IBPS PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024: A Complete Guide
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the official notification for the recruitment of 3955 Probationary Officers (PO) for 2024. To secure your position as a Probationary Officer in a Public Sector Bank, candidates need to pass through three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and the Interview Process. Each stage is crucial, and understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is the first step towards effective preparation. Here, we provide a detailed listicle guide covering every aspect of the IBPS PO 2024 Syllabus and Exam Pattern.
1. IBPS PO 2024 Exam Pattern Overview
The IBPS PO Exam consists of three stages:
Preliminary Exam: A qualifying stage to shortlist candidates for the Mains Exam.
Mains Exam: The main stage with significant weightage in the final selection.
Interview Process: The final stage to assess personality and suitability for the role.
Key Highlights:
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains.
Final Selection Ratio: Mains and Interview scores are weighted 80:20.
Descriptive Test: Included in Mains to evaluate written skills.
2. IBPS PO Preliminary Exam Pattern 2024
The Preliminary Exam is the first step in the selection process. It comprises three sections, with sectional time limits.
| S.No. | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | - | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Key Points:
The exam is conducted online.
Candidates must clear the sectional cut-off in all three sections to qualify for the Mains Exam.
3. IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2024
The Mains Exam is more comprehensive and includes both objective and descriptive tests.
| S.No. | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Duration |
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | English & Hindi | 60 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 35 | 40 | English only | 40 minutes |
| 3 | Data Analysis and Interpretation | 35 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
| 4 | General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | English & Hindi | 35 minutes |
| Objective Total | - | 155 | 200 | - | 180 minutes |
| 5 | English Language (Letter & Essay) | 2 | 25 | English only | 30 minutes |
| Total | - | 157 | 225 | - | 210 minutes |
Key Points:
Descriptive Test: Includes one essay and one letter (25 marks, 30 minutes).
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Combined section with higher weightage.
Sectional Timing: Ensures focused preparation for each section.
4. IBPS PO Interview Process 2024
Candidates who clear the Mains Exam are called for the Interview Process.
Key Details:
Maximum Marks: 100
Minimum Qualifying Marks:
General Category: 40%
SC/ST/OBC/PWD: 35%
The Interview assesses a candidate’s communication, analytical thinking, and suitability for the role.
5. Penalty for Wrong Answers
Both the Preliminary and Mains exams include negative marking:
0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
No penalty for unanswered questions.
6. IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2024
The Preliminary Exam focuses on three core areas: Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, and English Language.
Reasoning Ability Syllabus:
Logical Reasoning
Alphanumeric Series
Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test
Data Sufficiency
Inequalities
Seating Arrangement
Puzzle
Syllogism
Blood Relations
Coding-Decoding
Quantitative Ability Syllabus:
Simplification
Profit & Loss
Mixtures & Allegations
Simple & Compound Interest
Work & Time
Time & Distance
Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
Data Interpretation
Ratio & Proportion
Permutation, Combination & Probability
English Language Syllabus:
Reading Comprehension
Cloze Test
Para Jumbles
Error Detection
Fill in the Blanks
Word Usage & Swap
7. IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2024
The Mains Exam builds on the Prelims syllabus with additional focus areas.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus:
Verbal Reasoning
Syllogism
Circular Seating Arrangement
Blood Relations
Computer Fundamentals
Networking
Input-Output
Coding-Decoding
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus:
Data Sufficiency
Linear Equations
Permutation & Combination
Probability
Quadratic Equations
Mensuration
English Language Syllabus:
Vocabulary
Grammar
Verbal Ability
Reading Comprehension
Descriptive Writing (Essay & Letter)
General Awareness Syllabus:
Banking Awareness
Current Affairs
Static General Knowledge
8. Final Selection Process
The final merit list is prepared based on:
80% Weightage: Mains Exam Score
20% Weightage: Interview Score
Candidates who make it to the merit list will receive appointment letters from their respective banks.
Conclusion
To excel in the IBPS PO 2024 exam, it is essential to understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process thoroughly. With structured preparation and focus, securing a position as a Probationary Officer is achievable. Start your preparation today to ace the IBPS PO 2024 exam!