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IBPS PO Prelims 2026

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer Examination

Prelims is the first stage of IBPS PO selection — 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes, with a separate 20-minute timer per section, and 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer. Clear it and you move to Mains. Here is the full pattern, section-wise strategy, and a free mock test to benchmark where you stand.

Take a Free IBPS PO Mock TestView Prelims Pattern
Questions
100
Total Marks
100
Duration
60 min
Negative Marking
0.25 marks
Section Timer
20 min each
Mode
Online (CBT)

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

Each section runs on its own 20-minute clock — you cannot carry time between sections, so speed in every section matters individually.

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
English Language303020 min
Quantitative Aptitude353520 min
Reasoning Ability353520 min
Total10010060 min

Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer

Section-Wise Strategy for IBPS PO Prelims

How to approach each section, and where to practice it topic by topic.

English Language

30 Qs · 30 marks

Bank the grammar and vocabulary questions first — they take seconds when prepared. Give reading comprehension the remaining time, starting with fact-based questions before inference ones.

Practice English Language →

Quantitative Aptitude

35 Qs · 35 marks

Speed on arithmetic basics — percentage, ratio, simplification — wins this section. First pass on quick calculations; touch multi-step word problems and DI sets only after the easy marks are secured.

Practice Quantitative Aptitude →

Reasoning Ability

35 Qs · 35 marks

Start with the one-liner question types — series, analogy, direction sense, syllogism. Commit to longer puzzle sets only after the quick wins, and never sink minutes into a set that is not opening up.

Practice Reasoning Ability →

Where Prelims Fits in the IBPS PO Selection Process

Prelims (Online)→
Mains (Online)→
Interview→
Provisional Allotment

For eligibility, salary, and the full syllabus, see the complete IBPS PO 2026 guide.

Benchmark Yourself Before You Plan

A timed Prelims-pattern mock shows your real score, section timing, and weak topics — the three numbers every preparation decision should start from. It is free, with detailed solutions.

Start the Free IBPS PO Mock Test →

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IBPS PO Prelims FAQs

What is the IBPS PO Prelims exam pattern?
IBPS PO Prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes — English Language (30 questions, 30 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks), Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks). Each section has a separate 20-minute time limit.
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO Prelims?
Yes — 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer. Accuracy matters as much as attempts: guessing blindly loses marks, so skip questions where you cannot eliminate at least two options.
Is there sectional timing in IBPS PO Prelims?
Yes. Each of the 3 sections runs on its own 20-minute clock — you cannot borrow time from a strong section to save a weak one, so every section needs individual speed practice.
How should I start preparing for IBPS PO Prelims?
Take a free full-length IBPS PO mock test first to benchmark your score and section timing, then drill your weakest sections with topic-wise practice. Repeat the cycle — mock, analyze, drill — every few days.

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100 questions, 60 minutes, detailed solutions — take a free mock and see where you stand.

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