IBPS PO Syllabus 2025: Complete Guide with Topic-Wise Breakdown

The IBPS PO 2025 exam is a gateway to a prestigious career as a Probationary Officer in India’s public sector banks. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this competitive exam demands thorough preparation across multiple subjects. This blog post provides a detailed, topic-wise syllabus for both the Preliminary and Mains exams, along with preparation strategies, recommended books, and expert tips to help you ace the exam.


IBPS PO Syllabus 2025


Overview of IBPS PO 2025 Exam Pattern

The IBPS PO selection process consists of three stages: a Preliminary Exam, a Main Exam, and an Interview. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial before diving into the syllabus.

Stage Mode Sections Total Marks Duration
Preliminary Exam Online (MCQs) English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability 100 1 hour (sectional timing)
Mains Exam Online (MCQs + Descriptive) Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Descriptive Test 225 3 hours 30 minutes
Interview Offline Personal Interview 100 Varies

Key Point: The Prelims is a qualifying round, while the Mains and Interview scores contribute to the final merit list (80:20 ratio). Negative marking (0.25 marks) applies for wrong answers in both Prelims and Mains.


IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Breakdown

The Prelims exam consists of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Below is a detailed syllabus for each section, ensuring no topic is missed.

1. English Language

This section tests your command of English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. It carries 30 marks (30 questions) with a 20-minute time limit.

Topic Sub-Topics
Reading Comprehension Passages (economy, banking, social issues), synonyms, antonyms, inferences
Cloze Test Fill-in-the-blanks with appropriate words (grammar/vocabulary-based)
Fill in the Blanks Single/double fillers, vocabulary-based
Spotting Errors Grammatical errors (tense, prepositions, subject-verb agreement)
Sentence Improvement Replacing incorrect words/phrases
Para Jumbles Rearranging sentences to form coherent paragraphs
Vocabulary Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, one-word substitutions
Sentence Completion Completing sentences with appropriate words/phrases
Word Usage Correct usage of words in context
Sentence Correction Correcting grammatical mistakes in sentences
Phrase Replacement Replacing phrases to make sentences grammatically correct

Pro Tip: Read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express daily to improve comprehension and vocabulary. Practice with books like Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi 2025-26 edition for targeted preparation.


2. Quantitative Aptitude

This section evaluates numerical ability and data interpretation skills. It carries 35 marks (35 questions) with a 20-minute time limit.

Topic Sub-Topics
Simplification & Approximation BODMAS, square roots, cube roots, fractions, decimals, percentages
Number Series Missing number, wrong number, arithmetic/geometric patterns
Quadratic Equations Solving equations, comparing roots/values
Data Interpretation Table, bar graph, line graph, pie chart, caselet, mixed DI
Arithmetic Problems Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
Time & Work, Work & Wages, Pipes & Cisterns, Time, Speed & Distance
Trains, Boats & Streams, Average, Ages, Partnership, Mixture & Alligation
Number System HCF, LCM, divisibility rules, surds, indices
Mensuration 2D shapes (triangle, square, circle), 3D shapes (cube, cylinder, cone)
Permutation & Combination Basic permutations, combinations
Probability Basic probability concepts

Pro Tip: Master shortcuts for simplification and DI with RS AGGARWAL 2025-26 EDITION Quantitative Aptitude & Logical Reasoning COMBO SET. Practice 2-3 DI sets daily to boost speed.


3. Reasoning Ability

This section tests logical and analytical reasoning skills. It carries 35 marks (35 questions) with a 20-minute time limit.

Topic Sub-Topics
Puzzles Seating arrangement (linear, circular), floor-based, box-based, scheduling
Syllogism 2-3 statements, possibility-based syllogisms
Inequality Direct and coded inequalities
Blood Relations Family tree, coded blood relations
Coding-Decoding Letter-based, number-based, symbol-based coding
Direction Sense Directions, distances, and turns
Order & Ranking Position-based, rank-based problems
Alphanumeric Series Alpha-numeric-symbol mixed series
Input-Output Machine input-output, shifting, and arrangement-based
Logical Reasoning Statement-assumption, course of action, cause-effect, inference
Data Sufficiency 2-3 statement-based sufficiency questions

Pro Tip: Practice puzzles and seating arrangements daily using A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal. Focus on time management to solve complex puzzles quickly.


IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Breakdown

The Main exam is more comprehensive, consisting of four objective sections and one descriptive section. Below is the detailed syllabus for each.

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

This section combines logical reasoning with basic computer knowledge. It carries 50 marks (45 questions) with a 60-minute time limit.

