IBPS PO Syllabus 2026: Complete Prelims & Mains Subject-Wise Topics, Latest Weightage Trends, Exam Pattern & PDF
The IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 is divided into Prelims, Mains, and Interview, with Mains carrying the highest weightage in final selection. Prelims tests speed and accuracy, Mains tests analytical depth and banking awareness, and the Descriptive Test evaluates written communication skills.
Candidates preparing strategically must understand topic-wise weightage, difficulty trend, and Mains orientation from Day 1.
Last Updated: February 2026
Official Website: https://www.ibps.in/
IBPS PO Selection Process 2026
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Interview
Prelims is qualifying in nature.
Mains + Interview determine final merit.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026
IBPS PO Prelims Pattern
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
• Sectional timing applicable
• 0.25 negative marking
• Sectional cut-off applicable
IBPS PO Mains Pattern 2026
BPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 | |||||
S. No. | Name of test | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Medium of Examination | Time Allotted |
1 | Reasoning | 40 | 60 | English & Hindi | 50 minutes |
2 | English Language | 35 | 40 | English only | 40 minutes |
3 | Data Analysis and Interpretation | 35 | 50 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
4 | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness / Digital/ Financial Awareness including RBI circulars | 35 | 50 | English & Hindi | 25 minutes |
Total | 145 | 200 |
| 160 minutes | |
Descriptive Test: 25 Marks (Essay + Letter)
IBPS PO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
These form 60–70% of the section.
1. Percentage
- Basic percentage conversions
- Successive percentage change
- Population growth models
- Application in DI
2. Ratio & Proportion
- Partnership
- Mixture & Alligation
- Distribution-based questions
3. Profit & Loss
- Marked price
- Discount
- Successive discount
- False weight
4. Time & Work
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Efficiency concept
- Work equivalence
5. Time, Speed & Distance
- Relative speed
- Boats & Streams
- Trains
- Circular motion
6. Data Interpretation
- Table DI
- Bar Graph
- Line Graph
- Pie Chart
- Caselet DI (basic level)
7. Number Series
- Missing series
- Wrong number series
8. Simplification
- BODMAS
- Approximation
9. Quadratic Equations
- Root comparison
- Value comparison
IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus 2026
1. Seating Arrangement
- Linear
- Double row
- Uncertain positions
2. Floor Puzzle
- Variable-based arrangement
3. Box Puzzle
- Ordering + attributes
4. Circular Puzzle
- Inside/Outside facing
Puzzle-based reasoning dominates Prelims.
Other Important Topics
- Coding-Decoding (New Pattern)
- Syllogism (Possibility Cases)
- Inequality
- Blood Relation
- Direction & Distance
- Order & Ranking
IBPS PO English language Syllabus 2026
1. Reading Comprehension
- Inference
- Tone
- Vocabulary
- Theme-based questions
2. Cloze Test
- Context-based fill in blanks
Other Areas
- Error Detection
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary (Synonym/Antonym)
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2026
Mains determines final selection. Difficulty level: Moderate to High.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
1. Caselet DI
Data presented in paragraph form.
2. Missing DI
Missing values-based sets.
3. Data Sufficiency
Statement-based quantitative validation.
4. Probability
Basic + conditional probability.
5. Quantity Comparison
Comparative evaluation sets.
6. Advanced DI Types
- Radar DI
- Arithmetic-based DI
- Mixed graph DI
Mains DI requires conceptual clarity + calculation speed.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
High-Level Puzzles
- 3-layer puzzles
- Variable-based puzzles
Logical Reasoning
- Statement & Assumption
- Statement & Conclusion
- Cause & Effect
Critical Reasoning
- Inference-based reasoning
Machine Input Output
- Step arrangement pattern
Computer Basics
- Hardware & Software
- Generations of computers
- Input/Output devices
MS Office
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
Networking
- LAN/WAN
- Internet
- IP address basics
General / Economy / Banking Awareness
This section is scoring if prepared systematically.
Banking Awareness
- Types of accounts
- Banking terms
- NBFC
- Basel norms
RBI
- Functions of RBI
- Monetary tools
- Repo & Reverse Repo
Monetary Policy
- Inflation control
- CRR
- SLR
Budget & Economic Survey
- Fiscal deficit
- Government schemes
Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
- Banking mergers
- Appointments
- Reports & indices
- Financial news
IBPS PO Descriptive Test Syllabus 2026
Conducted online.
Essay Topics
- Digital Banking
- Financial Inclusion
- Inflation
- Economic Growth
- Cyber Security
- Green Finance
Word limit: 250–300 words.
Letter Writing
- Official letters
- Complaint letters
- Request letters
- Inquiry letters
Word limit: 150–200 words.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Structure
- Grammar
- Clarity
- Relevance
- Vocabulary
IBPS PO Syllabus Topic Weightage Analysis
Section | Dominant Area |
|---|---|
Prelims Quant | DI + Arithmetic |
Prelims Reasoning | Puzzles |
Prelims English | RC |
Mains DI | Caselet + Missing DI |
Mains Reasoning | High-level puzzles |
GA | Banking + Current Affairs |
Descriptive | Banking/Economic themes |
IBPS PO 2026 Preparation Strategy Based on Syllabus
For Prelims:
- 20 days Arithmetic dominance
- Daily puzzle practice
- RC daily reading habit
- 2 mocks per week
For Mains:
- Early descriptive practice
- Banking awareness monthly revision
- Advanced DI daily practice
- Mock + analysis cycle
IBPS PO 2026 Common Mistakes
❌ Ignoring Mains preparation initially
❌ Avoiding descriptive practice
❌ No mock discipline
❌ Poor GA coverage
❌ Last-minute preparation
Final Advice for IBPS PO 2026 Aspirants
Success requires:
- Early Mains orientation
- Structured puzzle mastery
- DI calculation efficiency
- 6 months current affairs depth
- Regular mock benchmarking
- Descriptive writing discipline
IBPS PO is not a basic exam — it is a structured analytical exam.
Prepare accordingly.
IBPS PO 2026 Important Links
IBPS PO 2026 FAQ
What is IBPS PO syllabus 2026?
It includes Quant, Reasoning, English for Prelims and DI, GA, Computer & English for Mains.
Is there sectional cut-off?
Yes, in both Prelims and Mains.
Which topic has highest weightage?
Puzzle sets and DI dominate.
Is computer included in Prelims?
No, only in Mains.
Where can I download IBPS PO syllabus PDF?
From official notification at https://www.ibps.in/