IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus (Prelims + Mains)
The IBPS PO 2026 Syllabus is structured to test a candidate's aptitude, reasoning ability, quantitative skills, English proficiency, banking awareness, financial knowledge, and descriptive writing skills.
IBPS does not officially publish a detailed subject-wise syllabus in its notification, so the syllabus given below has been compiled based on the latest exam pattern, previous years' question papers, and topics that have consistently appeared in recent IBPS PO exams.
Candidates should prepare each section thoroughly to boost their chances of clearing both the Prelims and Mains stages.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The IBPS PO Preliminary Exam has three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. This stage checks a candidate's speed, accuracy, and problem-solving ability.
As the Prelims is only qualifying in nature, candidates need to clear both the sectional and overall cut-offs to move on to the Main Exam.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Sentence Rearrangement, Phrase Replacement, Odd Sentence Out, Match the Columns, Word Swap, Connectors, Sentence Completion, Starters, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Word Usage |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Approximation, Number Series, Number System, Divisibility, LCM & HCF, Surds & Indices, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Partnership, Average, Age, Mixture & Alligation, Time & Work, Pipes & Cistern, Time, Speed & Distance, Boats & Streams, Train Problems, Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Data Interpretation (Table, Pie Chart, Line Graph, Bar Graph, Caselet DI, Missing DI), Quantity Comparison, Data Sufficiency |
| Reasoning Ability | Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Square, Rectangular, Double Row, Floor-Based, Box-Based), Puzzle (Month, Day, Scheduling, Variable, Comparison, Distribution), Inequalities, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Alphabet Test, Order & Ranking, Input-Output, Machine Input, Statement & Conclusion, Cause & Effect, Assumption, Course of Action, Critical Reasoning |
English Language Syllabus
This section checks candidates' grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and verbal skills.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Factual, Inference-Based, Vocabulary-Based, Tone-Based Questions |
| Grammar | Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Cloze Test |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Word Usage |
| Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Sentence Rearrangement, Phrase Replacement, Match the Columns, Word Swap, Connectors, Sentence Completion, Odd Sentence Out |
Preparation Tips
- Read English editorials daily.
- Practice grammar rules regularly.
- Build vocabulary through newspapers and quizzes.
- Solve comprehension passages against a timer to improve speed and accuracy.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Number System | Divisibility, LCM & HCF, Surds & Indices |
| Simplification | Simplification, Approximation |
| Arithmetic | Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Ratio & Proportion, Partnership, Average, Age, Mixture & Alligation, Time & Work, Pipes & Cistern, Time-Speed-Distance, Boats & Streams, Trains |
| Algebra | Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations |
| Data Interpretation | Table DI, Pie Chart, Line Graph, Bar Graph, Caselet DI, Missing DI |
| Miscellaneous | Number Series, Quantity Comparison, Data Sufficiency |
This section tests numerical ability, mathematical concepts, and data interpretation skills.
Preparation Tips
- Focus on arithmetic, as it carries significant weightage.
- Memorize formulas to save time.
- Practice DI sets on a regular basis.
- Sharpen calculation speed using approximation techniques.
Reasoning Ability Syllabus
This section checks analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and decision-making ability.
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Seating Arrangement | Circular, Linear, Square, Rectangular, Double Row, Floor-Based, Box-Based |
| Puzzle | Month Puzzle, Day Puzzle, Scheduling Puzzle, Variable Puzzle, Comparison Puzzle, Distribution Puzzle |
| Logical Reasoning | Inequalities, Syllogism, Blood Relation, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Alphabet Test, Order & Ranking |
| Analytical Reasoning | Input-Output, Machine Input, Statement & Conclusion, Cause & Effect, Assumption, Course of Action, Critical Reasoning |
Preparation Tips
- Get comfortable with high-level puzzles and seating arrangements.
- Practice different puzzle variations every day.
- Learn shortcut tricks for inequalities and syllogisms.
- Solve reasoning questions from previous years' papers.
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The IBPS PO Main Exam is more extensive and checks candidates' analytical ability, banking knowledge, financial awareness, English skills, and quantitative aptitude. It covers Reasoning, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and a Descriptive Paper.
