What the IBPS PO cut-off means
There are three qualifying bars. The prelims cut-off is sectional: you have to clear English, Quant and Reasoning separately. The Mains cut-off asks for a minimum score in each test and a minimum total. Clearing it gets you to the personality test and the interview. The interview has its own pass mark. After that, the final merit list combines your Mains and interview scores.
Prelims cut-off (sectional)
The prelims is a screening test. To reach the Mains you have to score at least the minimum cut-off in each of its three tests. IBPS sets those minimums and then shortlists enough candidates in each category for the Mains, based on its requirements.
| Test | Questions / marks | Cut-off rule |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 / 30 | Must clear — minimum set by IBPS |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 / 30 | Must clear — minimum set by IBPS |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 / 40 | Must clear — minimum set by IBPS |
| Total | 100 / 100 · 60 min | Category-wise shortlist for Mains |
Source: clause D(a) of the CRP PO/MT-XVI notification. Each test is timed separately at 20 minutes. The notification doesn’t give the cut-off marks themselves. Prelims marks are used only to shortlist candidates for the Mains and don’t count in the final merit list.
Interview pass mark, by category
This is the only category-wise cut-off that IBPS prints in the notification. The interview carries 100 marks, and the minimum qualifying mark is at least 40%, or 35% for SC, ST, OBC and PwBD candidates.
Source: clause J of the notification. These are minimums (“not less than”), so IBPS can set the bar higher. If you don’t reach the minimum, your interview score isn’t disclosed.
Mains cut-off: every test, plus the total
Clause F of the notification says you need a minimum score in each test of the Main exam and a minimum total to be shortlisted for the personality test and interview. IBPS fixes these cut-offs based on the number of vacancies.
What decides the cut-off
IBPS doesn’t fix the marks in advance. According to the notification, these four things shape where the line falls:
Number of vacancies
The Mains cut-offs are decided “depending on the number of vacancies available”. This cycle has 6,715 indicative vacancies for 2027-28.
Category-wise shortlisting
IBPS shortlists an adequate number of candidates in each category, based on its requirements, so the cut-off differs by category.
Normalisation
If the exam runs in more than one session, scores are normalised using the equi-percentile method and calculated to two decimal places.
Negative marking
Every wrong answer costs a quarter of that question’s marks, and cut-offs apply to this corrected score. Questions you leave blank cost nothing.
How the final merit list works
Only Mains marks count for the shortlist for the personality test and interview, and for the final merit list. Your final score combines the Mains (80%) and the interview (20%). You must qualify in both and rank high enough on merit to be considered for provisional allotment to a bank, which is done on a merit-cum-preference basis. The personality test doesn’t carry qualifying marks, but you must take it to be allowed into the interview.
Two more rules decide close cases. If two or more candidates have the same score, the older candidate is placed higher. Reserved-category candidates who make it on the General standard are treated as General candidates. IBPS may also keep a reserve list of about 20% of the vacancies in each category, if enough candidates are available. Being on the reserve list doesn’t guarantee allotment.
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Clear every section, not just the total
IBPS PO cut-offs are sectional. A strong total can’t make up for one weak test. JobSafal helps you spot the weak section early and fix it before exam day.
Section-wise mock analysis
See your English, Quant and Reasoning scores separately after every mock, so a weak section can’t hide.
Daily plan
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Accuracy over guessing
Practise deciding when to skip, since every wrong answer costs a quarter of the question’s marks.
Timed mocks
Separately timed sections, just like the real exam, so you build the right pace for each test.
