With the IBPS PO Mains Examination taking place on 4 October 2026, here is the complete official syllabus, section-wise timing, mark distribution, and last-minute revision guidelines for all banking aspirants.

Quick Overview: IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern and Last-Minute Guide

Organization / Authority IBPS
Post Probationary Officer / Management Trainee XVI
Total Objective Questions 155 Questions (200 Marks)
Descriptive Paper 2 Questions (25 Marks)
Objective Duration 180 Minutes (3 Hours)
Descriptive Duration 30 Minutes

Important Dates & Schedule

Main Examination 04 October 2026
Descriptive Test Mode Online Typing on Computer
Negative Marking 0.25 Marks per Wrong Answer

Section-Wise Marks Distribution

The objective test includes: 1) Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 Qs, 60 Marks, 60 Min); 2) General / Economy / Banking Awareness (40 Qs, 40 Marks, 35 Min); 3) English Language (35 Qs, 40 Marks, 40 Min); 4) Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 Qs, 60 Marks, 45 Min). The Descriptive paper tests English Letter & Essay writing (25 Marks, 30 Min).

Last-Minute Revision Strategy for IBPS PO Mains

  1. Focus heavily on Current Affairs and Banking Awareness from the last 4 to 6 months.
  2. Practice structured Data Interpretation sets (Caselets, Missing DI, and Radar Graphs).
  3. Revise high-level Puzzles and Critical Reasoning question types.
  4. Practice typing a 150-word letter and a 250-word essay within 30 minutes on a desktop keyboard.
  5. Ensure proper time management according to individual section timers.

Official Direct Links

Official IBPS Portal Visit IBPS Site
IBPS Information Handout Download Handout

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will the descriptive paper be evaluated if I do not clear objective cutoffs?

No, descriptive answer sheets are evaluated only for candidates who clear the objective sectional cutoffs.

Can I use a physical keyboard for the descriptive test?

Yes, the descriptive test requires typing on a computer keyboard provided at the test center.