The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection organizes the IBPS PO Exam every year to recruit candidates for the post of Probationary Officer (PO) in public sector banks in India. The IBPS PO exam has been administered every year since 2011, and IBPS PO notification 2026 will be the 16th edition of the test. Under IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI 2026, the hiring process is being held to choose people for 11 public sector banks in India.
IBPS PO Notification 2026
The IBPS PO Notification 2026 will soon be posted on the organization’s website, along with full information about open positions, who is eligible, the test schedule, the syllabus, the selection process, and when to apply. Along with the official notice PDF, the number of open positions will also be made public.
Based on the IBPS Exam Calendar, the IBPS PO Preliminary Exam will take place on August 22nd and 23rd, 2026, and the IBPS PO Mains Exam will happen on October 4th, 2026. There are three steps in the IBPS PO 2026 selection process: the preliminary exam, the main exam, and the interview. Candidates must qualify for all three stages to be selected as a Probationary Officer in participating public sector banks.
IBPS PO 2026 – Exam Summary
The detailed IBPS PO Notification 2026 will be released by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection on its official website www.ibps.in, tentatively in June 2026. The notice for IBPS PO 2026 (CRP-XVI PO/MT) would include detailed data about Probationary Officer (PO) and Management Trainee (MT) jobs in 11 public sector banks.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has already announced the IBPS PO test Dates 2026 on the official test schedule.As to the itinerary, the IBPS PO Prelims Exam will be conducted on 22nd and 23rd August 2026, while the IBPS PO Mains Exam will be held on 4th October 2026.
The IBPS PO selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Mains Examination
- Interview
Candidates who qualify for the Prelims test will be able to participate in the Mains exam. Those who clear the Mains test will be summoned for the Personality Test and Interview, which will be conducted by IBPS and the participating banks.
The recruiting procedure is completed to fill vacancies for the financial year 2027–28, based on the needs of the concerned institutions. The IBPS PO application procedure is good for one year from the date of provisional assignment or until the next recruitment cycle commences.
IBPS PO 2026 – Important Dates
The online registration dates for the IBPS PO/MT CRP XVI 2026 test will be given along with the official announcement by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Candidates who are thinking to apply for the IBPS PO 2026 test should keep visiting the official website frequently so they do not miss any essential developments regarding the application procedure.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| IBPS PO Notification 2026 | June 2026 |
| Online Registration Process Starts | June 2026 |
| Online Registration Process Ends | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Application Fee | — |
| Dates for Application Correction | — |
| IBPS PO Prelims Exam Date 2026 | 22nd and 23rd August 2026 |
| IBPS PO Mains Exam Date 2026 | 4th October 2026 |
The IBPS PO Exam Date 2026 has been notified through the official IBPS Calendar 2026. As per the calendar, the IBPS PO Prelims Exam will be held on 22nd and 23rd August 2026, while the IBPS PO Mains Exam will be conducted on 4th October 2026. Candidates are recommended to routinely monitor the exam schedule and official website for the latest information on exam dates, admit card release, and other significant events pertaining to the IBPS PO 2026 recruiting process.
IBPS PO Vacancy 2026
The IBPS PO Vacancy 2026 details will be announced along with the official notification PDF by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. The vacancies are released for the post of Probationary Officer (PO) and Management Trainee (MT) in participating public sector banks across India.
As per previous year data, IBPS released 6189 vacancies for PO/MT posts. All vacancies were released for banks like Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra, and Canara Bank. These banks usually give a bigger number of vacancies compared to other involved banks.
For IBPS PO 2025, a total of 5208 jobs were advertised across 11 participating public sector banks, with exact bank-wise and category-wise vacancy allotment stated in the official notification. The IBPS PO Vacancy 2026 may rise or decrease based on the requirements of the participating banks for the financial year 2027–28.
Candidates are suggested to review the previous year vacancy patterns to grasp the competition level and predicted possibilities in the upcoming IBPS PO 2026 job.
How to Apply for IBPS PO 2026?
The registration dates for the IBPS PO 2026 test will be issued simultaneously with the official notice by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. The online registration procedure will commence following the issuance of the official announcement, and candidates will need to complete the application form through the official website @ibps.in.
