IBPS PO 2027 · Syllabus & exam pattern
IBPS PO Syllabus 2027 and Exam Pattern: Subject-wise Topics
IBPS PO selection: Preliminary (60 minutes); Main (objective) (160 minutes); Main (descriptive) (30 minutes), as per the official notice published 1 July 2026.
Subjects, number of questions, marks, duration and negative marking for every stage, as printed in the official notice.
IBPS PO exam pattern 2027
Stages of selection
- 1Preliminary exam: online objective test (qualifying; shortlists for Mains)
- 2Main exam: online objective test plus descriptive paper
- 3Personality test and common interview
- 4Provisional allotment to a participating bank
Preliminary
60 minutes (20 minutes per section)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 |
Negative marking: one fourth (0.25) of the marks of a question for each wrong answer. Sectional cut-offs apply.
Main (objective)
160 minutes
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 60 |
| General / Economy / Banking / Digital / Financial Awareness | 50 | 60 |
| English Language | 40 | 20 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 40 | 60 |
Negative marking: 0.25 of the marks per wrong answer.
Main (descriptive)
30 minutes
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Essay and Comprehension (English) | 2 | 25 |
Source: CRP PO/MT-XVI: Common Recruitment Process for Probationary Officers / Management Trainees (vacancies of 2027-28) — Detailed Notification (published 1 July 2026). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Cut-offs, interview marks and final merit
In the preliminary exam you must clear each of the three tests (English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning) by the cut-off marks IBPS decides; shortlisting for the main exam is category-wise as per requirements. In the main exam you must also obtain a minimum score in each test and in the total.
Every wrong answer in the objective tests costs one fourth (0.25) of the marks for that question; an unanswered question carries no penalty. The descriptive paper may be evaluated by an automated scoring mechanism that IBPS states is validated.
Candidates who qualify the main exam take a self-report personality test. It is non-qualifying, but you must appear in it to be eligible for the interview; your personality profile is placed before the interview panel.
The interview carries 100 marks. The minimum qualifying marks are 40% (35% for SC, ST, OBC and PwBD candidates). Final merit uses the main exam and interview in an 80:20 ratio, and you must qualify in both.
IBPS PO syllabus: tests and sections as printed
The official notice does not print a topic-wise syllabus. It names the tests of each stage with their questions and marks, listed below; prepare the standard topics of each test. Always follow the latest notice.
- Preliminary (60 minutes, 20 per section): English Language (30 questions, 30 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 30 marks), Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 40 marks).
- Main, objective (160 minutes): Reasoning (40 questions, 60 marks); General / Economy / Banking / Digital / Financial Awareness (50 questions, 60 marks); English Language (40 questions, 20 marks); Data Analysis & Interpretation (40 questions, 60 marks).
- Main, descriptive (30 minutes): Essay and Comprehension in English (2 questions, 25 marks).
Frequently asked questions
What is the IBPS PO exam pattern?
Preliminary: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability (60 minutes (20 minutes per section)). Negative marking: one fourth (0.25) of the marks of a question for each wrong answer. Sectional cut-offs apply. Main (objective): Reasoning, General / Economy / Banking / Digital / Financial Awareness, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation (160 minutes). Negative marking: 0.25 of the marks per wrong answer. Main (descriptive): Essay and Comprehension (English) (30 minutes)
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO?
Yes: one fourth (0.25) of the marks of the question for every wrong answer in the objective tests.