Banking Awareness is one of the most decisive sections of the IBPS PO exam. It not only plays a crucial role in Mains , but also becomes the backbone of your Interview performance. Aspirants who build strong banking concepts often gain a clear edge in final selection, even if their scores in other sections are average.

• High weightage in IBPS PO Mains
• Directly tested in Interview
• Helps in HR & situational questions
• Reflects suitability as a Probationary Officer
• Improves confidence in GD/PI rounds

👉 A strong command over banking awareness can significantly boost your final merit rank.

• Exam Stage: Mains + Interview
• Question Type: Conceptual + Current-based
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to High
• Nature: Static banking + recent developments

1. Basics of Banking (Foundation Topics)

These topics form the base of all banking questions and must be crystal clear.

• Meaning and functions of banks
• Types of bank accounts
• Types of banks (Public, Private, RRBs, Cooperative, Small Finance Banks)
• KYC norms
• Cheques, Demand Draft, Passbook

📌 Expert Tip: Understand concepts practically, not as definitions.

2. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Most Important Area

RBI-related questions are asked every year.

Key topics:

• Functions of RBI
• Monetary policy tools
• Repo Rate & Reverse Repo Rate
• CRR & SLR
• Bank Rate
• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
• RBI digital initiatives

3. Banking Terminology & Important Concepts

Highly scoring section if prepared well.

Important terms:

• NPA (Gross & Net)
• Basel III norms
• CRAR / CAR
• MSME
• Priority Sector Lending (PSL)
• Inflation, Deflation, Stagflation

4. Digital Banking & Payment Systems

A hot favorite of both Mains and Interview panels.

Focus on:

• UPI
• NEFT, RTGS, IMPS
• Internet & Mobile Banking
• Digital wallets
• Cyber security in banking

📌 Interview panels often ask real-life usage questions.

5. Banking & Financial Institutions in India

Know the role and objectives of:

• RBI
• NABARD
• SEBI
• SIDBI
• NHB
• EXIM Bank

6. Government Schemes Related to Banking

Extremely important for both written and interview stages.

Must-cover schemes:

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
• Atal Pension Yojana
• PMFBY
• Stand-Up India
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

📌 Prepare objective + beneficiaries + implementing authority.

7. Economy & Financial Awareness Basics

These topics help you answer analytical questions.

• GDP & GNP
• Fiscal deficit
• Monetary vs Fiscal policy
• Union Budget basics
• Economic Survey highlights

8. Banking Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)

This section connects static banking with real events.

Focus on:

• Bank mergers
• New RBI guidelines
• Digital banking initiatives
• New banking apps
• Appointments & resignations

Most questions are static + current linked.

✔ Daily Plan

• 30–40 minutes static banking concepts
• 15–20 minutes banking current affairs

✔ Weekly Plan

• Revise RBI & banking terms
• Attempt topic-wise MCQs

✔ Monthly Plan

• Full revision
• Mains-level mock tests

• Ignoring static banking topics
• Relying only on current affairs
• Mugging definitions without understanding
• No revision plan
• Skipping interview-oriented preparation

• Focus on concept clarity
• Make short revision notes
• Revise at least twice before Mains
• Relate news with banking concepts
• Practice MCQs regularly

Strong Banking Awareness for IBPS PO 2026 can become your biggest scoring advantage if prepared strategically. By mastering core banking concepts, staying updated with current affairs, and revising consistently, you can excel in Mains as well as Interview.

Think like a banker, prepare like an officer—and success will follow.