IBPS PO 2026: Notification, Exam Dates, Eligibility, Salary & Selection Process
IBPS PO 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply
If you have been dreaming of a stable and rewarding career in the Indian banking sector, the IBPS PO 2026 exam is your golden opportunity. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), this national-level examination selects candidates for the post of Probationary Officer (PO) and Management Trainee (MT) in 11 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) across India. This year marks the 16th edition of the IBPS CRP PO/MT recruitment cycle, and lakhs of aspirants are expected to compete for limited seats in reputed banks like Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of India, UCO Bank, and more.
Whether you are a fresh graduate exploring your career options or a seasoned exam aspirant looking to finally crack this prestigious exam, this comprehensive guide covers everything — from important dates and eligibility to the selection process and salary.
IBPS PO 2026 Key Highlights
Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the most important aspects of the IBPS PO 2026 recruitment:
- Conducting Body: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
- Post Name: Probationary Officer (PO) / Management Trainee (MT)
- Number of Participating Banks: 11 Public Sector Banks
- Exam Level: National Level
- Application Mode: Online (via ibps.in)
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline
- Age Limit: 20 to 30 years
- Starting Basic Pay: Rs. 48,480 per month
- Total In-hand Salary: Approximately Rs. 74,000 to Rs. 76,000 per month
- Official Website: ibps.in
IBPS PO 2026 Important Dates
Planning your preparation around the official exam schedule is crucial. Below are the key dates candidates should keep in mind for the IBPS PO 2026 exam calendar:
- Official Notification Release: June 2026
- Online Registration Begins: June 2026
- Last Date to Apply: To be announced
- Application Correction Window: To be announced
- Pre-Exam Training: To be announced
- Prelims Exam Date: 22nd and 23rd August 2026
- Mains Exam Date: 4th October 2026
- Personality Test and Interview: To be announced
- Final Result Declaration: To be announced
Candidates are strongly advised to regularly check the official IBPS website so they do not miss any critical updates or deadline changes.
IBPS PO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out the application form, ensure you meet all the required eligibility conditions. Here is a detailed breakdown of the IBPS PO 2026 eligibility criteria:
Nationality
Applicants must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who permanently settled in India before 1st January 1962
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam, Kenya, or Uganda, with the intention of permanently residing in India
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a graduation degree (BA, BCom, BSc, B.Tech, or any equivalent) from a university recognised by the Government of India. Those in their final year of graduation may also apply, subject to the condition that they produce proof of graduation before the document verification stage. Basic computer literacy is also mandatory, as the examination is conducted entirely online.
Age Limit
Applicants must fall within the age bracket of 20 to 30 years as on the date of registration. Specifically, eligible candidates should have been born between 2nd July 1995 and 1st July 2005 (both dates inclusive).
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates: 3 years
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- Widows and Divorced Women: 9 years
- Persons with J&K domicile (1980–1989): 5 years
- 1984 riot-affected persons: 5 years
Number of Attempts
There is no fixed cap on the number of times a candidate can appear for the IBPS PO exam. You can attempt the exam as many times as you wish, as long as you satisfy the age eligibility criteria. This makes it even more important for candidates to use each attempt strategically and improve with every sitting.
IBPS PO 2026 Vacancy Details and Salary
The exact IBPS PO 2026 vacancy details will be declared alongside the official notification in June 2026. These vacancies are pooled from all 11 participating public sector banks and are distributed across various branches nationwide. Candidates can indicate their bank preferences during registration, but the final allotment depends purely on merit and seat availability.
To get an idea of what to expect, here is a look at previous year vacancy trends:
- 2025: 5,208 vacancies
- 2024: 4,455 vacancies
- 2023: 3,049 vacancies
- 2022: 6,432 vacancies
In terms of compensation, the IBPS PO role offers an attractive pay package. The starting basic pay is Rs. 48,480 per month, and when you factor in dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and other perks, the total in-hand salary ranges between Rs. 74,000 and Rs. 76,000 per month. This makes it one of the most financially rewarding entry-level government jobs available to fresh graduates in India.
How to Apply for IBPS PO 2026
The application process for IBPS PO 2026 will be conducted entirely online through the official IBPS portal at www.ibps.in. Once the notification is live in June 2026, eligible candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official IBPS website at ibps.in
- Click on the IBPS CRP PO/MT 2026 application link
- Register using a valid email address and mobile number
- Fill in personal, educational, and contact details accurately
- Upload scanned copies of required documents including photo and signature
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form
- Save and print the confirmation page for future reference
Application Fee
- SC/ST/PWBD candidates: Rs. 175 (Intimation charges only)
- General/OBC/EWS candidates: Rs. 850 (Application fee including intimation charges)
IBPS PO 2026 Selection Process
The selection for the Probationary Officer post takes place in multiple stages. Here is how the IBPS PO 2026 selection process is structured:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Prelims exam is the first hurdle and serves as a qualifying round. It consists of 100 objective-type (MCQ) questions carrying a total of 100 marks, to be completed in 60 minutes. The three sections covered are English Language (30 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions), with 20 minutes allocated to each section.
Stage 2: Mains Examination
Candidates who clear the Prelims are called for the Mains exam. The Mains carries a total of 200 marks (objective) plus 25 marks (descriptive). The objective section includes topics such as Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis and Interpretation, and General, Economy and Banking Awareness. The descriptive paper tests Letter Writing and Essay Writing skills in English.
Stage 3: Personality Test and Interview
Shortlisted Mains candidates appear for a Personality Test and Interview carrying 100 marks. The final merit list is prepared based on a combined score of Mains and Interview results in the ratio of 80:20. The Prelims score is not counted in the final merit calculation.
Summary: Should You Apply for IBPS PO 2026?
The IBPS PO 2026 exam is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after government job opportunities for graduates across India. With an attractive salary of up to Rs. 76,000 per month, job security, career growth within the banking sector, and the prestige of working in a nationalised bank, it checks all the boxes for a rewarding career.
The Prelims exam is scheduled for 22nd–23rd August 2026 and the Mains for 4th October 2026, which means aspirants still have a reasonable window to prepare thoroughly. Start now, build a structured study plan, focus on your weak areas, and give yourself the best chance of clearing all three stages. Keep visiting the official IBPS website and trusted information sources to stay updated on the notification and any changes to the schedule. Best of luck!
