IBPS PO Complete Guide: Eligibility, Pattern & Salary
Updated 19 Jun 2026 · 8 min read
IBPS PO is the common exam that recruits Probationary Officers — entry-level managers — for India's public-sector banks. It offers strong starting pay, fast promotions and a respected officer cadre, which is why it is one of the most popular routes for graduates into banking.
This guide covers eligibility, the three-stage exam, the salary and how selection works. Note that the State Bank of India runs its own separate exam (SBI PO) and is not part of IBPS. Exact section marks, the bank list and pay change with each notification, so confirm against the official notification on ibps.in.
What is IBPS PO?
IBPS PO is the Common Recruitment Process conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to recruit Probationary Officers / Management Trainees for participating public-sector banks (the list varies each cycle). SBI conducts its own PO exam separately.
Eligibility
- Education: a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Age: generally 20–30 years, with standard relaxations for SC/ST, OBC, PwD and ex-servicemen.
- Computer literacy, and knowledge of the official language of the state you apply for, may be required.
Exam pattern
IBPS PO has three stages — Prelims, Mains and Interview. All objective tests carry a penalty of 0.25 mark per wrong answer.
- Prelims (qualifying only): 100 questions, 100 marks, 1 hour with sectional timing — English (30), Quantitative Aptitude (35) and Reasoning Ability (35). This stage only screens you for the Mains.
- Mains: an objective test of around 200 marks (Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English) plus a Descriptive English Writing Test (essay and letter, 25 marks).
- Interview: conducted by the participating banks (100 marks).
How final selection works
The Prelims is only a screening filter. The final merit list is based on the Mains and Interview combined in an 80:20 ratio, after which candidates are allotted to banks based on merit, preference and vacancies.
Salary
An IBPS PO's basic pay is around ₹48,480 under the revised scale. With Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, a special allowance and others, the gross is commonly around ₹85,000–₹90,000 a month and in-hand around ₹74,000–₹76,000, varying by posting city. Officers also get perks like leased accommodation in many banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility for IBPS PO?▾
A bachelor's degree in any discipline, with age generally 20–30 years (with standard category relaxations). Computer literacy and knowledge of the relevant state language may be required.
What is the IBPS PO exam pattern?▾
Three stages — a qualifying Prelims (100 marks, 1 hour), a Mains (objective ~200 marks plus a descriptive writing test), and an Interview (100 marks). Objective tests have 0.25 negative marking.
How is the final IBPS PO merit decided?▾
The Prelims only screens candidates. The final merit is based on the Mains and Interview in an 80:20 ratio, followed by bank allotment by merit, preference and vacancies.
What is the salary of an IBPS PO?▾
Basic pay is around ₹48,480, with gross pay commonly around ₹85,000–₹90,000 and in-hand around ₹74,000–₹76,000 a month including allowances, varying by city.
Is SBI PO part of IBPS PO?▾
No. The State Bank of India conducts its own separate SBI PO exam; IBPS PO is for the other participating public-sector banks.