The IBPS PO Mains exam is the real game-changer in your journey to becoming a Probationary Officer. While Prelims tests speed and basics, Mains evaluates depth, clarity, accuracy, and decision-making ability. With rising competition and evolving question patterns, a smart, structured, and exam-oriented strategy is essential to crack IBPS PO Mains 2026.

Before planning preparation, it’s crucial to understand the exam structure.

IBPS PO Mains Sections

• Reasoning
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• English Language
• General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness / Digital/ Financial Awareness including RBI circulars
• Descriptive Test (English)

👉 Key Point: IBPS PO Mains is a time-bound sectional exam, so accuracy with speed is the key.

1. Reasoning

This section is logic-heavy and often lengthy.

Important Topics

• Puzzles & Seating Arrangements (High level)
• Logical Reasoning
• Data Sufficiency
• Input–Output
• Computer Basics (Hardware, Software, Networking)

Strategy

• Solve high-level puzzles daily
• Focus on question selection
• Practice computer aptitude MCQs regularly
• Learn short logical approaches, not trial-and-error

✅ Target: 80–85% accuracy

2. Data Analysis & Interpretation (DI)

DI is one of the most scoring yet tricky sections.

Important Topics

• Caselet DI
• Missing DI
• Radar, Pie, Line & Tabular Graphs
• Data Sufficiency
• Probability & Permutation basics

Strategy

• Master calculations (squares, cubes, percentages)
• Practice 2–3 DI sets daily
• Learn approximation & ratio-based methods
• Avoid over-attempting tough sets

✅ Target: Attempt wisely, not blindly

3. English Language

English in Mains tests conceptual clarity and comprehension.

• Reading Comprehension (Inference-based)
• Sentence Correction
• Word Usage
• Para Jumbles
• Cloze Test
• Vocabulary (contextual)

Strategy

• Read editorials daily
• Focus on grammar rules + application
• Maintain a vocabulary notebook
• Practice RC with inference questions

✅ Target: Strong accuracy with steady attempts

4. General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness / Digital/ Financial Awareness including RBI circulars

This section is a deciding factor for selection.

Important Areas

• Current Affairs (Last 5–6 months)
• RBI Policies & Circulars
• Banking & Financial Terms
• Union Budget & Economic Survey
• Government Schemes
• International Financial Institutions

Strategy

• Study monthly current affairs PDFs
• Revise static banking concepts weekly
• Focus more on banking + economy, less on random GK
• Revise multiple times—this section is memory-based

✅ Target: Maximum score with minimum time

Descriptive Test Strategy (Very Important)

Pattern

• Essay and Comprehension

Topics

• Banking reforms
• Digital payments
• Economy, inflation, unemployment
• Social and financial inclusion

Strategy

• Practice 1 Essay and Comprehension weekly
• Focus on structure, clarity, and grammar
• Avoid spelling & grammatical errors
• Keep answers formal and concise

Daily Schedule (Suggested)

• Reasoning: 1.5 hrs
• DI: 1.5 hrs
• English: 1 hr
• GA/Banking: 1 hr
• Revision + Descriptive: 30–45 mins

👉 Mock Tests:

• 2 full-length mocks per week initially
• 3–4 mocks per week in last 15 days

Mock tests are not for marks—they are for strategy building.

How to Analyze Mocks

• Identify weak topics
• Check time spent per question
• Improve question selection
• Reduce silly mistakes

🚫 Avoid taking too many mocks without analysis.

• Ignoring General Awareness
• Over-attempting DI/Reasoning
• Not practicing Descriptive Test
• Studying without revision
• Copying others’ strategies blindly

✔ Focus on accuracy over attempts
✔ Revise GA multiple times
✔ Strengthen 2 sections, manage others smartly
✔ Stay calm and confident during the exam
✔ Trust your preparation

Cracking IBPS PO Mains 2026 is not about studying everything—it’s about studying the right things in the right way. With a focused strategy, regular practice, and smart revision, you can turn this challenging exam into a winning opportunity.

Stay consistent, analyze wisely, and success will follow.