Banking & Insurance · IBPS · Updated 19 October 2026
IBPS PO 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
IBPS PO / MT
Conducted annually by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, IBPS PO recruits Probationary Officers and Management Trainees across 11 participating Public Sector Banks in India. The three-phase selection process comprises a speed-focused Preliminary CBT, an analytical Mains CBT with descriptive English writing, and a personal interview.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- IBPS
Start for free with IBPS PO syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
IBPS PO exam overview and highlights
About IBPS PO
IBPS PO (CRP PO/MT) is the common recruitment process for Probationary Officers and Management Trainees in participating public sector banks. It is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection and is one of the largest graduate-level bank exams in India. Selection has four steps: an online Prelims, an online Mains with a descriptive paper, a mandatory Personality Test, and a personal interview. Final allotment to a bank is based on the combined Mains and interview score and the candidate's bank preferences.
The examination process for IBPS PO comprises 3 stages: Prelims, followed by Mains, followed by Interview. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, General, Economy and Banking Awareness — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims is qualifying and its marks are not carried forward. Final merit is drawn from the Mains and interview scores in an 80:20 ratio, followed by provisional allotment to a participating bank by merit and preference.
Key subjects
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation
- Reasoning Ability
- Computer Aptitude
- General, Economy and Banking Awareness
What clearing IBPS PO leads to
- Probationary Officer (PO) in participating public sector banks
- Management Trainee (MT) in participating public sector banks
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 for probationary officers in Junior Management Grade Scale I, plus allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
Quick facts
- Full name
- IBPS PO / MT
- Conducting body
- Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (9 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests
- Official website
- www.ibps.in
IBPS PO — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of IBPS PO conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IBPS PO — IBPS PO / MT |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Category | Banking & Insurance |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification around July; Prelims in August; Mains in October; Personality Test and interviews in November or December; provisional allotment around January |
| Mode of Application | Online on ibps.in, with a single registration for the cycle |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (9 Papers Total): Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims is qualifying and its marks are not carried forward. Final merit is drawn from the Mains and interview scores in an 80:20 ratio, followed by provisional allotment to a participating bank by merit and preference. |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university |
| Age Limit | 20 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 for probationary officers in Junior Management Grade Scale I, plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Several lakh applicants for a few thousand posts across the participating banks |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI (vacancies of 2027-28): important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification released | 1 Jul 2026 | Done |
| Online registration and fee payment | 1 to 21 Jul 2026 | Done |
| Prelims (IBPS calendar dates) | 22 and 23 Aug 2026 | Done |
| Mains (IBPS calendar date) | 4 Oct 2026 | Done |
| Mains result | Nov 2026 | Expected |
| Personality Test | Nov 2026 | Expected |
| Interview | Nov to Dec 2026 | Expected |
| Provisional allotment | Jan 2027 | Expected |
- Vacancies
- 7,565 across 10 participating banks (indicative, as updated by IBPS on 27 Aug 2026; Union Bank of India has not reported its figure)
- Salary
- Basic pay ₹48,480 in the scale ₹48,480-2,000/7-62,480-2,340/2-67,160-2,680/7-85,920, plus allowances and perquisites of the bank
- Application fee
- ₹175 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates; ₹850 for all others (GST included)
Latest updates
- 1 Jul 2026: IBPS notified CRP PO/MT-XVI for 11 public sector banks, with 6,715 indicative vacancies at launch.
- 1 Jul 2026: A mandatory Personality Test (a self-report test that does not decide qualification) now sits between Mains and the interview.
- 1 Jul 2026: Mains is now 170 objective questions for 200 marks in 160 minutes, plus a 25-mark descriptive paper (essay and comprehension) in 30 minutes.
- 1 Jul 2026: In Prelims, Quantitative Aptitude now carries 30 marks and Reasoning Ability 40 marks; English stays at 30.
- 7 Aug 2026: IBPS listed the disability categories and functional requirements suitable for the PO/MT post.
- 27 Aug 2026: Indicative vacancies were revised a second time, to 7,565.
