Exam Pattern of IBPS PO


Phase-1: IBPS PO Preliminary Examination

S. No. Name of Tests (Objective) No. of Question Max. Marks Duration
1. English Language 30 30 20 minutes
2. Quantitative Aptitude 35 35 20 minutes
3. Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 minutes
Total 100 100 1 Hour

Phase-2: IBPS PO Mains Examination

S. No. Name of Tests (Objective) No. of Question Max. Marks Duration
1. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude 45 60 60 minutes
2. English Language 35 40 40 minutes
3. Data Interpretation and Analysis 35 60 45 minutes
4. General / Economy / Banking Awareness 40 40 35 minutes
Total 155 200 3 hours

English Language (Letter Writing & Essay)

The Duration of Descriptive Test is 30 minutes (25 marks) and it will be a test of English Language such as Letter Writing and Essay writing. The candidates need to qualify for the Descriptive Test by obtaining passing marks, to be decided by the Bank.

Negative Mark for Wrong Answers

There will be negative marks for wrong answers marked in the Objective Test. For each wrong answer one fourth or 0.25 of the total marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a rule to arrive at corrected score. If for any question a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as wrong even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty of 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question deducted as penalty. If a question is left blank, i.e. no answer is given then there will be no mark will be given.

Standardised Scores

The scores obtained by each of the candidates will further be converted into standardized scores following Linear Conversion Method. If the total for a test is in fraction, the marks obtained will be rounded off to the nearest integer, i.e. if fraction exceeds by 0.50 or more, it will be rounded off to next higher integer.

Cutoff Score

Each candidate will have to secure a minimum standardized score in each of the tests to qualify in the written examination and to be considered for vacancies in the participating banks. The cut-off points will be decided based on the average (Average – % Standard Deviation for General category candidates and Average – % Standard Deviation for Reserved Category candidates).

Common Written Exam Score Card

IBPS will print the Score Cards for each of the qualifying candidates and will send the same by Registered/ Speed post to each candidate at the correspondence address specified by the candidate in his/ her online application.

Validity of the CWE Score Card

The scores awarded to candidates, who qualify in CWE-PO/MT-II, will be valid for one year from the date of issuance of the scorecard and will be considered for recruitment exercises during that period. Candidates who have been declared as qualified in the previous CWE (I) are also permitted to apply, if they wish to improve their scores and/or keep the scores valid for a further period of 1 year from the date of issuance of scorecards of this CWE (CWE-PO/MT-II).