IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the IBPS PO (Probationary Officer), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
~$10 (INR 850)
Provider
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
Validity
Annual exam
Available
India
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- A degree in any discipline from a university recognised by the Government of India, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. No minimum percentage is specified, but you must indicate your graduation percentage when applying.
- The final graduation result must have been declared on or before the closing date of registration, and you must hold a valid marksheet or degree certificate on the day you register.
- Age between 20 and 30 years as on the date specified in the notification. Upper age relaxation is 5 years for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates and 3 years for Other Backward Classes in the non-creamy layer, with further relaxations set out in the notification.
- Indian citizenship, or one of the other nationality categories listed in the notification for which a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
- A valid photo identity document bearing exactly the name used on the application. IBPS advises candidates to possess or acquire a valid Aadhaar card, since online Aadhaar verification is conducted at different stages.
- No coaching, work experience, prior banking qualification or specific graduation subject is required. There is no cap on the number of times you may sit the examination as long as you remain within the age limit.
Number of Questions
Preliminary: 100 questions for 100 marks. Main: 170 objective questions for 200 marks, plus 2 descriptive questions for 25 marks.
Duration
Preliminary: 60 minutes total, with three separately timed sections of 20 minutes each. Main: 3 hours 10 minutes, comprising 160 minutes of objective tests plus a 30-minute Descriptive Paper.
Question Format
Multiple-choice objective questions in all Preliminary and Main sections, Essay writing in the Descriptive Paper, Comprehension-based writing in the Descriptive Paper, Data Analysis and Interpretation sets built on tables, charts and caselets, Personality Test administered as a self-report instrument, Panel interview conducted by the participating banks
Passing Requirement
IBPS does not publish a fixed passing mark. Candidates must secure a minimum cut-off in each of the three Preliminary tests, and a minimum score in each Main test plus a minimum total, with cut-offs decided by IBPS according to vacancy numbers. The interview requires at least 40 percent, relaxed to 35 percent for SC, ST, OBC and PwBD candidates. Final merit uses an 80:20 weighting of Main examination to interview.
How It Is Delivered
Online examination at IBPS-designated test centres across India. Both Preliminary and Main are computer-based. Biometric capture of a right thumb impression and photograph may be taken at multiple stages, with Aadhaar verification also conducted. The Personality Test may be run in proctored mode or at identified centres.
Languages Offered
English, used in all sections and the only medium for English Language and the Descriptive Paper, Hindi, offered for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability in the Preliminary and for Reasoning, General and Banking Awareness and Data Analysis and Interpretation in the Main
Visit the official Institute of Banking Personnel Selection certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)?
A degree in any discipline from a university recognised by the Government of India, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. No minimum percentage is specified, but you must indicate your graduation percentage when applying.. The final graduation result must have been declared on or before the closing date of registration, and you must hold a valid marksheet or degree certificate on the day you register.. Age between 20 and 30 years as on the date specified in the notification. Upper age relaxation is 5 years for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates and 3 years for Other Backward Classes in the non-creamy layer, with further relaxations set out in the notification.. Indian citizenship, or one of the other nationality categories listed in the notification for which a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.. A valid photo identity document bearing exactly the name used on the application. IBPS advises candidates to possess or acquire a valid Aadhaar card, since online Aadhaar verification is conducted at different stages.. No coaching, work experience, prior banking qualification or specific graduation subject is required. There is no cap on the number of times you may sit the examination as long as you remain within the age limit..
How much does the IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) cost?
The IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) exam costs ~$10 (INR 850). This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)?
Visit the official Institute of Banking Personnel Selection certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for IBPS PO (Probationary Officer)?
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