IBPS PO 2026: eligibility, syllabus, cut-offs, salary and how to apply
IBPS Probationary Officers / Management Trainees, conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Posts: Probationary Officer / Management Trainee in participating public sector banks.
| Vacancies | How often | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| 5,208 (CRP PO/MT 2025) | Once a year. | Rs 850 (Rs 175 for SC, ST and persons with benchmark disabilities). |
IBPS PO eligibility: who can apply
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Education | A degree from a recognised university. |
| Age | 20 to 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories. |
IBPS PO selection process
- Preliminary exam
- Main exam (objective and descriptive)
- Interview
- Final merit: main exam and interview (80:20)
IBPS PO exam pattern and marks
Preliminary exam (60 minutes)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
0.25 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Main exam: reasoning and computer aptitude, general, economy, banking and digital or financial awareness, English, data analysis and interpretation, plus a descriptive test. The marks for each section are set in the notification.
IBPS PO syllabus
- English, quantitative aptitude and reasoning for prelims; for mains add banking and financial awareness, RBI circulars, economy, data interpretation and computer aptitude.
How to prepare for IBPS PO
- Take sectional and full mock tests regularly; there are sectional time limits.
- Follow banking and economy news, and RBI announcements.
- Practise essay and comprehension writing for the descriptive test.
IBPS PO previous cut-offs
IBPS publishes cut-offs with each stage's scorecards on ibps.in. Official cut-off notices
Salary and posts after IBPS PO
Officer (Junior Management Grade Scale I) in a public sector bank that takes part in IBPS recruitment.
| Post | Pay level and starting basic pay | What the work is |
|---|---|---|
| Probationary Officer / Management Trainee | Rs 48,480 starting basic pay (scale 48,480 to 85,920) | Branch banking: loans, deposits, customer service, credit checks and later managing a branch. |
Example: a selected PO is allotted to a bank, serves a two-year probation with training and work in different departments of a branch, and is then confirmed as Assistant Manager.
Pay is set by the 12th Bipartite Settlement between the Indian Banks' Association and the bank unions (signed March 2024). Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and other allowances are paid on top.
IBPS PO job profile and duties
- Opening accounts, approving and monitoring loans
- Managing cash, clearing and branch operations
- Selling bank products and handling customers
- Recovery of overdue loans
IBPS PO promotions and promotion cycle
| Stage | Pay | When |
|---|---|---|
| Scale I: Assistant Manager | Rs 48,480 upward | On joining |
| Scale II: Manager | Higher scale | Usually after about 3 years, by the bank's promotion process |
| Scale III: Senior Manager; Scale IV: Chief Manager | Higher scales | By promotion exams or interviews |
| Scale V to VII: Assistant, Deputy and General Manager | Top scales | By selection |
Each bank sets its own promotion policy and minimum years in each scale. Sources: IBPS PO pay under the 12th Bipartite Settlement, as reported by Physics Wallah
How to apply for IBPS PO, step by step
- Open the CRP PO/MT notification on ibps.in and register.
- Fill the application, upload photo, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration.
- Pay the fee and submit.
- Download call letters for each stage from ibps.in.
Sources: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Rules, vacancies and dates change with each notification: read the official notification before applying.
IBPS PO: common questions
How many vacancies are there in IBPS PO?
5,208 in CRP PO/MT 2025.
What is the age limit for IBPS PO?
20 to 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories.
What qualification is needed for IBPS PO?
A degree from a recognised university.
What is the selection process of IBPS PO?
Preliminary exam; Main exam (objective and descriptive); Interview; Final merit: main exam and interview (80:20).
What is the salary after IBPS PO?
Probationary Officer / Management Trainee: Rs 48,480 starting basic pay (scale 48,480 to 85,920). Pay is set by the 12th Bipartite Settlement between the Indian Banks' Association and the bank unions (signed March 2024).
What was the last cut-off of IBPS PO?
IBPS publishes cut-offs with each stage's scorecards on ibps.in.
What is the application fee for IBPS PO?
Rs 850 (Rs 175 for SC, ST and persons with benchmark disabilities).
How do I apply for IBPS PO?
Open the CRP PO/MT notification on ibps.in and register. Fill the application, upload photo, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration. Pay the fee and submit. Apply only on the official website: https://www.ibps.in/