The IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 will be conducted on 22 and 23 August 2026 under the CRP PO/MT-XVI recruitment process. The examination will be held in multiple shifts across both days. The exact shift, reporting time, exam time and examination centre allotted to each candidate will be mentioned on the individual IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card 2026. Candidates should check their call letter carefully and plan their travel according to the reporting time mentioned on it. The timings given below can be used as a reference for understanding the expected shift pattern, but candidates must follow the timings printed on their own admit card.
IBPS PO Prelims Shift Timings 2026
The IBPS PO Prelims Examination is expected to be conducted in four shifts per day. Based on the shift pattern followed in previous examinations and currently available 2026 exam information, the expected examination start times are 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
| Shift | Expected Reporting Time | Expected Exam Time |
| Shift 1 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Shift 3 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Shift 4 | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
Note: The above timings are provided for reference based on the expected shift pattern. The reporting time, gate-closing time and examination time mentioned on the candidate’s IBPS PO Admit Card 2026 will be final. Candidates should not rely solely on the timings given in this table.
IBPS PO Shift Timings 2026: Important Points
Candidates appearing for the IBPS PO Prelims Exam should keep the following points in mind:
- The examination will be conducted on 22 and 23 August 2026.
- Multiple shifts will be conducted on both examination days.
- Candidates will be allotted a specific shift by IBPS.
- The exact reporting time will be printed on the individual admit card.
- Candidates should reach the examination centre before the reporting time.
- The examination centre and complete venue address will also be mentioned on the call letter.
- Candidates should check the route to the centre in advance to avoid delays.
- Reaching after the prescribed entry or gate-closing time may result in denial of entry.
What time should I reach the IBPS PO exam center?
Candidates should reach the IBPS PO examination centre well before the reporting time printed on their admit card. The reporting time is different from the examination start time and is provided to allow candidates sufficient time for entry, identity verification, biometric authentication, frisking and other examination formalities.
For example, if the call letter mentions an 8:00 AM reporting time, candidates should plan their journey so that they arrive before 8:00 AM rather than reaching the centre at the 9:00 AM examination start time. Candidates should always follow the reporting and gate-closing instructions printed on their individual call letter.
IBPS PO Shift Timings: What to Check on the Admit Card?
The IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card contains the candidate-specific examination schedule. Candidates should save the examination centre address on their phones or note it down in advance so that they can reach the venue without difficulty. Before leaving for the exam, candidates should verify.
- Exam date
- Reporting time
- Shift
- Examination start time
- Gate-closing or entry time, if mentioned
- Examination centre name
- Complete centre address
- Candidate roll number
- Other exam-day instructions
IBPS PO Exam Day Guidelines 2026
Candidates should follow the instructions provided on their admit card and the official information handout. Important exam-day guidelines include:
- Carry a clear printed copy of the IBPS PO Admit Card 2026.
- Carry the original valid photo ID specified in the examination instructions.
- Carry any additional documents or photographs specifically mentioned on the call letter.
- Reach the centre before the prescribed reporting time.
- Complete identity verification, biometric authentication, and other formalities as instructed.
- Do not carry prohibited electronic devices or unauthorized material into the examination hall.
- Follow all instructions given by the invigilator.
- Do not leave the examination hall unless permitted according to the examination rules.
- Avoid unnecessary last-minute travel or changes to your planned route.
Documents Required for IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026
Candidates should prepare their examination documents a day before the exam. The documents required may include:
- IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card 2026 – A clear printed copy of the call letter.
- Valid Photo ID Proof – Carry the original identity document specified by IBPS.
- Photograph – Carry photographs if specifically instructed on the call letter.
- Other Required Documents – Carry any additional document mentioned in the official examination instructions.
What not to carry to the IBPS PO Exam Center?
Candidates should avoid carrying prohibited items to the examination centre. These may include:
- Mobile phones
- Smartwatches
- Bluetooth devices
- Calculators, unless specifically permitted
- Electronic gadgets
- Study material
- Notes or loose papers
- Other items prohibited under the examination instructions
Attempt a FREE IBPS PO Mock Test
Candidates can use the remaining time before the examination to attempt full-length IBPS PO Prelims mock tests. Practicing with the actual 60-minute duration and sectional time limits can help candidates improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
Practise IBPS PO Previous Year Papers
Solving IBPS PO previous year papers can help candidates understand the type and difficulty of questions asked in the preliminary examination. Candidates should attempt previous-year papers in a timed environment and analyze their mistakes after every test.
FAQs
Q1. When will the IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 be conducted?
A1: The IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for 22 and 23 August 2026.
Q2. How many shifts will be conducted for IBPS PO Prelims 2026?
A2: The IBPS PO Prelims Examination is expected to be conducted in four shifts per day. Candidates should check their individual call letter for the exact shift allotted to them.
Q3. What are the IBPS PO Prelims shift timings 2026?
A3: The expected examination start times are 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. However, candidates must follow the reporting and examination timings printed on their individual admit cards.
Q4. What is the reporting time for IBPS PO Prelims?
A4: The reporting time depends on the shift allotted to the candidate. The exact reporting time is mentioned on the IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card 2026.
Q5. What is the duration of the IBPS PO Prelims Exam?
A5: The IBPS PO Prelims Examination has a total duration of 60 minutes, with separate sectional timings.
Q6. Can I reach the IBPS PO exam centre after the reporting time?
A6: Candidates should reach the centre before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card. Those arriving after the prescribed entry or gate-closing time may not be permitted to enter.
Q7. Where can I check my IBPS PO exam shift?
A7: Candidates can check their allotted shift, reporting time and examination centre on their IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card 2026.
Q8. Will IBPS PO Mains have the same shift timings as Prelims?
A8: Not necessarily. The Mains examination schedule may differ from the Prelims schedule. Candidates should check their Mains admit card for the exact reporting time and shift.
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Hi, I’m Tripti, a senior content writer at Oliveboard, where I manage blog content along with community engagement across platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. With 3+ years of experience in content and SEO optimization related to banking exams, I have led content for popular exams like SSC, banking, railway, and state exams.