📝 IBPS PO Mains Syllabus and Pattern 2024

Complete guide to IBPS PO mains examination syllabus, pattern, marking scheme, and descriptive test preparation strategy.

🎯 IBPS PO Mains Exam Overview

Exam Importance

The IBPS PO mains exam is the second stage of the selection process. It’s a merit-ranking exam where performance determines selection for the interview stage.

Key Features

• Mode: Online Computer-Based Test
• Total Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes)
• Total Marks: 225 (200 objective + 25 descriptive)
• Nature: Objective MCQs + Descriptive Writing
• Languages: English and Hindi (except English language section)

Selection Process

Prelims → Mains → Interview → Final Selection

📊 Detailed Exam Pattern

Objective Test (200 Marks)

Descriptive Test (25 Marks)

Sectional Time Management

• Objective Test: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Descriptive Test: 30 minutes
• Total Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes)

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +4 marks (approximate, varies by section)
• Wrong Answer: -1 mark (approximate, varies by section)
• Unattempted: 0 marks
• No marks deduction for unattempted questions

📚 Detailed Subject-wise Syllabus

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

A. Reasoning (30-35 Questions)

• Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: Linear, circular, complex arrangements
• Data Sufficiency: Two or three statements problems
• Input-Output: Number and word arrangements
• Logical Reasoning: Cause-effect, assumptions, conclusions
• Advanced Syllogism: Multiple statement syllogisms
• Direction Sense: Complex direction problems
• Blood Relations: Coded and complex relationships
• Coding-Decoding: Advanced coding patterns
• Inequality: Mathematical and coded inequalities

B. Computer Aptitude (10-15 Questions)

• Computer Fundamentals: Hardware, software, networking
• Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Internet: Basic concepts, protocols, browsers
• Computer Security: Viruses, firewalls, data protection
• Database: Basic concepts, SQL fundamentals
• Operating Systems: Windows, Linux concepts
• Computer Abbreviations: Common IT abbreviations
• Emerging Technologies: Cloud computing, AI, blockchain basics

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

A. Banking Awareness (15-20 Questions)

• RBI Functions: Monetary policy, regulatory framework
• Banking Products: Loans, cards, digital banking
• Banking Regulations: Banking Regulation Act, RBI guidelines
• Financial Inclusion: PMJDY, schemes, initiatives
• Banking Technology: Digital payments, UPI, NEFT/RTGS
• Risk Management: Credit risk, market risk, operational risk

B. Economy and Finance (10-15 Questions)

• Indian Economy: GDP, inflation, fiscal policy
• Financial Markets: Stock markets, SEBI, mutual funds
• Economic Reforms: Liberalization, GST, FDI
• International Economics: WTO, World Bank, IMF
• Monetary Policy: Repo rate, reverse repo, CRR, SLR
• Fiscal Policy: Budget, taxation, public expenditure

C. Current Affairs (10-15 Questions)

• National Current Affairs: Last 6 months
• International Current Affairs: Important global events
• Sports: Major tournaments, awards, records
• Awards and Honors: National awards, international awards
• Government Schemes: Recent schemes and initiatives
• Important Days: National and international days

D. Static GK (5-10 Questions)

• Indian Geography: Rivers, mountains, states
• Indian History: Important events, personalities
• Books and Authors: Notable books and writers
• Important Institutions: Constitutional bodies, regulatory bodies
• Indian Polity: Constitution, governance

3. English Language (35 Questions, 40 Marks)

A. Reading Comprehension (10-12 questions)

• Topics: Economics, banking, finance, social issues
• Focus: Main idea, inference, vocabulary, tone
• Difficulty Level: Difficult
• Passage Length: 500-600 words

B. Cloze Test (5-7 questions)

• Topics: Economic and financial articles
• Focus: Vocabulary, grammar, contextual understanding
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

C. Error Spotting (5-7 questions)

• Topics: Advanced grammar, sentence structure
• Focus: Complex grammatical concepts
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

D. Para Jumbles (3-5 questions)

• Topics: Complex paragraphs, professional contexts
• Focus: Logical arrangement, coherence
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

E. Fill in the Blanks (3-5 questions)

• Topics: Professional vocabulary, formal language
• Focus: Prepositions, conjunctions, advanced vocabulary
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

F. Phrase Replacement (3-5 questions)

• Topics: Idioms, phrases, formal expressions
• Focus: Word choice, contextual appropriateness
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

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

A. Tabular DI (8-10 questions)

• Topics: Banking data, financial statements
• Focus: Data comparison, calculations, analysis
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

B. Pie Chart DI (5-8 questions)

• Topics: Sector distribution, market share
• Focus: Percentage calculations, comparison
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

C. Bar Graph DI (5-7 questions)

• Topics: Comparative data, trend analysis
• Focus: Growth rates, comparisons
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

D. Line Graph DI (5-7 questions)

• Topics: Time series data, trends
• Focus: Trend analysis, projections
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

E. Mixed DI (5-8 questions)

• Topics: Combination of different data types
• Focus: Integrated data analysis
• Difficulty Level: Difficult

F. Caselets (5-7 questions)

• Topics: Complex data interpretation
• Focus: Multiple aspects, detailed analysis
• Difficulty Level: Difficult

