The examination pattern for IBPS PO is meticulously crafted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), the governing body responsible for all IBPS exams. For individuals intending to apply for the upcoming IBPS PO 2023 examination, they must possess a thorough understanding of the IBPS PO exam pattern. The IBPS PO exam is renowned as one of India’s most competitive assessments. In recent years, there has been a substantial surge in the number of candidates applying for the Probationary Officers exam. Therefore, aspirants must comprehensively grasp the latest IBPS PO exam pattern and syllabus to navigate their preparation journey effectively.
Even though the subjects in the IBPS exam are simple, many people apply for it, and the time you get to finish the test is very short. This makes the exam challenging. It’s essential for people who want to take the IBPS exam to understand how the test is structured. This will help them devise a good plan to study for the bank exams.
Prelims Exam Pattern for IBPS PO Exam
The IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern has remained consistent since the exam’s inception. It includes a single paper with 100 objective-type questions, categorised into three sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. Candidates are granted 60 minutes to tackle these 100 questions, with each section allotted 20 minutes for completion.
| Section | No of Questions | Marks | Time |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Candidates are required to be present at the exam center one hour prior to the scheduled examination. This period is dedicated to attendance verification, the Invigilator’s endorsement of the admit card, and collecting the candidate’s thumb impression on the admit card.
Mains Exam Pattern for IBPS PO Exam
The IBPS PO Mains examination comprises two online papers conducted by the Institute. According to the IBPS PO Mains Pattern, these papers consist of Objective and Descriptive Tests. Within the IBPS PO Mains Pattern, the objective test is subdivided into four sections. It’s important to note that only those who successfully surpass the cut-off marks in the preliminary examination are invited to participate in the mains exam.
| IBPS PO Mains Pattern- Paper | Section | Number of Questions | Marks Allotted | Time Allotted |
| Objective Test | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 min |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 min | |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 min | |
| General Awareness, Economy & Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 min | |
| Descriptive Test | English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | 30 min |
As per the IBPS PO Mains Pattern, the objective paper has a time limit of 3 hours, while the Descriptive test is scheduled for 30 minutes. Although the Descriptive essay mainly focuses on the English language, the questions are based on current affairs. Scoring in the Descriptive test depends on the grammatical accuracy and relevance of the content. In the most recent iteration of the IBPS PO Mains Pattern, the duration of the paper has been extended from its prior 2 hours and 20 minutes to the current 3 hours and 30 minutes. This extension accounts for both the Objective Test and the newly introduced Descriptive Test, affording 40 minutes for the Objective Test component.
Under the updated IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern, the number of questions within the Objective Test has surged by 60 questions. Furthermore, the Computer Knowledge section is no longer presented as a separate entity; instead, it has been integrated into the Reasoning Section, reflecting the evolving nature of the examination.
Interview for IBPS PO Exam 2023
The IBPS interview is the final step for candidates who have successfully cleared the bank PO mains exam. Per the IBPS PO Exam pattern, this interview holds a significant weightage, carrying 100 marks.
In order to be considered for inclusion in the merit list, candidates must attain a minimum of 40 marks in the interview, irrespective of how they performed in the preceding stages of the exam. For valuable tips on excelling in the IBPS PO Interview, interested candidates can refer to the linked article, aiding them in preparing for this interaction with the interview panel.
Following the IBPS PO Exam pattern, marginalised-sector candidates receive a 5-mark concession during the IBPS PO Interview.
Typically, the IBPS PO interview lasts for about 15-20 minutes. However, ancillary procedures such as document verification and background checks can extend the total time to approximately 8 hours on the interview day.
Successful candidates who pass through these stages are selected as bank professionals and receive invitations to join one of the Public Sector Banks based on their preferences and ranking in the merit list.
Negative Marking for IBPS PO Exam
Penalties for incorrect responses have been a consistent element of the IBPS PO exam pattern since its beginning in 2011. The extent of negative marking in the IBPS PO exam has remained stable, and there are no anticipated alterations for 2023. The penalty for wrong answers is structured as follows:
- For each incorrect answer, a deduction of 25% of the marks allocated to that question will be applied. In the online format of the exam, introduced in 2013, marking two solutions simultaneously is not feasible.
- Notably, if a question is left unanswered, it incurs no negative marking, making it a neutral choice.
Banking aspirants aiming for success in the IBPS PO exam should prioritise studying the IBPS PO Syllabus and previous years’ bank papers. One consistent element among the strategies of the top performers has been their comprehensive preparation, including a deep understanding of the latest IBPS PO exam pattern and thorough coverage of the syllabus.
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FAQs
What is the IBPS PO Exam Pattern for 2023?
The IBPS PO Exam in 2023 comprises two stages: Preliminary and Main. The Prelims consist of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains include both Objective and Descriptive tests.
What are the sections in the IBPS PO Preliminary Exam?
The IBPS PO Preliminary Exam consists of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
How many questions exist in the IBPS PO Prelims, and what is the duration?
The IBPS PO Preliminary Exam typically contains 100 questions; candidates have 60 minutes to complete the test.
What is the marking scheme for the IBPS PO Prelims?
Each correct answer in the Prelims is usually awarded one mark, and incorrect answers may be penalised.
What is the IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern for 2023?
The IBPS PO Mains Exam includes two papers: Objective and Descriptive. The Objective paper consists of various sections covering subjects like Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. The Descriptive paper evaluates candidates’ writing skills.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers in the IBPS PO Mains Objective paper?
Yes, there is usually a penalty for incorrect answers in the Objective paper. A fraction of the marks is deducted for each wrong response.
How much time is allocated for the IBPS PO Mains Exam?
The IBPS PO Mains Exam typically extends for several hours, with separate time limits for both the Objective and Descriptive papers.
What are the main exam’s qualifying criteria for the Descriptive paper?
Candidates are generally required to secure a minimum passing score in the Descriptive paper to qualify for further stages of the selection process.
Are there any changes in the IBPS PO Exam Pattern for 2023 compared to previous years?
The IBPS PO Exam Pattern may evolve slightly yearly, so it’s advisable to check the official IBPS website or the notification for the most up-to-date information.
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