IBPS PO Syllabus
It conducts its annual IBPS PO exam for the selection of Probationary Officers in various public sector banks across the nation. Being one of the most in-demand roles in the banking sector, the IBPS PO exam gives aspiring candidates potential future opportunities and stable futures. Not only dedication but a clear understanding of the IBPS PO Syllabus 2024 forms the base of an appropriate preparation strategy.
In this detailed guide, we will break down IBPS PO Syllabus, discuss important changes, and exam patterns, and give you some tips that shall guide you in a sense toward your success. Our blog targets students, parents, and educators while passing down the required information in an accessible way to all of them. This thorough overview, irrespective of whether you are an initial aspirant or repeat candidate, will concentrate your attention on the things that matter when prepping.
Introduction
IBPS PO is among the most competitive exams in India for those who start off their career in bankings. It tests several disciplines such as reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness. The three-stage test procedure consists of prelims, mains, and interviews that require a lot of practice.
The IBPS PO Syllabus 2024 is thus drafted in a way to examine the candidate’s analytical, mathematical, and verbal skills, along with his general knowledge but this time with particular emphasis on banking and financial fields. The syllabus can only guide the aspirant in developing a concentrated and effective plan of study. Even though this year’s IBPS PO Syllabus has seen not much of a change than its previous edition, every little change or modification thus has to be looked up to have an effective preparation.
Importance of knowing the syllabus
A clear understanding of the syllabus helps candidates know precisely what to study. It prevents wastage of time over irrelevant topics and assures that the preparation matches the pattern of the exam. Since the exam comprises several subjects and stages, a proper knowledge of the syllabus works as a beginner’s tool toward success.
Overview of IBPS PO Exam 2024
What is IBPS PO?
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is an autonomous organization which conducts recruitment exams for different categories in the banking sector, such as Probationary Officers (POs). IBPS PO exam aims at hiring candidates to the post of PO in Public sector banks. The responsibility of a probationary officer has a very crucial role in how to handle banking operations, customer services, processing loan and financial management.
The following activities are generally undertaken by the IBPS PO:
- Handle customer complaints and inquiries.
- Disburse loans and other financial documents.
- Handle cash and control day-to-day banking.
- Present policies of the bank and control risk factors.
Importance of the Syllabus in exam Preparations:
The IBPS PO Syllabus 2024 is a guiding light for all aspirants. A vast syllabus covering various subjects is pretty stressful to deal with in terms of the management of time. That is where the knowledge of syllabus comes into the picture. This enables organizing your study schedule around the syllabus so that no essential topic remains omitted.
A well-structured study plan over the syllabus
- Help you focus on high-weightage topics.
- It systematically covers all sections.
- Sufficient time for practice and revision.
IBPS PO 2024 Exam Pattern
It is necessary to gain knowledge on the IBPS PO Exam Pattern before getting into the syllabus as it determines how you approach your preparation. The IBPS PO Exam has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims stage is a screening, while Mains and Interview together determine selection.
Prelims Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Exam has three sections, and it consists of objective-type questions. There’s a pattern to it:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| English | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
- Total Marks: 100
- Time Duration: 1 hour (20 minutes for each section)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
Mains Exam Pattern
Both objective and descriptive types have the Main Exam. In the objective type, there are four main subjects while in the descriptive type, writing skills are tested.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 Minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 30 Minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Total (Objective) | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Descriptive (Essay & Letter Writing) | 2 | 25 | 30 Minutes |
The Descriptive Paper has the following components:
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
Interview Round
The Interview is the last step of the selection process. Candidates who clear the Mains Exam are shortlisted for an interview. The interview carries a total of 100 marks, and the final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the Mains Exam and Interview.
Detailed IBPS PO Syllabus 2024
Having understood the pattern, let us look at the IBPS PO Syllabus 2024. The Prelims and Mains have a slightly different syllabus and Mains is detailed.
Section Wise Syllabus for Prelims
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension: Passages would be conducted to test vocabulary, inference, and direct/indirect questions.
- Cloze Test: The blanks would be filled to complete a passage.
- Para Jumbles: Rearrange jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
- Error Spotting: Identify grammatical errors in given sentences.
- Sentence Improvement: Correct the underlined part of sentences to improve grammar.
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Data Interpretation: Tables, bar graphs and pie charts.
- Simplification: BODMAS rules, percentages and ratio-related questions.
- Quadratic Equations: Quadratic equations and inequalities.
- Number Series: Find the missing number in the sequence.
- Arithmetic Problems: Percentages, profit & loss, time & work, speed & distance.
Reasoning Ability:
- Puzzles: Seating arrangement, Floor Puzzles, Box Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement: Circular, Square, Linear
- Blood Relations: Questions on family relationships
- Syllogism: Reasoning on given statements
- Coding-Decoding: Decoding messages through pattern usage
Section-Wise Syllabus for Mains
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
- Logical Reasoning: Analytical reasoning, assumptions, conclusions
- Puzzles (Advanced): More complex than those in Prelims
- Computer Aptitude: Basic hardware and software of computer, Network, MS Office, Internet Basics
Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Data Sufficiency: Checking if the given data is ample enough to answer the questions.
- Caselets: Small case studies having data that needs to be interpreted.
