SarkariReady
Free Job Alerts

IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)

Every topic matched to the official PDF Official notice, www.ibps.in

58 topics, each explained 6 units
Official syllabus page www.ibps.in

IBPS PO is the Common Recruitment Process run by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection for Probationary Officer / Management Trainee posts in public sector banks, open to graduates of any discipline. Selection runs through three stages — Preliminary, Main and Interview. Since the Prelims marks are only for screening and are not carried forward, the real weight in your preparation should go to the Main examination and the Interview.

Exam Pattern

Conducting body: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), which runs the Common Recruitment Process (CRP) for Probationary Officer / Management Trainee posts in the participating public sector banks. Eligibility: graduation in any discipline. Selection has three stages — Preliminary, Main and Interview.

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION (online, 100 marks, 1 hour): English Language (30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes); Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes); Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes). The Prelims is only a screening test — these marks are NOT carried to the final merit.

MAIN EXAMINATION (online): an Objective Test of 200 marks (about 3 hours) plus a Descriptive Test — English (Letter Writing & Essay) of 25 marks, 30 minutes. The objective test is usually split into four separately-timed sections — Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General / Economy / Banking Awareness, and English Language (the exact question count per section can change year to year, so treat the split as indicative). Negative marking is one-fourth (1/4) mark for each wrong answer in the objective tests.

INTERVIEW (100 marks): candidates who clear the Mains are called for an interview. The final merit is prepared with a weightage of 80:20 between the Main examination and the interview (the Prelims marks are not counted).

Confirm the current section split, marks and eligibility against the CRP-PO advertisement of the year on ibps.in.

Start PractisingPlay a free quiz in Meri Taiyari
IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) — related updates
IBPS IBPS PO सैलरी 2026 — इन-हैंड पे, ग्रेड और भत्ते 10 Aug 2026

