The Final Frontier: A Strategic Guide to the IBPS PO Mains Exam Subjects

A master guide to the IBPS PO Mains 2025. Get a detailed analysis of the Mains exam pattern, subjects, descriptive paper, and a strategy to secure a top rank

IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2025: The Final Showdown

You've won the sprint; now it's time for the marathon. The IBPS PO Mains is a test of depth, endurance, and strategy. Let's dissect its subjects to craft your path to the final merit list.

Clearing the IBPS PO Prelims is a commendable feat, a testament to your speed and accuracy. But now, you stand at the threshold of the main event: the IBPS PO Mains Examination. This is where the competition truly begins. If the Prelims was a test of your reflexes, the Mains is a profound examination of your knowledge, analytical skills, and mental stamina. The marks you score here will be the primary determinant of your selection for the interview and your place in the final merit list.

The structure of the Mains exam is fundamentally different from the Prelims. The questions are more complex, the time per question is higher, and the syllabus is deeper. It also introduces a Descriptive Paper, a test of your written communication skills. Success in the Mains requires a complete shift in strategy—from a speed-based approach to a depth-based one. This guide will walk you through the intricate details of each subject, helping you understand what IBPS is truly looking for and how to deliver it.

The Grand Stage: IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains exam is a comprehensive test conducted in two parts on the same day: an objective test and a descriptive test.

Part 1: The Objective Test (3 Hours)

This is a 3-hour online test with 155 questions spread across four sections. Like the Prelims, it has sectional timing, but the durations are much longer, reflecting the increased complexity of the questions.

Part 2: The Descriptive Test (30 Minutes)

Immediately after the objective test, you will be required to take a 30-minute descriptive test on the computer. This test consists of two questions:

• Letter Writing (Formal/Informal)
• Essay Writing

This test carries a total of 25 marks and is a test of your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely in English.

Scoring & Penalties: The Rules of the Mains

• Variable Marking: Notice that in sections like Reasoning and Data Analysis, the number of questions and marks are different. This means some questions carry more weight than others.
• Negative Marking: For every wrong answer in the objective test, **0.25 marks** will be deducted.
• Dual Cut-Offs: Just like the Prelims, you must clear both the **sectional** and **overall** cut-offs to qualify for the interview round. The marks of both the objective and descriptive tests are considered for the final shortlisting.

A Deep Dive into the Mains Subjects

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 Questions, 60 Marks)

This is the most challenging and high-weightage section. The "Computer Aptitude" part is minimal, with only a few basic questions. The real focus is on high-level, complex reasoning puzzles.

• High-Level Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: This is the core of the section, often comprising 20-25 questions. Expect multi-variable puzzles (e.g., arranging people by their profession, city, and floor), complex circular and linear arrangements, and scheduling-based puzzles.
• Logical & Critical Reasoning: Unlike the Prelims, this section delves deeper into critical reasoning. Be prepared for questions on Assumptions, Inferences, Courses of Action, and Cause & Effect.
• Data Sufficiency: You'll be given a question and two statements and must determine if the data in the statements is sufficient to answer the question.
• Input-Output: A machine rearrangement problem where you need to decipher the pattern of arrangement in each step.
• Computer Aptitude: This is the easier part. It typically includes a few questions on binary-decimal conversion, logic gates, or basic computer terminology.

2. General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness (40 Questions, 40 Marks)

This section is a game-changer. While GA in Prelims is broader, the Mains GA is sharply focused on banking, finance, and the economy. Rote memorization won't work; you need a genuine understanding of the financial world.

• Banking & Financial Awareness: This is the most important area. Topics include banking terms (Repo Rate, SLR, CRR), types of accounts, negotiable instruments, capital markets, and financial institutions (RBI, SEBI, NABARD).
• Current Affairs: Focus on current events from the last 4-6 months, especially those related to banking, economy, and government schemes. Read RBI circulars and the Union Budget highlights thoroughly.
• Static Awareness: While less frequent, questions on national parks, dams, important days, and country capitals can still appear.