All qualified and interested individuals must register online for the recruiting process. The application procedure is deemed complete only after completing the application form, paying the requisite fee. Uploading the relevant documents such as a photograph, signature, handwritten statement, and other essential papers. The IBPS PO selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Candidates must qualify for each step to continue to the next level, and the ultimate selection is based on marks received in the Mains Exam and Interview.
IBPS PO Online Application
Before applying online, aspirants must keep the following items ready:
- A genuine Email ID and cellphone number
- Scanned picture and signature in the specified format
- Handwritten declaration
- Online payment mechanism for application cost
The IBPS PO 2026 application form may only be filled out online on the official website of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Candidates are recommended to read the whole guidelines carefully before filling out the application form to prevent errors.
IBPS PO Application Fee 2026
Candidates who wish to apply for IBPS PO 2026 must pay the application fee online while submitting the application form. The application cost once paid will not be reimbursed under any circumstances, and it cannot be reserved for any other test or recruiting procedure. The payment must be made online by Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
The category-wise application fee for IBPS PO is listed below:
| Categories | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/PWD | Rs. 175/- ((inclusive of GST) |
| General and Others | Rs. 850/- ((inclusive of GST) |
The IBPS PO application fee must be paid before the stipulated time; else, the application form will not be approved. The application procedure will be deemed complete only after successful payment of the fee on the official website of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Candidates are requested to save the payment receipt and application form printout for future reference.
IBPS PO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates who are willing to apply for the IBPS PO 2026 test must first grasp the eligibility conditions given by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. The qualifying requirements include educational qualification, age limit, computer knowledge, and language ability. Candidates must make sure they fulfill all eligibility requirements before applying for the test.
IBPS PO Educational Qualification
To apply for the IBPS PO 2026 test given by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Applicants must fulfill the requisite educational qualification and computer literacy norms.
Graduation Degree
The fundamental requirement for the IBPS PO test is a Graduation degree in any field from an institution recognized by the Government of India. Candidates who possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government are also eligible to apply. Applicants must have a valid mark sheet or degree certificate at the time of enrollment, which confirms that they are a graduate. Candidates are also asked to specify their graduation percentage while filling out the IBPS PO application form.
Computer Literacy
Working knowledge of computers is needed for IBPS PO because the test is held in an online manner, and the job position also demands basic computer skills. Candidates should be proficient with basic computer operations such as utilizing the internet, MS Office, and online apps.
IBPS PO 2026 Percentage Calculation
While applying for IBPS PO 2026 conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, aspirants must accurately compute their graduation percentage. The percentage is determined based on the overall marks received in all subjects throughout all semesters or years.
How to Calculate Graduation Percentage
- The percentage is derived by dividing the total marks received in all subjects by the aggregate maximum marks, and then multiplying by 100.
- This comprises marks from all subjects, including optional and honors subjects.
- If your university employs a CGPA/OGPA system, you must convert it into a percentage using the official conversion method given by your university.
- Candidates must produce legitimate proof of the CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula during the interview or document verification.
- Any fraction in % will be disregarded. For example, 59.99% will be considered as less than 60%, while 54.99% will be treated as less than 55%.
Candidates are recommended to calculate their percentage carefully when filling out the application form to prevent complications during document verification.
Nationality
To apply for the IBPS PO 2026 test administered by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, candidates must meet the relevant nationality or citizenship norms. A applicant must come under one of the following categories:
Nationality Requirements
A candidate must be: A Citizen of India, or A Subject of Nepal, or A Subject of Bhutan, or A Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India. A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Vietnam, or East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates belonging to categories other than Indian nationals must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India in their favor. Candidates are urged to review the official announcement carefully before applying to verify they fulfill all eligibility requirements.
IBPS PO Age Limit
Candidates applying for the IBPS PO 2026 test must be between 20 and 30 years of age at the time of registration. This implies the applicant must have been born not earlier than 2 July 1996 and not later than 1 July 2006 (both dates inclusive). However, applicants belonging to special groups are entitled for age relaxation as per government norms. Generally, SC and ST applicants get 5 years of relaxation, OBC candidates get 3 years, Persons with Disabilities get 10 years, and Ex-Servicemen are also eligible for age relaxation. Candidates must provide valid supporting documents at the time of document verification to claim age relaxation benefits.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PWD) | 10 years |
| Ex-servicemen (Army personnel) | 5 years |
| Widows/Divorced Women | 9 years |
| Persons with Domicile of Jammu &Kashmir during the period of 1-1-1980 to 31-12-1989 | 5 years |
| Persons affected by 1984 riots | 5 years |
| Regular Employees of Union Carbide Factory, Bhopal retrenched from service(for MP state Only) | 5 years |
IBPS PO Recruitment 2026
All candidates who want to apply for the IBPS PO recruitment 2026 must go through four stages of the selection process conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Candidates must qualify at each stage to move to the next stage. The stages of the IBPS PO selection process are explained below.
1. Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Exam is the first stage of the IBPS PO selection process. It comprises three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Each segment is timed independently for 20 minutes, making the total exam duration 60 minutes. The test includes 100 questions for 100 marks. Candidates must score minimum cut-off marks in each section to qualify for the Mains exam.
2. Mains Examination
The Main Exam contains both Objective and Descriptive examinations. It includes four objective sections: Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis, carrying 200 marks. There is also a Descriptive Test (Essay and Letter Writing) of 25 marks. The whole duration of the Mains Exam is 3 hours 30 minutes. Candidates must qualify this level to progress to the next step.
3. Personality Test
The Personality Test contains a self-report questionnaire that examines behavioral characteristics and personality. This test is not qualifying in nature, but applicants must sit for it to be qualified for the Interview. This test is not qualifying in nature, but candidates must appear for it to be eligible for the Interview. The personality profile is shared with the interview panel to understand the candidate’s suitability for a banking role.
4. Interview
Candidates who qualify for the Mains Exam and complete the Personality Test will be summoned for the Interview, which is held by participating banks. The interview carries 100 points, and the minimum qualifying marks are 40% for General category and 35% for reserved categories. The ultimate selection is based on the combined score of Mains and Interview in the ratio of 80:20. Candidates must carry all needed papers at the time of the interview for verification.
IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO Exam is administered by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to recruit candidates for the post of Probationary Officer in public sector banks. IBPS has adopted distinct sections scheduled for each area in the Preliminary Exam to improve the assessment process and evaluate candidates more efficiently.
The IBPS PO Exam 2026 will be conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Preliminary Exam and Mains Exam will be held in online format, while the Interview will be performed face-to-face. The Mains Exam contains both Objective and Descriptive papers.
The IBPS PO New Exam Pattern 2026 is meant to test applicants on Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Written Communication. Candidates must qualify in each step of the exam to continue to the next round of the selection process. The full IBPS PO Exam Pattern is given here in the tabular format.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS PO Preliminary Examination is the first step of the selection process administered by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. The test is held in online format and is qualifying in nature, meaning the marks achieved in Prelims are not considered in the final merit list.
The entire time of the IBPS PO Prelims test is 60 minutes, with 20 minutes allowed for each segment. The test consists of 3 parts, with a total of 100 questions worth 100 points. There is also a negative grading of 0.25 marks for each bad answer.
Candidates must earn minimum cut-off marks in each of the three parts to qualify for the IBPS PO Mains Exam. Based on the cut-off and prerequisites, a suitable number of students in each category are shortlisted for the Online Main Examination.
The section-wise information is presented in the table below.
| Section | Subjects | No of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The IBPS PO Mains Exam is the second step of the selection process administered by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. The Mains exam is administered in online mode and comprises both Objective and Descriptive examinations.
The IBPS PO Mains Exam comprises 5 parts (4 Objective + 1 Descriptive) with a total score of 200 + 25 marks. The overall duration of the objective test is 160 minutes, while the descriptive paper is performed for 30 minutes. Candidates must try each part in the stated sequence and within the allocated sectional time.
The Descriptive Test covers Essay Writing and Letter Writing, which measures the candidate’s writing abilities and communication aptitude. Candidates must qualify in both the Objective and Descriptive examinations to be eligible for the Interview stage.
Negative Marking
There is a penalty for bad answers in both Preliminary and Mains Objective Tests. One-fourth of the marks allocated to a question (0.25 marks for a 1-mark question) will be removed for each incorrect response. There is no punishment for unanswered queries. Candidates must complete both Prelims and Mains examinations to be considered for the Interview procedure.
IBPS PO Interview
Candidates who qualify the Mains Exam conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection are summoned for a face-to-face Interview. Which is the last stage of the selection process. The interview carries a maximum of 100 marks. The minimum qualifying marks are 40% for General category and 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD applicants.