Full Syllabus

1 English Language (Prelims & Mains)
What the syllabus listsWhat it means and how to prepare
Reading ComprehensionReading Comprehension — answering questions from a passage; skim the questions first, then hunt for answers in the passage to save time.
Cloze TestCloze Test — filling blanks in a passage with the right word; read the whole paragraph for meaning before choosing, not word by word.
Para JumblesPara Jumbles — arranging scrambled sentences into the right order; find the opening sentence first, the one that introduces the topic.
Error Detection / SpottingError Detection / Spotting — finding which part of a sentence has a grammar mistake; focus on subject-verb agreement and tense.
Sentence ImprovementSentence Improvement — replacing an underlined part with better phrasing; read each option back in the sentence, the wrong one will sound off.
Fillers (single & double)Fillers (single & double) — choosing the right word for one or two blanks in a sentence; in a double filler the same option must fit both blanks, that is the check.
Word Usage / Word SwapWord Usage / Word Swap — spotting the correct use of a word, or which two words need swapping; check both the word's meaning and its place in the sentence.
Phrase ReplacementPhrase Replacement — picking the option that correctly replaces an underlined phrase; keep the original meaning intact while fixing the grammar.
VocabularyVocabulary — word meanings, synonyms and antonyms; note new words from daily reading and revise them regularly.
Paragraph CompletionParagraph Completion — identifying the missing sentence in a paragraph; follow the flow of meaning from the sentences before and after the gap.
2 Quantitative Aptitude / Data Analysis & Interpretation
What the syllabus listsWhat it means and how to prepare
Simplification & ApproximationSimplification & Approximation — solving expressions using BODMAS or estimating the nearest value; memorising tables of squares, cubes and percentage fractions speeds this up.
Number SeriesNumber Series — spotting the pattern (difference, multiplication, squares) in a sequence to find the next term; check the difference between the first few terms first.
Quadratic EquationsQuadratic Equations — finding the roots of two equations and comparing them (greater/smaller/equal); solve quickly by factorisation.
Data Interpretation (tables, bar / line / pie, caselet, missing DI)Data Interpretation (tables, bar / line / pie, caselet, missing DI) — calculating from data given as tables, graphs or a caselet story; read the data carefully first, then move to the questions.
Data SufficiencyData Sufficiency — deciding whether the given statements are enough to answer the question; judge only sufficiency, without solving the whole problem.
PercentagePercentage — get fast at converting between fractions and percentages; this base skill carries into many of the other topics too.
Ratio & ProportionRatio & Proportion — practise reducing quantities to a simple ratio and dividing amounts in that same ratio.
AverageAverage — total divided by count; understand how the average shifts when a value is added to or removed from the group.
Profit & LossProfit & Loss — finding profit or loss percentage from the difference between cost price and selling price; watch the difference between mark-up and discount.
Simple & Compound InterestSimple & Compound Interest — remember how the two formulas differ; in compound interest, interest is earned on interest too.
Time & WorkTime & Work — solve by working out each person's one-day capacity (work done per day); this method handles most questions in the topic.
Time-Speed-DistanceTime-Speed-Distance — built on distance = speed × time; practise relative-speed questions separately, they trip people up the most.
Mixtures & AlligationMixtures & Alligation — learn the shortcut method for finding the average when two different concentrations are mixed.
PartnershipPartnership — dividing profit in the ratio of capital and time invested; when capital is invested for different durations, use the product of capital × time.
AgesAges — assume a variable for the present age, then build the equation from the 'x years ago/later' condition given.
Boats & StreamsBoats & Streams — speed adds when moving with the current and subtracts when moving against it; that one rule underlies the whole topic.
MensurationMensuration — memorise the area and volume formulas for shapes like squares, rectangles, circles and cylinders, and practise them regularly.
ProbabilityProbability — favourable outcomes divided by total possible outcomes; learn to count the possibilities correctly first, the formula becomes easy after that.
Permutation & CombinationPermutation & Combination — permutation when order matters, combination when it doesn't; decide that first, then apply the formula.
3 Reasoning Ability (Prelims & Mains)
What the syllabus listsWhat it means and how to prepare
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (linear / circular / floor / box-based)Puzzles & Seating Arrangement — place the clues that fix a position directly first, then fit in the remaining conditions.
SyllogismSyllogism — drawing conclusions from statements; solve with a Venn diagram, not in your head.
Blood RelationsBlood Relations — draw a family tree on paper and work through it, don't try to track every relation in your head.
Direction & DistanceDirection & Distance — sketch each turn step by step on paper, then find the straight-line distance using the Pythagoras theorem.
Order & RankingOrder & Ranking — solve by marking the positions (top-bottom or front-back) on a simple line.
Coding-DecodingCoding-Decoding — spotting the letter and number pattern (how many steps forward or back); this comes with practice.
InequalityInequality — chain the symbols (>, <, =) together to draw the conclusion; in the coded variety, decode the symbols first.
Alphanumeric SeriesAlphanumeric Series — finding the pattern in a mixed sequence of letters, numbers and symbols; don't rush the counting.
Machine Input-OutputMachine Input-Output — work out the rule moving the words or numbers right from the very first step.
Data SufficiencyData Sufficiency — deciding whether the statements are enough to answer, without needing to fully solve the question.
Logical / Critical ReasoningLogical / Critical Reasoning — for argument, statement-assumption and statement-action questions, stick to only what is given, don't bring in outside knowledge.
Analogy & ClassificationAnalogy & Classification — identify the relationship in the first pair, then apply that same relationship to check the other options.
4 Computer Aptitude (Mains — within the Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section)
What the syllabus listsWhat it means and how to prepare
computer fundamentalsComputer fundamentals — understand and remember the generations, types and basic terminology of computers.
hardware & softwareHardware & software — the physical parts you can touch are hardware, the programs that run on them are software; remember examples of each.
operating systemsOperating systems — the main layer between the computer and the user; understand its jobs like resource management and file handling.
MS OfficeMS Office — practise recognising the commonly used features and shortcuts of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
internet & networkingInternet & networking — remember the basic terms for how the internet works, including browsers, websites and network types.
database basicsDatabase basics — a system for organising data; understand terms like table, field and record.
memory & storageMemory & storage — understand the difference between RAM and ROM, and temporary versus permanent storage.
input / output devicesInput / output devices — devices that send data in are input, devices that show data out are output; make a list of each and learn it.
computer abbreviationsComputer abbreviations — make a list of full forms for terms like CPU, RAM, URL and learn it.
basic security termsBasic security terms — get a clear understanding of what words like virus, firewall and password mean.
5 General / Economy / Banking Awareness (Mains)
What the syllabus listsWhat it means and how to prepare
current affairs of roughly the last 6 months (national & international)Current affairs of roughly the last 6 months — read a daily newspaper or a reliable app, and keep revising with weekly notes.
Banking & Financial Awareness (RBI & its functions, monetary policy, SEBI / IRDAI, types of accounts & negotiable instruments, NPAs, banking terms & abbreviations)Banking & Financial Awareness — work through RBI's functions, monetary policy, SEBI/IRDAI, types of accounts, negotiable instruments and terms like NPA one by one.
the Indian Economy & BudgetThe Indian Economy & Budget — build a basic understanding of GDP, inflation and the key budget terms.
important government schemesImportant government schemes — make a table of each scheme's name, purpose and the year it was launched, and learn it that way.
static GKStatic GK — build a list of fixed facts like capitals, currencies, national symbols and awards, and revise it repeatedly.
6 Descriptive Test (Mains)
What the syllabus listsWhat it means and how to prepare
Letter Writing (formal / informal)Letter Writing (formal / informal) — remember the correct format, greeting and closing; practise by writing a few sample letters.
Essay Writing — assessed for grammar, coherence, structure and clarity of expressionEssay Writing — assessed for grammar, coherence, structure and clarity of expression; practise writing within an introduction-body-conclusion structure.