3. English Language (35 Questions, 40 Marks)

The English section in the Mains is a true test of your comprehension and analytical skills. The focus shifts away from simple grammar rules to your ability to understand the context, tone, and structure of complex passages.

• Reading Comprehension: Expect two or more long passages, often on topics related to economics or social issues. Questions will be more inference-based ("What can be inferred from the passage?") rather than direct.
• New Pattern Cloze Test & Fillers: You might encounter advanced cloze tests with multiple blanks or "double fillers" where you have to choose two words to fit into a sentence.
• Advanced Error Spotting & Sentence Improvement: Questions are framed in longer, more complex sentences, making it harder to spot grammatical errors.
• Para Jumbles: Expect longer and more complex sets of jumbled sentences.

4. Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 Questions, 60 Marks)

This is not your Prelims "Quantitative Aptitude" section. It's a pure test of your analytical and data interpretation abilities. The questions are calculation-intensive and designed to be time-consuming.

• High-Level Data Interpretation (DI) Sets: This is the core of the section. Be prepared for:
  • Caselets: Data presented in the form of a long paragraph that you must read, interpret, and organize into a table before solving.
  • Logical DI: DI sets that require you to apply logical reasoning in addition to calculations.
  • Arithmetic-Based DI: Sets based on topics like Time & Work, Profit & Loss, or Boats & Streams.
  • New Chart Types: Radar graphs, funnel charts, and other unconventional charts.
• Data Sufficiency: Similar to the Reasoning section, but with mathematical problems.
• Advanced Arithmetic Word Problems: A few standalone questions from complex topics in arithmetic.

The Descriptive Test (Letter & Essay)

This 30-minute test is crucial. It assesses your writing skills, which are essential for a Probationary Officer. You will have to type your answers on the computer.

• Essay Writing: You'll be given a choice of topics, usually related to current social issues, technology, or the banking sector. Structure your essay well with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Letter Writing: You'll have a choice between a formal letter (e.g., to a bank manager) and an informal letter (e.g., to a friend). Knowing the correct format for both is essential.

Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the total duration of the IBPS PO Mains exam?

The total duration for the objective test is 3 hours (180 minutes), followed by a 30-minute Descriptive Test. Each section in the objective test has its own separate timing.

Is there negative marking in the IBPS PO Mains?

Yes, for every incorrect answer in the objective tests, 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question) will be deducted.

What subjects are included in the IBPS PO Mains exam?

The objective test includes four subjects: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. There is also a separate Descriptive Test (English Language).

Is the Descriptive Test qualifying or scoring?

The Descriptive Test is both qualifying and scoring. You must score the minimum qualifying marks, and these marks are also added to your total score for the final merit list.

How many questions are there in the Data Analysis & Interpretation section?

There are 35 questions in the Data Analysis & Interpretation section, but they carry a total of 60 marks, making it a very high-weightage section.

Can I switch between sections during the Mains exam?

No, just like the Prelims, the Mains exam has sectional timing. You cannot switch between sections. Each section must be attempted within its allotted time.

Is there a sectional cut-off in the IBPS PO Mains?

Yes, you must clear the minimum cut-off score for each of the four objective sections and also for the Descriptive Test, in addition to clearing the overall cut-off.

What is the difference between Quantitative Aptitude in Prelims and Data Analysis in Mains?

While the underlying concepts are the same, the Mains section focuses heavily on complex, calculation-intensive Data Interpretation sets (like Caselets and Logical DI) rather than standalone 'speed maths' questions.

Is the Computer Aptitude section very difficult?

The Computer Aptitude questions are combined with Reasoning and are very basic. They usually test fundamental concepts like binary-decimal conversion, logic gates, and basic computer terminology. The main challenge lies in the Reasoning part of this section.

Where can I find the official IBPS PO Mains notification?

The official notification with the detailed syllabus and exam pattern is published on the official website of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS): www.ibps.in.