📝 Descriptive Test (25 Marks)

A. Letter Writing (10 Marks)

Types of Letters

1. Formal Letters

   • Job application letters
   • Complaint letters
   • Request letters
   • Appreciation letters

2. Informal Letters

   • Letters to friends/relatives
   • Thank you letters
   • Apology letters

3. Business Letters

   • Business proposals
   • Order confirmation
   • Service complaints
   • Business inquiries

Word Limit: 150-200 words

Evaluation Criteria:

• Format and structure (3 marks)
• Content and organization (3 marks)
• Grammar and spelling (2 marks)
• Language and expression (2 marks)

B. Essay Writing (15 Marks)

Types of Essays

1. Argumentative Essays

   • Social issues
   • Economic policies
   • Technological impact

2. Descriptive Essays

   • Current events
   • Social phenomena
   • Economic reforms

3. Analytical Essays

   • Policy analysis
   • Problem-solution
   • Cause-effect analysis

Word Limit: 250-300 words

Evaluation Criteria:

• Content and relevance (6 marks)
• Structure and organization (4 marks)
• Language and expression (3 marks)
• Grammar and spelling (2 marks)

🔢 Previous Year Analysis

Topic-wise Distribution (2020-2023)

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

English Language

Data Analysis & Interpretation

📊 Cut-off Marks Analysis

Category-wise Cut-off (2023)

Section-wise Cut-off Analysis

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 40-45 marks
• General Awareness: 30-35 marks
• English Language: 28-32 marks
• Data Analysis: 35-40 marks

Success Rate

• Appeared for Mains: 10,000-12,000
• Selected for Interview: 4,000-5,000
• Success Rate: 40-50%

🎯 Descriptive Test Preparation

Letter Writing Strategy

Format Guidelines

Sender's Address
Date
Receiver's Address
Subject: [Clear and concise]
Salutation
[Body of the letter - 150-200 words]
Closing
Signature

Sample Topics

1. Write a letter to the bank manager requesting a loan for higher education
2. Write a letter to the editor highlighting the importance of financial literacy
3. Write a complaint letter about poor customer service
4. Write an appreciation letter to the bank for excellent service

Essay Writing Strategy

Essay Structure

Introduction: (2-3 lines)
- Hook statement
- Background information
- Thesis statement

Body: (200-250 words)
- Main argument 1 with examples
- Main argument 2 with examples
- Main argument 3 with examples

Conclusion: (2-3 lines)
- Summary of points
- Final thoughts
- Call to action/recommendation

Sample Topics

1. The Role of Digital Banking in Financial Inclusion
2. Impact of COVID-19 on Banking Sector
3. Importance of Financial Literacy in India
4. Challenges and Opportunities in Indian Banking
5. Role of Technology in Modern Banking

⏰ Time Management Strategies

During the Exam

1. Section-wise Time Allocation:

   • Reasoning & Computer: 60 minutes
   • General Awareness: 35 minutes
   • English Language: 40 minutes
   • Data Analysis: 45 minutes
   • Descriptive Test: 30 minutes

2. Within Each Section:

   • Easy questions: 30-45 seconds
   • Moderate questions: 60-90 seconds
   • Difficult questions: 90-120 seconds

3. Descriptive Test:

   • Letter Writing: 10-12 minutes
   • Essay Writing: 15-18 minutes
   • Review: 2-3 minutes

Smart Time Management

- Attempt your strongest section first
- Skip difficult questions initially
- Return to skipped questions if time permits
- Keep 10 minutes buffer for review
- Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any question

🔗 Related Topics

• Prelims Syllabus and Pattern
• Previous Year Question Papers
• Mock Test Series
• Interview Preparation

🎯 Quick Reference

Mains Pattern

• Objective Test: 200 marks, 3 hours
• Descriptive Test: 25 marks, 30 minutes
• Total Duration: 3.5 hours

Section-wise Marks

• Reasoning & Computer: 60 marks
• General Awareness: 40 marks
• English Language: 40 marks
• Data Analysis: 60 marks
• Descriptive: 25 marks

Descriptive Test

• Letter Writing: 10 marks, 150-200 words
• Essay Writing: 15 marks, 250-300 words

Preparation Focus

• Reasoning: Advanced puzzles, data sufficiency
• Computer: MS Office, internet, security
• Awareness: Banking, current affairs, economy
• English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary
• DI: Complex analysis, calculations
• Descriptive: Letter and essay writing

📱 Recommended Resources

Books

• Reasoning: MK Pandey, B.S. Sijwali
• Computer: Computer Awareness by Arihant
• Banking Awareness: Disha Publications
• Current Affairs: Pratiyogita Darpan
• English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy

Mock Tests

• Oliveboard: Comprehensive test series
• Testbook: Mains-focused tests
• Gradeup: Topic-wise tests
• Adda247: Previous year papers

Online Resources

• Official Website: ibps.in
• Current Affairs: GK Today, AffairsCloud
• Banking News: Economic Times, Hindu Business Line

Remember: IBPS PO mains is about depth and accuracy. Focus on understanding concepts, practice regularly, and maintain speed with precision!