IBPS PO 2025 Notification, Eligibility, Step-by-Step Application Process & Exam Pattern

Introduction

Every year, thousands of aspirants dream of cracking the IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) exam, securing a prestigious job in India’s public sector banks. IBPS PO 2025 is no different. With the notification expected in August 2025, it’s crucial to grasp every detail—eligibility, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and selection journey—right now. This comprehensive guide, crafted especially for Abhinay Maths students, goes beyond what you’ll find elsewhere. We’ve included detailed tables, clear steps, and strategic tips so that you can start early and stay ahead of the competition.

1. Overview of IBPS PO 2025

Understanding the basic parameters of IBPS PO 2025 will help you plan your preparation timeline. Here’s a quick snapshot of the entire recruitment process:

Attribute	Details
Organization	Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Exam Name	IBPS PO 2025
Post	Probationary Officers
Vacancy	To be notified (expected around 6,000 – 7,000 total)
Category	Banking Exam
Job Location	All across India
Education Qualification	Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
Age Limit	20 to 30 years (Relaxations for reserved categories as per government norms)
Selection Process	Preliminary Exam → Mains Exam → Interview
Application Fees	General & Others: ₹850
Application Mode	Online
IBPS Calendar Released On	15 January 2025
Official Website	www.ibps.in

2. Important Dates to Remember

A clear timeline helps you structure preparation and ensures you never miss a deadline. Below is the tentative schedule for IBPS PO 2025, as per the IBPS calendar released in January 2025 and informed updates.

Event	Tentative Date
IBPS PO 2025 Notification Release	August 2025 (exact date to be announced)
Online Registration Starts	Expected: August 2025
Last Date to Register & Pay Fees	Expected: Early September 2025
Admit Card for Prelims	September 2025
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Date	4th, 5th & 11th October 2025
Prelims Result Declaration	Late October 2025
Admit Card for Mains	November 2025
IBPS PO Mains Exam Date	29th November 2025
Main Result Declaration	December 2025
Interview Call Letters	January 2026 (expected)
Interview Phase	January 2026 (tentative)
Final Result Declaration	February 2026 (tentative)

Action Point: Bookmark these dates. Set calendar reminders for the registration window and exam dates. Preparation should be in full swing by July 2025 to cover the entire syllabus before Prelims.

3. Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Applying correctly is the first step to ensure your candidature is valid. Follow these steps precisely when the notification goes live:

Visit the Official Website
Go to www.ibps.in → Click on “CRP PO/MT” tab → Select “IBPS PO 2025” link.
Click on “New Registration.”
- Please provide a valid and active email address and mobile number.
- You will receive a Registration Number and Password via SMS or email.
Fill Personal & Educational Details
- Enter personal details (Name, D.O.B., Parents’ names as per 10th certificate).
- Enter educational qualifications: Graduation percentage, university name, medium of instruction, etc.
- Select State/Local Language proficiency (as per the State/UT where you are applying).
Upload Scanned Documents
- Photograph: 20 KB – 50 KB | JPEG format | 200 × 230 pixels.
- Signature: 10 KB – 20 KB | JPEG format | 140 × 60 pixels.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Ex-Servicemen/etc.
- Degree/Marksheet: Scanned copy (where required).
Choose Exam Centers
- Select three exam centre choices from the drop-down menu (in order of preference).
- Keep in mind travel convenience and availability in your home state (higher reporting chances).
Fee Payment
- General/EWS/OBC: ₹850 | SC/ST/PWD/Ex-Servicemen: ₹175.
- Pay via Net Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card / UPI.
- Once payment is successful, a confirmation slip is generated.
Print Application Form & Fee Receipt
- After submission, download and print the final application form.
- Keep a copy of the fee receipt for future reference.

Tip: Before final submission, double-check all details—incorrect spellings or wrong date of birth can lead to disqualification.

