IBPS PO Syllabus 2025 | Exam Pattern Pre and Mains – Complete Overview

IBPS PO Mains Exam Syllabus 2025
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus	General Awareness Syllabus	Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus		English Language Syllabus
Simplification	Financial Awareness	Verbal Reasoning	Internet	Reading Comprehension
Average	Current Affairs	Syllogism	Memory	Vocabulary
Percentage	General Knowledge	Circular Seating Arrangement	Keyboard Shortcuts	Grammar
Mixture and Allegations	Static Awareness	Code Inequalities	Computer Abbreviation	One word Substitution
Ratio and Percentage		Linear Seating Arrangement	Microsoft Office	Verbal Ability
Data Interpretation		Double Lineup	Computer Hardware
Mensuration and Geometry		Scheduling	Computer Software
Quadratic Equation		Input-Output	Operating System
Interest		Blood Relations	Networking
Problems of Ages		Directions and Distances	Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies
Profit and Loss		Ordering and Ranking
Number Series		Data Sufficiency
Speed, Distance and Time		Coding and Decoding
Time and Work
Number System
Data Sufficiency
Linear Equation
Permutation and Combination
Probability

 

IBPS PO English Syllabus – Grammar, Vocabulary & Comprehension Topics

As mentioned before, the difficulty level of the Mains exam (for all the subjects) is higher, but the syllabus more or less stays the same. (30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 Minutes)

Given below is the detailed IBPS PO Prelims English Syllabus:

• Reading Comprehension: One passage with 5-10 questions based on the passage
• Cloze Test: Fill in the blanks with words from the options that fit the context.
• Error Detection: Spotting grammatical errors in sentences or fixing them.
• Sentence Improvement: Selecting the best alternative for a phrase/sentence.
• Para Jumbles: Rearranging sentences given in the question to form a coherent paragraph.
• Fill in the Blanks: Vocabulary-based questions, with single or double blanks
• Phrase Replacement: Choosing the correct alternative for a highlighted part.
• Vocabulary-Based Questions: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases

The IBPS PO Mains Exam has similar topics as the Prelims, except a few topics and the descriptive paper. (35 Questions, 40 Marks, 40 Minutes)

•  Given below is the detailed IBPS PO Mains English Syllabus:
• Grammar-Based Questions: Error spotting, sentence improvement, phrase replacement.
• Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Usage, Idioms & Phrases.
• Cloze Test: More complex than Prelims, may have themes.
• Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement: More challenging than Prelims
• Word Usage / Odd One Out: Finding incorrect word usage in a sentence
• Paragraph Completion / Inference-Based Questions: New pattern questions
• Descriptive Writing: The topics range from current affairs, digital banking, and RBI policies.

Here is a quick comparison between the Prelims and Mains English Syllabus:

Parameter	Prelims	Mains
Total Questions	30	40
Difficulty Level	Moderate	High
Reading Comprehension	1 passage (5-10 Qs)	1-2 passages (10-15 Qs)
Grammar & Vocabulary	Basic to Moderate	Advanced
New Topics	–	Paragraph Completion, Odd One Out
Descriptive Test	No	Yes (Essay, Letter)

 

IBPS PO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

This section in the IBPS PO exam checks your numerical ability, calculation speed, and problem-solving logic. The Prelims Exam is more focused on speed and accuracy. (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 Minutes)

Here is the detailed IBPS PO Prelims Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

• Simplification/Approximation: BODMAS, Decimals, Surds & Indices
• Number Series: Missing/Wrong Number Series, Pattern-based
• Quadratic Equations: Solve for x/y, comparing roots
• Percentage, Ratio & Proportion: Basic application-based questions
• Average, Profit & Loss, Discount: Basic application-based questions
• Simple & Compound Interest: Basic application-based questions
• Time, Speed & Distance: Relative speed, trains, boats
• Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns: Efficiency-based questions
• Mensuration: Area or Volume of 2D & 3D shapes
• Data Interpretation (DI): Basic level Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts

The Mains Exam checks your in-depth knowledge of the same topics, especially in DI and arithmetic word problems. The Mains Exam includes all Prelims topics + advanced additions. (35 Questions, 50 Marks, 45 Minutes)

The detailed syllabus is given below:

• Data Interpretation (DI): Complex Caselets, Mixed Graphs, Radar/Radial DI
• Data Sufficiency: 2-3 statements to check adequacy of data
• Quantity Comparison: Compare I & II
• Arithmetic Word Problems: Advanced Profit/Loss, Partnership, Mixtures questions
• Time & Work: Wages-based problems
• Probability & Permutation-Combination: Basic questions
• Number Systems: LCM, HCF, Divisibility, Remainders
• Algebra: Linear Equations, Inequalities
• Surprise Topics Sometimes: Stocks & Shares, Allegations, etc.

