IBPS Bank PO Exam: Everything That You Need to Know

The Bank PO job or Bank Probationary Officer is one of the most respectable and highly recognized jobs. If you are a probationary officer (PO) of a public sector bank, things are even better. Along with a good salary and leave facility, you also get job security, pension, and social identity. This inspires many students to write the IBPS Bank PO Exam.

The 3 Must Practice Books To Crack Bank PO

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In this article, we will tell you everything that you need to know about the IBPS bank PO exam.

What is IBPS?

IBPS stands for Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.

IT is an autonomous body registered under the Society Registration Act 1860, and Bombay Public Trust 1950. It came into existence in 1984.

IBPS provides services to various organizations in meeting their manpower requirements by managing their recruitment process. This includes all public sector banks, regional rural banks, NABARD, SIDBI, RBI, Co-operative Banks, Insurance companies, and many other organizations.

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Among all the exams conducted by IBPS, the IBPS Bank PO exam is the most popular.

Before you start preparing your dream job of Bank PO, it is good to know everything about it.

What is IBPS Bank PO Exam?

IBPS Bank PO exam is the Common Recruitment Process for the recruitment of Probationary Officer/Management Trainees in participating organizations (CRP PO/MT).

Let’s now see step by step all the aspects of the IBPS exam for Bank PO. This will make everything clear to you before you start your preparation.

Eligibility Criteria For IBPS Bank PO Exam (IBPS CRP PO)

The eligibility criteria for the IBPS Bank Probationary Officer exam also called CRP PO are as per below.

Nationality:

  • The candidate must be either a Citizen of India or has to provide a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India (for migrants of Indian origin).

Age:

  • General Category – Minimum 20 years, Maximum 30 years
  • SC/ST – Relaxation of 5 years
  • OBC- Relaxation of 3 years
  • Benchmark Disabilities – Relaxation of 10 years
  • Other reserved categories – Relaxation of 5 years

Education:

  • Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent.

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IBPS Bank PO Exam (IBPS CRP PO) Question Pattern

The IBPS Bank PO Exam is conducted in 3 phases. Every phase is a qualifying round.

A. Preliminary Exam

#

Test Type

Total Questions

Maximum marks

Medium

Time Allotted 

1

English Language

30

30

English

20 Minutes

2

Quantitative Aptitude

35

35

English & Hindi

20 Minutes

3

Reasoning Ability

35

35

English & Hindi

20 Minutes

  • The total duration of the IBPS PO Preliminary exam is 60 minutes.
  • For each test, 20 minutes have been assigned.
  • Candidates have to qualify in each test separately by scoring minimum marks decided by IBPS.
  • There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.

B. Main Exam

#

Test Type

Total Questions

Maximum marks

Medium

Time Allotted 

1

General/ Economy/ Banking
Awareness

40

40

English & Hindi

60 Minutes

2

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

45

60

English & Hindi

35 Minutes

3

English Language

35

40

English

40 Minutes

4

Data Analysis & Interpretation

35

60

English & Hindi

45 Minutes

5

English Language (Letter Writing
& Essay)

2

25

English

30 Minutes

  • The total duration of the IBPS PO Main exam is 3 hours for multiple-choice questions and 30 minutes for English letter writing and essay test.
  • For each test, a separate time has been assigned.
  • Candidates have to qualify in each test separately by scoring minimum marks decided by IBPS.
  • There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer to multiple-choice questions.
  • Depending on the number of vacancies available a cut-off will be decided. Based on the cut-off, the candidate will be eligible for an interview.

C. Interview

  • Candidates shortlisted on the basis of IBPS Bank PO Main (CRP- PO/MT-X) score are invited for the interview.
  • The interview is conducted by the participating bank while the help of IBPS.
  • The total marks of the interview are 100. The minimum qualifying marks of the interview should not be less than 40%.
  • The weightage ratio of the IBPS PO exam (IBPS CRP PO) and interview is 80:20.
  • A candidate has to qualify in both written exams as well as the interview.
  • The final merit list is arrived based on the IBPS Main exam of CRP- PO/MT-X and interview.

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IBPS Bank PO Exam (IBPS CRP PO) Registration And Important Dates

The registration of IBPC is done through its online portal. The registration window is normally opened in the mid of July for 20 days. The IBPS Bank PO registration process is very simple as explained in a few easy steps below-

  • Go to the official website of IBPS.
  • Click on the new registration on the home page
  • Provide your basic details, email id, and mobile number.
  • You will get a provisional registration number and password on your registered email ID and mobile number.
  • Using your registration number and password you can log in again and access your saved data.
  • Now upload the scanned copies of your Photograph, Signature, Left thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration.
  • Follow the guidelines provided for the scanned images to be uploaded.
  • You should carefully fill in the details in the online application at the appropriate places.
  • Click on the “FINAL SUBMIT” button at the end.
  • Now you need to make the fee payment in online mode only.
  • You will get an email and SMS confirmation after successful payment.

