The IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 outlines the structure of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Probationary Officer exam, a gateway to prestigious banking careers in 11 public sector banks (excluding SBI). Conducted in three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—the exam tests candidates’ aptitude, knowledge, and communication skills. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the IBPS PO 2025 exam pattern, including section-wise details, marking schemes, time allocation, and preparation tips. For a broader overview of eligibility, syllabus, and more, check our IBPS PO 2025: Complete Guide.
Overview of IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO 2025 exam follows a three-tier structure:
- Prelims: A qualifying round with objective tests (100 marks, 60 minutes).
- Mains: A scoring round with objective (200 marks) and descriptive (25 marks) tests (3.5 hours).
- Interview: A personality and communication assessment (100 marks).
The final merit list is based on Mains and Interview scores (80:20 ratio), with Prelims marks not counted. Each stage has sectional and overall cut-offs, and a negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for wrong answers in objective tests. The exam is conducted online in English and Hindi (except for English Language sections).
| Stage | Type | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Objective | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Mains | Objective + Descriptive | 225 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Interview | Personal Interview | 100 | 15–20 minutes |
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO Prelims 2025, to be held on October 4, 5, and 11, 2025, is a screening test with three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. It totals 100 marks with 100 questions and a duration of 60 minutes (20 minutes per section). Candidates must clear sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for Mains.
| Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Key Features
- Objective Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with 4–5 options.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer; no penalty for unattempted questions.
- Sectional Timing: 20 minutes per section, non-switchable.
- Normalization: Scores are normalized across shifts to ensure fairness.
Topics Covered: English (Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test), Quantitative Aptitude (Data Interpretation, Arithmetic), Reasoning (Puzzles, Syllogism). For a detailed breakdown, see our IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 Guide.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO Mains 2025, to be conducted on November 29, 2025, is a merit-based exam with two parts: an objective test (200 marks, 3 hours) and a descriptive test (25 marks, 30 minutes). It includes five sections, each with sectional timing, and candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs.
| Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total (Objective) | 155 | 200 | 180 minutes |
| Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Essay & Letter Writing) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
Key Features
- Objective Test: MCQs with higher difficulty (e.g., advanced puzzles, caselet DI).
- Descriptive Test: Typed essay (250–300 words) and letter (150–200 words) on banking or socio-economic topics.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer in the objective test.
- Sectional Timing: Fixed time for each section, with no overlap.
- Scoring Weightage: Mains scores contribute 80% to the final merit list.
Topics Covered: Reasoning (Input-Output, Critical Reasoning), General Awareness (Banking News, Current Affairs), Data Analysis (Caselet DI, Probability), English (Descriptive Writing). For details, see our IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 Guide.
IBPS PO Interview Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO Interview 2024, conducted from February 11–18, 2025, is a personal assessment worth 100 marks. It lasts 15–20 minutes and evaluates candidates’ personality, communication skills, banking knowledge, and suitability for the PO role. The minimum qualifying marks are 40 (35 for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
Key Features
- Panel Composition: 3–5 banking experts, HR professionals, or psychologists.
- Evaluation Criteria: Confidence, clarity of thought, banking awareness, general knowledge, and career goals.
- Common Questions: Banking basics (e.g., types of accounts, RBI functions), current affairs, personal background, and situational queries.
- Weightage: 20% of the final merit score (Mains: 80%, Interview: 20%).
Documents Required: Admit card, photo ID, educational certificates, category certificate (if applicable), and IBPS PO application printout.
Key Differences Between Prelims and Mains Exam Pattern
The Prelims and Mains differ significantly in structure, difficulty, and purpose. The table below highlights these differences.
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Qualifying | Merit-Based |
| Sections | 3 (English, Quant, Reasoning) | 5 (Reasoning & Computer, GA, English, Data Analysis, Descriptive) |
| Total Marks | 100 | 225 |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Question Type | Objective | Objective + Descriptive |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate to High |
Factors Affecting IBPS PO Exam Pattern
The exam pattern remains consistent but may see minor tweaks based on:
- IBPS Guidelines: Updates in notification may adjust question weightage or timing.
- Technology: Enhanced online testing platforms ensure smoother delivery.
- Candidate Feedback: Previous years’ feedback may lead to minor changes in sectional timing or question types.
- Banking Needs: Emphasis on skills like digital banking may influence Descriptive Test topics.
Preparation Tips for IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
To excel in the IBPS PO 2025 exam, align your preparation with the exam pattern:
- Understand Sectional Timing: Practice solving 30–35 questions in 20 minutes for Prelims sections to build speed. For Mains, focus on time-bound accuracy (e.g., 45 minutes for Data Analysis).
- Master the Syllabus: Prioritize high-weightage topics like Puzzles, Data Interpretation, and Banking Awareness. Check our IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 Guide.
- Target Cut-Offs: Aim for 5–10 marks above the previous year’s cut-off (e.g., 55–60 for Prelims General, 70–75 for Mains). See our IBPS PO Cut-Off 2025 Guide.
- Practice Mock Tests: Simulate Prelims and Mains patterns, focusing on sectional timing.
- Improve Descriptive Writing: Practice essays and letters (e.g., on financial inclusion) to score 15–20 in the Mains Descriptive Test.
- Prepare for Interview: Study banking basics (e.g., RBI policies, NPAs) and practice mock interviews to boost confidence.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 provides a clear framework for Prelims, Mains, and Interview, testing a range of skills from aptitude to banking knowledge. By understanding the section-wise structure, marking scheme, and time allocation, candidates can strategize effectively to clear cut-offs and secure a Probationary Officer role with a lucrative salary of ₹61,000–₹65,000 in-hand (IBPS PO Salary 2025 Guide). Visit www.ibps.in for official updates, and explore our IBPS PO 2025: Complete Guide for details on eligibility, syllabus, and more. Start preparing now to ace IBPS PO 2025!
