Introduction
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam annually to recruit candidates for various public sector banks in India. The number of vacancies for the IBPS PO exam may vary each year based on several factors.

Factors Affecting the Number of Vacancies
Several factors influence the number of vacancies for the IBPS PO exam, including:

1. Economic Conditions: The overall economic conditions of the country play a significant role in determining the number of vacancies. During periods of economic growth, the demand for banking services increases, leading to more job opportunities in the banking sector.

2. Retirements and Resignations: The retirement or resignation of existing bank employees creates vacancies that need to be filled. As the workforce ages, there is a natural turnover, resulting in a certain number of vacancies each year.

3. Expansion Plans: Banks may have expansion plans to open new branches or increase their presence in certain regions. This expansion requires additional staff, leading to more vacancies.

4. Government Policies: Government policies and initiatives related to banking services, financial inclusion, and rural development can also impact the number of vacancies. For example, the government's push for financial inclusion through various schemes may lead to more vacancies in rural areas.

5. Business Growth: The growth of the banking sector, including loan disbursals, deposits, and profitability, can influence the number of vacancies. Banks experiencing rapid growth may need to hire more employees to meet the increasing workload.

Yearly Variation in Vacancies
The number of vacancies for the IBPS PO exam is not fixed and can vary from year to year. The IBPS releases an official notification each year that specifies the number of vacancies available for that particular recruitment cycle. The variation in vacancies is influenced by the factors mentioned above.

It is essential for aspiring candidates to stay updated with the official notifications released by the IBPS to know the exact number of vacancies for a particular year. These notifications provide detailed information regarding the vacancies, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Conclusion
The number of vacancies for the IBPS PO exam is not the same every year. It depends on various factors such as economic conditions, retirements, expansion plans, government policies, and business growth. Aspiring candidates should regularly check the official IBPS notifications to stay informed about the number of vacancies and other important details for each recruitment cycle.