The IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 is a critical roadmap for aspirants preparing for the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Probationary Officer exam. Covering both Prelims and Mains, the syllabus includes topics like Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and more. This article provides a comprehensive, topic-wise breakdown of the IBPS PO Prelims and IBPS PO Mains syllabus, along with preparation tips to help you ace the exam. For a broader overview of the IBPS PO 2025 process, check our IBPS PO 2025: Complete Guide.
toc=#(table of content)
Overview of IBPS PO Syllabus 2025
The IBPS PO Exam 2025 is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims syllabus focuses on foundational skills in Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The IBPS PO Mains Syllabus is more advanced, adding General Awareness, Computer Aptitude, and a Descriptive Test (Essay and Letter Writing). Understanding the syllabus is key to prioritizing high-weightage topics and planning your study schedule.
| Exam Stage | Sections |
|---|---|
| Prelims | English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability |
| Mains | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English (Descriptive) |
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025
The IBPS PO Prelims exam is a qualifying round with three sections, totaling 100 marks and 60 minutes. Below is a detailed breakdown of each section.
1. English Language
This section tests your command of English through reading, grammar, and vocabulary. It carries 30 marks with approximately 30 questions.
- Reading Comprehension: Passages on banking, economy, or social issues (8–10 questions).
- Grammar: Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks.
- Vocabulary: Cloze Test, Word Substitution, Synonyms/Antonyms.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
- Phrase Replacement: Correcting phrases in sentences.
2. Quantitative Aptitude
This section assesses numerical ability and problem-solving, with 35 marks and around 35 questions.
- Data Interpretation: Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Tabular DI (10–15 questions).
- Number Series: Missing or Wrong Number Series.
- Simplification/Approximation: Quick calculations using BODMAS.
- Arithmetic: Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Mensuration, Probability.
- Quadratic Equations: Solving equations and comparing roots.
3. Reasoning Ability
This section evaluates logical thinking and analytical skills, carrying 35 marks with around 35 questions.
- Puzzles: Floor-Based, Box-Based, Scheduling, Linear/Circular Arrangements (10–15 questions).
- Seating Arrangement: Linear, Circular, Square, or Mixed Arrangements.
- Syllogism: Statements and Conclusions (Possibility Cases).
- Inequalities: Direct and Coded Inequalities.
- Coding-Decoding: Fictitious Language, Sentence Coding.
- Blood Relations: Family Tree Problems.
- Direction Sense: Distance and Direction-Based Questions.
- Alphanumeric Series: Mixed Series with Letters, Numbers, Symbols.
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para Jumbles |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation, Number Series, Simplification, Arithmetic |
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025
The IBPS PO Mains exam is more complex, with a 200-mark objective test (3 hours) and a 25-mark descriptive test (30 minutes). It includes five sections, detailed below.
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
This section combines logical reasoning with basic computer knowledge, carrying 60 marks (50 questions, 60 minutes).
- Reasoning: Advanced Puzzles (Multi-Layer, Caselet), Critical Reasoning, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning (Cause-Effect, Assumptions).
- Computer Aptitude: Flowcharts, Binary Conversions, Computer Fundamentals (Hardware, Software, Networking), MS Office, Internet, Shortcuts, Cybersecurity.
2. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
This section tests current affairs and banking knowledge, with 40 marks (40 questions, 35 minutes).
- Current Affairs: National/International News, Sports, Awards, Summits (last 6 months).
- Banking Awareness: RBI Policies, Banking Terms (NEFT, RTGS, NPAs), Financial Institutions, Monetary Policy.
- Economic Awareness: Budget, Economic Survey, GDP, Inflation.
- Static GK: Countries, Capitals, Currencies, Headquarters of Banks.
3. English Language
This section tests advanced English skills, with 40 marks (35 questions, 40 minutes).
- Reading Comprehension: Complex passages on banking, economy, or technology.
- Vocabulary: Advanced Cloze Test, Word Pairing, Idioms.
- Grammar: Sentence Correction, Phrase Replacement.
- Inference-Based Questions: Drawing conclusions from passages.
4. Data Analysis & Interpretation
This section focuses on advanced quantitative skills, with 60 marks (35 questions, 45 minutes).
- Data Interpretation: Caselet DI, Missing DI, Radar Graphs, Arithmetic-Based DI.
- Data Sufficiency: Two or Three Statements.
- Arithmetic: Advanced problems on Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Partnership, Permutation & Combination.
- Probability & Statistics: Mean, Median, Probability Questions.
5. English Language (Descriptive)
This section tests written communication, with 25 marks (2 questions, 30 minutes).
- Essay Writing: Topics like Financial Inclusion, Digital Banking, Women Empowerment (250–300 words).
- Letter Writing: Formal (to authorities) and Informal Letters (150–200 words).
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | Advanced Puzzles, Input-Output, Computer Fundamentals, Flowcharts |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Banking Terms, RBI Policies, Static GK |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Caselet DI, Data Sufficiency, Advanced Arithmetic |
| English (Descriptive) | Essay Writing, Letter Writing |
Key Differences Between Prelims and Mains Syllabus
While Prelims and Mains share some topics, Mains is more advanced and diverse. The table below highlights the key differences.
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | 3 (English, Quant, Reasoning) | 5 (Reasoning & Computer, GA, English, Data Analysis, Descriptive) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | High |
| Topics | Basic Arithmetic, Simple Puzzles | Advanced DI, Banking Awareness, Descriptive Writing |
| Time | 60 minutes | 3.5 hours |
Preparation Tips for IBPS PO Syllabus 2025
To master the IBPS PO syllabus, follow these strategies:
- Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Focus on Puzzles, Data Interpretation, and Reading Comprehension, as they carry significant marks.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take sectional and full-length tests to build speed and accuracy. Platforms like Oliveboard or Gradeup offer quality mocks.
- Stay Updated for GA: Read newspapers (The Hindu, Economic Times) and follow monthly current affairs PDFs.
- Improve Descriptive Writing: Practice essays and letters on banking-related topics to enhance clarity and structure.
- Use Standard Resources:
- Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma.
- Reasoning: M.K. Pandey, Arihant Publications.
- English: Wren & Martin, Norman Lewis.
- General Awareness: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook.
- Time Management: Allocate daily study hours (e.g., 2 hours for Quant, 1 hour for GA) and revise weekly.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 for Prelims and Mains is extensive but manageable with a structured approach. By focusing on key topics like Puzzles, Data Interpretation, Banking Awareness, and Descriptive Writing, you can maximize your score. Start early, practice regularly, and use reliable resources to stay ahead. For more details on IBPS PO exam dates, IBPS PO eligibility, or IBPS PO cut-offs, explore our IBPS PO 2025: Complete Guide.
Best of luck for your IBPS PO 2025 journey!
