Introdcution
The IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for August 22 and 23, as announced in the official IBPS Calendar released on January 16, 2026. The IBPS PO Prelims Exam forms the initial screening stage for aspiring Probationary Officers in India’s public sector banks, conducted annually by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). It assesses candidates’ foundational skills in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English language proficiency through an online objective test. This exam attracts lakhs of applicants seeking stable banking careers, with successful candidates advancing to Mains, followed by interviews.
Exam Overview
This preliminary examination serves as the first stage for recruiting Probationary Officers in public sector banks through the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). It features 100 multiple-choice questions across English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability sections, lasting 60 minutes with sectional timings.
Key Dates
The full IBPS PO 2026 timeline includes the notification release in June 2026, Prelims on August 22-23, and Mains on October 4.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims | August 22-23, 2026 |
| Mains | October 4, 2026 |
Purpose and Scope
IBPS conducts the exam for 20+ public sector banks, including SBI associates, to standardize recruitment and ensure merit-based selection. The Prelims act as a qualifier, eliminating a large portion of applicants before the more comprehensive Mains stage.
Structure Details
The test comprises 100 questions worth 100 marks, divided into three timed sections: Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 20 minutes), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 20 minutes), and English Language (30 questions, 20 minutes). A 0.25 negative marking applies for wrong answers, emphasizing accuracy alongside speed.
Preparation Essentials
Candidates typically prepare using official syllabi covering topics like puzzles, data interpretation, and comprehension. Mock tests and previous papers help simulate the real exam environment, with cut-offs varying by category and region.
The IBPS PO Prelims follows a standardized online objective pattern designed to test speed, accuracy, and basic aptitude for banking roles.
Prelims Structure
The exam includes three sections with sectional timing of 20 minutes each, totaling 60 minutes. Candidates face 100 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks, with a penalty of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
Sectional cut-offs apply alongside overall scores for qualification. The exam occurs in English and Hindi (except the English section), serving as a screening stage without contributing to final merit.
Sectional cutoffs for IBPS PO Prelims 2026 have not been released yet, as the exam is scheduled for August 22-23, 2026, and cutoffs are determined post-exam based on factors like vacancies, candidate performance, and normalization.
Previous Trends
Historical sectional cutoffs provide benchmarks, typically ranging from 5-10 marks per section for the General category, lower for reserved categories. For instance, in recent cycles like 2024-2025, English was around 9-10, Quantitative Aptitude 7-9, and Reasoning 8-10 for UR/EWS.
| Year | English (UR) | Quant (UR) | Reasoning (UR) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9.75 | 6.25 | 13.25 | |
| 2024 | 10 | 7 | 6.75 | |
| 2022 | 9.75 | 8.75 | 9.25 | |
IBPS PO Prelims syllabus 2026 covers foundational topics in three sections to evaluate basic banking aptitude through objective questions.
English Language
Key areas include Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Improvement, and Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms). Focus builds grammar, reading speed, and contextual understanding.
Quantitative Aptitude
Topics encompass Simplification/Approximation, Number Series, Data Interpretation (Table/Pie/Bar/Line), Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic problems like Profit & Loss, Simple/Compound Interest, Time & Work, Speed-Distance-Time, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Mensuration, and Probability.
Reasoning Ability
Core subjects feature Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (Linear/Circular/Floor-based), Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Inequalities, Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Alphanumeric Series, and Input-Output.
High-weightage topics in IBPS PO Prelims 2026 dominate based on previous years’ trends, typically comprising 50-70% of questions per section for maximum scoring efficiency.
Reasoning Ability
Puzzles and Seating Arrangements carry the highest weight, often 20-25 questions (15-20 marks), followed by Syllogism (5 questions) and Inequality/Coding-Decoding (3-5 each).
Quantitative Aptitude
Data Interpretation (10-15 questions), Simplification/Approximation (10-15), Number Series/Wrong Series (5), and Quadratic Equations (5) form the bulk, with Arithmetic word problems adding 10-15 more.
English Language
Reading Comprehension (7-10 questions), Cloze Test (5-7), Error Spotting/Phrase Replacement (5-7), and Para Jumbles (5) hold the most significance.
