How many stages are there in IBPS PO selection process?

The IBPS PO selection process has three stages: Preliminary Examination (qualifying), Main Examination (objective + descriptive), and Interview. After all three stages, provisional allotment is done based on a combined merit score of Mains (80%) and Interview (20%), normalized to 100. Document verification runs parallel to the process.

Does IBPS PO Prelims score count in the final selection?

No. IBPS PO Prelims is purely qualifying in nature. You must clear the Prelims cut off (overall and section-wise) to advance to Mains, but once you do, those marks are not added to your final merit score. Only Mains (80%) and Interview (20%) determine your final rank and bank allotment.

What is the merit list formula for IBPS PO final selection?

The IBPS PO final merit score is calculated as: (Mains score / 225 × 80) + (Interview score / 100 × 20), giving a combined score normalized to 100. Candidates are ranked category-wise and state-wise in descending order. Bank preference is considered but allotment is based on merit and vacancy availability.

What is the minimum interview score required in IBPS PO?

The IBPS PO interview is conducted for 100 marks. The minimum qualifying score is 40% (40 marks) for General/EWS candidates and 35% (35 marks) for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates. Candidates who score below this minimum are not considered for provisional allotment, regardless of how high their Mains score was.

How many banks participate in IBPS PO recruitment?

11 public sector banks participate in IBPS PO recruitment: Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, UCO Bank, and Union Bank of India. SBI and RBI are not part of IBPS PO.

What documents are required for IBPS PO interview and verification?

Required documents include: original graduation certificate or marksheet, valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID), category certificate (if applicable), birth certificate or class 10 marksheet for DOB proof, caste/disability certificate if claiming reservation, and recent passport-size photographs. Discrepancies in documents can lead to disqualification even post-selection.

Can I choose which bank I get allotted in IBPS PO?

You can indicate bank preferences during the application process, but allotment is based on your merit rank, category, and vacancy availability in the banks you prefer. There is no guarantee of getting your first-choice bank. High rankers in the merit list get to exercise preference effectively; lower rankers get whatever vacancies remain.

How is IBPS PO different from SBI PO selection process?

Both follow Prelims → Mains → Interview, but IBPS PO recruits for 11 PSBs while SBI PO recruits for SBI only. SBI PO has Group Exercises in addition to the interview. IBPS PO merit is Mains 80% + Interview 20%; SBI PO uses a similar but internally calibrated formula. IBPS PO typically has more vacancies and slightly more predictable cut offs.

What is pre-exam training in IBPS PO and who is eligible?

Pre-Exam Training (PET) is a free coaching session arranged by IBPS before the Prelims, typically for SC/ST candidates and religious minority candidates. It lasts a few days and covers exam basics and strategies. Participation is optional but recommended for first-time aspirants from these categories.

Is PrepBanker free to use for IBPS PO selection process preparation?

Yes. Register free at app.prepgrind.com to access IBPS PO Prelims and Mains mock tests at no charge. Free access includes full-length tests, sectional timers, and performance analytics. You can practice for every stage of the selection process — from Prelims speed drills to Mains descriptive prep — without any upfront payment.

How many stages are there in the IBPS PO selection process?

The IBPS PO 2026 selection process has five stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Personality Test, Interview, and Provisional Allotment.

Are IBPS PO Prelims marks counted in the final selection?

No, Prelims marks are used only to shortlist candidates for the Main Exam and do not contribute to the final merit list.

What is the weightage of Mains and Interview in IBPS PO final selection?

The IBPS PO final merit is calculated using an 80:20 weightage, with 80% from the Main Exam and 20% from the Interview.

What is the Personality Test in IBPS PO?

The Personality Test is a mandatory, non-qualifying self-report assessment introduced in the 2026 cycle, whose results are shared with the Interview Panel.

Is the IBPS PO Personality Test scored?

No, the Personality Test carries no qualifying marks, but candidates who skip it become ineligible for the Interview.