Not covered in this pack — where to find it

Cut-off / qualifying marksNot stated in this pack — sectional and overall cut-offs are announced separately by IBPS.
Exam datesNot stated in this pack — check the CRP-PO notification and IBPS calendar on ibps.in.
Vacancy countNot stated in this pack — vacancies vary by year and by participating bank.
Age limitNot stated in this pack — confirm against the year's official CRP-PO notification.
Application feeNot stated in this pack — confirm against the year's official CRP-PO notification.

Free practice — 21 questions

Work out the answer yourself first, then tap “Show answer”. Every answer shows the method, not just the letter.

  1. In the IBPS PO Prelims exam, how many total questions are there across all three sections?

    • A 90
    • B 120
    • C 100
    • D 75
    Show answer

    C — 100

    English Language has 30 questions, Quantitative Aptitude has 35, and Reasoning Ability has 35 — 30 + 35 + 35 = 100.

    Exam Pattern (Prelims)

  2. The IBPS PO Prelims exam is conducted for how many total marks?

    • A 100
    • B 50
    • C 150
    • D 200
    Show answer

    A — 100

    The pattern states the Preliminary Examination is online, for 100 marks, to be completed in 1 hour.

    Exam Pattern (Prelims)

  3. How much total time is given to complete the IBPS PO Prelims exam?

    • A 45 minutes
    • B 1 hour
    • C 1.5 hours
    • D 2 hours
    Show answer

    B — 1 hour

    The Preliminary Examination is explicitly described as online, 100 marks, 1 hour.

    Exam Pattern (Prelims)

  4. How many marks are allotted to the Quantitative Aptitude section in the Prelims exam?

    • A 30
    • B 40
    • C 25
    • D 35
    Show answer

    D — 35

    Quantitative Aptitude has 35 questions worth 35 marks, in a separately timed 20-minute slot.

    Quantitative Aptitude

  5. How many marks are allotted to the English Language section in the Prelims exam?

    • A 30
    • B 25
    • C 20
    • D 35
    Show answer

    A — 30

    English Language has 30 questions worth 30 marks, in a separately timed 20-minute slot.

    English Language

  6. How much time is allotted for the Reasoning Ability section in the Prelims exam?

    • A 30 minutes
    • B 15 minutes
    • C 20 minutes
    • D 25 minutes
    Show answer

    C — 20 minutes

    Reasoning Ability is given a separately timed slot of 20 minutes, the same as the other two Prelims sections.

    Reasoning Ability

  7. In IBPS PO's objective tests, how many marks are deducted for each wrong answer?

    • A 1/2 mark
    • B 1/4 mark
    • C No negative marking
    • D 1/3 mark
    Show answer

    B — 1/4 mark

    The pattern explicitly states negative marking is one-fourth (1/4) mark for each wrong answer in the objective tests.

    Exam Pattern (Negative Marking)

  8. The Objective Test in the IBPS PO Main exam is conducted for how many marks?

    • A 150
    • B 100
    • C 250
    • D 200
    Show answer

    D — 200

    The Main Examination has an Objective Test of 200 marks, taking about 3 hours.

    Exam Pattern (Mains)

  9. What weightage is given to the Main examination and the Interview together while preparing the final merit list?

    • A 80:20
    • B 70:30
    • C 90:10
    • D 50:50
    Show answer

    A — 80:20

    The final merit is prepared with a weightage of 80:20 between the Main examination and the interview.

