Today and tomorrow
- Download and print your mains call letter from ibps.in, and read its instructions page in full.
- Take at most one light sectional test, not a full mock. Revise your error log, puzzle types and DI shortcuts.
- Revise banking awareness and current affairs notes for the last six months. This is the one section where last-minute revision still pays.
- Write one letter and one essay by hand, timed, to warm up for the descriptive paper.
- Keep your ID, photocopy and photos ready the night before, and plan to reach the centre early.
Pacing the objective paper
The objective paper has 155 questions for 200 marks over 3 hours, with a timer for each section and −0.25 per wrong answer. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude and Data Analysis & Interpretation are the long, puzzle-heavy sections. Start each with the set you can finish, not the first one on screen. In General / Economy / Banking Awareness, answer what you know in one quick pass and move on. Don't burn time on guesses.
The descriptive paper
The 30-minute descriptive test (a letter and an essay, 25 marks) is typed straight after the objective paper. Keep to the word limits, use a clear structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and leave a minute to fix typos. Simple, correct English scores better than ambitious vocabulary with errors.
Key takeaways
- IBPS PO Mains (CRP PO/MT-XVI) is on 4 October 2026. Print your call letter from ibps.in.
- 155 objective questions for 200 marks in 3 hours, with sectional timers and −0.25 per wrong answer, then a 30-minute descriptive paper.
- In the last 48 hours: light practice only, revise banking awareness, and do one timed letter and essay.
Sources
Dates and patterns change — always confirm on the official website before applying.
