The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released a job notice for 2026. This time, IBPS wants to fill 6,715 posts of Probationary Officer (PO) in 11 government banks across India. If you have a graduate degree and dream of working in a bank, this is a golden chance for you.
Online applications open on 1 July 2026 and close on 21 July 2026. In this article, you will find all details in simple words — who can apply, how much it costs, how the exam works, and the full list of important dates.
Quick Overview
| Post Name | CRP PO/MT-XVI |
| Vacancies | 6,715 |
| Organization | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Last Date | 21 July 2026 |
What is IBPS PO Recruitment 2026?
IBPS released the official notice on 30 June 2026 for hiring Probationary Officers and Management Trainees. This is called the CRP PO/MT-XVI cycle — the 16th time IBPS has run this exam since it started in 2011.
This year, IBPS has announced 6,715 vacancies, which is around 1,500 more posts than last year. That is good news for job seekers, as more posts mean more chances to get selected.
Candidates who pass the exam get a job in one of the 11 public sector banks taking part in this recruitment. Selection is done in three rounds — Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
IBPS PO 2026 Recruitment Details
Here are the key facts about this job in one place:
- Post Name: Probationary Officer (PO) / Management Trainee (MT)
- Organization: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
- Recruitment Cycle: CRP PO/MT-XVI, 2026-27
- Total Vacancies: 6,715 (this number can change slightly)
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a government-recognised university
- Pay Scale: ₹48,480 to ₹85,920 per month (basic pay). With allowances like DA and HRA, the total in-hand salary is around ₹76,000 per month
- Selection Process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Interview
Eligibility Criteria for IBPS PO 2026
Age Limit
You must be between 20 and 30 years old to apply. This means your date of birth should fall between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 2006 (both days included). If you are not sure about your exact age, you can check it using an online age calculator before you apply.
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
Some categories get extra years added to the upper age limit. Check the table below:
| Category | Extra Years Allowed |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years |
Important Note: In earlier years, IBPS asked for a CIBIL score or credit history check. This rule has been removed this year. New rules for PwBD (differently-abled) candidates have also been added. It is a good idea to read the full official notice carefully before applying.
Banks Taking Part in IBPS PO 2026
A total of 11 public sector banks are hiring through this recruitment. When you fill the form, you get to rank these banks in the order you prefer. Your final bank posting depends on two things — your rank in the merit list and the bank order you chose.
The participating banks are:
- 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
- Union Bank of India
Selection Process for IBPS PO 2026
Getting selected involves three steps. Let’s understand each one in simple terms.
Step 1: Preliminary Exam
This is the first, easier round. It works as a filter to shortlist candidates for the next stage.
- It has 3 sections and 100 questions for 100 marks
- Each section has its own 20-minute time limit
- Every wrong answer cuts 0.25 marks as negative marking
- You must clear the cut-off in each section as well as the overall cut-off
- Marks from this round are not added to your final result — it is only for shortlisting
Step 2: Main Exam
This round carries the most weight in your final selection. IBPS has changed the pattern a bit this year.
- The objective paper now has 170 questions for 200 marks
- Some marks have moved from Quantitative Aptitude to Reasoning Ability compared to last year
- There is also a separate Descriptive Paper of 25 marks, where you write an essay and a letter in English
- Your descriptive paper is checked only if you clear the cut-off in the objective paper
Step 3: Personality Test and Interview
Candidates who pass the Main Exam are called for a Personality Test and a face-to-face Interview worth 100 marks.
- General category candidates need at least 40% marks to qualify
- SC / ST / OBC / PwBD candidates need at least 35% marks to qualify
- Your final merit list is made by combining Main Exam and Interview marks in an 80:20 ratio (80% weight to Mains, 20% weight to Interview)
Application Fee for IBPS PO 2026
The fee depends on which category you belong to:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹850 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹175 |
Keep in mind:
- Once you pay the fee, it is not refunded, no matter the reason
- You also cannot save this fee for a future exam cycle
- Payment can only be made online, using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI
How to Apply for IBPS PO Recruitment 2026?
Follow these simple steps to fill your application:
- Go to the official IBPS PO online application link.
- If this is your first time applying, click on “New Registration” and enter your name, mobile number, and email ID.
- You will get a registration number and password on your phone and email. Save these and log in again to continue.
- Upload your scanned photo, signature, left thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration in the correct size and format.
- Carefully fill in your personal details, education details, and category. Also select your bank preference order.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Download the confirmation page and keep a printout safe for later use.
Important Dates for IBPS PO 2026
| Notification Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Apply Start Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Apply Last Date | 21 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | 22 and 23 August 2026 |
| Main Exam | 4 October 2026 |
| Personality Test | November 2026 |
| Interview | November–December 2026 |
| Final Provisional Allotment | January 2027 |
Useful Web-Links
| Application Form | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many vacancies are there in IBPS PO Recruitment 2026?
IBPS has announced 6,715 vacancies for Probationary Officer and Management Trainee posts this year.
What is the last date to apply for IBPS PO 2026?
The online application window closes on 21 July 2026. The application process started on 1 July 2026.
What is the age limit for IBPS PO 2026?
Candidates must be between 20 and 30 years old. Your date of birth should fall between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 2006. Age relaxation is available for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates.
What qualification is needed for IBPS PO 2026?
You need a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject from a university recognised by the Government of India.
What is the application fee for IBPS PO 2026?
General, OBC, and EWS candidates need to pay ₹850. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates need to pay ₹175.
How many banks are participating in IBPS PO 2026?
A total of 11 public sector banks are taking part, including Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, and others.
What is the selection process for IBPS PO 2026?
Selection happens in three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. The Preliminary Exam is only for shortlisting, and the final merit list is based on Main Exam and Interview marks combined in an 80:20 ratio.
Is the CIBIL score required for IBPS PO 2026?
No. The credit history or CIBIL score requirement from earlier years has been removed for this recruitment cycle.
When will the IBPS PO Preliminary Exam 2026 be held?
The Preliminary Exam is scheduled for 22 and 23 August 2026.
What is the salary of an IBPS PO?
The basic pay ranges from ₹48,480 to ₹85,920. With allowances like DA and HRA added, the total monthly in-hand salary is around ₹76,000.