.
⏱️ Exam Duration: 3 hours + 30 minutes for the descriptive section
🗣️ Interview Round
Once you clear the Mains, you’ll be called for a personal interview, which holds 100 marks. The final selection is based on the combined score of Mains + Interview.
👉 Tip: Stay confident, know your bio-data well, and stay updated on current events and banking news.
🎯 Final Words – Strategy is the Key
The IBPS PO syllabus is vast, no doubt, but it’s not impossible to master. The key is smart planning, consistent practice, and daily revision. Divide your time between mock tests, reading, and analysis. Make weekly goals and stick to them.
If you’re serious about your banking career, start your preparation now. The earlier you begin, the stronger your foundation will be. Success in IBPS PO is not just about studying hard—it’s about studying smart.