The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has announced the examination schedule for Probationary Officer and Management Trainee recruitment.
According to the official calendar, IBPS will conduct the Preliminary Examination on 22 and 23 August 2026. Meanwhile, the Main Examination will take place on 4 October 2026.
The IBPS PO 2026 Recruitment process aims to fill Probationary Officer and Management Trainee positions in participating public sector banks. The latest reported vacancy count stands at 7,565 posts.
However, IBPS initially announced 6,715 vacancies. It later added 650 Indian Bank posts and raised the official confirmed total to 7,365. Subsequently, the latest reference data reported another 200 vacancies, taking the reported total to 7,565.
The online registration process has now ended. Therefore, registered candidates should focus on the Preliminary Examination and monitor official notices for their call letters.
IBPS PO Exam Date 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam authority | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| Recruitment name | CRP PO/MT-XVI |
| Post name | Probationary Officer and Management Trainee |
| Latest reported vacancies | 7,565 |
| Officially confirmed vacancies on 20 July | 7,365 |
| Participating banks | 11 public sector banks |
| Application mode | Online |
| Registration starting date | 1 July 2026 |
| Extended application deadline | 26 July 2026 |
| Preliminary exam dates | 22 and 23 August 2026 |
| Main exam date | 4 October 2026 |
| Examination mode | Online |
| Selection stages | Prelims, Mains, Personality Test and Interview |
| Provisional allotment | January 2027 |
| Basic educational qualification | Graduation |
| Basic age limit | 20 to 30 years |
The application window opened on 1 July 2026. Although the original deadline was 21 July, IBPS later extended it to 26 July 2026.
IBPS PO Exam Date 2026 for Prelims and Mains
The official IBPS examination calendar provides separate dates for the Preliminary and Main examinations.
| Recruitment Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification release | 1 July 2026 |
| Online application started | 1 July 2026 |
| Original application deadline | 21 July 2026 |
| Extended application deadline | 26 July 2026 |
| Fee payment deadline | 26 July 2026 |
| Pre-examination training | August 2026 |
| Preliminary examination | 22 and 23 August 2026 |
| Preliminary result | September 2026 |
| Main examination | 4 October 2026 |
| Main result | November 2026 |
| Personality Test | November 2026 |
| Interview | November or December 2026 |
| Provisional allotment | January 2027 |
Therefore, candidates have limited time before the Preliminary Examination. They should now prioritise mock tests, revision and accuracy.
Moreover, candidates must prepare for the Main Examination alongside Prelims. The gap between both examinations will remain short.
Is the IBPS PO Exam Date 2026 Confirmed?
Yes. The IBPS calendar lists 22 and 23 August 2026 for the PO Preliminary Examination.
Similarly, it lists 4 October 2026 for the Main Examination. However, IBPS describes its annual calendar as tentative.
Therefore, candidates should read their call letters carefully. The call letter will confirm their exact date, reporting time, shift and examination centre.
IBPS PO Vacancy 2026: Latest Data
The IBPS PO Vacancy 2026 figure has changed since the original notification.
At first, participating banks reported 6,715 vacancies. However, Indian Bank later added 650 posts. Consequently, the official revised total reached 7,365 vacancies on 20 July 2026.
The latest reference data now reports 7,565 posts. This figure appears to include another 200 vacancies. However, candidates should check the latest official vacancy annexure for the final bank-wise and category-wise distribution.
IBPS PO Vacancy Revision
| Vacancy Update | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Vacancies in the original notification | 6,715 |
| Indian Bank vacancies added | 650 |
| Official revised total on 20 July | 7,365 |
| Further vacancies in latest reported data | 200 |
| Latest reported total | 7,565 |
IBPS treats these vacancies as indicative. Therefore, participating banks may revise the figures according to their business requirements.
