Banking Exam Pattern 2026
IBPS PO & SBI PO – Detailed and Easy Guide
Banking Exam Pattern Overview
Banking exams such as IBPS PO and SBI PO follow a structured selection process. The exam pattern includes three major stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Each stage tests different skills such as speed, accuracy, analytical ability, and communication skills.
- Prelims: Qualifying stage
- Mains: Merit deciding stage
- Interview: Final selection stage
Candidates must clear each stage to get selected.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026
Preliminary Exam
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Time Duration: 60 minutes (20 mins per section)
- Sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks
The prelims exam is qualifying in nature. Marks are not counted in final selection.
Main Exam
- Total Marks: 200 + 25 (Descriptive)
- Time Duration: 160 minutes
- Sections:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- English Language
Descriptive Test
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
- Marks: 25
Interview
- Conducted after mains
- Final merit based on mains + interview
Mains exam is the most important stage for IBPS PO selection.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
Preliminary Exam
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Time Duration: 60 minutes
- Sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks
Main Exam
- Total Marks: 200 + 50 (Descriptive)
- Sections:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General Awareness
- English Language
Descriptive Test
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
- Marks: 50
Group Exercise & Interview
- Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
- Final merit includes mains + interview
SBI PO exam is slightly tougher and more analytical than IBPS PO.
Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme helps avoid negative scoring.
- Correct Answer: +1 mark (Prelims)
- Wrong Answer: -0.25 marks
- No penalty for unattempted questions
Avoid guesswork to maintain a high score.
