Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IBPS PO Syllabus

Q. What is the complete IBPS PO Syllabus for 2026?

Ans. The IBPS PO Syllabus for 2026 includes three sections for Prelims (English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability) and five sections for Mains (Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and Descriptive Test). The Prelims syllabus covers fundamental topics including reading comprehension, basic arithmetic, data interpretation, puzzles, and logical reasoning. The Mains syllabus is more comprehensive with advanced topics in all sections plus computer knowledge and descriptive writing. Candidates must prepare all topics systematically as the IBPS PO Syllabus is extensive and requires thorough understanding of banking, economy, current affairs, and technical aptitude.

Q. Is the IBPS PO Syllabus same for Prelims and Mains?

Ans. No, the IBPS PO Syllabus differs significantly between Prelims and Mains examinations. While the Prelims syllabus focuses on basic concepts with three sections (English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning), the Mains syllabus is more extensive with five sections including two additional components: General/Economy/Banking Awareness and Descriptive Test. The difficulty level in Mains is considerably higher with more complex problems in Data Interpretation, advanced puzzles in Reasoning, and inclusion of Computer Aptitude. The IBPS PO Syllabus for Mains also includes essay and letter writing which is absent in Prelims, making it essential to prepare differently for each stage.

Q. Which section in IBPS PO Syllabus is the most scoring?

Ans. Data Interpretation and Reading Comprehension are considered the most scoring sections in the IBPS PO Syllabus. Data Interpretation carries significant weightage (35 questions for 60 marks in Mains) and with proper practice, candidates can achieve high accuracy. Reading Comprehension, though time-consuming, offers direct questions where answers are present in the passage. Banking Awareness is also highly scoring for candidates who stay updated with banking news and regulations. Among these, focusing on Data Interpretation from the IBPS PO Syllabus provides the best return on preparation time as it combines mathematical skills with analytical ability, both crucial for banking operations.

Q. How much time is required to complete the entire IBPS PO Syllabus?

Ans. Completing the entire IBPS PO Syllabus typically requires 3-4 months of dedicated preparation for candidates with basic knowledge of banking and aptitude. Fresh graduates or first-time banking aspirants may need 4-6 months to thoroughly cover the syllabus. The preparation timeline depends on your current proficiency level: candidates strong in quantitative aptitude might need less time for that section but more for General Awareness. A structured study plan allocating 6-8 hours daily for the IBPS PO Syllabus is recommended. This includes 2 hours for Quantitative Aptitude, 2 hours for Reasoning, 1.5 hours for English, 1 hour for General Awareness, and remaining time for revision and mock tests.

Q. Does IBPS PO Syllabus include Computer Knowledge?

Ans. Yes, the IBPS PO Syllabus includes Computer Aptitude, but only in the Mains examination as part of the Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section. The Computer Aptitude portion covers computer fundamentals, operating systems, internet concepts, networking basics, MS Office applications, computer security, and importantly, banking technology including core banking solutions, digital payment systems, and online banking. This section carries 45 questions for 60 marks with 60 minutes duration. While Computer Aptitude is not part of the Prelims syllabus, candidates must prepare these topics thoroughly for Mains as it’s combined with Reasoning in a single section with shared time, making time management crucial.

Q. What topics in General Awareness are covered in IBPS PO Syllabus?

Ans. The General Awareness section in the IBPS PO Syllabus (Mains only) covers four major areas: Banking Awareness (RBI policies, banking terms, financial institutions, banking regulations, payment systems), Current Affairs (national and international events from last 6 months, government schemes, awards, sports), Economic Awareness (Indian economy, budget highlights, GDP, inflation, economic policies), and Static GK (geography, history, polity, science). Banking Awareness carries maximum weightage as it’s directly relevant to banking operations. Candidates should focus on banking-related current affairs and regulatory changes. The IBPS PO Syllabus for this section requires daily newspaper reading and monthly current affairs compilation for effective preparation.

Q. Is descriptive writing part of IBPS PO Syllabus?

Ans. Yes, Descriptive Writing is an integral part of the IBPS PO Syllabus for Mains examination. This section carries 25 marks with 30 minutes duration and includes Essay Writing (approximately 200-250 words) and Letter Writing (formal/official letters). Topics for essays typically cover social issues, economic matters, banking sector developments, technology, and current affairs. Letter writing includes business correspondence, official communications, and complaint letters. The Descriptive Test in IBPS PO Syllabus evaluates your written communication skills, grammatical accuracy, coherent expression, and logical presentation of ideas—all crucial for a banking professional. Candidates must practice writing regularly as this section is qualifying in nature and poor performance can lead to rejection.

Q. How should I prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude section in IBPS PO Syllabus?

Ans. To excel in Quantitative Aptitude from the IBPS PO Syllabus, start with building strong fundamentals in arithmetic topics (percentage, profit-loss, time-work, SI-CI) as they carry maximum weightage. Practice Data Interpretation extensively as it’s the highest-scoring area with 10-15 questions in Prelims and 35 questions in Mains. Focus on speed building through daily calculation practice and learning shortcut methods. Solve previous year questions to understand the pattern and difficulty level. For the IBPS PO Syllabus Mains, prepare advanced topics like quadratic equations, number series, and application-based problems. Create formula sheets for quick revision and attempt sectional tests to improve accuracy. Allocate 20-22 minutes for Prelims and 45 minutes for Mains quantitative sections during practice.