IBPS PO Vacancy 2026: Bank-Wise Details
| Participating Bank | Latest Reported Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Bank of Baroda | 1,900 |
| Bank of India | 500 |
| Bank of Maharashtra | 1,100 |
| Canara Bank | 1,500 |
| Central Bank of India | 500 |
| Indian Bank | 650 |
| Indian Overseas Bank | 550 |
| Punjab National Bank | 504 |
| Punjab & Sind Bank | 161 |
| UCO Bank | 200 reported later |
| Union Bank of India | Not reported |
| Total latest reported vacancies | 7,565 |
Bank of Baroda has the highest number of reported posts. Meanwhile, Canara Bank and Bank of Maharashtra also offer large vacancy numbers.
However, Union Bank of India had not reported its vacancy count in the latest available bank-wise table. Therefore, the overall total could change again.
The 20 July official annexure confirmed 7,365 posts across nine reporting banks. Its category totals included 1,131 SC, 562 ST, 2,015 OBC, 721 EWS and 2,936 Unreserved posts. These figures do not include any later 200-post addition.
Participating Banks in IBPS PO 2026 Recruitment
The following public sector banks participate in the IBPS PO 2026 Recruitment process:
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
- Bank of Maharashtra
- Canara Bank
- Central Bank of India
- Indian Bank
- Indian Overseas Bank
- Punjab National Bank
- Punjab & Sind Bank
- UCO Bank
- Union Bank of India
Applicants selected through the recruitment process receive provisional allotment according to merit, category, vacancies and bank preferences.
However, IBPS does not guarantee allotment to a candidate’s first-choice bank. The final decision depends on the available vacancies and merit position.
IBPS PO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants had to meet the educational, age and nationality requirements on the dates mentioned in the notification.
The basic IBPS PO 2026 Eligibility conditions include a graduation degree and an age between 20 and 30 years. However, reserved-category candidates can receive age relaxation.
IBPS PO 2026 Educational Qualification
Applicants need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Alternatively, they may hold an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. Moreover, applicants must possess valid proof of graduation.
Final-year students could not apply unless their university had declared their result by the eligibility cut-off date. Therefore, merely appearing in the final examination did not satisfy the requirement.
Candidates also had to enter their graduation percentage while completing the application form. Furthermore, they must produce the original degree or mark sheet during the interview and document-verification process.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 Age Limit
The minimum age for IBPS PO 2026 Recruitment is 20 years. Meanwhile, the maximum age is 30 years.
| Age Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 20 years |
| Maximum age | 30 years |
| Age calculation date | 1 July 2026 |
According to the notified age range, applicants should have been born between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 2006, including both dates.
Category-Wise Age Relaxation
| Category | Upper-Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | 10 years |
| Eligible ex-servicemen | 5 years |
| Persons affected by the 1984 riots | 5 years |
Candidates must provide valid certificates to claim relaxation. Otherwise, IBPS may consider them under the general age rules.
Nationality Requirements
An applicant must satisfy one of the notified nationality conditions.
Indian citizens can apply directly. In addition, certain subjects of Nepal or Bhutan may apply under the prescribed rules.
Some Tibetan refugees and eligible persons of Indian origin may also apply. However, such candidates may need an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 Fees
Applicants had to pay the application fee online.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC, ST and PwBD | ₹175 |
| All other candidates | ₹850 |
The fee included GST. However, applicants also had to bear any bank transaction charges.
IBPS does not normally refund the application fee. Therefore, applicants needed to review their eligibility before submitting payment.
IBPS PO Selection Process 2026
The latest selection process includes four major assessment stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Personality Test
- Common Interview
Afterward, IBPS prepares the final merit list and completes provisional allotment.
The Preliminary Examination works as a screening stage. Therefore, its marks do not contribute to the final merit list.
In contrast, Main Examination and Interview marks affect final selection. IBPS uses an 80:20 weightage for Mains and Interview scores.
Candidates shortlisted after Mains must also attend the Personality Test. Although the test does not work like a conventional scored examination, attendance remains mandatory for the Interview stage.
IBPS PO Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination contains 100 objective questions. Candidates receive 60 minutes to complete the test.
However, every section has a separate 20-minute limit.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Candidates must qualify according to the sectional and overall cut-offs set by IBPS.
