IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 Shift 1 on 23 August was assessed as moderate overall, with Reasoning Ability reporting the highest range of good attempts. Here is the complete section-wise analysis, question distribution and preparation guidance for upcoming shifts.
NEW DELHI, India — The first shift of the IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 held on 23 August has concluded, with candidates describing the overall paper as moderate. Based on the initial feedback from candidates who appeared in Shift 1, the IBPS PO Exam Analysis 2026 covers the difficulty level, estimated good attempts and the topics asked in English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.
Key Highlights
- The overall difficulty level of IBPS PO Prelims 23 August Shift 1 was assessed as Moderate.
- The estimated overall good attempts were around 64–71 questions.
- Reasoning Ability had an estimated 25–28 good attempts, the highest among the three sections.
- English Language had 30 questions, while Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability each carried 35 questions.
IBPS PO Prelims 23 August Shift 1 Difficulty Level and Good Attempts
The IBPS PO Exam Analysis 2026 indicates that all three sections were in the moderate range according to the initial candidate feedback. The estimated good attempts provide an indicative benchmark of the number of questions candidates could attempt with reasonable accuracy.
| Section | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Moderate | 23–25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate | 16–18 |
| Reasoning Ability | Moderate | 25–28 |
| Overall | Moderate | 64–71 |
These good-attempt figures are based on candidate feedback and should be treated as estimates rather than official cut-off marks or results.
IBPS PO English Language Analysis 2026
The English Language section consisted of 30 questions. The questions covered Reading Comprehension, grammar, sentence-based questions, fillers and word-related topics.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (China Medication) | 9 |
| Phrase Replacement | 1 |
| Para Jumble | 5 |
| Double Filler | 2 |
| Error Detection | 4 |
| Word Rearrangement | 4 |
| Word Swap | 5 |
| Total | 30 |
Reading Comprehension accounted for the largest individual share with nine questions. Para Jumble and Word Swap each contributed five questions, followed by Error Detection and Word Rearrangement with four questions each.
IBPS PO Quantitative Aptitude Analysis 2026
The Quantitative Aptitude section contained 35 questions. The reported paper included multiple Data Interpretation sets along with approximation, quadratic equations and arithmetic-based questions.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Approximation | 3 |
| Quadratic Equation | 3 |
| DI Bar Graph | 5 |
| DI Line Graph | 5 |
| DI Table | 5 |
| Arithmetic (Boat, Train, Pipe, Age, Partnership, Time & Work, Square/Rectangular, Mensuration) | 13 |
| Caselet DI (Cookies Baked & Sold) | 1 |
| Total | 35 |
Arithmetic formed the largest component of the section with 13 questions. Three separate five-question DI sets were reported from a bar graph, line graph and table, while approximation and quadratic equations contributed three questions each.
IBPS PO Reasoning Ability Analysis 2026
Reasoning Ability also consisted of 35 questions. The section featured several puzzle and arrangement-based sets along with blood relation, syllogism, inequality and word-based questions.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Puzzle Single Row (Mix Direction), 7 Person | 5 |
| Puzzle (Order Sequence), 6 Person + Variable | 5 |
| Box Based + Variable, 6 Person | 5 |
| Year Based Puzzle | 5 |
| Certain Number of Person | 3 |
| Blood Relation (3 gen) | 3 |
| Syllogism | 3 |
| Meaningful Word | 1 |
| Inequalities | 3 |
| Word Based | 1 |
| Pair Formation | 1 |
| Total | 35 |
Four separate five-question components were reported from the single-row, order-sequence, box-based and year-based puzzle areas. Blood Relation, Syllogism and Inequalities each contributed three questions.
How Candidates Can Use the 23 August Shift 1 Analysis
Candidates appearing in subsequent shifts can use the analysis to identify the broad areas being tested and assess whether their preparation covers the reported question types. The analysis should be used as a preparation reference rather than as a prediction of the exact questions in another shift.
- Review the topics reported across English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.
- Practise questions from the topics that appeared frequently in the reported paper.
- Revise important formulas, concepts and rules before the next shift.
- Attempt a short mock test to improve speed and confidence.
- Maintain accuracy while deciding which questions to attempt.
- Avoid completely changing the preparation strategy based on the experience of a single shift.
IBPS PO Prelims 23 August Shift 1 Video Analysis
A video analysis of the IBPS PO Prelims 2026 23 August Shift 1 has also been referenced from YouTube Adda247. Candidates can use the video discussion alongside the section-wise analysis to review the reported paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the difficulty level of IBPS PO Prelims 23 August Shift 1?
Based on the initial feedback from candidates, the overall difficulty level was assessed as Moderate.
What were the good attempts for IBPS PO 23 August Shift 1?
The estimated overall good attempts were around 64–71 questions.
Which section was considered relatively easier in IBPS PO 23 August Shift 1?
Reasoning Ability was relatively more manageable based on the reported good-attempt range, which was estimated at 25–28 questions.
Can candidates in upcoming shifts refer to the 23 August Shift 1 analysis?
Yes. Candidates can use it to understand the reported difficulty level, question types and important topics, while remembering that the questions may differ across shifts.
The 23 August Shift 1 analysis therefore offers candidates a snapshot of the paper experienced in the first shift, with the overall level assessed as moderate and the three sections showing different question distributions. The feedback can help candidates appearing in later shifts focus their revision without assuming that the same questions will be repeated.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