Registration Fee for IBPS Bank PO Exam

The IBPS Bank PO Exam Registration Fee or the exam fee is as per Below.

  • Registration Fee for SC/ST/PWBD candidates- Rs. 175/-
  • Registration Fee for all other categories- Rs. 850/-

Important Dates (indicative) for IBPS Bank PO Exam 2021


IBPS Bank PO exam is conducted once every year. The examination process starts in the month of July – August and goes up to April next year.
Based on the timetable that IBPS follows for conducting its yearly exam for Bank Probationary officer, below is the tentative timeline for IBPS 2021. Candidates who are planning to write the IBPS Bank PO exam 2021 (IBPS CRP PO 2021) should start their preparation according to these days.
Here is the indicative schedule of events for IBPS CRP PO 2021

Events

Indicative Timeline

Online Registration Process for Bank PO 2021

Mid of July 2021 - 1st week of August 2021

Call letters for Pre- Exam Training

September 2021

Conduct of Pre-Exam Training

September 2021

Admit Card Download for Preliminary 

October 2021

IBPS Bank PO Preliminary Exam 2021

October 2021

IBPS Bank PO Preliminary Exam Result

End  of October 2021-Early November 2021

Admit Card Download for Main Exam

November 2021

IBPS Bank PO Main Exam 2021

Last Week of November 2021

IBPS Bank PO Main Exam Result

December 2021

Download of call letters for interview 

January 2022

Interview Period 

January - February 2022

Final Communication 

April 2022

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IBPS Bank PO Exam (IBPS CRP PO) Syllabus

Those who are planning to crack the IBPS PO exam 2021, should first know its syllabus.

The syllabus of the preliminary exam is different from the main exam. Hence, it is extremely important to start your preparation according to the syllabus.

Let’s see the syllabus in detail for both the stages on the IBPS PO exam.

Syllabus for IBPS Bank PO Preliminary Exam

Below is the syllabus for the IBPS PO preliminary exam. The standard of the question asked in this exam is quite easy and basics.

Test Type

Syllabus

English Language

  • Paragraph Jumbles

  • Passage Completion

  • Fill in the blanks

  • Cloze Test

  • Multiple Meaning

  • Error Identification

  • Idioms & Phrases 

  • Tenses

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Simplification

    Number Series

    Profit and Loss

    Mixtures and Alligations

    Simple and Compound Interest

    Surds and Indices

    Work and Time

    Speed, Time and Distance

    Mensuration 

  • Data Interpretation

    Ratio and Proportion

    Percentages

    Number Series

    Boat Stream

    Series and Sequences

    Permutation and Combination 

    Probability

  • Quadratic Equations

Reasoning Ability

  • Logical ReasoningAlphanumeric Series

    Directions

    Reasoning Puzzles

    Order and Ranking

    Alphabet Combination

  • Data Sufficiency Tests

    Coded Inequalities

    Seating Arrangements

    Picture Series Puzzles

  • Tabulation

    Syllogism

    Relationships

    Input/Output

    Coding and Decoding

  • Assertion and Reason

    Statement, Argument and Assumption

    Word Formation

Syllabus for IBPS Bank PO Main Exam

While the chapters covered for English Language and Quantitative Aptitude in the IBPS Mani exam are almost similar to the preliminary exam, the level of questions is a bit tough.

Also, the questions of General Knowledge/ Economy/ Banking Awareness and Data Analysis & Interpretation carry a lot of weightage in the examination.

Apart from multiple choice questions, IBPS Bank PO Main Exam also includes a descriptive section. This section is aimed to test the English writing skill of the candidate.

While IBPS Preliminary exam is easy to clear, the Main exam for PO needs solid preparation.

Below is the IBPS PO Main exam syllabus.