- Bar Graphs and Pie Charts: Interpretation and analysis of graphical data
- Data Tables: Utilizing data from tables for solving numerical problems
General/Economy/Banking Awareness:
- Current Affairs: National and international events in last 6 months
- Banking Terms: Policies and regulations of banking, financial instruments
- Static GK: Topics like Constituent Act of India, national symbols, and major appointments.
- Economic News: Glimpses of the global and Indian economy, stock market trends.
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension: Advanced level passages.
- Sentence Improvement: Grammar-oriented questions with better sentence formation.
- Paragraph Completion: Complete an incomplete paragraph logically
Descriptive Paper Syllabus:
- Essay Writing: On social issues, banking, economic conditions or general awareness.
- Letter Writing: Formal and informal letters to the authorities or individuals.
Key Alterations in IBPS PO Syllabus 2024:
The IBPS PO Syllabus 2024 normally follows the same pattern but may change minorly or updating them does definitely have an impact on preparation. It is some of the major changes from which relevant ones are these:
Logical Reasoning: The reasoning section under Mains contains the added emphasis on logical reasoning questions, where candidates are supposed to apply their thinking.
Computer Aptitude: As digitalization is accelerating, the percentage dealing with computer aptitude is also becoming increasingly relevant and covers all essential topics such as basic internet terminology and conceptual framework about networking.
Many would find changes from this year’s syllabus to that of the previous years. The aspirants can notice those changes in the syllabus and prepare according to it.
IBPS PO 2024 Preparation Strategy
Preparation strategy is highly required to clear the IBPS PO exam. Here is how to strategize your preparation plan:
Plan Your Studies:
Daily Routine: Focus study sessions for 4-5 hours per day.
Weekly Routine: Divide the hours dedicated to different subjects and use weekends for mock tests and revisions.
| Subject | Time Per Day | Weekly Target |
| English Language | 1 hour | Do 2-3 practice reading comprehension passages. |
| Quants | 1.5 hours | Maestros’ Simplification and Data Interpretation |
| Reasoning Ability | 1.5 hours | Puzzles & Seating Arrangements |
| General Awareness | 1 hour | Current Affairs & Banking Terms |
| Mock Tests | 2 hours (weekly) | Take mock test and review MOCK TEST Results |
Focus on Strong & Weak Areas:
- Find Your Strength: If you are strong at English, make it a path to score high and make up for weak areas.
- Working on Weakness: Spend more time in your weak areas like in Quants and Data Interpretation.
Practice with Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests:
- Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers will give an idea of the types of questions asked.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to enhance speed as well as accuracy.
Time Management Tips:
- The IBPS PO exam requires you to manage your time. Practice completing question papers under the time limit using mock tests.
- The time allocated to each section of the exam should be devoted to that section. This would ensure that one doesn’t run out of time for any given part of the exam.
Best Resources & Books for IBPS PO Preparation
Here is the compilation of books as well as online resources of each portion of the IBPS PO exam recommended for preparation:
Recommended Books:
| Subject | Recommended Books |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal |
| English Language | High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin |
| General Awareness | Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications |
Online Resources:
Gradeup: free mock tests and daily quizzes.
Testbook: Provides the total test series for IBPS PO.
Oliveboard: Tests known for quality mock tests with good analysis.
Common Mistakes to Avoid during IBPS PO Preparation
The above common mistakes are to be avoided and something better is to be done to improve preparation:
- Ignoring the Syllabus: Never skip any topic from the syllabus. All the sections are equally important.
- Mains out of focus during Prelims Preparation: As much as candidates say that they must not let Mains out of focus even during the preparation for the prelims; one should always maintain the balance and keep a watch on the Mains syllabus.
- Inadequate Revision: Regular revision is essential to remember what has been learned.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips
As the date of the exam draws near, here’s how you can best utilize your time:
- Revised Key Concepts : Put emphasis on important formulas, grammar rules, and data interpretation techniques.
- Introduce No New Topics: Make sure you don’t introduce any new topics very close to the time of the exam.
- Mock Test Analysis: Take a couple of mock tests and analyze your performance.
Conclusion
IBPS PO Syllabus 2024 – The basics: This forms the groundwork for the exam. Understanding the syllabus properly with proper study and practice will help crack both the Prelims and Mains. Focus on each section, avoid common mistakes, and the right resource management will boost your chances of cracking the exam. Stay motivated, disciplined, and confident in preparation for one of the most important exams in your career. Don’t forget that the IBPS PO Admit card will be crucial for your exam day, so ensure you have it ready and accessible.
FAQs
What are the main topics for IBPS PO examination syllabus 2024?
Major subjects are English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, Computer Aptitude, and Data Interpretation.
How many phases does the IBPS PO selection process contain?
There is three i.e.
- Preliminary Exam,
- Main Exam, and
- Interview.
Is negative marking applicable in IBPS PO 2024?
Yes, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Prelims as well as Mains.
Can I download the IBPS PO Syllabus in PDF form?
Yes, one can download the IBPS PO Syllabus in PDF format from the official website of IBPS or other reliable educational websites.
Which books should I refer for IBPS PO preparation?
Some of the renowned books that you must refer while preparing for the IBPS PO examinations are as follows:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications
