IBPS PO/MT XVI Exam Details 2026

IBPS PO/MT-XVI recruitment opened on 01 July 2026 for participating public sector banks. The application window closes on 21 July 2026, with Prelims and Mains scheduled as per the official IBPS CRP calendar and detailed notification.

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The IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 will be announced soon for candidates preparing for the upcoming exam. Check the overview table provided below. \n\n| Particulars | Details | Organisation | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) | Post |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Probationary Officer (PO) | Category | Syllabus & Exam Pattern | Mode of Exam | |\n| Online | Duration of Exam | - Prelims: 60 minutes <br> - Mains: 190 minutes | Negative Marking | |\n| 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer | Recruitment Stages | - Preliminary Exam <br> - Main Exam <br> - Interview | Official Website | |\n\n www.ibps.in

The IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 is divided into two stages, Prelims and Mains. Each stage tests different skills required for a Probationary Officer role. The IBPS PO mains syllabus is little different from the IBPS PO Prelims syllabus. Check the complete syllabus for both phases below.

The IBPS PO Prelims Exam syllabus covers a range of topics from three main subjects i.e. English Language, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude. Check the detailed subject wise syllabus below. \n\n| Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude |\n| --- | --- |\n| English Language | |\n| Alphanumeric Series | |\n| Number System | |\n| Reading Comprehension | |\n| Ranking | |\n| Time and Work | |\n| Para Jumbles | |\n| Direction | |\n| Percentage | |\n| Fill in the Blanks | |\n| Coded Inequality | |\n| Simple Interest | |\n| Paragraph Completion | |\n| Inequality | |\n| Simplification and Approximation | |\n| Cloze Test | |\n| Puzzle | |\n| Profit and Loss | |\n| Multiple Meaning / Error Spotting | |\n| Syllogism | |\n| Average | |\n| Miscellaneous | |\n| Data Sufficiency | |\n| Data Interpretation | |\n| Synonyms and Antonyms | |\n| Seating Arrangement | |\n| Decimal Fractions | |\n| Tense | |\n| Blood Relation | |\n| Age Problems | |\n| Active & Passive Voice | |\n| Input Output | |\n| HCF and LCM | |\n| Substitution | |\n| Coding Decoding | |\n| Time and Distance | |\n| Adjectives | |\n| Tabulation | |\n| Ratio and Proportion | Idioms & Phrases |\n| Alphabet Test | |\n| Compound Interest | |\n| Preposition | - |\n| Partnership | |\n\n Articles \n\n Also, check out IBPS PO Books here

The IBPS PO Mains Exam is the most important stage of the selection process. The marks scored in this phase carry major weight in the final selection for the post of Probationary Officer. The Mains exam includes sections such as Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. The main IBPS PO Syllabus also consists of descriptive papers to assess candidates writing skills. Students have to attempt both objective and descriptive sections to get selected for the final round.

The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for English Language Section includes Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension etc Check the IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for English here. \n\n| Subject | Syllabus Topics |\n| --- | --- |\n| English Language | |\n| Reading Comprehension | |\n| Grammar | |\n| Editing | |\n| Vocabulary | |\n| Verbal Ability | |\n\n Fill in the blanks

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for General Awareness (GA) section covers current affairs, banking and financial awareness and more. Candidates should stay updated with national and international news, economics, banking policies, and other important events. Below we have listed important topics for the General Awareness section provided under IBPS PO Syllabus. \n\n| Subject | Syllabus Topics |\n| --- | --- |\n| General Awareness | |\n| Financial Awareness | |\n| General Knowledge | |\n| Current Affairs | |\n| Basic Economics | |\n| Banking Terms & Definitions | |\n| Economic Indices | |\n| Economic Theories | |\n\n Latest Banking Regulation & Developments

The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Reasoning section requires strong Problem-Solving Skills. The Reasoning section includes topics Input Output, Blood Relation, Coding, Decoding & more. Candidates will be examined on their analytical ability to solve problems logically. Given below is the IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus for the Mains Exam. \n\n| Subject | IBPS PO Syllabus Topics |\n| --- | --- |\n| Reasoning | |\n| Syllogism | |\n| Verbal Reasoning | |\n| Input Output | |\n| Double lineup | |\n| Linear Seating Arrangement | |\n| Blood Relation | |\n| Scheduling | |\n| Circular Seating Arrangement | |\n| Ordering & Ranking | |\n| Coding & Decoding | |\n| Direction & Distance | |\n\n Data Sufficiency

IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Computer Aptitude required candidates understanding of computer systems, software, and technology. Candidates should have good knowledge of computer operations, new trends in the technology field to score good marks in the Computer Aptitude section. \n\n| Subject | IBPS PO Syllabus Topics |\n| --- | --- |\n| Computer Aptitude | |\n| Internet | |\n| Keyboard shortcuts | |\n| Microsoft office | |\n| Memory | |\n| Computer Hardware | |\n| Computer Abbreviation | |\n| Operating system | |\n| Computer Fundamentals | |\n| Computer Software | |\n| Networking | |\n\n Technologies

The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus for Data Interpretation & Analysis section evaluated candidates ability to interpret and analyze complex data sets. Candidates must have strong mathematical and logical thinking skills to crack this Data Interpretation & Analysis section.  \n\n| Subject | IBPS PO Syllabus Topics |\n| --- | --- |\n| Data Interpretation & Analysis | |\n| Average | |\n| Percentage | |\n| Data Interpretation | |\n| Mensuration | |\n| Geometry | |\n| Simplification | |\n| Quadratic equation | |\n| Age | |\n| Number Series | |\n| Profit & Loss | |\n| Interest | |\n| Speed, distance & time | |\n| Linear equation | |\n| Permutation & Combination | |\n| Mixture & Allegation | |\n\n Probability

After the Mains objective exam there is a Descriptive English Test worth 25 marks which is conducted for 30 minutes. IBPS tests the descriptive paper only for those candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks in the objective test. The essay and letter writing topics are generally based on current affairs and important issues related to economy, governance, development, banking, society and the environment. Some expected topics for Essay Writing and Letter Writing are provided below for students' preparations. \n\n| Important Topics for IBPS PO Descriptive Exam | Expected Topics for Essay | Previously Asked Essay Topics |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Global Warming and its Causes | Pros and cons of ‘one rank one pension scheme. | |\n| Merger of banks | Women Empowerment | |\n| Indian Banking System | Ethical problems of e-commerce | |\n| The present economic condition of India | Women's Safety - It is our responsibility | |\n| Reasons for the present condition of Sri Lanka | Over-dependence on monsoon | |\n| Russia- Ukraine War | Ethical problems of e-commerce | |\n| Is war the solution for all? Express your views for or against the motion | Is the election commission right in banning election symbols during the casting of votes? | Public vs Private sector banks |\n| Roll of uneducated people in Indian Economy | India and United States of America trade relations | |\n| Is the generation gap a myth? | Green Hydrogen Policy and your views | |\n| Benefits of Mutual fund investments | Electric Vehicles in India | |\n| United Nations Organization's contribution to the recent turmoil in Ukraine | India – the new global power | |\n| Suggestions to alleviate the unemployment problem | Export – Import policy of India | |\n| Role of newspapers in influencing society or youth | Expected Topics for Letters | |\n| Previously Asked Topics for Letters | Write a letter to the Superintendent of Police of your district suggesting steps to make the police department more approachable | |\n| Write a letter to the bank manager to share an innovative idea on file management systems in banks. | Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper about the stray animal problem getting out of hand in your locality. | |\n| Write a letter to the newspaper editor on how to stop crime in the city | Write a letter to the branch manager of your bank to conduct a campaign in your area to create awareness about the benefits of KYC. | |\n| Write a letter to your old teacher to thank him/her for making you a good human being. | Write a letter to an editor on types of pollution and on the ways of tackling them. | |\n| A letter to Complaint Letter: Being a customer of a so and so bank, you have to write a complaint letter to the Bank Manager about the negligence/irresponsibility of the employees. | Write a letter to the GM of a Bank for Failure transaction on UPI. | |\n| Letter to Editor: About tampering with the currency notes by punching pins into them. | Write a letter to your younger sibling, who has recently started working, to not take too much stress at work. | |\n| An Informal Letter about telling your friend about the advantages of a PPF account and suggesting he open a PPF account. | Write a letter to your parents advising them to invest in mutual funds. | |\n| You are withdrawing money from the ATM but the ATM turns out to be malfunctioning. So, money didn't come out but was deducted from the account. Write a letter to the bank manager for the refund. | Write a letter to your friend telling you about your experience of a foreign trip. | Letter to regional manager for change in bank timing as it is inconvenient for customers. |\n| Write a letter to your sister to start her own start-up. | A Letter to the Superintendent of Police raising the concern over the increased cases of theft near ATMs. | |\n| Write a letter to your favorite author on her recent bestseller. | | |\n\n A letter to the bank for applying for an educational loan providing all particulars. \n\n Get IBPS PO Recruitment previous years’ question papers here!

