Complete Bank Exam Syllabus Guide 2025: Detailed Breakdown & Preparation Strategy

Introduction

The banking sector is a rapidly evolving field that witnesses huge recruitment drives across various public sector banks. The government banking sector remains the top career choice for most graduates due to the financial security it offers and career advancement opportunities throughout the service. Major banking exams are conducted by institutions like IBPS, SBI, RBI, and NABARD to recruit employees for various departments. The major banking exams include exams like IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS RRB, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, and SBI SO.

Understanding the Bank Exam Syllabus 2025 is crucial to cracking the exam. According to the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), a total of 5.74 lakh candidates registered for the IBPS PO exam in 2022, which indicates the competitiveness of the banking exams. With such cutthroat competition, knowing bank exam portions 2025 is the key to staying ahead of the crowd. In this bank exam syllabus guide, we will be breaking down the syllabus and exam patterns of all the major banking exams, from Prelims to the interview stage, along with preparation tips and smart strategies.

Major Banking Exams Overview

There are many Banking Exams that are conducted every year, based on different needs of the administration. These are conducted by institutions like IBPS, SBI, RBI, etc. We have divided the Major Banking Exams into three categories, for convenience, based on the institutions that conduct them.

1. IBPS Exams

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts multiple exams nationwide to recruit employees for various posts. The exams generally follow one structure: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The main exams conducted by IBPS yearly are:

• IBPS PO (Probationary Officer): Entry-level officer role
• IBPS Clerk: For clerical cadre
• IBPS SO (Specialist Officer): For Officer roles for specific domains
• IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks): Conducted only for Rural Bank recruitment.

2. SBI Exams

These exams are similar to IBPS exams but are conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit employees for various posts like PO, Clerk, SO, CBO, etc. Other than some minor differences, these exams also have a pattern similar to IBPS exams. Some of the popular exams conducted by the SBI are:

• SBI PO: For the recruitment of entry-level officers
• SBI Clerk: Clerical-level recruitment
• SBI SO: For specific roles in various departments.

Other Important Banking Exams

Other than IBPS and SBI, there are several other institutions that conduct exams for various posts independently. These exams are different from IBPS and SBI exams. The popular exams from other institutions are:

• RBI Grade B: Most popular among economics and finance grad students.
• RBI Assistant: For Clerical Cadre in RBI
• NABARD Grade A & B: For rural and agricultural sectors
• SIDBI Officer: Recruitment for small industries financing

Common Bank Exam Syllabus Structure Across Banking Exams

Most Bank Exam Syllabus in 2025 follow a similar subject structure for the Prelims and Mains stages. The five core subjects that are tested are: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.

1. Quantitative Aptitude

This section evaluates the candidate’s numerical problem-solving skills. The questions are from core mathematical concepts (like arithmetic, algebra, etc.) and data interpretation. The detailed Bank Exam Syllabus Guide for Quant is given below:

Topics Covered:

• Number System
• Simplification/Approximation
• Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables)
• Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, etc.)
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data Sufficiency
• Probability
• Permutation & Combination

2. Reasoning Ability

This section evaluates the candidate’s logical and analytical thinking. There are diverse topics in this section, and it could be time-consuming. The detailed Bank Exam Syllabus Guide for Reasoning is given below:

Logical Reasoning:

• Syllogism
• Coding-Decoding
• Direction Sense
• Blood Relations
• Ranking/Arrangement
• Alphabet Series
• Number Series
• Inequalities

Computer-Based Reasoning:

• Seating Arrangement
• Puzzle Solving
• Data Sufficiency
• Input-Output
• Machine Input-Output

 

3. English Language

This section evaluates the English language skills of the candidate. The questions are from topics like grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary. There is also a descriptive paper in the Mains exam which asses the writing skills. The detailed Guide for English section is given below:

Reading Comprehension

Grammar:

• Error Spotting
• Sentence Improvement
• Fill in the blanks
• Para jumbles
• Cloze Test
• Vocabulary
• Writing Skills (for descriptive papers)

4. General AwarenessThis section evaluates the general knowledge of the candidate and appears only in the Mains stage of IBPS, SBI, and RBI exams. This section has a huge impact on the marks, and the questions are focused on banking topics and current affairs. The detailed Guide for General Awareness is given below: 

Banking Awareness:

• Banking Terms
• RBI Functions
• Monetary Policy
• Banking Regulations
• Financial Institutions
• Payment Systems

Current Affairs:

• National & International Events
• Sports
• Awards & Honors
• Government Schemes
• Economic Developments

