IBPS Exam Pattern & How to Prepare – Complete Guide for 2025

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts various recruitment exams every year for public sector banks. Lakhs of aspirants apply for posts like IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS SO, and IBPS RRB. Understanding the latest IBPS exam pattern and following a proper study plan is the key to scoring high.

In this blog, we explain the IBPS exam pattern, subjects, marking scheme, and the best preparation strategy for beginners as well as repeaters.

IBPS Exam Pattern (Latest)

IBPS conducts different exams, but the pattern of most exams is similar. Here are the details:

1. IBPS PO Exam Pattern

a) Prelims Exam

• English Language – 30 questions (20 mins)

• Quantitative Aptitude – 35 questions (20 mins)

• Reasoning Ability – 35 questions (20 mins)
  Total: 100 questions, 60 minutes
  Negative Marking: 0.25

b) Mains Exam

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – 45 questions (60 mins)

• General/Economy/Banking Awareness – 40 questions (35 mins)

• English Language – 35 questions (40 mins)

• Data Analysis & Interpretation – 35 questions (45 mins)

• Essay & Letter Writing – 2 questions (30 mins)
  Total: 155 questions + Descriptive Test
  Negative Marking: 0.25

2. IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern

a) Prelims

• English – 30

• Numerical Ability – 35

• Reasoning – 35
  Total: 100 questions, 60 mins

b) Mains

• Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude – 50

• English Language – 40

• Quantitative Aptitude – 50

• General/Financial Awareness – 50
  Total: 190 questions, 160 minutes

3. IBPS RRB (PO & Clerk) Exam Pattern

RRB Assistant (Clerk)

• Prelims: Reasoning, Numerical Ability

• Mains: Reasoning, Quant, English/Hindi, GK, Computer Knowledge

  
  

RRB PO

• Prelims: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude

• Mains: Reasoning, Quant, English/Hindi, GK, Computer

• Interview: 100 marks

  
  

How to Prepare for IBPS Exams – Expert Strategy

With the increasing competition, a smart preparation plan is essential. Here is the strategy used by toppers:

1. Understand the Syllabus Deeply

Before starting preparation, study the syllabus of:

• Quantitative Aptitude

• Reasoning Ability

• English Language

• Banking Awareness

• Computer Knowledge

Knowing what to study is more important than how much to study.

2. Strengthen Fundamentals (First 30 Days)

Start with basic concepts of:

• Percentages, Ratio, Simplification, Number System

• Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding

• Grammar basics, Reading Skills

If your basics are strong, solving high-level questions becomes easy.

3. Practice Topic-wise Questions Daily

Make a weekly plan:

• Mon–Tue: Quant

• Wed–Thu: Reasoning

• Fri: English

• Sat: Mock Test

• Sun: Revision

Even 2 hours a day is enough if followed consistently.

4. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly

Mock tests help you:

• Understand exam pressure

• Improve speed & accuracy

• Identify weak areas

Give 1 mock test every week, and increase to 3–4 mocks per week in the last month.

5. Focus on Banking Awareness & Current Affairs

For IBPS mains, GK is a game-changer.
Study:

• Last 6 months Current Affairs

• RBI updates

• Banking Terms

• Important Committees & Schemes

6. Improve English through Reading

Read:

• Newspapers

• Editorials

• Articles

This improves comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar together.

7. Maintain Accuracy & Time Management

Avoid guesswork because of negative marking.
Always:

• Solve easy questions first

• Mark tough questions for review

• Try to attempt 80–90% questions with accuracy

8. Use Best Study Material

Follow:

• Updated video lectures

• Topic-wise practice books

• Mock test series

• Previous year papers

Final Tips for IBPS Exam Success

• Start early and stay consistent

• Practice more than you study

• Revise every week

• Focus more on weak areas

• Stay positive and confident

With the right guidance and discipline, clearing IBPS exams becomes easy.