Is IBPS PO & Clerk expected before the IBPS RRB Notification? The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts various major banking recruitment exams each year, including IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, and IBPS RRB (for Regional Rural Banks). For the 2025–2026 recruitment cycle, a significant change is expected in the exam schedule. According to recent updates, IBPS PO and Clerk exams may be conducted before the IBPS RRB exams, which is a shift from the usual order followed in previous years.
Why This Change in Schedule?
One of the main reasons for this expected change is the merger and restructuring of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across the country. Many RRBs are being consolidated at the state level, which has led to delays in finalizing the number of vacancies, recruitment zones, and administrative coordination. As a result, IBPS may prioritize PO and Clerk recruitment for Public Sector Banks (PSBs), which have a larger number of posts and more immediate staffing requirements.
Additionally, conducting the IBPS PO and Clerk exams before RRB helps avoid overlapping exam dates. Many candidates apply for multiple IBPS exams in a year. A well-structured schedule ensures they can attend all the exams without clashes, and it also eases administrative pressure on IBPS and participating banks.
Logistical challenges are another major factor. The RRB merger process requires more time for setting up exam centers, interview panels, and document verification zones. Shifting the RRB exam dates allows more time for organizing these elements smoothly.
Expected IBPS Exam Dates
As per the current schedule:
- IBPS RRB PO Prelims: July 27, August 2 & 3, 2025
- IBPS RRB PO Mains: September 13, 2025
- IBPS PO Prelims: October 4, 5 & 11, 2025
- IBPS PO Mains: November 29, 2025
- IBPS Clerk Prelims: December 6, 7, 13 & 14, 2025
- IBPS Clerk Mains: February 1, 2026
Is IBPS PO & Clerk expected before the IBPS RRB Notification?
A revised IBPS Exam Calendar is expected to be released within a few days. This revised calendar may confirm the rescheduling of the IBPS PO and Clerk exams ahead of RRB.
If implemented, this would mark a major shift in IBPS’s traditional recruitment cycle. Candidates should stay updated with official notifications and prepare accordingly. With exams potentially being rescheduled, early preparation and regular tracking of updates will be essential for success in the upcoming IBPS 2025 exams.
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