4. Vacancy Trends: What to Expect for 2025

Understanding past vacancy trends gives insight into the competition level. IBPS typically increases or decreases vacancies based on bank requirements. Below is the vacancy trend from 2021 to 2024:

Year	Total Vacancies	Remarks
2021	4,135	Slight dip due to process delays
2022	8,485	Higher demand—sharp increase
2023	5,314	Moderate stabilization
2024	5,973 (3,955 + 885 + 1,133)	Split across IBPS PO, CRP RRB, CRP Clerk, etc.
2025	To be announced	Expected 6,000 – 7,000 (based on bank requirements)

5. Application Fees & Payment Details

Category-wise fee structure (non-refundable) for IBPS PO 2025:

Category	Application Fee	Payment Mode
SC / ST / PWD	₹175	Online (Net Banking/Card)
General / OBC / EWS	₹850	Online (Net Banking/Card)

Important:

Once paid, fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

Save the fee payment confirmation screenshot or PDF.

6. IBPS PO 2025 Eligibility Criteria

To avoid rejection at the last moment, ensure you satisfy all the eligibility parameters:

6.1 Educational Qualification

Mandatory: Graduation (in any discipline) from a university recognized by the Government of India or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
Proof Required: Final year students can also apply provisionally, but they must produce a mark sheet at the time of the interview.
Computer Knowledge: Basic computer proficiency is mandatory since the exam is online.

6.2 Age Limit

Minimum Age: 20 years
Maximum Age: 30 years
Age as on: Expected to be 1st August 2025 (actual date will be confirmed in the notification)

6.2.1 Age Relaxation (as per Govt. of India norms)

Category	Relaxation
SC / ST	5 years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	3 years
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWD)	10 years
Ex-Servicemen (Army Personnel)	5 years
Persons Affected by the 1984 Riots	5 years

Example:
– A General category aspirant must have been born between 2nd August 1995 and 1st August 2005 (inclusive).
– An OBC candidate would have birth date relaxation up to 1st August 2002.

6.3 Nationality / Domicile

A candidate must be either:

Citizens of India, or
Subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intent to permanently settle, or
A person of Indian origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, or East African countries (Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, or Malawi) with the intent to permanently settle in India.

Note:
– Candidates in categories 2, 3 & 4 must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
– Domicile or local language proficiency rules will be specified for each State/UT.

7. IBPS PO 2025 Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern is vital for effective strategy and time management. IBPS PO consists of two online objective tests (Prelims and Mains) followed by an interview. Only Mains + Interview marks are considered for the final merit list.

7.1 Prelims Exam Pattern

Total Sections: 3
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 100
Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes per section, separate timing)
Negative Marking: ¼ mark for each wrong answer

Section	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
English Language	30	30	20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Total	100	100	1 hour

Cut-Off Criteria:
– Each section has minimum cut-off marks, as well as overall cut-off.
– Prelims marks are not added to the final merit list but are qualifying in nature.

7.2 Main Exam Pattern

The Mains exam is bifurcated into two parts—the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test. Both parts are taken on the same day.

7.2.1 Mains: Objective Test

Total Sections: 4
Total Questions: 155
Total Marks: 200
Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Type: MCQs
Negative Marking: ¼ mark for each wrong answer

Section	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	45	60	60 minutes
General/Economy/Banking Awareness	40	40	35 minutes
English Language	35	40	40 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation	35	60	45 minutes
Total	155	200	3 hours

Time Management Tip:
– Attempt sections you’re strongest in first to secure easy marks and build confidence.
– Keep an eye on sectional time limits—practice with a timer.

7.2.2 Mains: Descriptive Test

Questions: 2 (Letter Writing & Essay)
Total Marks: 25
Duration: 30 minutes
Mode: Typed on a computer
Criteria: Minimum qualifying marks required (as prescribed by IBPS)

Practice Strategy:
– Regularly write one essay (250–300 words) and one formal letter (120–150 words) daily.
– Topics will be banking-related, economy topics, or social issues—stay updated with current affairs.

8. IBPS PO 2025 Syllabus Overview

A well-structured syllabus breakdown gives clarity on which topics to cover. Below is a chapter-wise distribution meant for targeted preparation.

