IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) is one of India's most sought-after banking positions, offering job security, good pay and career progression across multiple public sector banks. IBPS releases a new cycle every year, typically with notifications in August and Prelims in October.
Exam Pattern
Prelims: 3 sections — English Language (30Q, 30 marks, 20 min), Quantitative Aptitude (35Q, 35 marks, 20 min), Reasoning Ability (35Q, 35 marks, 20 min). Total: 100 marks, 60 minutes. There is sectional timing and sectional cut-offs.
Mains: 4 objective sections + 1 descriptive paper. Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language — plus a Letter/Essay writing paper (25 marks, 30 minutes).
Reasoning Ability
Focus on: Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (highest weightage, 3–4 sets), Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Inequalities, Data Sufficiency. Practice at least 2 full sets of puzzles daily. Time management is critical.
Quantitative Aptitude
Data Interpretation (3–4 sets — Tables, Bar Charts, Pie Charts), Arithmetic (Time & Work, Pipes, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Ratios, Ages), Number Series, Quadratic Equations. Build DI speed — it is the highest scorer.
Free Resources
- Oliveboard Free Mock Tests — ibps.in also releases official practice papers
- Gradeup (now Gradestack) and Testbook for free section tests
- IBPS official website for previous year cut-offs and notification