IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer Based Test)
- Duration: 60 minutes (1 hour)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Negative Marking: –0.25 for each wrong answer
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Time (Sectional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
Note: Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit depends on Mains + Interview.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Total Marks: 225 (Objective + Descriptive)
- Negative Marking: –0.25 for each wrong answer
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 mins |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 mins |
| General Awareness (Banking/Economy) | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 mins |
| Total Objective | 155 | 200 | 180 mins |
| English Descriptive (Essay + Letter Writing) | 2 | 25 | 30 mins |
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus
1. Reasoning Ability
Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Inequalities (Direct & Coded)
- Blood Relations (Coded & Direct)
- Direction Sense Test
- Order & Ranking
- Seating Arrangement:
- Linear (Single & Double row)
- Circular (Facing inside/outside)
- Square/Rectangular Arrangement
- Mixed Seating Arrangement
- Puzzles:
- Floor Puzzle
- Month/Day/Year Puzzle
- Box Puzzle
- Scheduling Puzzle
- Age-based Puzzle
- Uncertain Number of People Puzzle
Non-Verbal / Analytical Reasoning
- Coding–Decoding (Traditional & New Pattern)
- Input–Output (Machine-based, Word/Number shifting)
- Data Sufficiency
- Logical Deductions
Critical / Logical Reasoning
- Statement & Assumptions
- Statement & Conclusions
- Statement & Arguments
- Statement & Course of Action
- Cause & Effect
- Inference-based Questions
Miscellaneous
- Odd One Out
- Alphabet Test (Letter Arrangement, Dictionary Order)
- Number Series / Alphanumeric Series
- Mixed Series
- Analogy
- Decision Making
2. Quantitative Aptitude
Arithmetic (Word Problems)
- Percentage
- Profit & Loss
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Ratio & Proportion
- Partnership
- Averages
- Mixture & Alligation
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Boat & Stream
- Problems on Trains
- Mensuration (2D & 3D - basics only)
- Probability (basic)
- Permutation & Combination (basic)
Number System & Simplification
- Number System (Divisibility, LCM, HCF, Remainder Theorem, Unit Digit, etc.)
- Simplification
- Approximation
- BODMAS Rule
- Surds & Indices
- Fractions & Decimals
Algebra & Series
- Linear Equations (2 variables)
- Quadratic Equations
- Inequalities (Quadratic & Linear)
- Sequences & Series (AP, GP, Missing number, Wrong number series)
Data Interpretation (DI)
- Tabular DI
- Line Graph
- Bar Graph
- Pie Chart
- Caselet DI (Paragraph based)
- Mixed DI (Combination of charts)
- Missing DI (values missing in table/graph)
- Data Sufficiency (2/3 statements based)
Modern Math (Mains Level)
- Probability (Advanced)
- Permutation & Combination (Advanced)
- Set Theory (Venn Diagram)
Prelims Focus – Simplification, Approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, DI (basic), Arithmetic (easy-medium).
Mains Focus – High-level DI, Caselet, Data Sufficiency, Arithmetic (advanced level), Modern Math.
3. English Language
Vocabulary & Word-based
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Cloze Test (Fill in the blanks passage)
- Fill in the Blanks (Single/Double)
- Word Usage (Correct word in context)
- Word Swap / Word Replacement
- Spelling Errors
Grammar-based
- Error Detection / Spotting Errors
- Sentence Correction / Sentence Improvement
- Phrase Replacement
- Subject–Verb Agreement
- Tenses
- Prepositions
- Conjunctions
- Articles
- Active & Passive Voice (Basic)
- Direct & Indirect Speech (Basic)
Reading & Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension (RC) – economy, banking, social issues, science, stories
- Inference-based RC questions
- Vocabulary from RC (meaning, synonym, antonym)
- Theme / Title of passage
Sentence & Para Formation
- Para Jumbles (Rearrangement of sentences)
- Sentence Connectors
- Sentence Completion
- Odd Sentence Out (Theme-based)
Prelims Focus – Reading Comprehension (short & direct), Cloze Test, Error Detection, Fill in the blanks, Para Jumbles.
Mains Focus – Long RCs (inference + vocab heavy), Word Swap/Usage, Advanced Para Jumbles, Grammar-based tricky questions.
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus Highlights
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
This is the toughest and high-scoring section in mains.
