Comprehensive Overview of IBPS PO Prelims 2026 Examination
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released the Online Preliminary Examination Call Letters (Admit Cards) for the Common Recruitment Process for Probationary Officers / Management Trainees (CRP PO/MT XIV 2026). Registered banking aspirants can download their hall tickets from the official portal at ibps.in using their Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth.
The recruitment drive is being conducted to fill Probationary Officer vacancies across 11 nationalized public sector banks including Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, UCO Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra.
Important Examination Schedule & Shift Timings
The preliminary examination will be conducted in computer-based online mode across four daily shifts at designated examination centers nationwide. Strict gate closure rules apply.
| Examination Shift | Reporting Time | Gate Closure Time | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning) | 08:00 AM | 08:30 AM | 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Shift 2 (Mid-Day) | 10:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Shift 3 (Afternoon) | 01:00 PM | 01:30 PM | 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM |
| Shift 4 (Evening) | 03:30 PM | 04:00 PM | 04:30 PM to 05:30 PM |
Preliminary Exam Pattern & Sectional Timings
The preliminary examination consists of 100 multiple choice questions carrying 100 marks with a total duration of 60 minutes. Each section is strictly time-bound with individual 20-minute windows:
- English Language: 30 Questions | 30 Marks | 20 Minutes duration covering Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Sentence Rearrangement, and Phrase Replacement.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes duration covering Data Interpretation (DI Tables, Pie Charts, Caselets), Quadratic Equations, Number Series, and Arithmetic Word Problems.
- Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes duration covering Puzzles & Seating Arrangements, Syllogisms, Inequalities, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks penalty for every incorrect answer. Candidates must qualify both overall and in each individual sectional cutoff.
Step-by-Step Call Letter Download Guide
- Visit the official portal at
ibps.in. - Click on the flashing notification: "Click here to download Online Preliminary Exam Call Letter for CRP PO/MT-XIV".
- Select language (English or Hindi) and enter your Registration Number / Roll Number and Password / Date of Birth (DD-MM-YY format).
- Enter the Captcha code correctly and click on "Login".
- Save the PDF document and take at least two clear printouts on A4 size paper. Verify your exam center address and reporting shift time.
Mandatory Exam Day Guidelines & Biometric Protocol
Candidates must report with the following mandatory items at the examination venue:
- Printed Admit Card with recent passport size photograph pasted in the allocated box.
- Original Valid Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID). E-Aadhaar with verified digital signature is accepted.
- Photocopy of the Photo Identity Proof staple to the admit card (must be submitted to the invigilator).
- Ballpoint pen and two additional passport photographs matching the online application form.
- Biometric verification (IRIS / Thumb scan) will be captured before entering the testing hall.
Mains Examination & Final Selection Overview
Candidates qualifying the preliminary screening will appear for the Mains Examination comprising Objective Tests (200 marks, 3 hours) and Descriptive English Test (25 marks, 30 mins) followed by a Common Interview conducted by participating banks. Final selection is based on an 80:20 composite score weighting between Mains and Interview.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What documents are mandatory along with the IBPS PO Admit Card?
Candidates must bring the printed Call Letter with affixed photograph, original Government Photo ID proof, a clear photocopy of the ID proof, and one additional passport photograph.
Q2: Is the Preliminary Exam score counted for final merit selection?
No. The preliminary examination is strictly a screening test. Marks scored in Mains Examination (225 marks) and Interview (100 marks) are combined in an 80:20 ratio for final merit allotment.
Q3: What if there is a discrepancy in name on Admit Card and ID Proof?
If your name has changed due to marriage or gazette notification, carry the original Marriage Certificate or Gazette Notification along with an affidavit.
Q4: Is calculator allowed in the online examination?
No. Electronic calculators, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the examination center.