    Selection Process

  10. Are the marks scored in the IBPS PO Prelims exam added to the final merit list?

    • A Yes, fully added
    • B Only 50% is added
    • C No, Prelims is only for screening
    • D Only if there is a tie
    Show answer

    C — No, Prelims is only for screening

    The pattern states the Prelims is only a screening test — these marks are not carried to the final merit.

    Selection Process

  11. In the Prelims English Language section (out of 30 marks), a candidate scored 24 marks. What percentage did they score?

    • A 75%
    • B 80%
    • C 72%
    • D 85%
    Show answer

    B — 80%

    Percentage = (24/30) × 100 = 80%.

    Percentage

  12. Two numbers are in the ratio 3:5. If their sum is 96, find the larger number.

    • A 48
    • B 72
    • C 36
    • D 60
    Show answer

    D — 60

    Let the numbers be 3x and 5x. So 3x + 5x = 96, giving 8x = 96, x = 12. The larger number = 5 × 12 = 60.

    Ratio & Proportion

  13. The average of 5 numbers is 42. If one number is removed, the average of the remaining 4 numbers becomes 40. Find the removed number.

    • A 50
    • B 45
    • C 52
    • D 48
    Show answer

    A — 50

    Sum of 5 numbers = 5 × 42 = 210. Sum of remaining 4 numbers = 4 × 40 = 160. Removed number = 210 − 160 = 50.

    Average

  14. A shopkeeper buys an item for ₹800 and sells it for ₹960. Find the profit percentage.

    • A 15%
    • B 25%
    • C 20%
    • D 18%
    Show answer

    C — 20%

    Profit = 960 − 800 = 160. Profit % = (160/800) × 100 = 20%.

    Profit & Loss

  15. Find the simple interest on ₹5,000 at 8% per annum for 3 years.

    • A ₹1,000
    • B ₹1,200
    • C ₹1,500
    • D ₹1,350
    Show answer

    B — ₹1,200

    Simple Interest = (P × R × T) / 100 = (5000 × 8 × 3) / 100 = ₹1,200.

    Simple & Compound Interest

  16. A can finish a piece of work in 12 days and B can finish the same work in 24 days. Working together, how many days will they take?

    • A 6 days
    • B 10 days
    • C 9 days
    • D 8 days
    Show answer

    D — 8 days

    A's one-day work = 1/12, B's one-day work = 1/24. Together = 1/12 + 1/24 = 3/24 = 1/8, so the work is finished in 8 days.

    Time & Work

  17. A train travels 300 km in 5 hours. Find its average speed.

    • A 60 km/h
    • B 50 km/h
    • C 65 km/h
    • D 75 km/h
    Show answer

    A — 60 km/h

    Speed = Distance / Time = 300 / 5 = 60 km/h.

    Time-Speed-Distance

  18. Find the next number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?

    • A 40
    • B 44
    • C 42
    • D 36
    Show answer

    C — 42

    The differences between consecutive terms are 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 — each 2 more than the last. So the next term is 30 + 12 = 42.

    Number Series

  19. In a certain code, CAT is written as DBU. How will DOG be written in the same code?

    • A EPG
    • B FPH
    • C EQH
    • D EPH
    Show answer

    D — EPH

    Each letter is shifted forward by one place in the alphabet: C→D, A→B, T→U. Applying the same rule to DOG: D→E, O→P, G→H, giving EPH.

    Coding-Decoding

  20. A man walks 5 km towards North, then turns right and walks 3 km, then turns right again and walks 5 km. How far is he from his starting point?

    • A 3 km
    • B 5 km
    • C 8 km
    • D 13 km
    Show answer

    A — 3 km

    North (5 km), then a right turn = East (3 km), then a right turn again = South (5 km). The North and South distances cancel each other out (5 km each), leaving only the 3 km eastward displacement.

    Direction & Distance

  21. Choose the word most similar in meaning to 'Abundant'.

    • A Scarce
    • B Empty
    • C Plentiful
    • D Limited
    Show answer

    C — Plentiful

    'Abundant' means existing in large quantities. 'Plentiful' carries the same meaning, while the other options mean the opposite or something unrelated.

    Vocabulary

These questions are built from the official pattern and syllabus on this page. Every answer was independently re-solved before it was published.

This exam recruits at these levels: Graduate

Note — Always confirm the syllabus and pattern against that year's official notification — changes are possible.

Start PractisingPlay a free quiz in Meri Taiyari
IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) — related updates
IBPS IBPS PO सैलरी 2026 — इन-हैंड पे, ग्रेड और भत्ते 10 Aug 2026

Official source: https://www.ibps.in/