IBPS PO 2026 (CRP PO/MT XVI): 7,565 Probationary Officer posts, mains on 4 October

IBPS PO/MT XVI 2026 has reached the mains stage. The prelims result came on 23 September, and the main exam is set for 4 October 2026. After UCO Bank added 200 posts on 27 August, the vacancy count rose to 7,565, the largest PO intake in several years.

Where the posts are

This process feeds officers into eleven public sector banks; the notification gives each bank’s vacancy count. A candidate does not apply to a bank at this stage; preferences are collected later and allotment is done on merit after the interview. Postings can be anywhere in India, which is the main difference from the rural bank and clerical processes that tie you to a state.

Eligibility that applied

A bachelor’s degree in any subject was required, along with basic computer knowledge. The age band was 20 to 30 years as on 1 July 2026, with five years of relaxation for SC and ST and three for OBC. The fee was Rs 850, or Rs 175 for SC, ST and PwBD candidates. Applications ran from 1 to 26 July 2026.

The mains paper

Mains has 155 objective questions over three hours across reasoning with computer aptitude, general, economy and banking awareness, English, and data analysis and interpretation, followed by a 30-minute descriptive test of a letter and an essay typed on the computer. Negative marking is a quarter mark. Mains marks carry 80 percent weight in the final merit and the interview 20 percent; prelims marks are not counted.

Interview and after

Interviews are expected in November and December 2026, conducted by the participating banks under IBPS coordination, with the final result likely in January 2027. Selected officers join as probationers on the basic pay of Rs 48,480, which rises through the officer scale to Rs 85,920, plus dearness, house rent and other allowances. Take-home figures quoted by coaching sites are estimates and vary by city.

What to do now

The mains call letter comes through the candidate login and should be printed with the same photo ID used earlier. Candidates should also keep the documents for the interview ready in advance: degree certificates, category certificate in the central government format, and proof of date of birth, because the interview call usually gives only a short window.

FAQs

When is the IBPS PO 2026 mains exam?

The mains exam is on 4 October 2026.

How many vacancies are there?

The revised vacancy total is 7,565, effective from 27 August 2026.

Do prelims marks count in the final result?

No. Final merit gives 80 percent weight to mains and 20 percent to the interview.