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements
- Linear (single/double row)
- Circular (inward/outward)
- Square/Rectangular arrangements
- Floor/Box/Month/Day/Year based puzzles
- Scheduling puzzles
- Uncertain number of people puzzles
- Logical Reasoning
- Statement–Assumption
- Statement–Conclusion
- Cause & Effect
- Statement–Argument
- Inferences
- Courses of Action
- Data Sufficiency
- Machine Input–Output (word/number shifting patterns)
- Coding–Decoding (new pattern)
- Coded & Mathematical Inequalities
- Blood Relations (direct + coded)
- Direction Sense & Ranking/Order
- Decision Making
- Computer Aptitude (basic to moderate)
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet & Networking
- DBMS, Operating System basics
- Computer Hardware & Software basics
- Shortcut keys
- Cyber security & recent tech updates
2. Data Analysis & Interpretation
Focuses on quant + logical application.
- Data Interpretation (DI)
- Line Graph, Bar Graph, Pie Chart
- Tabular DI
- Caselet DI (paragraph based)
- Missing DI
- Mixed DI (combo of graphs)
- Data Sufficiency (2/3 statements)
- Probability (moderate to advanced)
- Permutation & Combination
- Arithmetic Word Problems
- Profit & Loss, SI–CI
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Pipes & Cisterns
- Mixture & Alligation
- Ratio & Proportion
- Partnership
- Averages
- Boat & Stream
- Problems on Ages
- Mensuration (basic)
3. General Awareness (GA)
Mostly current + banking GK of last 6–8 months before exam.
- Banking Awareness
- History of Banking
- RBI Functions & Policies (Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR, MSF, etc.)
- Monetary & Credit Policies
- NPA, Basel Norms, SARFAESI, PCA
- Priority Sector Lending
- Banking Terms (NEFT, RTGS, UPI, IMPS, NPCI, etc.)
- Digital Banking & Payment Systems
- Financial Awareness
- Budget & Economic Survey highlights
- Government Schemes related to Banking/Finance
- Important committees & reports
- Static GK (linked with banking)
- Important national & international organisations (IMF, World Bank, WTO)
- Country–Capital–Currency (recent changes)
- Headquarters of Banks, Insurance companies
- Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
- National & International events
- Appointments, Books & Authors
- Sports, Awards, Defence
- Science & Technology (banking-related)
4. English Language (Advanced Level)
- Reading Comprehension (RC) – economy, banking, social issues, abstract topics
- Inference based
- Theme/title of passage
- Vocabulary (synonym/antonym/meaning in context)
- Cloze Test (New pattern)
- Para Completion / Sentence Completion
- Para Jumbles (advanced)
- Error Spotting / Sentence Correction (grammar-heavy)
- Word Swap / Word Replacement
- Fill in the Blanks (context-based)
- Odd Sentence Out (theme-based)
5. Descriptive Test
(30 minutes – 25 marks)
- Essay Writing (250 words approx.)
- Economy-related topics (Digital Banking, Financial Inclusion, RBI Role, Inflation, Startups, Global Trade, etc.)
- Social issues (Education, Women Empowerment, Climate Change, Technology in Education, etc.)
- Letter Writing
- Formal/business letters (bank manager, complaint, request, official notice, job application)
- Informal letters (rarely asked, but possible)
Why a 30-Day Plan Works for IBPS PO
- Time-Bound: Structured division of Prelims + Mains topics.
- Balanced: Concepts, mocks, revision all included.
- Banking-specific: Focus on GA + Computer Aptitude.
- Confidence boost: Mock + error analysis keeps you exam ready.
30-Day Study Plan for IBPS PO
Week 1 (Day 1–7): Foundation & Basics
- Quant: Simplification, Approximation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations.
- Reasoning: Syllogism, Inequality, Blood Relation, Direction.
- English: RC basics, Error spotting, Cloze Test.
- GA (Daily): Banking Awareness (RBI roles, Banking terms).
Daily Routine
- 2 Quant topics + 1 Reasoning topic + 1 English topic.
- 50 PYQs daily.
- Vocabulary notebook (10 new words/day).
Week 2 (Day 8–14): Coverage of All Topics
- Quant: DI basics, Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work).
- Reasoning: Seating arrangement (Linear, Circular), Coding-Decoding.
- English: Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Word Swap.
- GA: Current Affairs + Banking Schemes.
Mock Test on Day 10.
Week 3 (Day 15–21): Mixed Practice & Speed
- Quant: Advanced DI, Caselets, Arithmetic mix.
