The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is set to conduct the Preliminary Examination for the recruitment of Probationary Officers / Management Trainees (CRP PO/MT-XVI) this weekend on August 22 and August 23, 2026. Thousands of banking aspirants across India will appear for the computer-based test across four daily shifts. Candidates must verify their assigned test shift, reporting slot, and examination centre by downloading their call letter from the official portal at ibps.in.
IBPS PO Prelims 2026 Shift Schedule & Reporting Timings
The preliminary examination is scheduled in four distinct 60-minute shifts on both Saturday and Sunday:
- Conducting Body: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
- Recruitment Drive: CRP PO/MT-XVI (Probationary Officer / Management Trainee)
- Official Website: ibps.in
- Exam Dates: August 22, 2026 & August 23, 2026
- Shift 1: Reporting Time: 08:00 AM | Exam Window: 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Shift 2: Reporting Time: 10:30 AM | Exam Window: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Shift 3: Reporting Time: 01:00 PM | Exam Window: 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM
- Shift 4: Reporting Time: 03:30 PM | Exam Window: 04:30 PM to 05:30 PM
Exam Pattern & Sectional Timing Breakdown
Candidates must manage their time effectively as sectional timers are strictly non-negotiable:
- Total Duration & Format: 100 Objective Multiple Choice Questions (100 Marks) to be solved in 60 minutes.
- English Language: 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Strictly 20 Minutes.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | Strictly 20 Minutes.
- Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | Strictly 20 Minutes.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 (1/4th) mark will be deducted for every incorrect response. Unattempted questions carry zero penalty.
- Sectional Switching: Candidates cannot switch between sections during the test; each 20-minute section locks automatically once the timer expires.
Mandatory Document Checklist for Exam Centre Entry
Candidates must carry the following items to gain admission to the examination hall:
- Printed Call Letter: Hard copy of the IBPS PO Prelims Admit Card with a recent passport-size photograph firmly pasted in the designated box.
- Additional Passport Photograph: One additional passport-size photograph (identical to the application upload) to be pasted on the attendance sheet inside the lab.
- Original Photo Identity Proof: Valid original ID proof such as PAN Card, Passport, Permanent Driving License, Voter's Card, Bank Passbook with photo, or Aadhaar / E-Aadhaar. (Ration Card and Learner's Driving License are not accepted).
- Photocopy of ID Proof: Clear self-attested photocopy of the same photo identity proof stapled to the admit card.
- Stationery: Personal simple blue/black ballpoint pen, glue stick (for pasting photo), and personal ink stamp pad.
Strictly Prohibited Items & Venue Guidelines
To ensure a smooth entry and avoid immediate disqualification, candidates must adhere to these exam regulations:
- Barred Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital wristwatches, fitness bands, Bluetooth devices, calculators, earphones, or microphones are strictly prohibited inside the venue.
- Stationery & Baggage Restrictions: Textbooks, loose paper sheets, geometry boxes, pencil pouches, and large backpacks cannot be taken inside test labs.
- Biometric Verification: All candidates must undergo mandatory digital photograph capture and thumb impression / IRIS verification at the registration desk prior to entering the computer lab.
- Preserve Call Letter: The prelims admit card, along with the authenticated ID proof photocopy, will be verified and collected by the invigilator at the end of the session.