Is IBPS PO Exam Tough: The IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer) exam is one of the most attractive posts for aspiring POs. It offers a good career and growth. This is why lakhs of candidates wish to clear it, and the reason why the IBPS PO exam has become one of the toughest PO exams. This exam tests candidates’ knowledge in various subjects. Although the exam is difficult, the candidates who are serious and laborious and follow a well-thought-out preparation strategy clear it on the first attempt. In this blog, we will explore how tough the IBPS PO exam is and what steps you need to take from now on to clear it.
Is IBPS PO Exam Tough: Check Exam Level
The IBPS PO examination is known to be one of the most difficult examinations for several reasons. Here are some of them:
- High Competition: Lakhs of candidates every year take this examination, but a limited number clear it.
- Exam Structure: The exam is three-staged. It comprises the Preliminary examination, Mains examination, and interview. Each stage is different in terms of its difficulty level. So, you should be approached seriously in preparation for the class.
- Syllabus and Time Management: The syllabus is broad, and it includes areas of knowledge such as Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. Time management is very important, especially during exam time.
- Cut-off Trends: The cut-off marks change every year, and it is very important to study these trends to set achievable goals.
However, it should be noted that with proper efforts, adequate preparation, and practice, coupled with mock test practice, most of the candidates can clear the IBPS PO exam on the first attempt.
IBPS PO Difficulty Level
The IBPS PO exam has a moderate to high difficulty level. It is designed to test candidates on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, general awareness, and computer knowledge. The Prelims are easier and more focused on speed, while the Mains exam is more challenging due to its complex questions and time constraints. The descriptive paper and interview further increase the overall difficulty. Strong conceptual understanding, speed, and time management are crucial. The competition is intense as lakhs of aspirants apply each year for limited vacancies. Consistent practice and smart preparation strategies can significantly improve the chances of success in this highly competitive banking exam.

10 Preparation Tips To Crack IBPS PO Exam
An appropriate study plan and a well-planned approach are very important for candidates who want to crack the IBPS PO exam. Candidates must check the following tips to formulate an effective study plan:
- Prepare a daily/weekly/monthly IBPS PO study schedule and adhere to it, at the same time making sure to cover each section of the syllabus and focus on these sections.
- Spend enough time on portions that appeared frequently in the past years’ IBPS PO question papers and develop a deep understanding of them.
- Track your progress to monitor your daily and monthly study goals and to ensure that studies are finished on time.
- Prepare a list of important topics and major areas of the subject, and focus on those areas that have often been covered in the exam.
- Learn difficult lessons first, and spend enough time on them to master their basic concepts and related information.
- Spend one hour on each of the sections. Use the school textbooks to understand the basic concepts and learn the formulas and theorems by heart.
- After mastering all the concepts, start solving previous years’ question papers.
- Take one hour for a day and dedicate the time to practicing questions on a given topic, and ensure you learn the short tricks needed to solve questions.
- Ideally, try to attempt at least one full-length mock test a day, so that you have a clear idea of what parts you need to improve on.
- Summarize all the concepts that have been learned and revise them time and again before the exam.
The candidates willing to prepare for these examinations must follow the above-listed strategies and practice them often to get through the examinations successfully.
Is IBPS PO Exam Tough or Not: Final Words
The IBPS PO exam is very tough and intense, and requires proper, hard work and a proper strategy to be employed during the preparations. When you have thousands of candidates applying for a few vacancies, it only becomes necessary to have a properly formulated strategy. The exam format has a Preliminary Section, Main Section, and an Interview. The exam will cover topics from subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. To study effectively, candidates should plan their study timetable for the day, week, and month to achieve steady progress through all sections. It means that you should pay attention to the topics that most commonly appear in the exam, as well as eliminate all your weaknesses and solidify your strengths. Start by taking mock tests, learn from them, and keep on improving to perform well in the exam on your first attempt.
| Related Blogs: | |
| IBPS PO Exam Pattern | IBPS PO Salary |
| IBPS PO Previous Year Question Paper | IBPS PO Syllabus |
| IBPS PO Cut Off | IBPS PO Study Plan |
Is IBPS PO Exam Tough: FAQs
Yes, IBPS PO is tough due to high competition and a robust syllabus, but proper preparation can lead to success.
The exam’s difficulty arises from high competition, a three-tier structure, and extensive subjects like Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
Time management is crucial, especially during the exam, as it helps in handling the broad syllabus efficiently.
Your plan should cover daily/weekly goals, focus on frequently asked topics, and prioritize difficult sections.
Take regular mock tests, track your progress, and revise key concepts frequently to improve your chances of success.
- Sign Up on Practicemock for Updated Current Affairs, Topic Tests and Mini Mocks
- Sign Up Here to Download Free Study Material
Free Mock Tests for the Upcoming Exams
- IBPS PO Free Mock Test
- RBI Grade B Free Mock Test
- IBPS SO Free Mock Test
- NABARD Grade A Free Mock Test
- SSC CGL Free Mock Test
- IBPS Clerk Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB PO Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB Clerk Free Mock Test
- RRB NTPC Free Mock Test
- SSC MTS Free Mock Test
- SSC Stenographer Free Mock Test
- GATE Mechanical Free Mock Test
- GATE Civil Free Mock Test
- RRB ALP Free Mock Test
- SSC CPO Free Mock Test
- AFCAT Free Mock Test
- SEBI Grade A Free Mock Test
- IFSCA Grade A Free Mock Test
- RRB JE Free Mock Test
- Free Banking Live Test
- Free SSC Live Test
