IBPS PO/MT XVI Preliminary Examination Syllabus 2026
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
The IBPS PO/MT XVI Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the recruitment process. It is an online objective test comprising three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates must qualify the sectional and overall cut-offs to become eligible for the Main Examination.
Duration
60 Minutes (20 Minutes per Section)
Marking
1 mark is awarded for every correct answer.
Negative marking
0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Subject-wise Syllabus
English Language
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Error Detection, Sentence Improvement, Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms, Word Swap, Phrase Replacement, Idioms & Phrases
Quantitative Aptitude
Number System, Simplification, Approximation, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Partnership, Time & Work, Pipes & Cistern, Time, Speed & Distance, Mixture & Allegation, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation, Quantity Comparison
Reasoning Ability
Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Inequality, Syllogism, Alphabet Series, Number Series, Ranking & Order, Logical Reasoning
Preparation Tips
- Strengthen Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning basics.
- Practice sectional quizzes daily.
- Improve English grammar and vocabulary.
- Attempt full-length mock tests regularly.
- Analyse mistakes after every mock test.