Most of the IBPS PO syllabus 2026 is common in both the Prelims & Mains exams so candidates do not need to prepare every topic separately. Subjects like Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude & English are important for both stages. Only a few sections like General Awareness and the English Descriptive Paper are exclusive to the Mains exam. Candidates can manage the preparation more effectively with a proper study plan. \n\n| Preparation Area | Recommended Time | Total Preparation (Prelims + Mains) | 4–6 months with regular daily study | General Awareness Preparation |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 30–40 minutes daily for 3–4 months | Descriptive Paper Preparation | 10–12 days with essay and letter writing practice | Revision & Mock Tests | |\n| Continuous practice till the exam | Interview Preparation | | | |\n\n Around 15–20 days after Mains result

The IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026 includes three stages i.e Prelims, Mains and Interview. Each stage carries its own weightage and clearing all stages is compulsory for final selection. A candidate must clear all the sections to get selected for the next stage in the selection process. The detailed structure of each stage is given below as provided in the IBPS PO Exam Pattern. \n\n| Stage | Mode | Marks |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Nature | Purpose | |\n| Prelims | Online | 100 |\n| Qualifying | Shortlisting | |\n| Mains | Online | 225 |\n| Merit | Final score | |\n| Interview | Offline/Online | 100 |\n| Merit | | |\n\n Final selection

The prelims exam will be held online with a duration of 60 minutes. It includes 3 sections & each section has its own time limit. Candidates must qualify in all sections to move ahead to the Mains exam. A negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable for incorrect answers. \n\n| S.No. | Name of Tests (Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | 1 |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes | 2 | |\n| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 minutes | 3 | |\n| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 minutes | Total | 100 |\n| 100 | 60 minutes | | | | |

The IBPS PO Mains consists of both objective and descriptive tests. The objective paper includes reasoning, language, data analysis, and awareness sections. A descriptive test of essay and letter writing is also part of the exam. The total duration is 190 minutes, with negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong attempts as given under IBPS PO Exam Pattern. \n\n| S. No. | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Max. Marks |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Medium | Time Allotted | 1 | |\n| Reasoning | 40 | 60 | |\n| English & Hindi | 50 minutes | 2 | |\n| English Language | 35 | 40 | |\n| English only | 40 minutes | 3 | |\n| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 50 | |\n| English & Hindi | 45 minutes | 4 | |\n| General/Economy/Banking Awareness / Financial Awareness | 35 | 50 | |\n| English & Hindi | 25 minutes | Total | 145 |\n| 200 | — | 160 minutes | 5 |\n| Descriptive Test (Letter Writing & Essay) | 02 | 25 | |\n| English | 30 Minutes | | |

Candidates who qualify the IBPS PO Mains Exam are called for the Interview Process conducted by IBPS. The interview carries 100 marks, and candidates must score a minimum of 40% marks to qualify while the qualifying marks for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates are relaxed to 35%.

The final selection of candidates for the post of Probationary Officer is based on the combined performance in the Mains Exam and Interview. The weightage ratio for Mains and Interview is 80:20 respectively. After the interview process IBPS prepares a final merit list & selected candidates are allotted banks based on the rank and preferences. \n\n We hope you found this IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 informative and helpful and please do not hesitate to contact us with any doubts. You can also download our Testbook App which is free and start preparing for any competitive examination. This app provides you with Test Series, Mock tests, PDFs, Previous year’s question papers, and much more. \n\n| Also, Check Important Questions for IBPS PO Mains Topics | IBPS PO English Language Questions | IBPS PO General Knowledge Questions | IBPS PO Financial Awareness Questions |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| IBPS PO Data Interpretation (DI) & Analysis | IBPS PO Computer Aptitude Questions | | |\n\n IBPS PO Reasoning Question

The selection flow is Preliminary examination, Main examination, personality/psychometric assessment where notified, interview and provisional allotment. Preparation should include banking awareness, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, data interpretation and English writing.

The core qualification is Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University. Age, category relaxation, document upload rules and participating-bank vacancy details must be checked from the IBPS PO/MT-XVI notification.