Prelims and Mains dates are from the IBPS tentative calendar of 16 Jan 2026. IBPS has not posted a separate exam-date notice or a Prelims result notice for this cycle on ibps.in, so later stages show the months given in the notification.
Sources: IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI detailed notification, IBPS window notification for CRP PO/MT-XVI and SPL-XVI, IBPS corrigendum on updated vacancies, 27 Aug 2026, IBPS updated vacancies (Annexure I) as on 27 Aug 2026, IBPS notice for PwBD candidates, 7 Aug 2026, IBPS tentative calendar 2026-27, IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI page
How to apply online for IBPS PO
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit www.ibps.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on ibps.in, with a single registration for the cycle.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the IBPS PO application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final IBPS PO Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
IBPS PO eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for IBPS PO must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by IBPS.
Educational qualification
Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university.
Age limit & relaxations
20 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India, or other categories permitted under the notification.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates should be able to operate a computer; proficiency in the local language of the state may be checked before joining.
IBPS PO — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
IBPS PO selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims is qualifying and its marks are not carried forward. Final merit is drawn from the Mains and interview scores in an 80:20 ratio, followed by provisional allotment to a participating bank by merit and preference.
Stage 1: Prelims
Online (computer-based test) • 3 Papers (English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability) • 100 Questions • 100 Total Marks • Duration: 20 minutes • A one-hour qualifying screen of 100 questions with sectional timing.
A one-hour qualifying screen of 100 questions with sectional timing. Marks from Prelims are not counted in the final merit list.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration English Language 30 30 20 minutes Quantitative Aptitude 35 30 20 minutes Reasoning Ability 35 40 20 minutes Stage 2: Mains
Online (computer-based test) • 5 Papers (Reasoning, General, Economy, Banking, Digital and Financial Awareness (including RBI circulars), English Language + 2 more) • 172 Questions • 225 Total Marks • Duration: 45 minutes • An objective test of 170 questions for 200 marks over 160 minutes, followed by a 30-minute descriptive English paper of essay and comprehension for 25 marks.
An objective test of 170 questions for 200 marks over 160 minutes, followed by a 30-minute descriptive English paper of essay and comprehension for 25 marks. Only Mains marks are used to shortlist for the Personality Test and interview, and they carry 80 percent of the final merit.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Reasoning 40 60 45 minutes General, Economy, Banking, Digital and Financial Awareness (including RBI circulars) 50 60 35 minutes English Language 40 20 35 minutes Data Analysis and Interpretation 40 60 45 minutes Descriptive Paper (essay and comprehension)In English; topics may cover economic and social issues, banking and technology trends, current events and ethics; may be scored by an automated system 2 25 30 minutes Stage 3: Interview
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (Personal interview) • 100 Total Marks • Candidates who clear Mains first take a mandatory Personality Test (self-report, not qualifying), whose profile is shared with the panel.
