IBPS PO Prelims Mock Tests: exam pattern, marking scheme, time per question and free mocks
IBPS PO Prelims is a 60-minute computer-based test with 100 questions for 100 marks in 3 sections (English Language 30, Quantitative Aptitude 35, Reasoning Ability 35). Marking: +1 for a correct answer and −0.25 for a wrong one, with no marks for unattempted questions. MockBazaar's IBPS PO Prelims mocks follow this pattern, with the same timer, question palette and negative marking, and a step-by-step solution for every question.
Three sections, 20 minutes each, -0.25 per wrong answer. The first stage for Probationary Officer posts in public sector banks. Sectional and overall cut-offs both apply.
IBPS PO Prelims exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Official source: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (ibps.in). Always confirm dates and vacancies in the latest notification there.
Time per question in IBPS PO Prelims
Each section has its own timer, so plan your speed section by section. Questions you cannot start within that time are usually better skipped and revisited.
| Section | Questions | Time | Seconds per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 20 min | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 20 min | 34 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 20 min | 34 |
Practise section by section
- English Language for IBPS PO Prelims: 30 questions, 30 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude for IBPS PO Prelims: 35 questions, 35 marks
- Reasoning Ability for IBPS PO Prelims: 35 questions, 35 marks
IBPS PO Prelims syllabus by section and topic
Topics asked in IBPS PO Prelims
- Partnership
- Boats and Streams
- Ratio and Proportion
- Compound Interest
- Simple Interest
- Approximation
- Discount and Marked Price
- Profit and Loss
- Averages
- Problems on Ages
- Percentage
- Speed, Time and Distance (Trains)
- Simplification
- Time and Work
- Seating Arrangement
- Alphabet Test
- Order and Ranking
- Number Series
- Calendar (Day of the Week)
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction Sense
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Spelling (Correctly Spelt Words)
- One Word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
- Fill in the Blanks (Grammar)
Posts
Probationary Officer / Management Trainee in participating public sector banks
Tips
- Each section locks after its 20 minutes. Decide early which sets to skip.
- Clear every section cut-off first; the overall score comes second.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are there in IBPS PO Prelims?
IBPS PO Prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks.
What is the time limit for IBPS PO Prelims?
IBPS PO Prelims is 60 minutes long.
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO Prelims?
Yes. IBPS PO Prelims gives +1 for a correct answer and −0.25 for a wrong one, with no marks for unattempted questions.
What are the sections in IBPS PO Prelims?
IBPS PO Prelims has these sections: English Language (30 questions, 30 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks), Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks).
Does IBPS PO Prelims have sectional timers?
Yes, 20 minutes per section, and you cannot go back to a closed section.