Are there sectional cutoffs in IBPS PO?

Yes, both Prelims and Mains have sectional cutoffs. Candidates must clear the cutoff in each section to qualify.

What is the total time for Mains?

Mains objective is 180 minutes (3 hours) plus 30 minutes for the descriptive paper, total 3.5 hours.

How is the final merit calculated?

Final merit = Mains score (80% weightage) + Interview score (20% weightage).

Is there negative marking?

Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains objective papers.

How many candidates are called for interview?

Generally 3 times the number of vacancies are called for interview based on Mains merit.

IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern — Prelims, Mains & Interview Structure

Last updated: 7 March 2026

The IBPS PO 2026 Exam Pattern has three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam (Objective + Descriptive), and Interview. Each stage has distinct structure, marking scheme, and cutoff criteria.

Preliminary Examination

Online test with 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes. Three sections with individual time limits: English (30 questions, 20 min), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 20 min), Reasoning (35 questions, 20 min). Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. Sectional cutoffs apply — candidates must clear cutoff in each section. Prelims is purely screening; marks don't count in final merit.

Main Examination — Objective

200 questions for 200 marks in 180 minutes (3 hours) across 4 sections with individual time limits. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45Q, 60M, 60min), Data Analysis (35Q, 60M, 45min), GK/Banking (40Q, 40M, 35min), English (35Q, 40M, 40min). Sectional cutoffs apply. Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer.

Main Examination — Descriptive

30 minutes, 25 marks. One Essay (word limit ~300) and one Letter (word limit ~150) in English. This paper is evaluated only for candidates who qualify the objective paper. Minimum qualifying marks apply.

Interview

100 marks. Conducted by participating banks at designated centres. Tests banking aptitude, communication skills, general awareness, and personality. Final merit = Mains (80%) + Interview (20%) weighted scores.