Candidates who clear Mains first take a mandatory Personality Test (self-report, not qualifying), whose profile is shared with the panel. This is followed by a personal interview of 100 marks conducted by participating banks, with a minimum of 40 percent (35 percent for SC, ST, OBC and PwBD). The final score combines Mains and interview marks in an 80:20 ratio, and candidates are then allotted to banks on merit and preference.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Personal interviewMinimum qualifying marks apply Varies 100 Varies Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
IBPS PO subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
English Language — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test
- Error spotting and sentence correction
- Para jumbles
English Language — Part II (Fill in the blanks)
- Fill in the blanks
- Vocabulary and word usage
- Sentence rearrangement
- Essay and comprehension writing (Mains descriptive)
Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation — Part I (Simplification and approximation)
- Simplification and approximation
- Number series
- Quadratic equations
- Data interpretation (tables, bar, line, pie, caselets)
- Percentage, profit and loss
Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation — Part II (Ratio, average and mixtures)
- Ratio, average and mixtures
- Time, speed, distance and work
- Simple and compound interest
- Probability and permutation
- Data sufficiency
Reasoning Ability — Part I (Seating arrangement and puzzles)
- Seating arrangement and puzzles
- Syllogism
- Inequalities
- Coding and decoding
Reasoning Ability — Part II (Blood relations and direction sense)
- Blood relations and direction sense
- Input-output
- Logical reasoning and statement-based questions
- Alphanumeric series
Computer Aptitude: Computer fundamentals and hardware & Operating systems
- Computer fundamentals and hardware
- Operating systems
- MS Office basics
- Internet and networking
- Computer security
- Number systems and flowcharts
General, Economy and Banking Awareness
- Current affairs of the last six months
- Banking terms and abbreviations
- RBI and monetary policy
- Government schemes
- Financial institutions and their roles
- Budget and economic survey highlights
- Static GK
IBPS PO salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 for probationary officers in Junior Management Grade Scale I, plus allowances. Appointments under Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 for probationary officers in Junior Management Grade Scale I, plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
IBPS PO cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) releases stage-wise and category-wise IBPS PO cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
IBPS PO — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When IBPS PO is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining IBPS PO Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the IBPS PO cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
IBPS PO admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
IBPS PO Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official IBPS PO Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.ibps.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the IBPS PO e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
IBPS PO Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.ibps.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
IBPS PO Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) declares the IBPS PO result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.ibps.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official IBPS PO Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
IBPS PO mock tests
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IBPS PO Full Mock Test 1
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS PO Full Mock Test 2
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS PO Full Mock Test 3
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS PO Full Mock Test 4
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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IBPS PO Full Mock Test 5
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
IBPS PO previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all IBPS PO previous year papers by year
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Recent IBPS PO question papers
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Complete 10-year IBPS PO paper archive
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Predicted questions for IBPS PO
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for IBPS PO
- Treat Prelims as a speed test: with 20 minutes per section, aim for accuracy on easier questions before attempting puzzles or lengthy DI sets.
- In Mains, Reasoning and Data Analysis together carry 120 of 200 marks, so give puzzles and DI sets the largest share of your practice time.
- Read a daily current affairs digest and revise banking awareness monthly, since the General Awareness section is quick to score if you are prepared.
- Practice typing an essay and a comprehension answer within 30 minutes, because the descriptive paper is typed on the computer and many candidates run out of time.
- Attempt full-length mock tests with sectional timers and analyse which sections you lose marks in before changing your strategy.
- Keep your bank preference order ready before the interview stage, since allotment depends on both merit and preferences.
IBPS PO FAQs
Is there any sectional cut-off in IBPS PO Prelims?
Yes. Candidates must clear the cut-off in each of the three sections as well as the overall cut-off to be shortlisted for Mains.
Do Prelims marks count in the final IBPS PO merit list?
No. Prelims is only qualifying. The final merit list is prepared from Mains (objective and descriptive) and interview marks in an 80:20 ratio.
Can final year students apply for IBPS PO?
Normally no. Candidates must hold a graduation degree and be able to produce proof of passing on the date mentioned in the notification.
What is the age limit for IBPS PO?
The usual age range is 20 to 30 years as on the date mentioned in the notification, with relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and other categories as per rules.
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO?
Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests of both Prelims and Mains.
Which banks recruit through IBPS PO?
Participating public sector banks such as Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and others, as listed in that year's notification. SBI recruits separately.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for IBPS PO?
IBPS PO is conducted by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) across 3 stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview. Prelims is qualifying and its marks are not carried forward. Final merit is drawn from the Mains and interview scores in an 80:20 ratio, followed by provisional allotment to a participating bank by merit and preference.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for IBPS PO?
Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university. Age Limit: 20 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing IBPS PO?
Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 for probationary officers in Junior Management Grade Scale I, plus allowances.
When is the IBPS PO notification released and how can I apply online?
IBPS PO is held once a year (Notification around July; Prelims in August; Mains in October; Personality Test and interviews in November or December; provisional allotment around January). Online on ibps.in, with a single registration for the cycle.
How can I prepare for IBPS PO on SmartRank?
Select IBPS PO as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact IBPS PO pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.