The interview is usually 15–20 minutes long, where a panel of bank officials asks questions related to banking awareness, current affairs, general knowledge, and personal background. Candidates are advised to dress formally, remain confident, and carry all required documents for verification.
Final Merit List & Score Calculation
The final merit list is created based on the marks received in the Mains Exam and Interview. The final score is derived using the following criteria:
- Marks obtained in the Preliminary Exam are not included in the final merit list (Prelims is only qualifying in nature).
- Candidates must qualify both Mains and Interview separately to be considered for final selection.
- The weightage of Mains and Interview is 80:20 correspondingly.
- The final merit list is compiled category-wise, and applicants with the highest scores in each area are picked.
Final score is determined out of 100 points, and applicants with higher positions are given banks depending on their desire and merit.
IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus
The IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 is released by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection along with the official notification. The syllabus is similar to other banking exams, but IBPS mentions only the broad subjects. These areas are further separated into distinct sections based on prior years’ test questions.
The IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 is separated into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Descriptive Test. The Prelims syllabus covers English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains course contains Reasoning, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. The Descriptive Test comprises Essay Writing and Letter Writing.
Candidates must prepare all portions properly because each segment has sectional time and sectional cut-off. Understanding the complete curriculum helps students study in a concentrated approach, improve time management, and score higher in the IBPS PO Exam 2026.
IBPS PO 2026 Salary
The IBPS PO Salary 2026 is one of the major reasons why many people apply for the Probationary Officer job held by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. The salary structure is based on the bank pay scale and includes basic pay, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, special allowance, and other perks. The IBPS PO salary gives a good income, job security, and career growth possibilities in the banking industry.
The basic pay of IBPS PO starts from ₹48,480 and can go up to ₹85,920 with regular increases. The starting in-hand pay of an IBPS Probationary Officer is approximately ₹52,000 to ₹55,000 per month. The gross salary can range between ₹74,000 to ₹76,000 per month including all benefits. Employees also receive extra benefits like medical facilities, trip pay, pension benefits, and promotion possibilities.
IBPS PO Exam Centre
The IBPS PO Exam 2026 is offered online at multiple exam centers across India by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Candidates can choose their chosen test sites when filling out the online registration form. However, the final assignment of the exam slot relies on availability and management choices by IBPS.
The IBPS PO 2026 exam will be taken at several online test sites across India. In this students must check their given exam centre information in the entrance card. If seats are not available at the planned spot, IBPS may provide an alternative test venue.
Candidates should consider the following important things about IBPS PO Exam Centres:
- The test will be taken at different web places across India.
- No request for change of exam centre will be accepted under any circumstances.
- IBPS has the right to add or cancel exam centres depending on the number of candidates and administrative requirements.
- IBPS may allot a different centre than the one selected by the candidate.
- Candidates have to appear for the exam at their own risk and cost.
- Any misconduct or inappropriate behaviour at the exam centre may lead to disqualification from the exam.
Candidates are advised to visit the exam centre location one day before the exam to avoid any last-minute confusion.
IBPS PO Pre-Exam Training
According to Government of India guidelines, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection may set up. Pre-Examination Training (PET) at particular places for candidates from SC/ST and Religious Minority Communities. The goal of this course is to help candidates in learning the test style, question types, time management tactics, and frequent exam faults.
The key aims of the pre-exam training are to educate candidates who cannot afford coaching with the IBPS PO recruitment 2026 process and to offer them equal opportunity. During the training, experts guide candidates on question-solving techniques, exam strategy, and best preparation methods.
Candidates who want to attend the pre-exam training must select the relevant option in the application form while applying online. The training is free of cost, but candidates have to bear their own expenses for travel, food, and accommodation. The training is usually conducted for 5 days before the exam, and the schedule is released on the official website.
IBPS PO 2026 Admit Card & Call Letter
The IBPS PO Admit Card 2026 will be released online by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection on its official website. Candidates must download the admit card from the official website because the hard copy of the admit card will not be sent by post.
To download the IBPS PO Admit Card, candidates need the following details:
- Registration Number / Roll Number
- Date of Birth / Password
The admit card is usually released 10 to 15 days before the exam date. Candidates must carefully check all the details mentioned on the admit card such as exam date, exam centre, reporting time, and instructions.
