Quick answer
IBPS PO Prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes (3 × 20). Sections: English Language (30 questions, 20 min), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 20 min), Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 20 min). A wrong answer costs a quarter of that question's marks. IBPS publishes section totals, so we spread marks evenly within each section.
Section-wise pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min | 40 seconds |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 min | 34 seconds |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 min | 34 seconds |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes (3 × 20) |
Marking scheme
A wrong answer costs a quarter of that question's marks. IBPS publishes section totals, so we spread marks evenly within each section.
On exam day
Each section has its own 20-minute timer and opens in order. You cannot return to a section once its time ends.
Practise on the real IBPS PO pattern
5 full mocks with the same sections, timer and marking. The first two are free.
Questions students ask
How many questions are there in IBPS PO Prelims?
100 questions for 100 marks, in 60 minutes (3 × 20).
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO?
A wrong answer costs a quarter of that question's marks. IBPS publishes section totals, so we spread marks evenly within each section.
What is the IBPS PO exam interface like?
Each section has its own 20-minute timer and opens in order. You cannot return to a section once its time ends.
What is the IBPS PO Prelims exam pattern?
100 questions in three separately timed sections of 20 minutes each: English (30 questions, 30 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 30 marks) and Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 40 marks), as per the 2025 notification.
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO Prelims?
Yes. One quarter of the marks given to a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
Can I switch sections during IBPS PO Prelims?
No. Each section is timed separately. When a section's 20 minutes end, the next section opens and you cannot go back. Our mocks work the same way.