IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

From the official Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) documents · last checked 3 October 2026

Prelims

Online, objective (multiple choice) · 60 minutes (20 minutes for each test)

SectionQuestionsMarks
English Language3030
Quantitative Aptitude3530
Reasoning Ability3540
Total100100

Marking: For each wrong answer, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks for that question is cut. No penalty for questions left blank.

  • Each test is timed separately: 20 minutes each.
  • You must clear the minimum cut-off in each test and also on the total score.
  • English Language is in English only. The other two tests are in English and Hindi.
  • Calculators are not allowed.
  • Prelims only shortlists candidates for Mains. Prelims marks do not count in the final merit.
  • Scores from different sessions are equated (equi-percentile method).

Mains

Online; objective tests plus a descriptive paper typed on the computer · 3 hours 10 minutes (160 minutes objective + 30 minutes descriptive)

SectionQuestionsMarks
Reasoning4060
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness/ Digital/ Financial Awareness including RBI circulars5060
English Language4020
Data Analysis & Interpretation4060
Descriptive Paper (Essay and Comprehension)225
Total172225

Marking: Objective tests: for each wrong answer, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks for that question is cut. No penalty for blank questions. Descriptive paper: 25 marks.

  • Objective part: 170 questions, 200 marks, 160 minutes. Descriptive part: 2 questions, 25 marks, 30 minutes.
  • Time limits for each test: Reasoning 45 min, General/Economy/Banking Awareness 35 min, English 35 min, Data Analysis & Interpretation 45 min, Descriptive 30 min.
  • You need a minimum score in each test and a minimum total score to reach the Personality Test and Interview.
  • The descriptive paper is in English and starts right after the objective tests. You type your answers. There is no spell-check.
  • The descriptive paper may be checked by a validated automated scoring system.
  • An on-screen calculator is given only for Data Analysis & Interpretation.
  • Descriptive topics may be economic and social issues, new trends in banking and technology, current events and ethics.
  • Main exam marks are used for shortlisting and for the final merit list.

Personality Test

Self-report test, in proctored mode or at exam centres (as IBPS decides) · Not officially stated

SectionQuestionsMarks

Marking: Non-qualifying. No marks are added to merit.

  • Candidates who clear the Main exam are called for it.
  • Taking this test is compulsory to be allowed into the Interview.
  • Your personality profile is shown to the interview panel.

Interview

Common interview held by the participating banks, coordinated by a Nodal Bank in each State/UT/Region · Not officially stated

SectionQuestionsMarks
Interview—100
Total—100

Marking: Minimum qualifying marks will not be less than 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates). IBPS may set the minimum higher.

  • Final score = Main exam and Interview in the ratio 80:20.
  • You must clear both the Main exam and the Interview and rank high enough in merit.
  • Original documents must be shown at the interview, and scanned copies must be uploaded through an IBPS link.

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