Reasoning Topics

Topic Sub-Topics
Puzzles (Advanced) Complex seating arrangements, multi-variable puzzles, and floor-flat puzzles
Syllogism (Advanced) Multiple statements, reverse syllogism
Inequality (Advanced) Coded and complex inequalities
Coding-Decoding (Advanced) Advanced coding patterns, sentence-based coding
Input-Output (Advanced) Complex machine input-output, multi-step shifting
Logical Reasoning Critical reasoning, argument strengthening/weakening, paragraph-based
Data Sufficiency 3-5 statement-based sufficiency questions
Blood Relations (Advanced) Complex family tree, coded relations
Direction Sense (Advanced) Multi-directional movements, coded directions

Computer Aptitude Topics

Topic Sub-Topics
Computer Fundamentals Hardware, software, and operating systems
Internet & Networking Internet protocols, LAN, WAN, browsers, email
MS Office MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint basics
Database Management DBMS concepts, tables, queries
Computer Security Cybersecurity, viruses, firewalls, encryption
Computer Abbreviations Common computer terms and abbreviations
Number System Binary, hexadecimal conversions

Pro Tip: For computer aptitude, refer to Computer Aptitude for Banking and Insurance Examinations by G.K. Publications. Practice advanced reasoning with mock tests from platforms like Oliveboard.


2. General/Economy/Banking Awareness

This section tests knowledge of current affairs, banking, and the economy. It carries 40 marks (40 questions) with a 35-minute time limit.

Topic Sub-Topics
Current Affairs National/international news, sports, awards, summits, appointments (6 months)
Banking Awareness RBI policies, banking terms, financial institutions, and monetary policies
Indian Economy Budget, economic survey, GDP, inflation, fiscal policies
Financial Awareness Stock market, mutual funds, insurance, and financial schemes
Static GK Countries, capitals, currencies, important days, organizations

Pro Tip: Read Banking Awareness by Arihant Experts and follow monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan. Stay updated with PIB for government schemes.


3. English Language

This section is more advanced than Prelims, focusing on comprehension and analytical skills. It carries 40 marks (35 questions) with a 40-minute time limit.

Topic Sub-Topics
Reading Comprehension (Advanced) Complex passages (banking, economy, social issues), inference-based questions
Cloze Test (Advanced) Paragraph-based cloze with complex vocabulary
Para Jumbles (Advanced) Complex sentence rearrangement, multiple paragraphs
Sentence Completion Complex sentence completion with contextual understanding
Error Spotting (Advanced) Complex grammatical errors, sentence-based errors
Vocabulary (Advanced) High-level synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases
Phrase Replacement Replacing complex phrases to improve sentence structure
Word Association Pairing words based on context or meaning

Pro Tip: Practice advanced RC and vocabulary with Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. Take mock tests on Testbook for real-time practice.


4. Data Analysis & Interpretation

This section focuses on advanced quantitative skills and data interpretation. It carries 60 marks (35 questions) with a 45-minute time limit.

Topic Sub-Topics
Data Interpretation (Advanced) Complex tables, missing data, DI, bar/line graphs, caselet DI, mixed DI
Data Sufficiency 3-5 statement-based sufficiency questions
Arithmetic (Advanced) Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Partnership
Mixture & Alligation, Probability, Permutation & Combination
Quadratic Equations (Advanced) Complex equations, root comparison
Number Series (Advanced) Complex patterns, multi-step series

Pro Tip: Practice advanced DI with Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma. Solve 3-4 DI sets daily to improve accuracy.


5. Descriptive Test

This section tests written communication skills through Letter Writing and Essay Writing. It carries 25 marks with a 30-minute time limit.

Topic Sub-Topics
Letter Writing Formal (to bank manager, editor), Informal (to friends, family)
Essay Writing Topics on banking, economy, social issues, technology,and  environment

Pro Tip: Practice writing 2-3 essays and letters weekly. Refer to sample essays on Adda247 for structure and format.


Preparation Tips for IBPS PO 2025

  1. Understand the Syllabus: Use the tables above to create a study plan covering all topics systematically.
  2. Recommended Books:
    • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
    • A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
    • Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
    • Banking Awareness by Arihant Experts
    • Computer Aptitude by G.K. Publications
  3. Practice Mock Tests: Platforms like Gradeup and Bankersadda offer mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
  4. Stay Updated: Follow RBI’s official website for banking updates and read The Hindu for current affairs.
  5. Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for each section and practice sectional mock tests to improve speed.

Expert Advice: “Focus on revising standard books 3-4 times rather than referring to multiple sources. Solve previous years’ papers to understand question trends.” – An IBPS PO Topper


Why Prepare with This Syllabus?

This comprehensive IBPS PO 2025 syllabus ensures you cover every topic without missing critical areas. By combining structured study with recommended resources and regular practice, you can boost your chances of clearing the exam. For more banking exam tips, check out our Bank Exam Preparation Guide or explore IBPS’s official website for updates.