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.
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
- Understand the Syllabus: Use the tables above to create a study plan covering all topics systematically.
- 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
- Practice Mock Tests: Platforms like Gradeup and Bankersadda offer mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Stay Updated: Follow RBI’s official website for banking updates and read The Hindu for current affairs.
- 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.
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