Last Updated on: 09 Jan 2026, 08:39 AM

Conquering the Clock: Your Ultimate Guide to the IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus

Your ultimate guide to the IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025. Get a detailed analysis of important topics for English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning to ace the exam.

IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2025: In-Depth Topic-wise Breakdown & Strategy

The path to becoming a Probationary Officer is a high-speed race against time. This guide is your detailed map, breaking down the IBPS PO Prelims syllabus topic by topic to ensure you're not just fast, but also smart.

So, you've set your sights on the prestigious role of a Probationary Officer in India's top public sector banks. It's a challenging goal, but one that millions of aspirants chase every year. The very first gatekeeper on this journey is the IBPS PO Preliminary Examination. Many believe it's a simple test of knowledge, but that's where they're mistaken. The Prelims is a masterclass in strategy, a ruthless filter designed to test one thing above all else: your ability to perform under extreme time pressure.

The secret to cracking this exam lies not in memorizing every formula or grammar rule, but in deeply understanding the syllabus and the unique nature of its **sectional timing**. This isn't an exam where you can borrow time from your strong section to help your weak one. It’s three separate 20-minute sprints, back-to-back. To win, you need a specific game plan for each sprint.

This article will serve as your strategic playbook. We will dissect the syllabus for each of the three subjects, identify the high-yield topics, and discuss the mindset you need to adopt to turn this challenge into your victory. Let's dive in.

The Race Format: IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern at a Glance

The Prelims is a one-hour online objective test. The clock is your biggest competitor. Here’s the structure you need to internalize:

Remember, each section is a locked room. Once your 20 minutes are up, the door closes, and the system automatically moves you to the next. For the most accurate and up-to-date pattern, always refer to the official notification on www.ibps.in.

The Syllabus Deconstructed: Topic-wise Guide for Each Subject

Success lies in knowing what to expect. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus for each of the three sections.

1. English Language: The Foundation of Speed and Accuracy

With 30 questions in 20 minutes, this section tests your fundamental command of the English language. It can be your highest-scoring section if you approach it strategically, as many questions can be answered in under 30 seconds.

Key Topic Areas:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): This is the most significant part, usually comprising 8-10 questions. The passages are typically focused on topics related to banking, the economy, or social issues. Questions often test your understanding of the main idea, tone, and specific details, as well as vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms) from the passage itself.
• Cloze Test: A paragraph with several blanks that you must fill with the most appropriate words. This tests your vocabulary, grammar, and contextual understanding.
• Error Spotting / Sentence Correction: This is a direct test of your grammar. You need to be proficient in topics like:
  • Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Tenses and Articles
  • Prepositions and Conjunctions
  • Parts of Speech (Nouns, Pronouns, Adverbs, etc.)
• Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement): A set of jumbled sentences that you need to arrange in a logical sequence to form a coherent paragraph.
• Fillers (Single & Double): Sentences with one or two blanks that you need to fill with the correct words, testing your vocabulary and contextual awareness.

2. Quantitative Aptitude: The Arena of Calculation and Strategy

Thirty-five questions in 20 minutes—this section is a pure test of your numerical ability and speed. You cannot afford to get stuck on a single question. The key is to identify and solve the easy questions first to maximize your score.

Key Topic Areas:

• Speed Maths (The Score Boosters):
  • Simplification & Approximation: Expect around 5-7 questions. These are a gift! You must be lightning-fast with your calculations (squares, cubes, percentages) to solve these in seconds.
  • Number Series: Finding the missing or wrong number in a sequence. Practice is crucial to recognize patterns quickly.
  • Quadratic Equations: Usually 5 questions where you have to compare the roots of two equations. These are also quick marks if you know the method.
• Data Interpretation (DI): This is a major chunk, with at least two sets (10 questions). The data is presented in the form of:
  • Bar Graphs
  • Line Graphs
  • Pie Charts
  • Tables
  The questions are usually based on calculating averages, ratios, and percentages from the given data.
• Arithmetic Word Problems: The remaining 10-12 questions are standalone problems from various topics. You must be selective here.
  • High-Priority Topics: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Average.
  • Moderate-Priority Topics: Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Boats & Streams.

3. Reasoning Ability: The Test of Mental Agility

Another section with 35 questions in 20 minutes. Reasoning is dominated by puzzles and seating arrangements. Your ability to visualize information and structure it logically under pressure is what's being tested here. This section can make or break your attempt.

Key Topic Areas:

• Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: This is the heart and soul of the Reasoning section, often making up 15-20 questions (3-4 sets).
  • Linear Seating Arrangement: People sitting in a single or double row.
  • Circular/Square Seating Arrangement: People sitting around a table, facing inside or outside.
  • Floor-Based Puzzles: Arranging people on different floors of a building.
  • Scheduling Puzzles: Arranging events or tasks based on days, months, or times.
• Miscellaneous Topics (The Quick Wins):
  • Syllogism: 3-4 questions based on deductive logic. With practice, these can be solved very quickly.
  • Inequalities (Coded or Direct): Usually 3-5 questions. These are very easy and should be attempted first.
  • Blood Relations: 2-3 questions. Drawing a family tree is the key to solving these without errors.
  • Direction Sense: 2-3 questions. A simple diagram will lead you to the answer.
  • Alphanumeric Series: Questions based on a series of letters, numbers, and symbols.

The Winning Mindset: A Strategic Approach to the Syllabus

Remember, covering the syllabus is only half the job. The other half is mastering the art of attempting the paper.

1. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: After covering the basics, take sectional tests to identify which topics you can solve quickly and accurately.
2. Develop a Question Selection Strategy: In the exam, your first goal is to scan the section and attempt all the easy, quick-win questions. For Quant, this means speed maths. For Reasoning, this means miscellaneous topics.
3. Practice with a Timer: Never practice without a timer. You must train your brain to work within the 20-minute constraint for each section. This is non-negotiable.

The IBPS PO Prelims syllabus is your guide, but sectional timing is the rule of the game. By building a balanced preparation strategy and mastering the art of time management, you can confidently navigate this high-speed challenge and secure your spot in the Mains examination. Good luck!

IBPS PO Syllabus PDF Download Now

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Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The total duration is 60 minutes (1 hour). However, it is divided into three sections of 20 minutes each, and you cannot switch between sections.

Is there negative marking in the IBPS PO Prelims?

Yes, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.

What are the three subjects in the IBPS PO Prelims?

The three subjects are English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

How many questions are in the Quantitative Aptitude section?

There are 35 questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section, for a total of 35 marks.

Is the IBPS PO Prelims exam qualifying in nature?

Yes, the Prelims exam is a qualifying stage. Its marks are not considered for the final merit list, but you must clear both the sectional and overall cut-offs to be eligible for the Mains exam.

What is sectional timing?

Sectional timing means you get a fixed time of 20 minutes for each of the three subjects. You cannot use the time saved from one section in another. Once the 20 minutes for a section are over, the system automatically moves to the next section.

Is there a sectional cut-off in IBPS PO Prelims?

Yes, a key feature of the IBPS PO Prelims is that you must clear the minimum cut-off score in each of the three sections, in addition to clearing the overall cut-off.

Which subject should I focus on the most?

All three subjects are equally important because of the sectional cut-off. You cannot afford to be weak in any one section. However, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability together account for 70 out of 100 marks.

What is the maximum score in the IBPS PO Prelims exam?

The maximum score is 100 marks, with each of the 100 questions carrying 1 mark.

Where can I find the official IBPS PO notification?

The official notification, syllabus, and all other updates are published on the official website of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS): www.ibps.in