8.1 Prelims Syllabus

English Language:
- Reading Comprehension (Passages with questions)
- Cloze Test/Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles & Paragraph Completion
- Error Spotting (Spot the error, Sentence correction)
- Sentence Improvement (Phrase swap)
- Match the column (Antonym/Synonym)
- Single-Word Substitution
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Systems (Divisibility, HCF, LCM, Decimals, Fractions)
- Simplification/Approximation
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance, Work & Time
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Table, Line Graph)
- Miscellaneous (Permutation & Combination, Probability, Mensuration)
Reasoning Ability:
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (Linear, Circular, Square)
- Inequality (Direct & Coded)
- Syllogism, Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series
- Order & Ranking, Directions & Distances
- Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning
- Input-Output, Machine Input

8.2 Mains Syllabus

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
- All Prelims Reasoning topics (higher difficulty)
- Computer Fundamentals (Basics of hardware, software, OS, MS Office, Internet, Networking)
- Logical Reasoning (Case Let's, Critical Reasoning)
General/Economy/Banking Awareness:
- Current Affairs (Last 6–8 months): Banking, Economy, Finance, Budget, RBI Policies
- Static Banking Awareness: Banking Terminologies, Types of Banks, Bills, Banking History
- Economic Concepts: GDP, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy, Union Budget, Five-Year Plans
- Government Schemes, Financial Institutions (SIDBI, NABARD, IRDAI, SEBI, etc.)
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension (Higher difficulty passages)
- Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para Jumbles (Complex sentences)
- Fill in the Blanks (with options)
- Sentence Correction, Phrase Replacement
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases)
Data Analysis & Interpretation:
- Tabular Data Interpretation
- Case let DI (Two sets)
- Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Mixed DI (Higher difficulty)
- Data Sufficiency (Focus on DI-based questions)
Descriptive Test (for Mains):
- Essay Writing (Banking, Economy, Social Issues)
- Letter Writing (Official/Banking-related scenarios)

Preparation Tip:
– Divide syllabus topics into weekly targets.
– For Banking Awareness, subscribe to monthly current affairs capsules from Abhinay Maths.
– For Computer Aptitude, practice basic MCQs on MS Office, Internet, and fundamental concepts.

9. Selection Process in Detail

The IBPS PO selection journey has three critical stages. Understand their weightages, marking scheme, and criteria to focus on high-impact preparation.

9.1 Preliminary Examination (Qualifying Stage)

Objective: Screen candidates to Mains exam.
Total Marks: 100
Qualifying Criteria: Sectional cut-offs + Overall cut-off.
Result: Only qualifying in nature; marks are not added to final score.
Expected Selection Ratio: Roughly 15-20% of applicants will be shortlisted for Mains (varies each year).

9.2 Mains Examination (Scoring Stage)

Objective: Assess deeper aptitude and descriptive skills.
Objective Test Marks: 200
Descriptive Test Marks: 25 (qualifying in nature but considered for ranking).
Qualifying Criteria: Sectional cut-offs + Overall cut-off (for objective). Descriptive needs minimum qualifying score.
Weightage: Objective Test → 80% | Interview → 20%

9.3 Interview

Objective: Evaluate personality, communication skills, banking awareness, and problem-solving approach.
Marks: 100
Qualifying Marks: General category → 40% (i.e., 40/100) | SC/ST/OBC/PWD → 35% (35/100)
Final Score Calculation:
- Mains Objective Test → 80% weightage
- Interview → 20% weightage
- Example: If you score 160/200 in Mains Objective and 70/100 in Interview:
  - Mains contribution → (160/200) × 80 = 64
  - Interview contribution → (70/100) × 20 = 14
  - Final score = 64 + 14 = 78

Interview Preparation:
– Read financial newspapers daily (The Economic Times, Business Standard).
– Prepare a short introduction (Education → Coaching → Goals).
– Be ready for HR-based questions: Strengths/Weaknesses, Why IBPS PO, Current Banking Trends.

10. State-Wise Exam Centers

IBPS PO 2025 will be conducted across multiple centers in each State/UT. Below is a representative table for major states. (The exact centers for 2025 will be confirmed in the official notification.)