- Reasoning: Puzzles, Input-Output, High-level reasoning.
- English: RC (inference based), Error correction, Vocabulary.
- GA: Budget, RBI Reports, Economy news.
Mock Test on Day 15 & Day 20.
Week 4 (Day 22–28): Mains-Oriented Prep + Revision
- Quant: DI (Missing, Cumulative), Probability, Permutation-Combination.
- Reasoning: Puzzle Marathon + Computer Aptitude basics.
- English: Essay + Letter Writing practice (Descriptive).
- GA: Last 6 months Current Affairs revision.
Mock Tests on Day 22, 24, 26, 28.
Day 29–30: Final Revision
- Revise short notes, formulas, vocab, GA capsules.
- Last full-length mock test on Day 30.
- Stay relaxed, focus on confidence & accuracy.
Using Sankalp Institute Books (Topic-wise Strategy)
| Subject | Topic | Sankalp Book / Notes | Task |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quant | Simplification, Number Series | Sankalp Quant Book 1 | Basics + speed drills |
| Quant | DI & Arithmetic | Sankalp DI Module | Solve 30 sums daily |
| Reasoning | Puzzles & Seating | Sankalp Reasoning Module | Practice timed sets |
| Reasoning | Syllogism, Inequality | Sankalp Logic Notes | Visualize + shortcut tricks |
| English | Grammar & RC | Sankalp English Notes | Daily 2 RC + grammar drills |
| English | Vocabulary | Sankalp Vocab Notes | 10 words daily |
| GA | Banking Awareness | Sankalp GK Notes | Revise + MCQs |
| GA | Current Affairs | Sankalp Monthly Capsule | Last 6 months revision |
| Revision | Mock Tests | Sankalp Mock Series | Full-length exam practice |
Conclusion
With this 30-day IBPS PO plan, you can:
- Build strong basics in Prelims.
- Sharpen high-level skills for Mains.
- Stay updated with banking GA.
- Balance practice, revision & mocks.
Consistency + Smart Strategy = Success in IBPS PO.
How Sankalp Institute Helps You Crack the IBPS PO Exam
Preparing for the IBPS PO exam can feel overwhelming. With so many topics to cover, time management challenges, and the pressure to perform, aspirants often struggle to stay on track. This is where Sankalp Institute makes a real difference, turning confusion into clarity and hard work into results.
Simplified and Complete Study Material
At Sankalp Institute, study material is carefully designed for real understanding. Whether it’s Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, or Computer Knowledge, every concept is broken down in a way that’s easy to grasp. No unnecessary fluff—just the knowledge you need to succeed.
Experienced and Supportive Faculty
The institute’s teachers aren’t just subject experts—they understand exam patterns, challenges, and student psychology. They guide you through tricky problems, share smart shortcuts, and teach strategies that save time and improve accuracy. Their encouragement makes a big difference, especially when motivation dips during preparation.
Real Exam Practice with Mock Tests
Sankalp Institute believes practice is the key to confidence. Their mock tests are designed to mimic the real IBPS PO exam, helping you identify strengths and weaknesses. Each test comes with detailed feedback, showing you exactly where to improve. Over time, this practice not only boosts speed and accuracy but also reduces exam anxiety.
Personalized Guidance for Every Student
Every aspirant is different, and Sankalp Institute understands that. They provide individual attention—helping you clear doubts, revise tough topics, and plan strategies that fit your style of learning. This personalized approach ensures no student feels left behind.
Motivation That Keeps You Going
Success in banking exams isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about mindset and perseverance. Sankalp Institute keeps students motivated, helping them stay focused, disciplined, and confident even in the toughest moments of preparation.
Learning Made Flexible and Accessible
With online resources, video lessons, and digital practice tools, Sankalp Institute ensures learning doesn’t stop. You can study at your own pace, revisit lessons, and practice anytime, anywhere—without compromising quality.
Proven Success Stories
Many students from Sankalp Institute have gone on to crack the IBPS PO exam, showing that the institute’s structured, student-friendly approach works. With the right guidance, resources, and practice, success becomes achievable for anyone who is serious about their goal.
Conclusion:
Sankalp Institute isn’t just a coaching center—it’s a trusted partner in your IBPS PO journey. From simplifying concepts to providing personalized support, mock tests, and motivation, they equip aspirants with everything needed to face the exam confidently and succeed.
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