The IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) exam is one of the most prestigious exams in India, held annually to recruit candidates for the position of probationary officers in various public sector banks. The IBPS PO exam is set to test candidates on a wide range of topics, and understanding the detailed syllabus is essential for a structured and strategic approach to preparation.
In this blog, we will walk you through the complete IBPS PO syllabus, break it down by section, and provide useful tips to help you excel in both the Preliminary and Mains stages of the exam.
IBPS PO Exam Overview
The IBPS PO Exam is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Exam (Phase 1)
- Mains Exam (Phase 2)
- Interview (Phase 3)
The exam is held in online mode and consists of objective type questions, with the Preliminary Exam being qualifying in nature and the Mains Exam being the deciding factor for shortlisting candidates for the interview.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern
1. Preliminary Exam (Phase 1)
- Total Marks: 100
- Number of Questions: 100 (1 mark each)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Sections:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
2. Mains Exam (Phase 2)
- Total Marks: 200
- Number of Questions: 200 (1 mark each)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Sections:
- Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- English Language
- Descriptive Test (Letter Writing & Essay)
IBPS PO Syllabus Breakdown
Let’s break down the detailed syllabus for both Preliminary and Mains exams:
1. IBPS PO Preliminary Exam Syllabus:
The Preliminary Exam consists of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Series
- Simplification and Approximation
- Data Interpretation
- Time and Work
- Ratio and Proportion
- Profit and Loss
- Algebra
- Mensuration
- Probability
Reasoning Ability:
- Logical Reasoning
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Coding and Decoding
- Direction Sense
- Input-Output
2. IBPS PO Mains Exam Syllabus:
The Mains Exam is more extensive and includes both objective and descriptive sections. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude:
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Data Sufficiency
- Computer Awareness (Basic Terminologies, Operating Systems, Internet, Security, etc.)
Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs)
- Data Sufficiency
- Caselets
- Data Comparison
- Probability and Permutation/Combination
General/Economy/Banking Awareness:
- Banking Awareness (Financial Institutions, RBI, Monetary Policy)
- Economic Policies (Budget, Fiscal Deficit, Inflation)
- Government Schemes (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, etc.)
- Current Affairs (National and International news, Financial Awareness)
- Static GK (Indian Geography, History, Culture, Awards)
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Grammar and Vocabulary
- English Proficiency (Writing Skills)
Descriptive Test (Letter Writing & Essay Writing):
- Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)
- Essay Writing (Current Affairs, Social Issues, Economy, etc.)
Tips for Effective IBPS PO Exam Preparation
- Understand the Syllabus:
Break down each topic and make a detailed study plan. Cover all sections and give extra focus to weaker areas. - Daily Practice:
Consistent practice is key to scoring well in IBPS PO. Set aside time for solving practice papers and taking mock tests regularly. - Time Management:
Focus on improving speed and accuracy. Practicing under timed conditions will help you manage your time effectively during the exam. - Focus on Conceptual Clarity:
For subjects like Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, focus on building a strong foundation and understanding core concepts. - Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
Read newspapers and follow reputable websites to stay updated on banking and financial news. This will help you in the General Awareness section. - Use Study Materials and Books:
Invest in good study materials and books. Some recommended ones are:- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Agarwal
- Reasoning Ability by M.K. Pandey
- English Language by Wren and Martin
- Current Affairs (Monthly magazines like Manorama Yearbook)
- Revise Regularly:
Revision is crucial to retaining information, especially when it comes to static knowledge and formulae. - Mock Tests:
Take regular mock tests and review your performance to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO Exam is a competitive and challenging exam, but with the right preparation strategy, you can excel. The key lies in understanding the syllabus, focusing on conceptual clarity, and practicing regularly. Follow a structured plan, stay consistent, and focus on improving your weaknesses to increase your chances of success.
Start your preparation today and take the first step toward becoming a Probationary Officer with one of India’s leading banks!