The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) successfully conducted the IBPS PO 2025 Mains exam on October 12, 2025 at multiple centres across India. Candidates who cleared the preliminary exam appeared for the Mains exam, which included both objective and descriptive sections. The total duration of the Mains exam was three hours and ten minutes, with 145 objective questions for 200 marks and a descriptive paper of 25 marks, totaling 225 marks. Each section was separately timed, requiring careful time management from candidates.
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The objective test was divided into four sections:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- General, Economy & Banking Awareness
- English Language
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
The descriptive paper required candidates to write letters and essays, evaluating their language and writing skills. The separate timing for each section added an extra layer of challenge for students attempting all sections efficiently.
Difficulty Level and Good Attempts
According to student feedback, the overall difficulty level of IBPS PO Mains 2025 ranged from moderate to difficult.
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Moderate, 28–32 good attempts
- General Awareness / Banking Awareness: Moderate, 35–38 good attempts
- English Language: Difficult, 20–24 good attempts
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Moderate to Difficult, 25–30 good attempts
The descriptive section tested writing skills and analytical thinking, with topics based on current affairs and banking scenarios.
IBPS PO Mains 2025 Exam Day Guidelines
Candidates were instructed to follow these guidelines:
- Electronic devices prohibited: mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, pagers, calculators, or other gadgets
- Report on time and sit at the assigned seat before the exam
- Follow security and verification protocols, including biometric and document checks
- Handwriting sample/signature collection before the exam, if required
- Do not leave the exam hall before the conclusion of the paper
- Listen carefully to invigilator instructions
These measures ensured a fair and secure examination environment for all candidates.
Key Takeaways for Candidates
Candidates are advised to review the exam analysis carefully, focus on weaker sections, and prepare strategically for the IBPS PO final selection process. Understanding the difficulty level and good attempts will help in estimating expected scores and cut-offs. Stay updated with official IBPS notifications for scorecards, result dates, and next recruitment stages.