Test Type

Syllabus

General/ Economy/ Banking
Awareness

  • Banking and Financial knowledge ( Stats of economy, Banking and Financial terminology, basic economics)

  • Current Affairs (last 6 months - sports, dates, awards, persons, places & events in news) 

  • General Knowledge (More related to stats) 

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude 

  • Logical ReasoningAlphanumeric Series

    Directions

    Reasoning Puzzles

  • Order and Ranking

    Alphabet Combination

  • Coded Inequalities

    Seating Arrangements

    Picture Series Puzzles

  • Data Sufficiency Tests

    Assertion and Reason

    Statement, Argument and Assumption

    Word Formation

  • Tabulation

    Syllogism

    Relationships

    Input/Output

    Coding and Decoding

    Computer Basics

  • New List Item

    Syllogism

    Relationships

    Input/Output

    Coding and Decoding

    Computer Basics

  • Idea about network, LAN & VAN

    Password Management

    Knowledge about MS office 

    Cyber Security 

English Language 

  • Vocabulary (Homonyms, Antonyms, Synonyms, Word Formation, Spelling)

  • Grammar (Spotting Errors, Phrases and idioms, Direct and Indirect speech, Active / Passive voice)

  • Verbal Ability

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Usage of English in Business

  • Letter and Essay Writing

Data Analysis & Interpretation

  • Average

  • Percentage

  • Data Sufficiency

    Partnership

    Linear Equation

    Mixture and Allegations

    Profit ad Loss

    Simplification

    Series and Sequences

     Probability

    Quadratic Equations

  • Ratio and Proportion

  • Data Interpretation

  • Mensuration (2D & 3D) 

  •  Geometry

  • Interest

  • Ages Related Problem

  • Number System, LCM and HCF

  • Time and Work

  • Speed, Distance and Time

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IBPS Bank PO Exam (IBPS CRP PO) Preparation Tips

While most of the candidates join some coaching for the preparation of the Bank PO exam, a self-preparation is the best way to prepare fo for it. If you are committed then a dedicated 6 months of preparation is sufficient for cracking the Bank PO exam.

A coaching institute will charge you hefty money for providing some guidance and shortcut tricks. In the age of the internet, these things can be easily acquired. You can easily get the study material, previous year’s paper, and other useful resources on the internet to prepare for bank PO exams at your home.

We are going to tell some easy-to-follow tips that will certainly help you to crack IBPS Bank PO Exam 2021.

Know The IBPS PO Exam Syllabus and Pattern

The most important thing to kick off your IBPS Bank PO ( CRP PO) preparation is to have a complete understanding of the syllabus and the pattern. In the previous section of this article, we have explained the latest pattern of the IBPS Bank PO Exam as well as the syllabus that this exam covers in all the phases. Candidates are also advised to regularly visit the IBPS official website for any change in the exam pattern.

Know The Previous Years PO Exam Qualifying Cut Off

This becomes extremely handy to track your IBPS PO Exam preparation and evaluate yourself. Below are the percentile cut-off for the last three years.

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Formulate a Strategy

Once you are aware of the IBPS exam pattern and Syllabus along with the cut-off, it will be much easier for you to formulate a strategy of your IBPS PO exam preparation. While doing this you need to ensure that sufficient time is given for the preparation of each section. Give more focus on your weak areas.

Mock Tests and Time Management

This is the biggest mantra of success in any exam. By practicing the mock tests, you can familiar with the actual exam environment. It helps you to know your strength and weaknesses based on which you can do the preparation. The most important thing that you get from mock test preparation is the speed, confidence, and time management. The more you practice, the more would be the chance of getting selected.

Keep yourself updated

Read newspapers on a daily basis. This will help you to keep you updated with the st general knowledge, banking-related news, and financial news.

Do not ignore preparation for the descriptive section

Although this section is just qualifying, it is important that you pay attention to the preparation of this section as well. Reading the newspaper will help you to improve your vocabulary and reading speed. You should also do regular practice to improve your wring skill.

Refer Best Books and Previous Year Questions

While there are plenty of books available for the preparation of the Bank PO exam, refer to some of the best books. Also, solve the previous year’s questions that you either can get online or through books and competitive magazines. Start following some of the good magazines for bank exam preparation.

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IBPS Bank PO Exam: Best Books For Preparation

We have picked the section-wise best books that you should refer to for the IBPS Bank PO Exam Preparation.

