IBPS PO Exam Analysis 2026 (22 & 23 August): Shift-Wise Difficulty, Good Attempts & Questions Asked
Live updates: The IBPS PO Prelims 2026 is being held across eight shifts on 22 and 23 August 2026. This page carries the shift-by-shift breakdown as each session wraps up, starting with the 22 August Shift 1 review below. Numbers here are based on candidate feedback and expert review, so treat them as a close guide, not an official score.
If you have already given your shift, this analysis helps you gauge where you stand: how tough the paper was, how many attempts were “good,” and which topics carried the most weight. If your shift is coming up, use it to know what to expect.
IBPS PO Prelims 2026 Exam Pattern
Before the shift analysis, a quick refresher on the paper structure. The Prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks, and you get 60 minutes total with a strict 20-minute sectional timer. You cannot move back to a section once its 20 minutes are up.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer, so blind guessing hurts. Clearing the Prelims only makes you eligible for the Mains; Prelims marks are not added to the final selection score.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Dates & Shift Timings
The exam runs in four shifts each day on both dates. Here is the timing for all eight sessions:
| Shift | Timing |
|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Shift 3 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Shift 4 | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
IBPS PO Prelims 22 August 2026 – Shift 1 Analysis
The first shift is done. Going by candidate feedback and coaching-faculty review, the paper was Moderate overall, and the good-attempt range settled at roughly 65 to 75 questions depending on accuracy. The section order in the exam was English, then Quantitative Aptitude, then Reasoning.
Shift 1 – Section-Wise Difficulty
| Section | Difficulty | Good Attempts (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Easy to Moderate | 20–24 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate | 21–25 |
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate | 24–28 |
| Overall | Moderate | 65–75 |
Shift 1 – Topics Asked
Reasoning Ability: Puzzles and seating arrangements took up the bulk of the section, followed by syllogism, inequality, direction and distance, and blood relation. This is the usual pattern, so nothing surprising here for a well-prepared candidate.
Quantitative Aptitude: The section leaned on arithmetic word problems and Data Interpretation, along with number series, approximation, and quadratic equations. DI sets were the deciding factor for speed in this shift.
English Language: Reading Comprehension carried the most questions, with error detection, para jumbles, cloze test, and vocabulary-based questions making up the rest. Candidates found this the most scoring section of the three.
IBPS PO Prelims 2026 – Good Attempts (All Shifts)
This table updates after each shift concludes. Shift 1 is confirmed; the rest fill in through 22 and 23 August as feedback comes in.
| Date | Shift | Difficulty | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug | Shift 1 | Moderate | 65–75 |
| 22 Aug | Shift 2 | To be updated | To be updated |
| 22 Aug | Shift 3 | To be updated | To be updated |
| 22 Aug | Shift 4 | To be updated | To be updated |
| 23 Aug | Shift 1–4 | To be updated | To be updated |
Section-Wise Topic Trends (What to Expect in Later Shifts)
The core syllabus has stayed stable across recent IBPS PO papers, though puzzle and DI formats keep getting a fresh twist. If your shift is still ahead, here is where to put your attention:
Reasoning: Puzzles and seating arrangement decide this section, so lock those down first. Syllogism, inequality, direction, and word formation are quick, reliable scorers when time is tight.
Quant: Arithmetic and Data Interpretation carry the weight. Number series, approximation, and quadratic equations are the fast-attempt topics to bank early before spending time on lengthy DI sets.
English: Reading Comprehension dominates, backed by error detection, para jumbles, and cloze test. Vocabulary and grammar questions are the quickest marks in the paper.
What Happens After the Prelims?
Prelims is a qualifying stage. Candidates who clear the sectional and overall cut-offs move to the Mains, which is the exam that actually counts toward the final merit list. Expected cut-offs will start circulating once all eight shifts are done and normalization is factored in, since scores across shifts of differing difficulty are adjusted before results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the difficulty level of IBPS PO Prelims Shift 1 on 22 August 2026?
Shift 1 was rated Moderate overall, with English and Reasoning on the easier side and Quantitative Aptitude slightly tougher due to lengthy DI and arithmetic questions.
What are the good attempts for IBPS PO Prelims 2026 Shift 1?
The indicative good-attempt range for Shift 1 was around 65 to 75 questions, depending on accuracy. This is based on candidate feedback and can vary by individual.
How many questions are there in IBPS PO Prelims 2026?
There are 100 questions for 100 marks, split across English (30), Quantitative Aptitude (35), and Reasoning Ability (35), with a 20-minute sectional time limit and 60 minutes in total.
Is there negative marking in IBPS PO Prelims?
Yes. Each wrong answer carries a penalty of 0.25 marks, so avoid random guessing.
Do Prelims marks count in the final IBPS PO selection?
No. The Prelims is only a qualifying round. Only the Mains and Interview scores are used for the final merit list.
When will the IBPS PO Prelims 2026 result come out?
IBPS usually releases the Prelims result a few weeks after the exam concludes. Keep an eye on the official website, ibps.in, for the exact date.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on candidate feedback and expert review collected after the exam, not on official IBPS data. Difficulty levels and good-attempt figures are indicative and may vary from your actual performance. Memory-based questions and shift details are compiled from aspirant inputs. For official notifications, results, and cut-offs, always refer to the IBPS website at ibps.in.IBPS PO Exam Analysis 2026 (22 & 23 August): Shift-Wise Difficulty, Good Attempts & Questions Asked