Additionally, the objective test includes negative marking. IBPS deducts one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for each incorrect answer.
However, unanswered questions do not attract a penalty.
IBPS PO Main Exam Pattern 2026
IBPS has revised the Main Examination pattern.
The objective test now contains 170 questions for 200 marks. Candidates receive 160 minutes for this part.
Afterward, they must complete a 25-mark Descriptive Test within 30 minutes.
Objective Test
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General, Economy, Banking, Digital and Financial Awareness, including RBI circulars | 50 | 60 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 35 minutes |
| Data Analysis and Interpretation | 40 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 160 minutes |
Descriptive Test
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay and Comprehension | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
Therefore, the complete Main Examination contains 172 questions for 225 marks. The total duration is 190 minutes.
The latest pattern replaces the older descriptive structure with Essay and Comprehension tasks. Consequently, candidates should use updated preparation material and mock tests.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 Syllabus
IBPS does not provide a detailed chapter-by-chapter syllabus for every topic. However, the exam pattern identifies the main subjects.
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus
English Language
Candidates should prepare:
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze tests
- Error detection
- Sentence correction
- Fillers
- Para jumbles
- Word usage
- Vocabulary
- Phrase replacement
Quantitative Aptitude
Important areas include:
- Simplification and approximation
- Number series
- Quadratic equations
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Profit and loss
- Averages
- Time and work
- Time, speed and distance
- Simple and compound interest
- Data interpretation
- Probability and permutation
Reasoning Ability
Candidates should focus on:
- Seating arrangements
- Puzzles
- Syllogisms
- Inequalities
- Coding and decoding
- Blood relations
- Direction tests
- Ranking
- Alphanumeric series
- Data sufficiency
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus
The Mains syllabus includes advanced reasoning, Data Analysis and Interpretation, English and banking awareness.
Moreover, the awareness section now covers digital and financial awareness. It also includes RBI circulars, banking developments and major economic events.
For the Descriptive Test, candidates should practise essays and comprehension-based answers. They must type both responses in English.
IBPS PO Salary 2026
An IBPS Probationary Officer starts with a basic pay of ₹48,480.
The notified pay scale is:
₹48,480–2,000/7–62,480–2,340/2–67,160–2,680/7–85,920
Besides basic pay, officers may receive:
- Dearness allowance
- House rent allowance
- Special allowance
- City compensatory allowance
- Medical benefits
- Leave travel benefits
- Newspaper and other reimbursements
- Retirement-related benefits
However, the final in-hand salary varies by bank and posting location. Deductions, accommodation and local allowances also affect the monthly amount.
How to Prepare for the IBPS PO Prelims Exam
Candidates should now focus on speed, accuracy and question selection.
First, attempt a full-length mock test under the 60-minute limit. Afterward, analyse every incorrect and unattempted question.
For English, read short editorials and practise comprehension daily. Moreover, revise grammar rules through error-detection questions.
For Reasoning, solve puzzles and seating arrangements regularly. However, candidates should also practise short topics because they can offer faster marks.
For Quantitative Aptitude, revise calculation methods, number series and arithmetic. Additionally, candidates should solve different Data Interpretation sets.
Since IBPS applies negative marking, random guessing can reduce the score. Therefore, candidates should attempt questions only after applying a clear method.
Preparation Plan for the Main Examination
Candidates should not wait for the Preliminary result before starting Mains preparation.
Instead, they should devote daily time to banking awareness, RBI updates and current affairs. This approach will reduce pressure after Prelims.
Moreover, aspirants should practise Mains-level reasoning and Data Interpretation every week. These sections carry significant marks and require advanced problem-solving skills.
Candidates should also practise typed essays and comprehension answers. Since the Descriptive Test follows the objective paper, they must build writing stamina.
IBPS PO Admit Card 2026
IBPS will release the Preliminary Examination call letter before the exam.
Registered candidates will need their registration number or roll number and password or date of birth. Moreover, they should verify all information printed on the call letter.