Preparation tips
Effective preparation for IBPS PO Prelims 2026 emphasizes understanding the syllabus, consistent practice, and mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
Daily Strategy
Create a 7-8 hour study plan prioritizing high-weightage topics like Puzzles, DI, and RC; allocate time for fundamentals, notes, and 2-2.5 hours of mocks daily with analysis.
Master the basics in Quant, Reasoning, and English grammar/vocabulary first.
Practice sectional mocks to improve time management, starting with easy questions.
Revise formulas, puzzles, and current affairs via newspapers and quizzes.
Resources and Habits
Use quality mocks from platforms like Testbook or Adda247, track progress in weak areas, and maintain short notes for quick revision.
Read editorials for English and GK.
Analyze every mock for errors and patterns.
Take weekly full-length tests to simulate exam conditions.
Sample Timetable
Follow this structured routine starting early to align with peak mental freshness, adjusting for personal strengths.
| Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30-7:00 AM | Wake up, exercise/stretching |
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Newspaper + Current Affairs notes |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Quantitative Aptitude practice |
| 9:00-10:00 AM | Reasoning (Puzzles/Seating) |
| 10:00-10:30 AM | Short break (snack/relax) |
| 10:30-11:30 AM | English (Grammar/RC) |
| 11:30-12:30 PM | Banking Awareness/Static GK |
| 12:30-1:30 PM | Lunch + rest |
| 1:30-2:30 PM | Sectional mock test |
| 2:30-3:00 PM | Mock analysis + error notes |
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Revision of weak topics |
Dedicate weekends to full-length mocks (9-11 AM), thorough analysis, and revision; aim for 1-2 mocks weekly, increasing closer to the exam.
Track progress with error logs.
Revise formulas/vocab daily (30 mins evening).
Stay consistent with 6-8 hours, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Guidelines
Key preparation guidelines for IBPS PO Prelims 2026 focus on syllabus mastery, consistent practice, and exam simulation to clear sectional and overall cutoffs effectively.
Core Principles
Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly before starting; prioritize high-weightage topics like Puzzles, Data Interpretation, and Reading Comprehension. Build strong fundamentals in basics such as grammar rules, arithmetic formulas, and logical reasoning patterns to handle varied question difficulties.
Study Planning
Develop a realistic 4-6 month plan with 7-8 hours daily study, including weekly full mocks and analysis; allocate 30-40 minutes for current affairs and GK updates. Focus on one stage at a time, revising weak areas through error logs and short notes for quick recall.
Practice Guidelines
Take sectional and full-length mocks regularly to improve speed and accuracy, aiming for 80+ attempts per section within time limits.
Analyze mocks immediately to identify patterns in mistakes; revise formulas, vocab, and puzzles daily.
Practice previous year papers to adapt to question trends and maintain a healthy routine with breaks and exercise.
Official Websites
The primary official website for IBPS PO 2026 is www.ibps.in, where notifications, calendars, applications, admit cards, and results will be hosted.
Key Resources
Bookmark these for updates on exam dates, syllabus, and downloads.
| Site | Purpose |
|---|---|
| www.ibps.in | Main portal for all IBPS exams, notifications, and login |
| cwe. ibps.in | Application and result portal |
Regularly check the homepage for CRP PO XVI announcements expected in June 2026; enable notifications for new alerts on calendars and forms.
IBPS PO Prelims 2026 FAQs
Common questions about the exam, pattern, eligibility, and preparation based on standard guidelines and conversation context.
Exam Basics
When are the IBPS PO Prelims 2026 scheduled?
The Prelims exam dates are August 22-23, 2026, as per the official IBPS Calendar 2026.
What is the selection process?
It includes three stages: Prelims (qualifying), Mains (scoring), and Interview, with final merit based on Mains (80%) + Interview (20%).
Pattern and Syllabus
What is the Prelims exam pattern?
100 objective questions for 100 marks across English (30Q), Quant (35Q), Reasoning (35Q), with 20 minutes per section and 0.25 negative marking.
Which topics have the highest weightage?
Reasoning: Puzzles/Seating (20-25Q); Quant: DI/Simplification (20-30Q); English: RC/Cloze (12-17Q).
Preparation and Cutoffs
What are sectional cutoffs for Prelims 2026?
Not released yet (post-exam); previous UR trends: English ~9-10, Quant ~6-9, Reasoning ~7-13 marks.
Where to find official updates?
Primary site: www.ibps.in; application portal: ibps.sifyitest.com.