Static GK:

• Indian Geography
• Indian History
• Indian Polity
• Economy Basics

5. Computer Knowledge

In most Prelims and Mains exams, computer awareness section appears which asses the candidate’s basic computer knowledge. The questions seen in this section are basic and it can be scoring if you are consistent with concepts. The detailed Guide for Computer Awareness is given below:

• Computer Fundamentals
• Hardware & Software
• Internet & Networking
• MS Office Applications
• Database Concepts
• Computer Security

Detailed Bank Exam Syllabus: Exam-Specific Guide

 1. IBPS PO Syllabus

IBPS PO 2025 Prelims

The IBPS PO 2025 Prelims exams include 3 sections with a total of 100 questions, which account for 100 marks. There is a sectional timing of 20 minutes per section. There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer, and candidates need to qualify in all sections to move to the next stage. The detailed breakdown of the IBPS PO Prelims bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 100
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

IBPS PO Mains Exam

The IBPS PO Mains Exam consists of five sections, four of which are objective type and one is descriptive. The objective section carries 200 marks, which has to be completed in 180 minutes, while the descriptive paper (Essay & Letter Writing) carries 25 marks and lasts for 30 minutes.

There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer, and candidates need to qualify in all sections to move to the interview stage. The detailed breakdown of the IBPS PO Mains bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 225 (200 for Objective + 25 for Descriptive)

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the Objective section. No negative marking for the Descriptive section.

Interview Preparation

Candidates who qualify the Mains exam move to the personal interview round, and it carries 100 marks. For the final selection, the candidate must score at least 40% (relaxed to 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories) in the interview. The interview goes on for 15 to 20 minutes and the questions range from personal questions to banking awareness. The following are some of the important topics to prepare:

1. Personal & Behavioral Questions
This involves self-introduction, which covers your background and why you are interested in banking. You may also be asked questions like what your strengths and weaknesses are, your career goals.

2. Banking & Financial Awareness
Candidate’s banking and financial awareness is also assessed. Understanding and learning concepts like RBI’s functions, key banking terms like CRR, SLR, NPA, and financial inclusion, monetary vs fiscal policy are important, and stay updated on recent banking reforms.

3. Current Affairs
Stay updated on major national and international news which are related to the economy and banking. Learn about the major government schemes and ongoing economic trends

4. General Awareness
Other than banking and finance, candidates should brush up on general knowledge topics like awards, sports, and major events in the country and globally. They should also research the bank they are interviewing with, their mission, values, and recent news.

5. Situational Questions
Like all the interviews, candidates can be asked how they have handled problems and tough decisions in the past.

 

 2. IBPS Clerk Syllabus

The IBPS Clerk 2025 Prelims exams include 3 sections with a total of 100 questions, which account for 100 marks. There is a sectional timing of 20 minutes per section. There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

The detailed breakdown of the IBPS Clerk Prelims bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 100
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

IBPS Clerk Mains 2025

The IBPS PO Mains Exam consists of four sections. The detailed breakdown of the IBPS Clerk Mains bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

 

• Total Marks: 200
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

3. SBI PO Syllabus

The SBI PO Prelims exam pattern is similar to that of IBPS PO Prelims. The detailed breakdown of the SBI PO Prelims bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 100
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

The SBI PO Mains exam pattern is also the same as the IBPS PO Mains exam. The only difference is in the descriptive paper. The detailed breakdown of the SBI PO Mains bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 250 (200 for Objective + 50 for Descriptive)
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the Objective section. No negative marking for the Descriptive section.

Group Exercise & Interview

After Prelims and Mains, candidates have to appear for Group Exercise and Interview round. It is the final round and accounts for a total of 50 marks (20 marks for GE and 30 marks for interview).

1.Group Exercise (GE):
Candidates will be a part of a group of 10 to 12 candidates for the group exercise. They will be asked to discuss a topic, and the panel will observe the teamwork, clarity of thought, and how well the candidates communicate

2.Personal Interview (PI):
This is a one-on-one round where the candidate’s personality, soft skills, and knowledge of current affairs are evaluated. Candidates should be confident and prepare answers for questions about their academics, career goals, banking, and financial knowledge.

