IBPS PO 2025 Exam Pattern: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has introduced a major revision in the exam pattern for its flagship recruitment — IBPS PO/MT CRP-XV (2025). While the structure of the Preliminary and Main Exams remains largely the same in terms of format and duration, the marking scheme and question distribution have been altered. These changes have strategic implications for aspirants preparing for the exam.
In this article, we offer a detailed comparison of the previous and updated pattern, along with new vacancy data and important exam dates for 2025.
IBPS PO 2025 Notification Out
The official notification for IBPS PO CRP-XV has released for recruitment of Probationary Officers/Management Trainees for the year 2026–27 across 11 participating public sector banks. This year IBPS announced total 5208 vacancies
Also Read: IBPS PO Notification 2025 Out for 5208 Posts – Check New Exam Pattern, Dates & How to Apply
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2025 Revised
In 2025, IBPS introduced a significant change in the PO exam pattern, particularly in the marking scheme of both the Prelims and Mains stages. While the overall structure remains the same, the weightage of sections has been rebalanced—with more emphasis on Reasoning and General Awareness, and a slight reduction in marks for Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation
IBPS PO Revised Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO Prelims 2025 retains its three-section format but introduces a revised marks distribution, giving more weight to Reasoning and slightly reducing Quantitative Aptitude.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Change | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | No Change | Weight and structure retained |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | Marks Reduced | Was 35 marks in 2024 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | Marks Increased | Now carries the highest weight |
| Total | 100 | 100 | — | Time: 60 minutes (20 min/section) |
| Negative Marking | — | — | No Change | 1/4 mark deduction per wrong answer |
IBPS PO Revised Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS PO Mains 2025 continues with its objective and descriptive format, but features notable changes in question count and mark distribution across key sections like Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and General Awareness.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Change | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | Questions Reduced | Was 45 questions earlier |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 50 | Marks Reduced | Was 60 marks earlier |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 35 | 50 | Marks Increased + Expanded | Includes RBI, Finance, Digital Banking etc. |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | No Change | Structure and marks remain the same |
| Descriptive (Essay & Letter Writing) | 2 | 25 | No Change | 30 minutes for both tasks |
| Total (Objective + Descriptive) | 147 | 225 | Adjusted | Objective: 3 hrs + Descriptive: 30 mins |
| Negative Marking | — | — | No Change | 1/4 of the mark per incorrect answer |
IBPS PO 2025 Important Dates
Candidates should be aware of the following timeline published by IBPS in the CRP-XV notice:
| Activity | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Fee Payment | 1st July – 21st July 2025 |
| Pre-Examination Training (PET) | August 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam (Online) | August 2025 |
| Preliminary Result | September 2025 |
| Main Exam (Online) | October 2025 |
| Personality Test | November–December 2025 |
| Interview | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Provisional Allotment | January–February 2026 |