Here is a quick comparison between the Prelims and Mains Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus:

Topic	Prelims (Weightage)	Mains (Weightage)
Simplification	5-7 Qs	3-5 Qs (Harder)
Number Series	5 Qs	3-4 Qs (Complex)
Quadratic Equations	5 Qs	3-4 Qs (Inequality-based)
Data Interpretation	1 set (5 Qs)	2-3 sets (10-15 Qs)
Arithmetic	10-12 Qs	15-20 Qs (Word-heavy)
New Topics	–	Data Sufficiency, Quantity Comparison

IBPS PO Reasoning Syllabus – Prelims vs Mains Focus Areas

The reasoning section evaluates your ability to analyse and make logical connections. The Prelims questions are shorter and can be solved quickly. (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 Minutes)

The detailed IBPS PO Prelims Reasoning Syllabus is given below:

• Puzzles & Arrangements: Linear seating, circular seating, floor-based puzzles, box puzzles.
• Syllogism: Only/Only a few-type questions, direct conclusions.
• Coding-Decoding: Letter shifting, Chinese coding, new pattern coding.
• Inequalities: Direct inequalities, coded inequalities.
• Blood Relations: Family tree problems, coded blood relations.
• Direction & Distance: Shadow-based directions, angle-based turns.
• Alphanumeric Series: Missing term, wrong term identification.
• Order & Ranking: Age-based, height-based, rank-based problems.
• Verbal Reasoning: Odd one out, meaningful word formation.
• Input-Output: Word/number shifting, rearrangement-based questions.

The Mains Exam Reasoning includes multi-layered puzzles, logic-based sets, and computer aptitude. (40 Questions, 60 Marks, and 50 minutes for reasoning and computer aptitude combined)

The detailed IBPS PO Mains Reasoning Syllabus is given below:

• Complex Puzzles: Multi-layered seating, scheduling with months/days, double-lineup puzzles.
• Data Sufficiency: Two or three statements to determine answer feasibility.
• Logical Reasoning: Course of action, strong and weak arguments.
• Double Lineup Puzzles: Persons + cities + professions combinations.
• Input-Output (Machine-Based): New pattern input-output, color/word shuffling.
• Critical Reasoning: Assumptions, inferences, conclusions.
• New Pattern Coding: Clock-based coding, conditional coding.
• Visual Reasoning: Figure-based series, mirror/water images.

Here is a quick comparison between the Prelims and Mains Reasoning Syllabus:

Topic	Prelims Weightage	Mains Weightage
Puzzles	10-12 Questions (Single-layer)	15-20 Questions (Multi-variable)
Syllogism	3-5 Questions	2-3 Questions (Coded)
Coding-Decoding	5 Questions (Basic)	5-7 Questions (Conditional)
Blood Relations	2-3 Questions	3-5 Questions (Coded + Puzzles)
Input-Output	3-5 Questions	5 Questions (Machine-based)
New Topics	–	Data Sufficiency, Critical Reasoning

 

IBPS PO General Awareness Syllabus

The General Awareness section appears in the Mains Exam only. The topics asked here include general knowledge on the banking sector, economic developments, national/international current events, and some static GK.

The detailed IBPS PO General Awareness Syllabus is given below:

Mock drill Best Source Current Affairs

Banking & Financial Awareness

• RBI Functions: Monetary policies, key rates (Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR)
• Banking Regulations: Important acts (RBI Act 1934, Banking Regulation Act 1949)
• Financial Schemes: PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana
• Digital Banking: UPI, AePS, CBDC (Digital Rupee), NEFT/RTGS/IMPS
• Recent Banking Updates: Mergers, new bank licenses, financial inclusion initiatives

Current Affairs (Last 6-8 Months)

• National & International News: Major summits (G20, COP28), elections, treaties
• Economic Survey & Union Budget: Key highlights, fiscal deficit, allocations
• Sports Events: Olympics, Asian Games, ICC tournaments, Indian winners
• Awards & Honors: Padma Awards, Nobel Prizes, Booker Prize
• Science & Tech: ISRO missions (Chandrayaan-3), AI developments, cybersecurity

Static GK

• Country Capitals & Currencies
• National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Important Dates (Days/Weeks/Months)
• Books & Authors (Latest Releases)
• Dams & Power Plants in India

Government Schemes

• Central Schemes: PM SVANidhi, PM-KISAN, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana
• State-Specific Schemes (e.g., KALIA Odisha, Rythu Bandhu Telangana)

Descriptive Writing Test for Bank

Descriptive Paper in IBPS PO Mains – Essay & Letter Writing Guide

The last section of the IBPS PO Mains Exam is the descriptive paper, where the candidate’s English writing skills are evaluated. Candidates are given 30 minutes to write an essay and a letter, which account for 25 marks in the paper.

