IBPS PO prelims 2026 draws lakhs of candidates as exam analysis searches surge

Searches for "IBPS PO exam analysis" climbed sharply as the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection held the preliminary stage of its Probationary Officer recruitment exam on 22 and 23 August. Candidates typically look up shift-wise analyses immediately after leaving the exam hall to compare the questions they faced and gauge how many attempts might be considered safe.

The prelims is a one-hour online test of 100 questions split across three timed sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability, with 20 minutes for each. Coaching platforms reported that early shifts were broadly moderate in difficulty, with quantitative aptitude on the more time-consuming side. Those figures are candidate feedback rather than official data, so they are indicative only.

The scale explains the interest. This cycle is for 7,565 probationary officer and management trainee posts across participating public sector banks, with reports suggesting well over ten lakh applicants. Candidates who clear the prelims move on to the mains stage, followed by an interview round.