What is the minimum qualifying mark in the IBPS PO Interview?

The minimum qualifying mark is 40% for General and EWS candidates, and 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates.

Who conducts the IBPS PO Interview?

The Interview is conducted by the participating bank and coordinated by the Nodal Bank in each state or union territory.

How is the final bank allotment decided in IBPS PO?

Final bank allotment is based on the candidate's merit rank, category, stated bank preferences, and vacancies reported by each participating bank.

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Home Exams IBPS POSelection Process

Official Procedure

IBPS PO Selection Process 2026

Five stages, one merit list. Here's exactly how IBPS moves you from application to bank posting — which stages qualify you, which stages score you, and how the final ranking is actually calculated.

CRP PO/MT-XVI Stage Flow Tracker

Stage 1Prelims
(Qualifying)

Stage 2Mains
(80% weight)

Stage 3Personality Test
(Mandatory)

Stage 4Interview
(20% weight)

Stage 5Doc Verification
(Eligibility check)

AllotmentBank Posting
(Final outcome)

Start With Stage 1 — Free Prelims Mock Test See Exact Marks & Timing

Allotment Formula

Mains weight80% weightage

Interview weight20% weightage

Prelims weight0% (Qualifying only)

Personality testProfile generator

The final merit ranking relies solely on combined Mains and Interview scores.

Overview Guide Notification Admit Card Vacancy Syllabus Important Dates Cut Off Exam Pattern Eligibility Selection Process Salary Mock Tests English Tests Quant Tests Reasoning Tests Study Plan

On This Page

1Selection Overview
2Stage 1: Preliminary Exam
3Stage 2: Main Exam
4Stage 3: Personality Test
5Stage 4: Interview & Documents
6Stage 5: Verification & Posting
7Worked Score Formula
8Resources & FAQs

Selection Process — Quick Stage Overview

CRP PO/MT-XVI Protocol

Only two of the five stages (Mains and Interview) contribute marks to your final ranking, while others serve as qualifying or mandatory screening steps.

Preliminary ExaminationScreens down the pool — marks do not count for final merit.

Qualifying Only

Main ExaminationThe core rank driver. High score here is vital.

Scored (80% Weight)

Personality TestNew for 2026. Self-report profile shared with interview panel.

Mandatory Screening

InterviewTests banking awareness and personality. Minimum 40% required.

Scored (20% Weight)

Provisional AllotmentBank allocation based on final merit, category, and preference lists.

Final Output

Stage 1 — Preliminary Examination (Screening)

First Threshold

The Screening Phase

Qualifying Only

Prelims is purely a screening test to filter candidates for the Mains. Marks scored here are not added to the final merit score. However, candidates must clear both sectional and overall category cut-offs to advance.

Must pass each of the three sections individually.

Overall cutoff decides qualification to Mains ( CRP PO/MT-XVI ).

Prelims Quick Tools

Prepare with our detailed guide sheets for cut-offs and sectional breakdowns:

View Historical Prelims Cut-offs View Sectional Timing Split

Stage 2 — Main Examination (80% Weightage)

Weight Distribution

Core Ranking Stage

80%Final Score Weightage

*Your rank and provisional bank allotment depend largely on this single phase.

Double Test Format

Combines an Objective Test of 200 marks and an online Descriptive Paper of 25 marks (Essay + Letter writing).

The Scoring Engine

Unlike Prelims, every mark scored here is carried forward to calculate the final aggregate rank.

Dual Cut-off Requirement

You must clear the sectional cut-off in each paper and meet the aggregate Mains cut-off to qualify for interviews.

Stage 3 — Personality Test (Mandatory & Non-Qualifying)

Profile Generation

A self-report profile designed to evaluate communication style, temperamental fits, and candidate traits.

Interview Alignment

The resulting output profile is shared directly with the Interview Panel to support structured interviews.