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Quantitative Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation: Best Books For Bank PO Preparation

Book Name

Image

About the Book


Quantitative Aptitude 

By Dr. R S Aggarwal

  • One of the best book for Bank PO preparation

  • Wide variety of Questions

  • Covers every Chapter 

  • Easy to follow with a lot of examples

  • Ideal for every competitive exam 

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

By Rajesh Verma

  • Great books for mathematical tricks, tips, shortcuts

  •  Having recent exams questions

  • Easy to learn fundamental formulae & method

A Complete Book on Data Interpretation and Analysis

By Adda247 Publications

  • A very helpful book for DI and analysis questions

  • The book is in line with the Bank PO exam pattern

  • A variety of questions covered

Bank PO Solved Papers Quantitative Aptitude

By Arihant Experts

  • A good book for practicing quantitative aptitude

  • Covers the complete syllabus for the Bank PO exam

  • Variety to solved questions

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Best Books For Bank PO Preparation

Book Name

Image

About the Book


A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

By Dr. R S Aggarwal

  • Variety of Examples 

  • Learn the faster, shorter and intelligent way to solve verbal and non-verbal reasoning

  • Designed as per the latest exam pattern

Analytical Reasoning

By M K Pandey

  • Quality book for Analytical, Critical and Logical Reasoning 

  • Good book for building the concepts of Critical Reasoning and Deductive Logic

  • Every section has been very well explained, making it easy to understand

OBJECTIVE Computer Awareness

By Arihant Experts

  • Very good book for computer-related questions

  • Provides enough description For any computer exam.

  • Every chapter is followed by sufficient number of MCQ to practice.

  • The price of the book is very less, making  it a good value for money

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning 

By Dr. R S Aggarwal 

  • Good book for logical reasoning

  • Useful for IBPS-CWE Bank PO and other competitive exams

General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness: Best Books For Bank PO Preparation

Book Name

Image

About the Book


Banking Awareness

By Arihant Experts

  • A good book for the IBPS Bank PO exam and other banking exams

  • Book also covers financial and banking current affairs  which is useful for Bank PO preparation

  •  Ample of theoretical content as well as good number of solved problems.

  • Very less price book with valuable contents

Banking Awareness

By Disha Experts 

  • Another great book to prepare for the banking awareness section of the Bank PO exam

  •  Covers exhaustive theory of each topic and MCQ

  • Book also covers the RBI's budget 2020, monetary policy, and stimulus package amid corona crisis.

Pearson General Knowledge Manual 2021

By Thorpe & Thorpe

  • A good resource for the Bank PO and other competitive exams

  • Large data covered in tabular format for easy memorization

  • Every chapter includes 100+ MCQ and well-defined theory.

General Awareness, Banking & Economy 

By Disha Experts 

  • Very helpful book for the IBPS exam preparation

  • The book includes 5 practice sets of varied levels of difficulty for the various Banking exams.

The Malayala Manorama English Yearbook

By Mammen Mathew

  • One of the most recommended books for any competitive exam preparation

  • Covers a wide range of content

English MCQ, Letter and Essay: Best Books For Bank PO Preparation

Book Name

Image

About the Book


Objective General English 

By Dr. R S Aggarwal

  • Everything that you need to know for Bank PO and other competitive exams is there in this book.

  • A very good book for practice 

English for Bank Exams ( Preliminary & Main)

By S Chand Experts 

  • The book is designed according to the pattern and syllabus of Banking exams

  • Book has 10 previous years’ chapter-wise solved papers

  • Sufficient examples, Exam Trends, and Exercises

Descriptive English

By Thorpe & Thorpe

  • Great book for competitive exam

  • Book has been covered in 4 parts: Part A- Writing Skills: Essay Writing, Expansion Writing Part B- Comprehension Skills Part C- Grammar Skills Part D-Verbal Skills

  • Ample of material for practice

Descriptive Writing Book

By Disha Experts 

  • Learn how to write formal and informal letters, essay on the socio-economic topic and current affairs 

  • Practice Exercise of Essays, Letters & Precis Writing

  • Previous years solved questions

Finally, here are some of the books you should consider for taking mock tests. Your preparation for IBPS bank PO is complete only when you take a sufficient number of mock tests.

Efficiency and Accuracy are the most important thing you have to achieve. This is possible only after you do the good practice.

Best Books For IBPS Bank PO Mock Tests

Book Name

Image

About the Book


IBPS PO 2020 Prelims Mocks Papers

By Adda247 

  • The book contains previous year papers of 2018, 2017 and 2016 

  • It has 20 mock papers for preliminary exam on the latest pattern

  • 2450 questions with a detailed explanation

  • SBI PO and RRB PO memory based questions

Target IBPS Bank PO/ MT 18 Practice Sets

By Disha Experts

  • Book has 6 for Preliminary exam tests (3 in the book and 3 as online Tests) + 12 for main objective exam tests (10 in the book and 2 as online Tests) 

  • Past 2 years solved paper of preliminary and main

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