IBPS & SBI PO Banking Foundation Blueprint: Prelims & Mains Syllabus, Speed Math & Reasoning Puzzles
IBPS PO recruits Probationary Officers across Public Sector Banks. Prelims (100 Marks, 60 Mins, sectional timers of 20 mins) tests speed and accuracy in English (30), Quantitative Aptitude (35), and Reasoning (35). Mains (225 Marks) incorporates High-Level Data Interpretation and General Banking Awareness.
📋 IBPS PO Examination Architecture & Scoring Matrix
🏦 Bank Probationary Officer Complete Guide
Step-by-step strategy for IBPS PO and SBI PO examinations covering speed arithmetic shortcuts, puzzle solving techniques, banking awareness, and interview preparation.
1. Prelims 60-Minute Sectional Blueprint
Each section has a strict 20-minute timer. You cannot switch sections:
- English Language (30 Qs / 30 Mks / 20 Mins): Reading Comprehension (8-10 Qs), Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test.
- Quantitative Aptitude (35 Qs / 35 Mks / 20 Mins): Simplification/Approximation (5 Qs), Quadratic Equations (5 Qs), Missing/Wrong Number Series (5 Qs), Data Interpretation (10-15 Qs), Arithmetic Word Problems (10 Qs).
- Reasoning Ability (35 Qs / 35 Mks / 20 Mins): Floor & Box Puzzles (10 Qs), Seating Arrangement (10 Qs), Syllogism (5 Qs), Inequalities (5 Qs), Coding-Decoding.
📖 Standard Recommended Textbooks & Study Resources
Official expert panel recommendations — avoid resource clutter and stick to these primary titles:
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
Author / Pub: RS Aggarwal / Adda247 Ace QuantA Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning
Author / Pub: RS Aggarwal / Adda247 Ace ReasoningBanking Awareness
Author / Pub: Arihant Publications🎯 Key Syllabus Chapters & High-Yield Topic Checklist
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
TargetClasses strictly does not speculate on volatile notification dates or approximate exam schedules. For authentic official gazette notifications, online registration portal links, admit card release circulars, and exam center notices, always verify directly through the conducting body's official website:
❓ Frequently Asked Preparation Questions
Is there sectional cutoff in IBPS PO Prelims and Mains?
Yes. IBPS PO enforces both sectional cutoffs (clearing minimum qualifying marks in each section) and an overall aggregate cutoff.
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