Non-Graded Nature

This test does not yield numeric marks or qualify/disqualify you on its own parameters.

Rule Disclaimer

Mandatory Attendance

Skipping this stage automatically disqualifies your registration. You will not be permitted to attend the Interview block.

*Introduced in CRP PO/MT-XVI cycle to screen baseline banking temperament.

Stage 4 — Interview & Document Verification (20% Weightage)

100 MarksTotal Scope

40% PassGen/EWS Cut-off

35% PassCategory Cut-off

Coordination & Panel Guidelines

Interviews are hosted by the Nodal Bank assigned in each State/UT. The panel reviews banking awareness, state news, personal background, and uses the Stage 3 Personality Test profile during interaction.

Required Folders

Interview Checklist Documents

Registration Application Printout & Call Letter

DOB Matriculation Certificate (Class 10)

Graduation Mark sheets & Degree certificate

Category certificate & Disability certificate (if applicable)

NOC (No Objection Certificate) for Govt Employees

Stage 5 — Document Verification & Provisional Allotment

Once scores are processed, allocation lists are compiled based on aggregate merit metrics.

Data Check

Validates certificates against the data declared during registration.

Merit List Fit

Matches combined Mains (80%) + Interview (20%) scores.

Preference Order

Sifts candidates through their designated bank choice rankings.

Slot Allocation

Assigns category vacancies in accordance with standard GoI reservation policies.

Worked Score Calculation & Tie-Breaking

// Final Merit Score Calculation

Merit Score = [ ( Mains Score / 2.25 ) × 0.80 ] + [ Interview Score × 0.20 ]

// Note: Mains is out of 225, Interview out of 100.

Worked Calculation Example

Let's calculate final score for a sample candidate:

Mains Score: 150 out of 225 (converts to ≈ 66.7 out of 100)
Interview Score: 70 out of 100

Final Merit Score: (66.7 × 0.80) + (70 × 0.20) = 53.4 + 14 = 67.4 out of 100.

Continue Your IBPS PO 2026 Preparation

Notification 2026 Admit Card Download Vacancy Details Important Dates Complete Syllabus Previous Cut Offs Exam Pattern Grid

Target stages set — now start preparation.

Benchmark your baseline percentile rank with a diagnostic mock test.

Free IBPS PO Mock Test |

Sectional Tests:English Quant Reasoning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Reviewed by: PrepBanker Exam Desk· Last Updated: 27 July 2026· Source: Official IBPS selection protocol details, ibps.in

Disclaimer: This page is independently maintained by PrepBanker for candidate convenience. For the final and authoritative version of any stage parameter, score weightage, or tie-breaking policy, always cross-check with the official guidelines published on ibps.in.

PrepBanker Editorial & Verification Standards

Written By

Yashraj Deshmukh

Senior Content Manager – Banking Exams, PrepBanker

Cleared IBPS PO (2021) • 7+ Years Experience • Verified 500+ mock papers

Yashraj Deshmukh has been writing and reviewing banking exam content for 7 years. He cleared IBPS PO in 2021, has a background in banking awareness content for 5+ years, and has reviewed 500+ mock test papers for accuracy against the latest SBI pattern. At PrepBanker, Yashraj tracks every SBI and IBPS notification the day it's released and personally verifies vacancy, salary, and exam-date updates against the official SBI/IBPS PDFs before they go live on this page.

Reviewed By

Divya Bhosale

Subject Matter Expert, Quantitative Aptitude, PrepBanker

IDBI Junior Assistant Manager • Bank of Maharashtra Customer Service Associate via IBPS PO

Divya Bhosale has been reviewing quantitative aptitude and banking exam material for PrepBanker. She has cleared the IDBI Junior Assistant Manager exam and served as a Customer Service Associate at the Bank of Maharashtra via IBPS PO, bringing invaluable real-world exam expertise to PrepBanker.

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Next scheduled review: August 22, 2026 (admit card release)