IBPS PO 2017 Syllabus & New Exam Pattern

IBPS has introduced some major changes this year in its Mains Exam Pattern. However, the examination pattern for the preliminary exam is still the same. This year IBPS will also conduct a descriptive test of English Language (Letter and Essay Writing) along with the mains exam. Now the structure is very similar to the mains pattern of SBI Exams. Reasoning and Computer sections are clubbed and there are changes in the name of subjects as well as the number of questions and weightage of each section.

IBPS PO Preliminary Exam Pattern:



S.No.Name of Tests(ObjectiveNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
1English Language3030Composite time of 1 Hour
2Numerical Ability3535
3Reasoning Ability3535
Total100100


IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern:


S.No.Name of Tests(ObjectiveNo. of QuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
1Reasoning & Computer Aptitude456060 minutes
2English Language354040 minutes
3Data Analysis & Interpretation356045 minutes
4General Economy & Banking Awareness404035 minutes
Total1552003 Hours

Descriptive Test: 

English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) for 25 marks, time limit 30 minutes. 


IBPS PO 2017 COMPLETE SYLLABUS


Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude

Reasoning Ability is going to be a difficult section as reasoning section of banking exams has always been difficult as compared to other examinations. The pattern is getting complex day by day and most of the topics of this section are now being asked in the form of puzzles only. Also, IBPS has included Computer Aptitude in this very section only. So prepare in a way that you are not bundle of nerves while attempting the IBPS PO Examination. The only way to ace the scores in the section is strenuous practice. Here is the IBPS PO Syllabus for Reasoning Ability Section and Computer Aptitude.

Reasoning Ability


  • Puzzles 
  • Seating Arrangements 
  • Direction Sense
  • Blood Relation
  • Syllogism
  • Order and Ranking
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Machine Input-Output
  • Inequalities
  • Alpha-Numeric-Symbol Series
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Logical Reasoning (Passage Inference, Statement and Assumption, Conclusion, Argument)

Computer Aptitude

  • History and Generation of Computers 
  • Introduction to Computer Organisation 
  • Computer Memory 
  • Computer Hardware and I/O Devices 
  • Computer Software 
  • Computer Languages 
  • Operating System 
  • Computer Network 
  • Internet 
  • MS Office Suit and Short cut keys 
  • Basics of DBMS 
  • Number System and Conversions 
  • Computer and Network Security 

Quantitative Aptitude | Data Analysis & Interpretation


The level of every other section has only turned more complex and convoluted, there is no doubt that this section too will be making your blood run cold. If we talk about previous years examinations, this section consumes a lot of time so what one needs to do is an efficient time management that can only be achieved through practice. Data Interpretation and topics from arithmetic section make it hard for one to deal with the section as easily as any other section. Practice continuously, it will pay big time. Here is the IBPS PO Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude Section.

  • Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Line Chart, Tabular, Caselet, Radar/Web, Pie Chart)
  • Inequalities (Quadratic Equations)
  • Number Series
  • Approximation and Simplification
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Miscellaneous Arithmetic Problems (HCF and LCM, Profit and Loss, SI & CI, Problem on Ages, Work and Time, Speed Distance and Time, Probability, Mensuration, Permutation and Combination, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Partnership, Problems on Boats and Stream, Problems on Trains, Mixture and Allegation, Pipes and Cisterns)

English Language

This topic can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in competitive exams. A habit of reading an English Newspaper can actually do a good turn because it helps to build up a strong vocabulary, effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills. Rest depends on how hard you practice. Here is the complete IBPS PO English Syllabus for English Section.
  • Reading Comprehension 
  • Cloze Test 
  • Fillers 
  • Sentence Errors 
  • Vocabulary based questions 
  • Sentence Improvement 
  • Jumbled Paragraph 
  • Paragraph Based Questions (Paragraph Fillers, Paragraph Conclusion, Paragraph /Sentences Restatement)

General Awareness 

The questions asked in IBPS PO General Awareness Section are usually based on Banking Awareness, Static Awareness, and Current Affairs. This year we observed a change in the pattern of GA Section of banking examinations as well. Most of the questions are now being asked from Banking Awareness so this section too is going to be very challenging. Batten down the hatches!

  • Banking and Insurance Awareness 
  • Financial Awareness 
  • Govt. Schemes and Policies 
  • Current Affairs 
  • Static Awareness


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