IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) is one of the most competitive roles in the banking sector. Every year, lakhs of aspirants sit for the Common Written Exam (CWE) conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.
The selection process includes:
- Prelims Exam
- Mains Exam
- Interview Round
Clearing all three stages with high scores ensures placement in a top public sector bank. So how do you prepare smartly—and crack it in your first attempt?
📋 IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025
Prelims
- Reasoning – 35 Qs (20 mins)
- Quantitative Aptitude – 35 Qs (20 mins)
- English Language – 30 Qs (20 mins)
Total: 100 Questions – 60 minutes
Mains
- Reasoning + Computer Aptitude – 45 Qs (60 mins)
- General Awareness – 40 Qs (35 mins)
- English – 35 Qs (40 mins)
- Data Interpretation – 35 Qs (45 mins)
- Descriptive (Essay & Letter) – 2 Qs (30 mins)
Total: 155 + 2 = 200 Marks – 3.5 hours
🧠 How to Start IBPS PO Preparation?
- Plan Smart, Not Just Hard
Start with the full syllabus—then prioritize weak areas first. Use weekly goals and daily micro-plans. Avoid multitasking.
- Section-wise Strategy
Quantitative Aptitude
- Focus: Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, Speed/Time/Distance
- Tip: Use approximation techniques to save time.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Focus: Seating Arrangement, Puzzle Sets, Coding-Decoding
- Tip: Practice logic-based questions daily and time them.
English Language
- Focus: RC, Error Detection, Vocabulary
- Tip: Read editorials from Hindu or Indian Express every morning.
General Awareness
- Focus: Banking/Finance, Current Affairs (last 6 months), RBI policies
- Tip: Make daily one-pagers for revision.
Descriptive Section
- Tip: Practice writing essays and letters in 20-minute sessions twice a week.
📚 Study Resources You’ll Need
- Books:
- RS Aggarwal – Quant & Reasoning
- Arihant Series for Mains & Prelims
- Lucent’s GK + Banking Digest
- Online Tools:
- Mock Tests (Toprankers / Oliveboard / PracticeMock)
- Speed Tests + Analysis Tools
📅 Sample 8-Week Study Plan
| Week | Focus Area |
| 1-2 | Basics: Quant + English + Reasoning |
| 3-4 | Mains-level DI + Puzzles + RC |
| 5-6 | Descriptive writing + Full-length mocks |
| 7 | Focus on General Awareness |
| 8 | Mock Tests + Revision only |
🧘 Wellness & Exam-Day Preparation
- Practice meditation 10 minutes daily
- Sleep 7 hours minimum
- Avoid cramming new topics before exam day
- Use the 20-20-20 rule in mocks (divide sections evenly)
🎯 Final Tips for Success
- Attempt Easy Questions First
- Avoid Guesswork: Negative marking is real
- Revise Your Formula Sheet Daily
- Track Mistakes in a Logbook