IBPS PO
The IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer) exam is a national-level exam in India for selecting Probationary Officers (PO) for public sector banks, excluding the State Bank of India (SBI).
About IBPS PO
This exam attracts many candidates every year due to the prestigious job profile, attractive salary, and career progression opportunities in the banking sector. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the IBPS PO exam.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizen or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1962.
- Age Limit: 20 to 30 years (Age relaxation for SC/ST, OBC, PwD, and other categories as per government norms).
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
Computer knowledge is beneficial, but not mandatory.
• Age Limit:
Minimum: 20 years
Maximum: 30 years
Exam Pattern
- The IBPS PO selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview.
• Preliminary Exam:
Objective: Shortlisting candidates for the Main Exam.
Sections:
1. English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes.
2. Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes.
3. Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes. - Main Exam:
Objective and Descriptive: Tests the candidate’s knowledge in multiple areas.
Objective Sections:
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 45 questions, 60 marks, 60 minutes.
2. General/Economy/Banking Awareness: 40 questions, 40 marks, 35 minutes.
3. English Language: 35 questions, 40 marks, 40 minutes.
4. Data Analysis & Interpretation: 35 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes. - Interview:
Conducted by: Participating banks and coordinated by IBPS.
Total Marks: 100
Qualifying Marks: 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD). - Final Selection:
Based on combined scores of the Main Exam and Interview in an 80:20 ratio. Final merit is prepared based on these weighted scores.
Syllabus
- English Language:
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Para Jumbles, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms and Antonyms, Sentence Rearrangement.
• Quantitative Aptitude:
Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Distance, Mixture and Allegations, Time and Work, Probability, Mensuration.
• Reasoning Ability:
Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Inequality, Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series, Order and Ranking, Data Sufficiency, Input-Output.
• Computer Aptitude:
Basics of Computer, MS Office, Internet, Operating Systems, Computer Hardware and Software, Networking, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Security.
• General Awareness:
Current Affairs (national and international), Banking Awareness, Indian Economy, Financial Terms, RBI policies, Budget, Fiscal Policy, Financial Institutions (RBI, SEBI, NABARD, etc.), and Static GK.
Application & Selection Process
- Application Fee:
General/OBC: ₹850
SC/ST/PwBD: ₹175 - Prelims: Qualifying in nature; candidates need to clear sectional and overall cut-offs to proceed to the Main Exam.
• Mains: Marks obtained are considered for final selection along with the Interview scores.
• Interview: Final merit is based on scores from the Main Exam and Interview (in an 80:20 ratio).
• Provisional Allotment: Based on the merit, candidates are provisionally allotted to various banks depending on available vacancies and preferences.
Important Dates
- Notification Release: Usually in August/September each year.
Online Application: Typically opens within a week after the notification and lasts about 20–25 days.
• Preliminary Exam: Held in October/November.
• Main Exam: Conducted in December/January.
• Interview: Typically held in February/March.
• Final Result: Announced in April.