State/UT	Exam Center Cities (Prelims & Mains)
Andaman & Nicobar Island	Port Blair
Andhra Pradesh	Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Guntur, Kurnool, Nellore, Rajahmundry
Arunachal Pradesh	Itanagar
Assam	Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Jorhat, Tezpur
Bihar	Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Purnea
Chhattisgarh	Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg
Goa	Panaji
Gujarat	Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar
Haryana	Chandigarh, Panipat, Karnal, Rohtak, Hisar, Yamunanagar
Himachal Pradesh	Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala
Jammu & Kashmir	Jammu, Srinagar
Jharkhand	Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro
Karnataka	Bengaluru, Mysore, Hubballi, Mangalore, Belgaum
Kerala	Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kannur
Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur
Maharashtra	Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur
Odisha	Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela
Punjab	Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala
Rajasthan	Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer
Tamil Nadu	Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem
Telangana	Hyderabad, Warangal
Uttar Pradesh	Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow
West Bengal	Kolkata, Asansol, Siliguri, Durgapur

Pro Tip: Select centers in your own state or nearby—reduces travel stress and extra expenses.

11. IBPS PO 2025 Salary Structure & Career Growth

Becoming an IBPS PO not only offers financial stability but also a clear career trajectory. Here’s a breakdown of the expected salary and growth prospects:

11.1 Basic Pay & Gross Salary

Basic Pay: ₹48,480
Total In-Hand Salary: Approximately ₹58,000 – ₹63,000 (including DA, HRA, Special Allowance, etc.)

11.1.1 Allowances & Perks (Approximate)

Allowance	Percentage / Amount
Dearness Allowance (DA)	~ 46% of Basic Pay (Revised Quarterly)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	7% – 9% of Basic Pay (varies by city)
Special Allowance	~ ₹5,000 – ₹6,000 (varies by bank/policy)
Medical Insurance	≤ ₹15,000 per annum (bank-sponsored floater)
Leave Fare Concession	1 RT ticket (once in two years)
Pension / NPS Contribution	10% of Basic Pay (bank’s contribution)

Note: Exact figures may vary slightly between participating banks. Refer to individual bank’s recruitment brochure for precise numbers.

11.2 Career Progression

Position	Time Frame (Approx.)
Probationary Officer (PO)	2 years probationary period
Assistant Manager / Manager	3 – 4 years (after completing probation)
Deputy Manager	8 – 10 years of total service
Manager	12 – 14 years of total service
Senior Manager → Chief Manager → AGM → DGM	15 + years of experience
General Manager / DMD / CMD	25 + years (subject to performance and vacancy)

Career Tip:
– Securities, Forex, Retail Banking, and NRI services offer additional departmental rotations.
– Many POs move to specialized roles like Credit Manager, Branch Manager, or Product Manager after 3–5 years.

12. Previous Year Papers & Practice Strategy

One of the most powerful tools for exam success is consistent practice with previous year question papers. Here’s how to leverage them:

12.1 Why Solve Previous Year Papers?

Familiarity with Exam Pattern: Understand the level of difficulty, question types, and time constraints.
Identify Important Topics: Frequent topics (e.g., Circular Seating, Data Interpretation, Reading Comprehension) emerge repeatedly.
Time Management Practice: Simulate exam conditions (60 minutes for Prelims) to build speed.
Self-Assessment: Pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, then revise accordingly.

12.2 How to Practice Effectively

Set Target: Attempt one Prelims paper each week, followed by one Mains Objective paper every fortnight.
Simulate Exam Conditions: Strictly follow sectional timing—for Prelims: 20 minutes per section; for Mains: as per section duration.
Post-Analysis: After solving, devote at least 1–2 hours analyzing every question—why you solved it correctly/incorrectly.
Revision Notes: Create a “Mistake Journal” to jot down errors, shortcuts, and new vocabulary (for English).
Gradual Difficulty Increase: Start with older papers (2018 – 2020), then gradually move to recent (2021 – 2024).

13. Preparation Tips & Strategy by Abhinay Maths Experts

To ensure you stand out among lakhs of aspirants, follow this structured 12-week plan:

13.1 Weeks 1 – 4: Foundation Building

Quantitative Aptitude:
– Focus on number systems, basic arithmetic (percentages, ratio, time & work).
– Solve 50 – 100 basic DI questions (tables, bar graphs).
Reasoning:
– Start with basics—inequalities, syllogisms, seating arrangements (simpler puzzles).
– Solve at least 20 puzzles daily.
English:
– Revise basic grammar rules (tenses, subject-verb agreement).
– Build vocabulary: Learn 10 – 15 new words daily (use flashcards).
Banking Awareness:
– Study static topics: Types of banks, RBI functions, financial institutions.
– Read one capsule on Current Affairs each day (1 hour).