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2026
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Reasoning | Advanced Seating Arrangement, High-Level Puzzle, Logical Reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, Data Sufficiency, Statement-Based Questions, Decision Making, Logical Connectives |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Advanced DI, Caselet DI, Missing DI, Radar DI, Mixed Graph DI, Data Sufficiency, Probability, Permutation & Combination, Quadratic Equations, Quantity Comparison, Arithmetic Word Problems |
| English Language | Advanced Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Connectors, Para Completion, Phrase Replacement, Word Usage, Editorial-Based Questions, Grammar |
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness | Banking Terminology, Banking Products, Banking Reforms, Basel Norms, Financial Inclusion, Priority Sector Lending, Digital Banking, RBI Functions, Monetary Policy, Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, CRR, SLR, RBI Circulars, Payment Systems, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, AEPS, RuPay, NPCI, Digital Payments, GDP, Inflation, Fiscal Policy, Budget, Economic Survey, Government Schemes, Banking & Financial Institutions, Current Affairs, National & International News, Banking Current Affairs, Appointments, Awards, Sports, Summits, Reports & Indices, Important Days |
Reasoning Syllabus
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Advanced Reasoning | High-Level Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Input-Output |
| Logical Ability | Critical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Decision Making |
| Analytical Questions | Statement-Based Questions, Logical Connectives, Data Sufficiency |
Preparation Tips
- Practice high-difficulty puzzles.
- Focus on statement-based reasoning questions.
- Build speed through regular mock tests.
Data Analysis & Interpretation Syllabus
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Caselet DI, Radar DI, Mixed Graph DI, Missing DI |
| Advanced Mathematics | Probability, Permutation & Combination |
| Quantitative Analysis | Quantity Comparison, Data Sufficiency, Arithmetic Word Problems |
Preparation Tips
- Practice complex DI sets consistently.
- Strengthen your arithmetic fundamentals.
- Solve mains-level questions from previous years.
English Language Syllabus
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Reading Skills | Advanced Reading Comprehension |
| Grammar | Error Detection, Grammar Rules, Phrase Replacement |
| Vocabulary | Word Usage, Vocabulary-Based Questions |
| Verbal Ability | Para Completion, Sentence Connectors, Editorial-Based Questions |
Preparation Tips
- Read editorials from reputed newspapers.
- Practice descriptive grammar exercises.
- Keep building vocabulary steadily.
General / Economy / Banking Awareness Syllabus
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Banking | Banking Terminology, Banking Products, Banking Reforms, Basel Norms, Financial Inclusion, Priority Sector Lending, Digital Banking |
| RBI | RBI Functions, Monetary Policy, Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, CRR, SLR, RBI Circulars, Payment Systems |
| Financial Awareness | NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, AEPS, RuPay, NPCI, Digital Payments |
| Economy | GDP, Inflation, Fiscal Policy, Budget, Economic Survey, Government Schemes, Banking & Financial Institutions |
| Current Affairs | National News, International News, Banking Current Affairs, Appointments, Awards, Sports, Summits, Reports & Indices, Important Days |
Preparation Tips
- Stay updated on RBI notifications.
- Follow banking and financial current affairs closely.
- Revise monthly current affairs compilations.
- Go through Union Budget and Economic Survey highlights.
IBPS PO Descriptive Paper Syllabus 2026
The Descriptive Paper tests a candidate's written communication skills in English. Candidates need to write clearly, logically, and grammatically while putting their ideas across effectively.
Descriptive Paper Topics
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Banking, Economy, Financial Inclusion, Digital India, Technology, Social Issues, Current Affairs, Ethics |
| Comprehension | Passage-Based Questions, Analytical Understanding, Inference-Based Questions, Vocabulary in Context |
Preparation Tips
- Practice writing essays within the given time limit.
- Read newspaper editorials daily to build vocabulary and content.
- Focus on grammar, coherence, and logical flow.
- Practice comprehension passages to sharpen reading and analytical skills.
- Work on typing speed, since the descriptive paper is conducted online.
Note: IBPS does not release a detailed subject-wise syllabus in its official notification. The syllabus above has been drawn up based on the latest IBPS PO exam pattern, official subject names, and an analysis of previous years' question papers. It covers the topics that have consistently come up in recent IBPS PO exams and serves as a complete preparation guide.