The admit card generally includes:
- Candidate’s name
- Roll number
- Examination date
- Reporting time
- Shift timing
- Examination venue
- Photograph
- Important instructions
Candidates must carry a printed call letter and valid photo identity proof. They should also reach the venue before the reporting time.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 PDF Download
Candidates can download the notification PDF from the CRP PO/MT-XVI section of the official IBPS website.
The PDF explains the vacancy details, eligibility rules, fee, exam pattern and selection process.
However, applicants should also check corrigenda and updated vacancy annexures. A revised notice may change vacancy numbers or important dates.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 Last Date to Apply
The original application deadline was 21 July 2026.
However, IBPS extended the registration and fee-payment deadline to 26 July 2026. Therefore, candidates cannot submit a new application now.
Registered applicants could print their submitted forms until 10 August 2026.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 Apply Link
The official application link appeared under the CRP PO/MT-XVI section on the IBPS website.
However, the registration window has closed. Consequently, the portal no longer accepts new applications for this recruitment cycle.
Applicants should avoid unofficial forms or websites that claim to accept late applications.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 Apply Online Link
IBPS accepted applications through its official online registration portal only.
Candidates had to register, complete the form, upload the required documents and pay the fee. No offline application method was available.
Since the deadline has passed, registered applicants should now retain their application form and payment receipt.
IBPS PO Notification 2026 Sarkari Result Update
Candidates often search for IBPS PO updates through Sarkari Result websites. However, they should verify every date and notice through the official IBPS portal.
Third-party job websites may provide quick summaries. Nevertheless, the official notification, corrigendum and call letter remain the final sources.
Therefore, candidates should confirm the vacancy total, exam date and eligibility before acting on third-party information.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO Exam Date 2026 has given candidates a clear preparation timeline. IBPS will conduct Prelims on 22 and 23 August 2026. Meanwhile, the Mains examination will take place on 4 October 2026.
The latest reported IBPS PO Vacancy 2026 count stands at 7,565. However, the official 20 July annexure confirmed 7,365 posts. Therefore, candidates should verify the additional 200 posts through the newest official vacancy PDF.
The IBPS PO 2026 Recruitment application process has ended. Consequently, candidates should now focus on mock tests, revision and Mains-level preparation.
Applicants should also review the latest IBPS PO 2026 Eligibility, exam pattern and negative-marking rules. A structured approach can improve both speed and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IBPS PO Exam Date 2026?
IBPS will conduct the Preliminary Examination on 22 and 23 August 2026. The Main Examination will take place on 4 October 2026.
How many IBPS PO vacancies are available in 2026?
The latest reported total is 7,565 vacancies. However, the official annexure dated 20 July confirmed 7,365 posts.
Is the IBPS PO 2026 application form still available?
No. The extended application deadline was 26 July 2026.
What is the IBPS PO Notification 2026 age limit?
Applicants must be between 20 and 30 years old. Reserved-category candidates can claim relaxation under the applicable rules.
What qualification is required for IBPS PO?
Applicants need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
What are the IBPS PO Notification 2026 fees?
SC, ST and PwBD applicants had to pay ₹175. All other applicants had to pay ₹850.
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO 2026?
Yes. IBPS deducts one-fourth of the assigned marks for every incorrect objective answer.
How many questions are in IBPS PO Prelims?
The Preliminary Examination contains 100 questions for 100 marks. Candidates receive 60 minutes.
What is the IBPS PO Mains pattern?
The objective Main Examination contains 170 questions for 200 marks. In addition, the Descriptive Test contains two questions for 25 marks.
Does IBPS PO 2026 include a Personality Test?
Yes. Shortlisted candidates must attend a Personality Test before the Common Interview.
Do Prelims marks count in the final merit list?
No. IBPS uses Prelims only for shortlisting. Final merit depends on Mains and Interview marks.
What is the starting basic pay of an IBPS PO?
The starting basic pay is ₹48,480. Selected officers also receive applicable allowances and benefits.
