The IBPS PO Preparation 2026 is a strategic journey for aspiring Probationary Officers in public sector banks. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this exam recruits for PO/Management Trainee positions through a three-stage process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. With high competition due to lakhs of applicants and sectional timing, a disciplined, exam-oriented approach aligned with the latest pattern is essential for success.
The official IBPS PO 2026 notification is expected in June 2026 on ibps.in, with Prelims scheduled for August 22 and 23, 2026, and Mains on October 4, 2026 (as per the tentative IBPS calendar released in January 2026). Until the notification arrives, base your plan on recent patterns, which have remained consistent with minor revisions in timing and marks distribution.
IBPS PO 2026 Selection Process
The selection involves three stages:
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Stage 1: Preliminary Exam — Online objective test (qualifying; scores not added to final merit but required to shortlist for Mains).
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Stage 2: Main Exam — Online objective + descriptive test (marks count toward final merit).
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Stage 3: Interview — Personality assessment (100 marks; final merit combines Mains and Interview, typically in an 80:20 ratio).
Clear sectional and overall cut-offs in Prelims and Mains to advance. Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for wrong answers in objective sections.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026
Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims is a 60-minute online test with sectional timing of 20 minutes each.
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Maximum Marks |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 minutes |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
35 |
35 |
20 minutes |
|
Reasoning Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 minutes |
|
Total |
100 |
100 |
60 minutes |
Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains lasts about 3 hours 10–30 minutes, including a separate descriptive paper.
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
40–45 |
60 |
|
Data Analysis & Interpretation |
35 |
60 |
|
General/Economy/Banking Awareness |
35–40 |
40–50 |
|
English Language |
35 |
40 |
|
Objective Total |
145 |
200 |
|
English Descriptive (Essay/Letter) |
2 |
25 |
IBPS PO Preparation Strategy 2026
Start by analyzing the pattern, previous cut-offs (e.g., recent Prelims overall ~49 for General), and difficulty trends (moderate to difficult in Mains).
Recommended Study Plans
6-Month Plan (Freshers)
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Months 1–2: Build basics in Quant (arithmetic/DI), Reasoning (puzzles/syllogism), English (grammar/RC). Read daily editorials; start basic banking concepts.
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Months 3–4: Practice moderate-level questions, sectional tests (2–3/week), maintain current affairs notes.
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Months 5–6: Full mocks (Prelims 2–3/week, Mains 1–2/week), deep analysis, revise GA/banking, practice descriptive writing.
3-Month Plan (Repeaters/Strong Basics)
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Month 1: Revise core concepts, daily English/GA practice.
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Month 2: Advanced puzzles/DI, sectional tests, start descriptive.
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Month 3: Intensive mocks, error analysis, targeted revision.
Subject-Wise Tips
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Reasoning: Solve 3–4 puzzle/seating sets daily; time yourself; master new patterns for Mains.
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Quantitative Aptitude: Prioritize arithmetic shortcuts; practice varied DI sets for speed.
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English: Daily editorial reading; maintain vocabulary notes; practice grammar rules.
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Banking/GA: Use monthly capsules; revise RBI policies/Budget; cover 6 months' current affairs intensively before Mains.
Best Books for IBPS PO 2026
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Quantitative Aptitude: R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand) or Arun Sharma for DI.
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Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal's Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning.
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English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi.
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Banking Awareness: Arihant or standard capsules.
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Current Affairs: Monthly PDFs from reliable sources/yearbooks.
Mock Tests and Previous Papers
Begin sectional tests early, progress to full mocks (15–20 Prelims, 8–10 Mains). Analyze every mock: track accuracy, time per section, weak topics. Solve previous year papers timed to understand trends and build confidence.
IBPS PO Interview Preparation
Focus on banking/economy knowledge (RBI policies, recent developments), personal background, strengths/weaknesses, and why banking. Practice mock interviews for communication and confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Neglecting sectional timing in practice.
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Skipping descriptive writing.
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Poor mock analysis or irregular GA revision.
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Ignoring accuracy due to negative marking.