The IBPS PO Admit Card is released in three phases:
- Preliminary Examination Admit Card
- Mains Examination Admit Card
- Interview Call Letter
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.
IBPS PO Result 2026
The IBPS PO Result 2026 will be announced by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection following the conclusion of each stage of the examination. The result will be released individually for the Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview.
The final merit list will be created state-wise and category-wise based on the marks achieved by candidates in the Online Mains Examination and Interview. The results are not included in the final merit list as the preliminary exam is simply qualifying.
Candidates who score better and are within the number of seats on the merit list. It will be considered for final recruitment, subject to document verification and medical fitness. On the official IBPS website, applicants may access their results by entering their registration number, date of birth, and password.
IBPS PO Preparation Tips
The IBPS PO Exam is a highly competitive national-level banking exam run by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. To crack the test, candidates need a good study plan, regular practice, and strong time management skills. Below are some useful preparation tips for IBPS PO 2026.
Candidates should first carefully go through the IBPS PO course and find strong and weak areas. Based on this, they should create a good study schedule that covers all topics along with review time. Solving previous year question papers helps students understand the test schedule, challenge level, and important subjects.
Candidates should also try daily division tests and full-length fake tests to improve speed, accuracy, and time management. Along with this, making short notes for math, methods, and important points helps in quick review before the test. Consistent practice and review are the key to success in the IBPS PO Exam.
IBPS PO Mock Tests and Online Test Series
Platforms like Career Power provide online test sets for various Bank and SSC examinations such as IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, RBI, and NABARD exams. These practice exams are designed by specialists and closely mirror the current exam style and content.
The practice papers are designed based on previous year test patterns, predicted pattern changes, and difficulty level. Which helps students grasp the actual exam atmosphere. Attempting frequent mock tests helps increase speed, accuracy, time management, and confidence. Which are highly necessary to ace competitive examinations like IBPS PO. Preparing with the proper mock tests is highly important for success in banking examinations. Regular practice with a good test set may greatly improve a candidate’s success in the real exam.
IBPS PO FAQs
What is the IBPS PO test and who can apply?
The IBPS PO test is a national-level banking exam held every year to hire Probationary Officers in public sector banks. Candidates who have finished their education from a respected university and are between 20 to 30 years of age can apply for this test. The screening method includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview. To prepare well, candidates should practice regularly and take fake tests on a Free Mock Test App to understand the exam design. Which can improve speed, and increase accuracy before the real exam.
How should I start preparing for IBPS PO 2026?
To start studying for IBPS PO, candidates should first understand the material and test format. After that, make a good study plan covering Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness. Daily practice and study are very important to crack this test. Solving previous year questions and trying mock tests helps in knowing the challenge level. Candidates can also prepare using a Free Mock Test Platform where they can practice full-length tests and area tests to improve time management and performance.
Is the IBPS PO exam very difficult to crack?
The IBPS PO test is tough but not very difficult if planning is done in the right way. Candidates need a strong study plan, regular practice, and right review strategy. The most important part of training is mock tests because they help you understand your weak areas and improve your speed. Practicing daily questions, partial tests, and full-length tests on a Free Govt Exam Mock Test App can help candidates track their preparation level and boost confidence before the exam.
How many attempts are allowed in IBPS PO exam?
There is no limit on the number of tries for the IBPS PO test, but hopefuls must fall within the age limit guidelines to apply. General category candidates can apply between the age of 20 to 30 years. While special category applicants get age relaxation as per government rules. Candidates should utilize their attempts carefully and prepare hard. Practicing regularly with a Free Online Test Series App can help applicants improve their exam strategy, accuracy, and time management, which enhances the chances of selection.
Are mock tests important for IBPS PO preparation?
Practice exams are essential for getting ready for the IBPS PO, in fact. By taking practice exams, candidates may improve their time management abilities. It can increase their speed and accuracy, and better understand the format of the actual exam. They also help pupils discover weak subjects so they can strengthen them before the test. A candidate’s chances of passing the test are increased by taking practice examinations on a regular basis. Using a Free Test Series App to prepare is an excellent option since it offers practice exams, past year questions. It can performance analysis to help applicants do better on the IBPS PO exam.