Many candidates who are preparing for the IBPS PO exam 2025 have this question in their minds: How difficult is the IBPS PO Mains exam compared to Prelims? IBPS PO Mains, after the IBPS PO Prelims exam, is a big step that is necessary to clear. Generally, many candidates definitely search this question on Google: “Is IBPS PO Mains tough?” The answer to this question depends on how strong a candidate’s basics are and how well they can prepare for the exam. In this blog, we look at the exam’s difficulty level, competition, cut-off trends, and the best banking courses to beat the difficulty level and improve your chances of success.
What Is the Difficulty Level of IBPS PO Mains?
The IBPS PO Mains exam is more difficult than the Prelims. It tests not just speed and accuracy, but also your depth of understanding. It includes:
- Complicated reasoning questions
- Lengthy data interpretation
- Advanced-level English
If we talk about the year-wise difficulty level, the difficulty level was moderate to difficult in 2029, difficult in 2020, moderate in 2021, and moderate to difficult in 2022. In addition, the difficulty level of the 2023 was moderate.
Take a quick look at the overall difficulty level in the past 5 years:
| Year | Difficulty Level |
| 2019 | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2020 | Difficult |
| 2021 | Moderate |
| 2022 | Moderate to Difficult |
| 2023 | Moderate |
Note: The difficulty level is based on feedback from students and experts.
How Tough Is the Competition in IBPS PO Mains?
Getting through Mains is tough because only a small number of Prelims qualifiers move forward. In 2023, around 1 lakh candidates appeared for the Mains exam, while the final vacancies were around 3,000. This shows that every mark matters.
Also, the Mains score is counted in the final selection along with the interview. So, even if the number of candidates is less than Prelims, the level of competition is very high.
What Are the Cut-Off Trends for IBPS PO Mains?
Cut-off marks give a good idea of how tough the exam is. The cut-offs change each year depending on the difficulty level and number of candidates.
IBPS PO Mains Cut-Off Trends (General Category)
| Year | Cut-Off (Out of 225) |
| 2019 | 71.25 |
| 2020 | 83.50 |
| 2021 | 80.75 |
| 2022 | 88.13 |
| 2023 | 63.00 |
| 2024 | 66.50 |
| 2025 | 68.00-70.00 (expected) |
Note: These are final stage cut-offs, including interview.
Why Is Practice So Important for IBPS PO Mains?
Success in the Mains exam depends heavily on practice and revision. The questions are not just tricky but also time-consuming. Practicing mock tests helps you:
- Understand the question pattern
- Improve accuracy and speed
- Manage time better
- Build confidence for the actual exam
What’s Asked in the IBPS PO Mains Exam?
IBPS PO mains exam tests candidates’ knowledge and understanding of multiple subjects. These subjects are in the form of sections like:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- English Language
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- Descriptive Test (Letter & Essay writing)
You will need a different approach and set of skills to successfully deal with each section.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the IBPS PO Mains exam is tough. Therefore, it is essential to start preparing early and to adopt the right preparation and practice regularly. Good preparation can make the exam crackable. So, you should pay attention to concepts, practice mock tests, and improve your weaknesses. In short, if you remain persistent and confident, success will be at your doorstep!
FAQs
Yes, it is more complex and detailed than Prelims.
The Mains exam is of 225 marks (including the descriptive test).
Yes, it includes essay and letter writing.
Yes, Mains and interview marks decide the final merit.
Practice mock tests, revise concepts, and focus on weak areas.
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