The IBPS PO exam is one of the most popular and competitive banking exams in India. Organised every year by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), it opens the door to a career in 11 public sector banks.
In 2025, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is conducting the PO recruitment for the 15th time since the process began in 2011, officially called IBPS CRP PO/MT CRP-XV.
Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for this exam. But two questions are always on most aspirants’ minds:
- How many people are likely to apply this year?
- How tough will the competition be?
In this article, we will break down past application trends, expect the numbers for 2025, analyze cut off patterns and selection ratios, and share practical preparation tips to help you get ahead of the competition.
Quick Overview of IBPS PO 2025
This year IBPS PO recruitment is a big opportunity for banking job seekers. With more than 5,000 vacancies in 11 public sector banks, it is one of the better chances in recent years. But because the job is highly respected and attracts candidates from all over the country, the competition will be tough right from the start.
| Key Details of IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) Exam 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Details | Information |
| Organisation | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer / Management Trainee |
| Total Vacancies | 5208 |
| Participating Banks | 11 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Prelims Exam Date | 17th, 23rd and 24th August 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date | 12th October 2025 |
| Selection Process | 1. Prelims 2. Mains 3. Interview |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
How Many Candidates Usually Apply for IBPS PO?
The number of people applying for IBPS PO each year usually goes up or down depending on how many vacancies are announced. For example, in 2022, there were over 6,400 openings, and more than 7.5 lakh candidates applied, one of the highest in recent years. But in 2023, when the vacancies dropped to just over 3,000, the number of applicants also fell. This trend shows that more vacancies usually mean more applications.
Here is the recent data:
| Year | Vacancies | Estimated Applicants |
| 2024 | 5973 | 7 lakh |
| 2023 | 3049 | 6.5 lakh |
| 2022 | 6432 | 7.5 lakh |
| 2021 | 4135 | 5.7 lakh |
| 2020 | 4336 | 5.5 lakh |
| 2019 | 4252 | 7.8 lakh |
| 2018 | 4102 | 8.5 lakh |
What Have the Cut-Offs Been in Recent Years?
Cut-off marks tell us the minimum score needed to clear each stage, and they change every year. The changes mostly depend on how difficult the paper is, how many vacancies there are, and how strong the competition is. For example, in 2021 the Mains cut-off for the General category was a high 80.75 because the paper was considered easier. But by 2023, it had dropped to 63.00, showing how much exam difficulty can affect results.
Below is the General category cut-off data for both Prelims and Mains:
| Year | Prelims Cut-Off (Out of 100) | Mains Cut-Off (Out of 225) |
| 2024 | 48.50 | 66.50 |
| 2023 | 54.25 | 63.00 |
| 2022 | 49.75 | 71.25 |
| 2021 | 50.50 | 80.75 |
What Are Your Chances of Clearing Each Stage?
The selection ratio tells us how many candidates typically make it through each stage of the IBPS PO exam. From Prelims to Mains, around 10–15 times the number of vacancies is usually selected. This means a large number of candidates will clear Prelims in 2025. From Mains to the Interview, only about 3 times the number of vacancies is expected to make it through. This shows that passing Prelims is just the first step; the real challenge begins in Mains and gets even tougher in the Interview stage.
How Many Candidates Are Expected in 2025
So far, IBPS has not released any official data on how many candidates have applied for the 2025 exam and in most years, they don’t share this information at all. Based on past trends and the current vacancy count of 5,208, experts expect somewhere between 6 to 8 lakh applications this year.
The number of applicants usually depends on factors like the total vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the strong appeal of a stable, well-paying banking job. But here is the reality: while lakhs may apply, only a small percentage prepare with full dedication. Those are the people you’ll be competing against.
Last 6 Days Game Plan to Beat the Numbers
The IBPS PO Prelims on 17th August 2025 is almost here. Six days isn’t enough to build a castle from scratch, but it is plenty of time to polish the tools you already have. Your aim now: revise smart, practice under pressure, and keep a calm head.
1. Double Down on What You Know
Forget starting entirely new topics, it is a trap that eats time and kills confidence. Instead, go all in on chapters you have already studied. The goal is to make your strong areas unshakable so they can carry you on exam day.
2. One Mock Test a Day
Treat each mock like the real deal: timed, quiet, and distraction free. Give as much time reviewing mistakes as you do answering questions. This is where improvement happens.
3. Hit the High-Scoring Topics First
- Reasoning: Puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms.
- Quant: Simplification, data interpretation, arithmetic word problems.
- English: Reading comprehension, error spotting, cloze tests.
These areas have the highest return on your time right now.
4. Master the Clock
IBPS PO is not just a test of knowledge, it is a speed game. In mocks, practice skipping slow burn questions instantly and coming back only if time permits.
Remember: 20 correct answers are better than 30 guesses.
5. Short, Sharp Revision Bursts
Twice a day morning and evening spend 30 to 40 minutes on formulas, quick tricks, and grammar rules. Keep it light and focused; this is about keeping things fresh, not cramming.
6. Guard Your Energy Like Gold
Sleep at least 7 hours a night, eat balanced meals, and avoid scrolling through “last-minute tips” till 2 a.m. The fresher your mind, the better your accuracy and decision making will be.
Important Note: This article is meant to guide IBPS PO aspirants and help them plan their preparation better. The numbers mentioned for applications and competition is based on past trends and estimates, since IBPS has not released any official data for 2025. Please take these figures as approximate, not exact.
FAQs on IBPS PO 2025: Application Trends, Cut-Offs, and Competition Analysis
1. How many people might apply this year?
Going by past years and the 5,208 vacancies announced, experts think around 6–8 lakh candidates could apply. IBPS usually doesn’t share the exact application numbers.
2. What could the cut-offs be?
It changes every year based on how tough the paper is, how many seats are available, and the competition. In recent years, the General category Prelims cut-off has mostly been between 48 and 54 out of 100.
3. How tough is the competition?
A lot of people apply, but only a small percentage prepare with full focus. After Prelims, 10–15 times the vacancies usually move to Mains. From Mains to Interview, only about 3 times the vacancies make it — that’s where it gets competitive.