4. SBI Clerk Syllabus

The SBI Clerk Prelims and SBI Clerk Mains examinations follow a similar pattern, but they differ in difficulty level. The detailed breakdown of the SBI Clerk Prelims bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 100
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

The difficulty level of the Mains exam is higher than that of the Prelims exam. The Mains exam also includes a General/Financial Awareness section, and Reasoning & Computer Aptitude are combined into one section. The detailed breakdown of the SBI Clerk Mains bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 200
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

5. RBI Grade B Syllabus

The RBI Grade B is considered to be of a higher difficulty level than other bank exams. The detailed breakdown of the RBI Grade B Prelims bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 200
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

The detailed breakdown of the RBI Grade B Mains bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

• Total Marks: 300 (100 marks for each of the three papers)
• Negative Marking: For objective questions, there is negative marking. For 1-mark questions, 1/3rd of the mark is deducted, and for 2-mark questions, 1/2 of the mark is deducted. No negative marking for descriptive questions.

The detailed RBI Grade B DEPR bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

The detailed RBI Grade B DSIM bank exam portion 2025 is given below:

 

 

Interview Preparation Tips

1. Know Your Resume Well
Candidates should be able resume well. Expect questions from educational background, work experience, and skills.

2. Understand RBI Thoroughly
Since you are interviewing with the RBI, you should know the history, structure, and key functions of RBI thoroughly. Also, learn about the role of an RBI Grade B officer to be able to explain how your skills fit in.

3. Stay Updated on Current Affairs
Candidate should be well-versed with the current affairs concerned with banking, finance, and economics. Read newspapers daily to stay updated.

4. Prep for Common Questions
Prepare all the questions generally asked, such as “Tell me about yourself”, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ and “Why RBI?”

5. Strengthen Technical Knowledge
Expect questions on monetary policy tools, NPAs, fiscal bodies like NABARD, World Bank, WTO, and basic financial market concepts.

6. Preparation Strategy by Subject

Subject-wise preparation tips

 

 

 

Time allocation strategies

• Divide your day into slots of 2 to 3 hours for focused learning.

• Try to learn each subject (Quant, Reasoning, and English) every day in its dedicated slot.
• Read daily current affairs (for General Awareness) for at least an hour.
• Keep an hour at the end of the day for just revision.

 

Important books and resources

 

Books for Quantitative Aptitude
Books	Author/Publication
Quantitative Aptitude Book	Wiley’s Publication
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination	The Pearson Guide
Teach Yourself Quantitative Aptitude	Arun Sharma
Rapid Quantitative Aptitude with Shortcuts & Tricks	Disha Publication
Quantitative Aptitude	Sarvesh Verma
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic	Rajesh Verma (Arihant Publication)
Quantitative Aptitude	Disha Experts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online vs offline preparation

This is one of the most asked questions by the aspirants: whether they should prepare online or offline. It depends on the aspirant and their learning needs. Here is a quick comparison between the two modes to help you decide which will be better for you:

 

Latest Exam Pattern Changes

Recent updates in banking exams

 

Impact on Preparation plan:

1. IBPS PO Prelims

Increased Weightage of Reasoning (Prelims & Mains):

With more weightage to reasoning, it becomes a differentiator. Candidates should focus more on reasoning and expect more complex puzzles in this section, with new pattern questions.

2. SBI PO Prelims:

No Sectional Cut-off

The removal of sectional cut-offs in SBI PO Prelims is a huge relief for aspirants and can help them play this change to their strengths.  Aspirants can strengthen their strongest subject and score high in that, while recovering weaker areas later. Also, no section should be ignored because overall cut-off still matters.

Adaptive Strategies for Pattern Changes

• Understand the New Pattern Deeply:

Analyze the mark distribution, sectional timings, and number of questions per section for each exam for more targeted preparation.

• Concept Clarity > Rote Learning:

All these changes in the bank exam patterns indicate application-based learning. Therefore, it is important to level up the preparation and focus on conceptual clarity in all the subjects.

• Mock Tests are Non-Negotiable:

Practice with the help of new pattern mocks to learn and adjust to the new question distribution. Analyzing post mock is important to identify your weak areas and strong areas.

• Prioritize High-Weightage Areas:

For IBPS PO, reasoning is the game changer now. Aspirants should focus on high-weightage topics like puzzles, seating arrangement, and input-output.

• Sectional Practice:

Sectional mocks are crucial to your preparation, especially when there have been changes in the exam pattern. These will help you increase your speed and accuracy.

• For SBI PO (No Sectional Cut-off):

Focus on your strongest subject, which will help you boost your overall score, and do not ignore the weak areas.

 

Month-wise Preparation Schedule

6-month preparation plan

 

 

 

• 3-month crash course plan

Subject-wise daily/weekly targets