The IBPS PO Mains Exam 2025 is scheduled for 12th October 2025, and candidates who cleared the Prelims must now focus on the next stage. It is crucial for aspirants to check the revised Mains exam pattern, which includes updated sections such as Digital and Financial Awareness, a reduced number of questions, and a revised marking scheme. Understanding the new pattern helps candidates plan their preparation strategically, manage time effectively during the exam, and focus on key areas to maximize their scores.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO 2025 exam pattern has been officially revised and shared in the latest notification. These changes aim to assess candidates more effectively across reasoning, numerical, and banking knowledge. A major change in the IBPS PO Descriptive Test Pattern has also been made.
- Preliminary Exam: Qualifying in nature
- Mains Exam: Determines merit ranking
- Interview: Final selection round
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Revised IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2025 is an online test with three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The exam has a total of 100 questions for 100 marks, and candidates get 60 minutes to complete it. Each section has a fixed time limit of 20 minutes, and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. To qualify for the Mains, candidates must clear the sectional as well as the overall cut-off.
- Mode of Exam: Online (MCQ-based)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Exam Duration: 60 minutes
- Sectional Timing: 20 minutes per section
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Sectional and overall cut-off must be cleared
Revised IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO Mains Exam 2025 is a mix of objective and descriptive tests conducted online. It consists of four objective sections along with a descriptive English test, making the total duration 3 hours and 10 minutes. The objective paper has 145 questions carrying 200 marks, while the descriptive test adds 25 marks. Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for the interview round. Negative marking of 0.25 marks will be applied for every wrong answer.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Time Duration |
|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | English & Hindi | 50 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | English only | 40 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 50 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
| General Economy & Banking Awareness | 35 | 50 | English & Hindi | 25 minutes |
| Total (Objective) | 145 | 200 | | 160 minutes |
| English Language (Descriptive) | 2 | 25 | English only | 30 minutes |
| Grand Total | 147 | 225 | | 3 hours 10 minutes |
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IBPS PO Descriptive Test 2025
The IBPS PO Descriptive Test is an important part of the Mains exam. It carries 25 marks and needs to be completed in 30 minutes on a computer. The test includes one essay (15 marks) and one comprehension (10 marks). Earlier, the paper had an essay and a letter, but in 2025, the letter has been replaced by comprehension. The topics can cover banking, economy, social issues, technology, ethics, or current events. Since the marks from this section are added to the Mains score, doing well here is important to clear the cut-off and move to the interview round.
- The letter has been removed and replaced by a comprehension passage.
- Essay marks: 15
- Comprehension marks: 10 (likely 5 questions × 2 marks each)
- Topics are wider, including economic, social, ethical, and technological issues.
- Candidates must type answers online, so practicing on a computer is recommended.
| Section / Paper | No. of Questions | Marks | Medium | Time Duration |
| Descriptive Paper (Essay & Comprehension) | 2 | 25 | English | 30 minutes |
IBPS PO Interview Process
Candidates who qualify the Main Exam are shortlisted for the interview, which assesses their personality, communication skills, and suitability for the banking sector.
- Total Marks: 100
- Qualifying Marks: 40% for General category; 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates
- Assessment Areas: Banking knowledge, current affairs, communication skills, leadership qualities, and problem-solving abilities
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IBPS PO Final Selection Criteria
The final selection of candidates for the Probationary Officer post is based on the combined performance in the Main Exam and Interview.
Mains Exam Weightage: 80%
- Interview Weightage: 20%
- Candidates who rank high in the merit list are selected as Probationary Officers (POs).
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IBPS PO Marking Scheme
The IBPS PO exam follows a strict marking scheme in both Prelims and Mains. Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions. This makes accuracy essential for scoring well.
| Exam Stage | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unattempted Questions |
|---|
| Prelims | Varies | -1/4th of the marks assigned to a question | No penalty |
| Mains (Objective) | Varies | -1/4th of the marks assigned to a question | No penalty |
| Mains (Descriptive) | Evaluated separately | Not applicable | Not applicable |
