IBPS PO Prelims Eligibility Criteria
Updated 2026The mandatory educational qualification for the IBPS PO examination is a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a university recognized by the Government of India. Candidates must possess a valid degree certificate or mark sheet confirming their graduation status as of the date of online registration. Furthermore, candidates are required to accurately mention the percentage of marks obtained during their graduation. If a university utilizes a CGPA/OGPA system, the candidate must convert it into a percentage based on the official conversion formula of their institution, which must be supported by valid documentation during the interview process.
The age limit for candidates applying for the IBPS PO 2026 recruitment is set between 20 and 30 years as of 21st July 2026. This implies that candidates must have been born between 2nd July 1996 and 1st July 2006. This age criteria ensures that the recruitment attracts energetic and motivated individuals ready to embark on a banking career.
The selection process for the IBPS PO 2026 is a three-stage competitive journey consisting of:
- Preliminary Examination: A screening test consisting of English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Qualifying this stage is essential to progress to the next level.
- Mains Examination: A comprehensive test comprising objective-type questions covering Reasoning, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. Additionally, a descriptive paper on Essay and Letter Writing is conducted.
- Interview: The final stage where the shortlisted candidates are evaluated on their communication skills, personality, and banking knowledge. The final selection is based on the cumulative scores of the Mains and the Interview in a 80:20 ratio.
- Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST): 5 years
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen, ECOs/SSCOs with at least 5 years of service: 5 years