The IBPS PO exam is the most sought-after banking exam in India. Thousands of candidates register for this exam yearly to find employment in a high-profile public sector bank. But many applicants tend to confuse themselves regarding the difference between the IBPS PO Prelims and Mains exams. If you are preparing for the IBPS PO 2025 exam, then you must be aware of the differences so that you can effectively plan your preparation.
Here, we will discuss how IBPS PO Prelims and Mains differ in various aspects, ranging from the pattern to the syllabus, difficulty level, and selection process. This will assist you in preparing more effectively and enhancing your chances of success.
What is the IBPS PO Exam?
The IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer) exam is held annually to select probationary officers in different public sector banks. The three-tiered selection process for IBPS PO is as follows:
- Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
- Main Exam (Mains)
- Interview
Each tier has to be cleared by the candidates to be included in the final merit list. IBPS PO 2025 will also have the same selection procedure.
Major Differences Between IBPS PO Prelims and Mains
The following table gives an overview of the key differences between the IBPS PO Prelims and Mains exams:
| Feature | IBPS PO Prelims | IBPS PO Mains |
| Purpose | Screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains | Determines selection for the Interview round |
| Number of Sections | 3 Sections | 5 Sections (including Descriptive Paper) |
| Subjects | English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning | English, Quant, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions | 155 Objective + 2 Descriptive Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks | 200 Marks (Objective) + 25 Marks (Descriptive) |
| Time Duration | 1 Hour | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate | Moderate to Difficult |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer | 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Descriptive Test | No | Yes (Essay and Letter Writing) |
Detailed Comparison of IBPS PO Prelims Vs Mains
1. Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO Prelims and IBPS PO Mains exams have different patterns. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Time |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
- Each section has a time limit of 20 minutes.
- Each incorrect answer will incur a 0.25-mark penalty.
- Candidates must clear the sectional as well as the overall cut-off.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total (Objective) | 155 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Descriptive Test (Essay & Letter Writing) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
- The descriptive test forms a significant segment of the Mains exam.
- Computer aptitude is assessed along with reasoning ability.
- The level is tougher in contrast to prelims.
2. Difference in Syllabus
The IBPS PO Prelims syllabus is simpler than the Mains syllabus. The Mains syllabus covers more topics like general awareness, computer aptitude, and descriptive writing.
Topics Covered in Prelims & Mains
| Subject | Prelims | Mains |
| English Language | Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary | Advanced Grammar, Essay Writing, Letter Writing |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation | Data Interpretation, Probability, Permutation & Combination |
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles, Syllogisms, Blood Relations | Logical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Analytical Decision Making |
| General Awareness | Not Included | Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, Economic News |
| Computer Aptitude | Not Included | Basics of Computers, Networking, Security |
3. Difficulty Level
- IBPS PO Prelims: The questions are largely easy to moderate in difficulty. Speed and accuracy are key to the test.
- IBPS PO Mains: The questions are moderate to difficult. The IBPS PO Mains test emphasizes analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
4. Selection Process
- Prelims are Qualifying in Nature: Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted in the final selection.
- Mains is Important: Marks obtained in Mains + Interview determine the final selection.
| Stage | Weightage |
| Mains Exam | 80% |
| Interview | 20% |
IBPS PO Prelims & Mains: How to Prepare?
To prepare for IBPS PO Prelims & Mains 2025, you must understand the difference between the two levels. Improve reasoning, quantitative ability, and English for Prelims, and master banking awareness and data analysis for Mains. Regular mock tests at ixamBee will help you dominate banking exams and pass the PO exam with flying colors.
- Prelims Preparation Tips
- Prioritize Speed: Practice quick solutions to questions.
- Strengthen Fundamentals: Develop robust concepts in math, reasoning, and English.
- Mock Tests: ixamBee provides top-quality IBPS PO Mains mock test to aid your improvement.
- Increase Accuracy: Do not guess to avoid negative marking.
- Mains Preparation Tips
- Ace Data Interpretation: Practice high-level DI questions daily.
- Be Up to Date with Current Affairs: Study newspapers and banking awareness content.
- Practice descriptive writing: Compose at least one essay and letter weekly.
- Try Full-Length Mocks: Join ixamBee’s IBPS PO Mains mock tests to improve preparation.
Conclusion
It is necessary to know the differences between IBPS PO Prelims and Mains to prepare effectively. Prelims is a screening test, whereas Mains decides your selection. Try to clear both stages with the correct strategy and practice.
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