Format & Syllabus

1. Essay Writing

Marks: 15

Word Limit: 250-300 words

Topics: Banking, Economy, Social Issues, Current Affairs

Structure:

• Introduction – Define or introduce the topic
• Body – Present main arguments with examples
• Conclusion – Summarize and give your viewpoint

Do’s and Don’ts:

1. The language should be simple, formal, focused on the topic, and error-free.
2. Try including facts (e.g., "RBI’s 2023 report states…").
3. Try avoiding slang/casual language.
4. Don’t exceed the word limit.

Here are some of the previously asked Essay topics

• Pros and cons of ‘One Rank One Pension’ scheme
• Women Empowerment
• Ethical problems of e-commerce
• Women's Safety – It is our responsibility
• Over-dependence on monsoon
• Is the Election Commission right in banning election symbols during the casting of votes?
• Role of uneducated people in Indian Economy
• Is the generation gap a myth?
• Benefits of Mutual Fund investments
• United Nations Organization's contribution to the recent turmoil in Ukraine
• Suggestions to alleviate the unemployment problem
• Role of newspapers in influencing society or youth

2. Letter Writing

Marks: 10

Word Limit: 100-150 words

Types: Formal & Informal

Structure:

1. Formal Letter Writing

Sender’s Address  Date Receiver’s Designation/Address  Subject: Clear & concise  Salutation (Sir/Madam)  Body (3 paragraphs) Introduction Main Content Conclusion/Request Closing (Yours sincerely)  Name & Designation (if applicable)

 

2. Informal Letter Writing

Sender's Address Date Salutation: Friendly greeting, such as "Dear [Name]," "Hi [Name]," or "Hello [Name]," Body   Closing​​​​​​​ Signature

 

Here are some of the previously asked letter-writing topics

• Write a letter to the bank manager to share an innovative idea on file management systems in banks
• Write a letter to the newspaper editor on how to stop crime in the city
• Write a letter to your old teacher to thank him/her for making you a good human being
• Complaint letter to the bank manager about the negligence/irresponsibility of bank employees
• Letter to the editor about tampering with currency notes by punching pins into them
• Informal letter to a friend about the advantages of a PPF account and suggesting he open one
• Complaint letter to the bank manager for a refund after a failed ATM transaction
• Letter to the regional manager for a change in bank timing as it is inconvenient for customers
• Letter to the Superintendent of Police about rising theft cases near ATMs
• Letter to the bank applying for an educational loan with all particulars

IBPS PO Notification PDF Download

The official IBPS PO Notification has been released on the website as “IBPS PO/MT CRP XV 2025”. It contains important information like eligibility criteria, important dates, exam pattern, application process, and the selection procedure.

The direct link to the notification is given below:

https://www.ibps.in/wp-content/uploads/Detailed-Notification_CRP-PO-XV.pdf

Best Books to Cover IBPS PO Syllabus 2025

Choosing the best books is crucial to your IBPS PO prep. Given below are some of the trusted books that cover all the core concepts and practice questions.

IBPS PO English Language Books 2025

Books	Author
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
English Grammar & Composition	Wren and Martin
Descriptive General English	S P Bakshi and Richa Sharma
How to Read Better and Faster	Norman Lewis
Objective English for Competitive Examinations	Hari Mohan Prasad, Uma Rani Sinha
Objective General English	R.S Aggarwal, Vikas Aggarwal
Reading Comprehension, Ordering of Sentences, Ordering of Words, and Cloze Test	Dilip Khushwaha

 

IBPS PO Quantitative Aptitude Books 2025

Books	Author
The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude	Dinesh Khattar
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams	R.S. Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams	Abhijit Guha
Arithmetic for General Competitions	Neetu Singh
Data Interpretation	Arun Sharma
Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams	Tarun Goyal

 

IBPS PO Data Interpretation Books 2025

Books	Authors
Data Interpretation	Arun Sharma
Data Interpretation	K. Kundan
Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency	Kiran Prakashan

 

IBPS PO Reasoning Ability Books 2025

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Books	Author
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	BS Sijwali
Verbal Reasoning	R.S Aggarwal
A New Approach to Reasoning	B S Sijwali
Analytical Reasoning	M.K.Pandey
Logical Reasoning	K Kundan

 

IBPS PO General Awareness and Banking Awareness Books 2025

 

Books	Author/Publisher
Banking Awareness Handbook of Banking Information	N.S.Toor
India Year Book	Publications Division, Government of India
Basic Banking & Financial Issues	Gautam Majumdar
Banking Awareness	B.K. Raut and S.R. Behera
Guide to Banking General Awareness	R Gupta
Manorama Pandey Book	Arihant Publications
Manorama Yearbook 2020 ( English) Paperback	Philip Mathew
Banking and Economic Awareness	Rakesh Kumar

 

IBPS PO Computer Aptitude Books 2025

Books	Author
Objective Computer Awareness	R.Pillai
Computer	Rani Ahilya
Computer Awareness	Dhankar Publication
Objective Computer Awareness	Somya Ranjan Behera