Preparing for IBPS PO 2025? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, and preparation strategy to crack the exam with confidence.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam every year to recruit candidates for public sector banks in India. With lakhs of aspirants appearing annually, having the right preparation strategy is the key to success.
IBPS PO 2025 Exam Highlights
Exam Name
IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)
Organizing Body
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
Exam Mode
Online (Computer-Based Test)
Selection Process
Prelims → Mains → Interview
Participating Banks
11 Public Sector Banks (like PNB, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, etc.)
IBPS PO 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you fulfill the basic requirements:
Nationality
Must be a citizen of India
Educational Qualification
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
Age Limit
Minimum: 20 years, Maximum: 30 years (with relaxations)
IBPS PO 2025 Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO exam is conducted in three stages:
1 Preliminary Exam (Objective)
Subjects & Marks:
- English Language – 30 questions (30 marks)
- Quantitative Aptitude – 35 questions (35 marks)
- Reasoning Ability – 35 questions (35 marks)
Exam Details:
- Total: 100 questions, 100 marks
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
2 Mains Exam (Objective + Descriptive)
Objective Test:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – 45 questions (60 marks)
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness – 40 questions (40 marks)
- English Language – 35 questions (40 marks)
- Data Analysis & Interpretation – 35 questions (60 marks)
Descriptive Test:
- Descriptive Test – 2 questions (Essay & Letter, 25 marks)
- Duration: 3 hours + 30 minutes (Descriptive)
- Total Marks: 200 + 25 = 225 marks
3 Interview
Process:
- Conducted by participating banks
- Weightage: 100 marks
- Usually 15-20 minutes duration
Final Selection:
- Based on: Mains (80%) + Interview (20%)
- Category-wise merit list
- Document verification
IBPS PO 2025 Syllabus
Prelims Syllabus
English
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Work
- Algebra, Geometry
Reasoning
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Inequalities
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
Mains Syllabus
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Puzzles
- Logical Reasoning
- Input-Output
- MS Office
- Networking basics
- Computer Hardware/Software
General Awareness
- Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Static GK
- Economy
- Financial Awareness
- Government Schemes
Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Caselets
- Graphs
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
- Data Sufficiency
- Advanced DI
Descriptive Test
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
- Precis Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Business Correspondence
IBPS PO 2025 Preparation Strategy
Understand the Exam First
Know the exam pattern, sectional timing, and negative marking.
Build Strong Basics
Start with NCERT (6th–10th) for Quant & Grammar books for English.
Practice with Mock Tests
Attempt IBPS PO previous year papers and full-length mocks regularly.
Focus on Weak Areas
Identify low-scoring sections and dedicate extra time.
GK & Current Affairs
Read daily news, banking awareness updates, and monthly magazines.
Time Management
Prelims: Don't get stuck on one question. Mains: Prioritize DI & Reasoning.
Recommended Books for IBPS PO 2025
Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
Reasoning
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
English
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
General Awareness
Lucent GK + Banking Awareness by Arihant
Practice
Previous Year Solved Papers by Arihant
Final Tips for IBPS PO 2025
- Start early, at least 6–8 months before the exam.
- Balance between Prelims speed and Mains depth.
- Keep a revision notebook for formulas, shortcuts, and current affairs.
- Stay consistent, motivated, and track your progress weekly.
- Take care of your health with proper sleep, diet, and exercise.
- Join online communities for doubt clearance and motivation.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO 2025 exam is highly competitive, but with the right preparation strategy, dedication, and resources, you can secure your dream job in a public sector bank.
At Courage Library, we provide structured study materials, mock tests, and guidance tailored for banking aspirants. Whether you're just starting or refining your strategy, our platform will help you stay ahead in your preparation journey.
Start Your IBPS PO 2025 Preparation Today
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Written by Banking Experts
Former IBPS officers and subject matter specialists
Our team includes former bankers and exam toppers who understand exactly what it takes to crack competitive banking exams like IBPS PO.