IBPS PO MT XVI Recruitment 2026

• Educational Qualification: A candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a University recognized by the Government of India or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government.
• The candidate must have a valid Mark-sheet / Degree Certificate that they are a graduate and indicate the percentage of marks obtained in Graduation while registering online. All educational qualifications mentioned should be from a University/Institution/Board recognised by Govt. Of India/approved by Govt. Regulatory Bodies.
• Computer Literacy: Operating and working knowledge in computer systems is mandatory. This includes having a Certificate/Diploma/Degree in computer operations/Language or having studied Computer/Information Technology as one of the subjects in High School/College/Institute.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates should be proficient in the Official Language of the State/UT for which they are applying, meaning they should be able to read, write, and speak the language.

• Preliminary Examination: This is an online objective test of 100 marks, designed to screen candidates. It comprises three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates must qualify in each of the three tests by securing minimum cut-off marks to be shortlisted for the Main Examination. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Exam will NOT be added for the final merit list.
• Main Examination: Candidates who successfully clear the Preliminary Exam will appear for the Main Examination, which is also an online test. It consists of Objective Tests (200 marks) and a Descriptive Test (25 marks). The objective sections typically cover Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. The Descriptive Test assesses English Language skills (Letter Writing & Essay).
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the Main Examination will be called for an Interview, conducted by the Participating Organisations and coordinated by IBPS. The Interview is for 100 marks. Candidates need to secure minimum qualifying marks in the Interview.
• Final Provisional Allotment: The final selection is based on the combined scores of the Main Examination and Interview. A merit list is prepared, and provisional allotment to one of the participating banks is made based on merit-cum-preference, subject to availability of vacancies and document verification.

Preliminary Examination: (Online Objective Test)

• Duration: 1 Hour (20 minutes for each section)
• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 100
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

Main Examination: (Online Objective + Descriptive Test)

• Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes (3 hours for Objective, 30 minutes for Descriptive)
• Total Questions: 155 (Objective) + 2 (Descriptive)
• Total Marks: 225
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Objective tests.

Preliminary Exam Syllabus:

• English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fillers, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles, Sentence Connectors.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification & Approximation, Data Interpretation (Tabular, Bar, Line, Caselet), Number Series, Quadratic Equation, Arithmetic Problems (Time & Work, Speed Distance & Time, Mensuration, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Averages, Boats & Streams, etc.).
• Reasoning Ability: Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Inequality, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Alpha-numeric Series, Coding-Decoding, Machine Input-Output.

Main Exam Syllabus:

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Advanced Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Logical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Computer Fundamentals, Software & Hardware, Networking, MS Office.
• General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness: Current Affairs (National & International), Banking & Financial Awareness, Static GK (Countries, Capitals, Currencies, Important Days, etc.), Government Schemes & Policies.
• English Language: Reading Comprehension, Descriptive Test (Essay Writing, Letter Writing), Para Jumbles, Sentence Connectors, Column-based Fillers, Vocabulary-based questions.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Advanced Data Interpretation (Missing DI, Radar Graph, Funnel DI, New pattern DI), Probability, Permutation & Combination, Quantity Comparison, Data Sufficiency.

• Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Thoroughly review the detailed syllabus and exam pattern for both Preliminary and Main Examinations to know what to study.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic and structured study timetable that covers all subjects and allows for regular revision and practice.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Strengthen your basics in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English. Don’t rush through topics; ensure conceptual clarity.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous year’s question papers and attempt mock tests regularly to get familiar with the exam environment, time management, and identify weak areas.
• Improve Speed and Accuracy: Banking exams are time-bound. Practice solving questions within strict time limits. Accuracy is crucial due to negative marking.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: For General/Economy/Banking Awareness, read newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources daily. Focus on banking and financial news.
• Work on English Descriptive: Practice essay and letter writing for the Mains exam. Improve grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction.
• Review and Analyze: After every mock test, analyze your performance, understand mistakes, and work on improving those specific areas.
• Stay Healthy and Positive: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, get adequate sleep, and stay positive throughout your preparation journey.