Recommended Book List for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains Exam 2025
Explore the best and most recommended books for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains Exam 2025. Subject-wise list including English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Descriptive Paper.
Recommended Book List for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains Exam 2025
Preparing for the IBPS PO Exam 2025 requires the right combination of strategy, consistency, and most importantly — the right study material. With lakhs of aspirants competing each year, selecting the best books can make a real difference in your preparation journey. In this article, we bring you a detailed, subject-wise list of recommended books for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains exams, verified from toppers’ choices, expert recommendations, and official exam trends.
| Exam Stage | Subjects Covered | Nature of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning | Objective (Online) |
| Mains | Reasoning, Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English, General Awareness | Objective + Descriptive |
| Interview | Personality Assessment | Face-to-Face |
Best Books for IBPS PO Prelims 2025
The preliminary exam is the first stage of the IBPS PO selection process. It tests your speed and accuracy under timed conditions. Here are the best books recommended by experts for each section.
1. English LanguageEnglish is often the most scoring section if approached with regular reading and practice. Focus on grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) | Covers all grammar and comprehension topics with examples. |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Excellent for building vocabulary and usage. |
| English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Strengthens grammar and sentence correction basics. |
This section tests mathematical speed, accuracy, and conceptual clarity. Consistent problem-solving practice is crucial.
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | Comprehensive theory and solved examples. |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma (Arihant) | Shortcut-based problem-solving approach. |
| Data Interpretation & Analysis | Ashish Arora | Useful for both Prelims and Mains DI questions. |
Reasoning is all about logic, pattern recognition, and speed. Practice puzzles daily to build accuracy.
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Detailed explanations of various reasoning patterns. |
| Puzzle Mania | Career Power | Best for high-level puzzles and seating arrangements. |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | Good for developing analytical and logical reasoning skills. |
Best Books for IBPS PO Mains 2025
The Mains exam is more advanced and includes complex data interpretation, reasoning, and descriptive writing. The right books will help you strengthen your conceptual clarity and writing skills.
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Testbook Reasoning SmartBook | Testbook | Includes 4000+ reasoning questions with online analysis. |
| Banking Reasoning Chapterwise Solved Papers | Arihant Experts | Based on previous IBPS patterns. |
| Objective Computer Awareness | Arihant Experts | Covers all basic computer concepts and terminologies. |
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation Decoded | Oliveboard | Concept + practice-based book with varied DI sets. |
| Data Interpretation & Analysis | Ashish Arora | Excellent for Mains-level calculation-heavy questions. |
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive English | SP Bakshi & Richa Sharma (Arihant) | Helps in essay and letter writing preparation. |
| High School English Grammar | Wren & Martin | Improves grammar and sentence structure. |
| Book Name | Author / Publisher | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Banking Awareness | Arihant Experts | Comprehensive guide for static and current banking topics. |
| Static GK Book | Lucent Publication | Useful for static current affairs. |
| Current Affairs Yearly | Pratiyogita Darpan | One-stop source for latest national and international events. |
Descriptive Paper Preparation Books
The descriptive section tests your writing skills. It includes one essay and one letter (formal or informal).
- Descriptive English by S.P. Bakshi & Richa Sharma – Best for essays and letter formats.
- Descriptive Writing by Kiran Publications – Contains previous year questions and model essays.
- The Hindu Editorials – Improves content knowledge and writing tone.
Additional Preparation Resources
- Practice online mock tests regularly to analyze weak areas.
- Follow banking awareness updates from RBI, SEBI, and Ministry of Finance.
- Read daily editorials to improve descriptive writing skills.
- Make short notes for last-minute revision.
Final Preparation Strategy
To ace IBPS PO 2025, candidates must:
- Study 3–4 hours daily with a fixed routine.
- Attempt topic-wise quizzes online after reading theory.
- Revise short formulas and vocabulary weekly.
- Take full-length mock tests every weekend.
- Analyze performance and focus on weaker topics.
Official Source
Visit the official IBPS website for notifications and syllabus updates: https://www.ibps.in
Aspirants also read below articles ↓
- IBPS Bank PO Prelims Exam Pattern→
- IBPS Bank PO Prelims Syllabus→
- IBPS Bank PO Mains Syllabus→
- IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern→
- IBPS PO Eligibility Criteria→
- IBPS PO Selection Process→
- IBPS PO Prelims Previous Years Cut Off (2020 - 2024)→
- Subjects in IBPS PO→
- IBPS PO Admit Card→
- Recommended Book List for IBPS PO→
- IBPS PO Analysis→
- IBPS PO Answer Key→
- IBPS PO Result→
- IBPS PO Previous Year Question Papers→
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Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the IBPS Exam and what posts does it recruit for?
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts recruitment exams every year for various banking posts including Probationary Officer (PO), Clerk, Specialist Officer (SO), and RRB (Regional Rural Bank) positions. It is a centralized recruitment body that helps nationalized banks fill vacancies fairly and efficiently.
How many stages are there in the IBPS PO selection process?
The IBPS PO Exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Candidates must qualify in each stage to move to the next. The final merit is based on the combined marks of Mains and the Interview.
What is the eligibility criteria for the IBPS PO Exam?
To apply for the IBPS PO Exam, candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. They must also be Indian citizens or meet the nationality criteria as mentioned in the official notification.
What is the age limit for appearing in the IBPS PO Exam?
The age limit for IBPS PO is 20 to 30 years as of the specified date in the official notification. However, there is age relaxation for reserved categories: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years, and other categories as per government rules.
Is there any negative marking in the IBPS PO Exam?
Yes, there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains exams. However, no marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
What is the syllabus for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains?
The IBPS PO Prelims syllabus includes English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains syllabus includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation.
How can I apply for the IBPS Exam and what documents are required?
Candidates can apply online through the official IBPS website (www.ibps.in
). Required documents include a scanned photograph, signature, left-thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per IBPS guidelines.
How many attempts are allowed in the IBPS PO Exam?
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts, but candidates can only apply within the prescribed age limit. Each year’s attempt counts as long as you meet the eligibility conditions.
What is the difference between IBPS PO and IBPS Clerk Exam?
The IBPS PO Exam recruits candidates for officer-level management trainee posts, while the IBPS Clerk Exam is for clerical-level positions. The syllabus is similar, but the PO Exam involves tougher analytical and decision-making questions.
Where can I check official notifications and updates related to the IBPS Exam?
All official updates, exam notifications, results, and cut-off lists are published only on the official IBPS website — https://www.ibps.in
. Candidates should rely solely on this site for authentic information.