Complete Guide to IBPS PO application fee details 2026

The IBPS PO 2026 application fee is set at ₹850 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates, while SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are required to pay ₹175. Payments must be completed online via the official IBPS portal (www.ibps.in) by July 21, 2026, to successfully submit your registration.

What is the Exam?

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) Common Recruitment Process (CRP) annually to recruit officers for various Public Sector Banks across India. As we at Exam Bhai observe, this is one of the most prestigious gateway exams for graduates seeking a stable, growth-oriented career in the Indian banking sector. Successful candidates are appointed as Management Trainees/Probationary Officers, serving as the bedrock of retail and commercial banking operations.

Key Highlights 2026

• Official Portal: www.ibps.in
• Application Start Date: July 1, 2026
• Registration/Fee Payment Deadline: July 21, 2026
• Application Correction Window: July 31 – August 1, 2026
• Mode of Payment: Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Wallet)
• Selection Process: Three-tier (Prelims, Mains, Interview)
• Fee Structure: ₹850 (Gen/OBC/EWS) | ₹175 (SC/ST/PwBD)

Syllabus 2026

Exam Pattern

The selection process follows a structured format. To excel, you must familiarize yourself with the difficulty levels and time constraints. We highly recommend that you practice free mock tests for Banking on Exam Bhai to simulate real exam conditions and improve your speed.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official notifications released on the government-verified portal ibps.in, candidates must satisfy the following:

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee settled in India since before 1962.
• Age Limit: 20 to 30 years as of July 1, 2026 (Born between July 2, 1996, and July 1, 2006).
• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor's degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.

Application Process

1. Visit the official website: www.ibps.in.
2. Click on the link for 'CRP PO/MT-XVI'.
3. Select 'Click here for New Registration'.
4. Provide basic information and receive your provisional registration number and password.
5. Upload your scanned photograph, signature, left-thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration as per specified dimensions.
6. Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the application fee.
7. After successful payment, download and print the application form for future reference.

Preparation Strategy

Success in the IBPS PO exam requires a disciplined approach. We advise building a strong foundation in core concepts before moving to high-level practice. Make sure you regularly access curated study materials for Banking on Exam Bhai to stay ahead of the competition. Prioritize previous year papers to understand the question style, and always check the latest exam updates on Exam Bhai to adjust your strategy based on current trends.

Cut-Off Trends

Historical data sourced from official IBPS archives indicates that cut-offs are dynamic and fluctuate based on vacancy count and paper difficulty. In 2025, the General category Prelims cut-off stood at 49.21, whereas the 2024 cut-off was 48.50. These figures, available on official government-aligned portals, show a rising trend due to increased competition. Candidates are advised to aim for 10–15 marks above the previous year's cut-off to ensure a safe spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I pay the IBPS PO fee via offline Challan? No, the payment must be made strictly online through the portal using Debit/Credit cards, Net Banking, or UPI.

Q2: Is there a concession for EWS candidates? No, the application fee for EWS candidates is the same as the General and OBC categories (₹850).

Q3: What if I make a mistake in the application form? A window for editing the application is provided after the registration closes (July 31–Aug 1, 2026). Ensure your details are accurate during the first attempt.

Q4: Does the fee include GST? Yes, the indicated fees include all applicable taxes and transaction charges associated with the online gateway.

Q5: Is the application fee refundable? No, once the payment is processed, it is non-refundable under any circumstances, including cancellation of candidature.

Q6: Where can I check if my payment was successful? You should receive an e-receipt immediately after payment. You can also re-login to the IBPS portal and check the 'Payment' tab to verify the transaction status.