Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
IBPS PO is the premier centralized recruitment examination for executive banker appointments across 11 Public Sector Banks (including Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Bank of India, Union Bank of India). Selected Probationary Officers undergo two years training and lead branch operations, credit appraisal, and corporate banking.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: Mains 225 Marks + Interview 100 Marks (Scaled to 80:20 Composite Score)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims: English Language | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Prelims: Quantitative Aptitude | 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Prelims: Reasoning Ability | 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Mains: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 Questions | 60 Marks | 60 Minutes |
| Mains: General / Economy / Banking Awareness | 40 Questions | 40 Marks | 35 Minutes |
| Mains: English Language | 35 Questions | 40 Marks | 40 Minutes |
| Mains: Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes |
| Mains: English Descriptive (Letter & Essay) | 2 Questions | 25 Marks | 30 Minutes |
| Common Interview | Banking & Macroeconomics Board Interview | 100 Marks | 15-20 Minutes |
Prelims & Mains: +1 or marks assigned per question, -0.25 penalty for wrong answer. Final combined score: 80% weightage to Mains score (out of 225) + 20% weightage to Interview (out of 100).
Negative Marking Rule: 0.25 of the marks assigned to the question deducted as penalty
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Prelims overall cutoff hovers between 49 and 56 out of 100 with strict sectional cutoffs. Final composite cutoff (80:20) typically ranges around 42-46 out of 100.
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there sectional cutoffs in IBPS PO?
Yes, candidates must qualify both the individual sectional cutoff marks for each section and the overall aggregate cutoff in both Prelims and Mains.
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