IBPS PO Complete Syllabus

The IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Every year, thousands of candidates appear to secure a position as a Probationary Officer or Management Trainee in public sector banks. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this exam is designed to test a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning ability, quantitative skills, English proficiency, general awareness, and banking knowledge.

The selection process has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims focus on speed and accuracy, covering English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Only candidates who clear the Prelims move to the Mains, which is more challenging. The Mains test advanced topics such as Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Knowledge, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. Finally, the Interview evaluates personality, communication skills, confidence, and decision-making ability. These qualities are crucial for a career in banking.

With so many candidates competing, it is important to plan your preparation carefully. Knowing the complete syllabus helps you prioritize topics, focus on weak areas, and manage time effectively. A structured approach ensures you cover all sections without missing anything important. Regular practice, mock tests, and consistent revision make a huge difference in performance.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the IBPS PO syllabus, covering each section in detail. Whether you are attempting the exam for the first time or trying to improve your previous score, understanding the syllabus is the first step to success. With the right strategy and consistent effort, you can improve your chances of clearing the exam and achieving your dream career in banking.

The IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of India’s most prestigious banking exams, conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). It recruits candidates for Probationary Officer / Management Trainee posts in public sector banks.

The selection process is conducted in three stages:

Note: Prelims is qualifying in nature; the marks obtained are not counted for final selection.

1. IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus

Prelims mainly tests speed and accuracy in three sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

A. English Language

The English section evaluates comprehension skills, grammar, and vocabulary.

Topics Covered:

1. Reading Comprehension – Passage-based questions, inference, theme, tone, main idea.

2. Cloze Test – Fill in blanks with correct words.

3. Spotting Errors – Identify grammatical mistakes.

4. Sentence Improvement & Correction – Improve sentence structures.

5. Para Jumbles – Arrange sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.

6. Vocabulary – Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, one-word substitution.

7. Fill in the Blanks – Context-based grammar and vocabulary usage.

Preparation Tip: Read English newspapers (The Hindu, Economic Times), and practice comprehension daily.

B. Quantitative Aptitude

The Quant section evaluates mathematical ability, speed, and problem-solving skills.

Topics Covered:

• Simplification / Approximation

• Number Series (missing number)

• Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Chart, Bar Graph, Line Graph)

• Quadratic Equations

• Arithmetic Problems:

  • Profit & Loss

  • Simple & Compound Interest

  • Time, Speed & Distance

  • Time & Work

  • Mixtures & Allegations

  • Averages

  • Percentage

  • Ratio & Proportion

• Mensuration & Geometry Basics

• Permutation & Combination / Probability

• Data Sufficiency

Preparation Tip: Practice previous years’ questions and speed-based calculations daily.

C. Reasoning Ability

This section evaluates logical reasoning and analytical skills.

Topics Covered:

• Puzzles & Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular)

• Inequalities & Syllogism

• Blood Relations & Direction Sense

• Coding-Decoding

• Order & Ranking

• Alphanumeric Series

• Input-Output

• Statement & Assumptions / Conclusions

Preparation Tip: Solve complex puzzles daily and practice time management.

2. IBPS PO Mains Syllabus

Mains is scoring and challenging, requiring preparation in Reasoning, Data Analysis, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and English Language.

A. Reasoning & Computer Knowledge

Reasoning Topics (Advanced):

• Advanced Puzzles & Seating Arrangements

• Inequalities & Syllogism (High-level)

• Coding-Decoding & Input-Output (Complex)

• Logical Reasoning (Arguments, Courses of Action, Statements)

• Data Sufficiency

• Order & Ranking

Computer Knowledge Topics:

• Computer Basics: Hardware, Software, Input/Output devices

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint basics)

• Internet & Networking Basics

• Database Concepts & Cyber Security

• Computer Abbreviations & Terminology

Tip: Cover fundamental computer concepts; questions are often direct.

B. Data Analysis & Interpretation

Data Analysis tests your numerical, logical, and analytical abilities.

Topics Covered:

• Tables, Pie Chart, Bar Graph, Line Graph

• Caselets & Paragraph-based DI

• Simplification / Approximation

• Ratio, Percentage, Averages

• Profit & Loss, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work

• Simple & Compound Interest, Mixtures & Allegations

• Quadratic Equations & Arithmetic Word Problems

• Probability & Permutation/Combination

Tip: Focus on practice sets and previous year Mains questions.

C. General/Economy/Banking Awareness

This section tests banking knowledge, current affairs, and economic awareness.

Topics Covered:

• Current Affairs: Banking & Economy (Last 6–12 months)

• Banking Terms & RBI Policies (Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR)

• Types of Banks & Functions

• Credit Cards, Digital Banking, Basel Norms

• Government Schemes, Budget Highlights

• Important Appointments & Awards

Tip: Read RBI updates, newspapers, banking magazines, and monthly current affairs.

D. English Language (Advanced)

Topics Covered:

• Reading Comprehension (Advanced Passages)

• Cloze Test

• Error Detection & Sentence Correction

• Para Jumbles & Paragraph Completion

• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, Phrases)

• Fill in the Blanks (Grammar-focused)

Tip: Regular reading, practice, and grammar exercises improve scores.

3. IBPS PO Interview / Personality Test

The final stage evaluates personality, communication skills, and banking knowledge.

Focus Areas:

• Confidence & Clarity in communication

• Knowledge of current affairs, banking, and economy

• Decision-making & problem-solving ability

• Body language, attire, and presentation

Tip: Practice mock interviews, maintain professional behavior, and prepare answers for common banking questions.

4. IBPS PO Preparation Tips

1. Prelims Focus: Speed & accuracy in Quantitative & Reasoning sections.

2. Mains Focus: Advanced DI, reasoning puzzles, and banking awareness.

3. Mock Tests: Take online mocks to improve time management and reduce errors.

4. Current Affairs: Follow RBI updates, government schemes, budgets, and important appointments.

5. Revision: Revise formulas, reasoning tricks, vocabulary, and key banking terms daily.

6. Sectional Strategy: Identify strong and weak sections, and practice accordingly.

7. Time Management: Prelims – 1 hour; Mains – 3 hours; allocate time to each section wisely.

5. FAQs – IBPS PO Syllabus

1. How many stages are there in IBPS PO exam?

• Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

2. Is Prelims qualifying?

• Yes, Prelims is qualifying. Marks do not count for final selection.

3. How many questions are there in Prelims?

• 100 questions: English (30), Quant (35), Reasoning (35).

4. How many sections in Mains?

• 4 Sections: Reasoning & Computer, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Awareness, English Language.

5. Are there negative marks?

• Yes, 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer.

6. What are the important banking topics?

• RBI policies, banking terms, government schemes, digital banking, Basel norms.

7. How to improve English for IBPS PO?

• Daily reading, comprehension practice, vocabulary exercises, and grammar learning.

8. Is computer knowledge important?

• Yes, basic computer questions appear in Mains.

9. Are sectional cut-offs applied?

• Yes, IBPS applies both sectional and overall cut-offs.

10. How to manage time during exams?

• Practice mock tests and previous year papers to allocate time wisely.