Official Guide Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) • Reviewed: 01 October 2026

IBPS PO (CRP PO/MT) Examination Comprehensive Blueprint (2026)

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Common Recruitment Process for Probationary Officers (IBPS PO) is the unified entrance examination for Scale-I officers across 11 Public Sector Banks (including Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, and Indian Bank). Operating under the Ministry of Finance guidelines, this annual examination tests banking leadership aptitude across Prelims, Mains (with Online Descriptive English), and Common Personal Interviews conducted by participating banks.

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1. Statutory Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit & Crucial Date:

20 to 30 Years as on crucial date. Standard relaxations: OBC-NCL +3 yrs, SC/ST +5 yrs, PwBD +10 yrs.

Educational Qualification:

A Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a University recognized by the Government of India.

Nationality:

Citizen of India.

Permissible Attempts:

No restriction within the age limit.

2. Multi-Stage Selection Framework

Prelims: Preliminary Examination Online Objective (100 Qs, 100 Marks, 60 Mins)

English (30), Quantitative Aptitude (35), Reasoning (35). Sectional cutoff and sectional timer of 20 mins.

Mains: Mains Exam & Descriptive Online CBT (200 Marks) + Descriptive (25 Marks)

Objective: 155 Qs (3 Hours). Descriptive: 30 Mins (1 Essay, 1 Letter, 25 Marks). Total 225 Marks.

Interview: Common Personal Interview Face-to-Face Board Interview (100 Marks)

Conducted by participating banks. Minimum qualifying score: 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD). Weightage: 80% Mains + 20% Interview.

3. Examination Scheme & Syllabus

Sectional cutoffs applied across all subjects in both Prelims and Mains with 1/4th negative marking.

Section / Paper Questions Marks Duration Negative Marking
Prelims: English, Math, Reasoning 100 100 60 Mins 0.25 marks
Mains: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude 45 60 60 Mins 0.25 marks
Mains: General / Economy / Banking 40 40 35 Mins 0.25 marks
Mains: English Language 35 40 40 Mins 0.25 marks
Mains: Data Analysis & Interpretation 35 60 45 Mins 0.25 marks
Mains: English Descriptive (Letter & Essay) 2 25 30 Mins Descriptive

4. 7th CPC Pay Scale & Career Growth

Pay Level & Grade Pay:

Scale-I Starting Basic Pay of ₹48,480 under the revised 12th Bipartite Settlement

Starting Basic & In-Hand Range:

₹48,480 (Estimated in-hand: ₹62,000 to ₹68,000 per month depending on posting location and HRA.)

Hierarchical Promotion Ladder:
  1. Junior Management Grade Scale-I (Assistant Manager / PO)
  2. Middle Management Grade Scale-II (Manager)
  3. Middle Management Grade Scale-III (Senior Manager)
  4. Senior Management Grade Scale-IV (Chief Manager)
  5. Executive Track: Scale-V (AGM) -> Scale-VI (DGM) -> Scale-VII (GM) -> Executive Director (ED)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (IBPS Probationary Officer / Management Trainee)

Is there sectional cutoff in IBPS PO?

Yes. IBPS strictly enforces sectional cutoffs in both Prelims and Mains examinations. Candidates must qualify in each individual section as well as achieve the overall aggregate cutoff.

What is the score ratio for final IBPS PO merit listing?

The final merit score is calculated out of 100 with an 80:20 ratio: 80% weightage given to marks scored in Mains (out of 225) and 20% weightage given to marks scored in the Personal Interview (out of 100).

What is the starting in-hand salary of an IBPS PO?

Under the 12th Bipartite wage structure, an IBPS PO receives an initial in-hand monthly salary of approximately ₹62,000 to ₹67,000 post deductions.

Can final-year students apply for IBPS PO?

Candidates must possess the final degree mark sheet/certificate on or before the online application closing date. Appearing students whose results are pending cannot apply.

Which public sector banks participate in IBPS PO?

11 public sector banks participate, including PNB, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Punjab & Sind Bank.