13.2 Weeks 5 – 8: Practice & Concept Deepening

Quantitative Aptitude:
– Move to higher-level DI (line graphs, case lets).
– Practice speed mathematics techniques (Vedic Math shortcuts).
Reasoning:
– Tackle complex puzzles (circular, square, comparison-based).
– Practice coding-decoding, direction sense, blood relation sets.
English:
– Start reading editorial articles (The Hindu, Indian Express) daily.
– Practice Para Jumbles & Cloze tests (20 questions/day).
Banking Awareness:
– Focus on recent RBI announcements, Budget highlights, major banking mergers.
– Weekly mock quizzes (hosted by Abhinay Maths) to evaluate retention.

13.3 Weeks 9 – 11: Full-Length Mocks & Analysis

Full-Length Mocks (Prelims):
– Attempt 2–3 Prelims mock tests every week.
– Analyze speed, accuracy, and sectional time distribution.
Full-Length Mocks (Mains Objective):
– Solve 2 Mains objective mocks per week.
– Focus on time management—complete the paper within 3 hours.
Descriptive Practice:
– Write one essay (250 words) and one letter (120 words) every alternate day.
– Get it peer-reviewed by Abhinay Maths faculty.
Interview Prep:
– Compile a one-page Current Affairs dossier.
– Conduct mock interviews with peers/internally in Abhinay Maths.

13.4 Week 12: Revision & Final Touches

Revision Notes:
– Revise the “Mistake Journal” thoroughly—focus on repeated errors.
– Quick recap of high-frequency vocabulary and banking terms.
Last-Minute Mock Test Marathon:
– Attempt 3 Prelims-level mocks (one each on subsequent days).
– Attempt 2 Mains-level mocks with descriptive section.
Interview Skill Sharpening:
– Practice introduction, discuss your background in 2 minutes.
– Prepare answers for top 10 HR questions and technical banking questions.
Relaxation Techniques:
– Light yoga/stretching, short guided meditation (10 minutes) to keep stress low.
– Sufficient sleep (7 – 8 hours) before exam days.

14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will IBPS PO 2025 notification be released?
The official notification is expected in August 2025.
What is the age limit for IBPS PO 2025?
20 – 30 years as of 1st August 2025 (exact “as on” date to be confirmed). Age relaxation applies to reserved categories.
How many attempts are allowed for IBPS PO?
There is no fixed limit on attempts. As long as you satisfy the age and educational criteria, you can apply each year.
Is IBPS PO a permanent job?
Yes, once you complete the probationary period (2 years) and get confirmed by your bank, you receive a permanent appointment.
What is the IBPS PO selection ratio?
Approximately 15 – 20% of applicants clear Prelims and move to Mains. Final selection ratio varies year to year.
Are Prelims marks counted in final selection?
No. Prelims is purely qualifying. Only Mains objective (80%) and Interview (20%) marks matter for final merit.
Is 60% aggregate marks required in graduation?
No, there is no specific minimum percentage. Mere graduation (pass) is sufficient. However, check if some participating banks have additional local requirements.
What is the difficulty level of IBPS PO compared to SBI PO?
IBPS PO is considered moderately difficult, slightly below SBI PO. However, competition is fierce due to large number of vacancies.

15. Concluding Thoughts

IBPS PO 2025 is your gateway to a stable, respected career in India’s banking sector. By following this Abhinay Maths guide, you will:

Know exactly when and how to apply—no surprises.
Master the complete syllabus with a week-wise strategy.
Gain a competitive advantage through regular mocks, thorough analysis, and targeted revision.
Craft an edge in the interview by staying updated on banking trends and honing communication skills.

Next Step: Bookmark this page, subscribe to Abhinay Maths newsletter for weekly updates, and start your structured preparation plan today. Consistency and clarity at each stage are the keys to making IBPS PO 2025 a success story.

All the best! ?

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