Restrictions on Maximum Number of Attempts for Reserved Category Candidates in IBPS PO Exam


The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam to select candidates for the post of PO/Management Trainee in various public sector banks. As per the guidelines set by IBPS, there are certain restrictions on the maximum number of attempts for reserved category candidates in the IBPS PO exam.


Before discussing the restrictions on maximum attempts, let's first understand the general eligibility criteria for appearing in the IBPS PO exam:

- Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India or Nepal/Bhutan or a Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962.
- Age Limit: The candidate's age should be between 20 and 30 years. Age relaxation is provided for reserved category candidates as per government norms.
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.


The maximum number of attempts for reserved category candidates in the IBPS PO exam is as follows:

- Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates: There is no restriction on the maximum number of attempts for SC and ST candidates. They can appear for the exam as many times as they want.
- Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates: OBC candidates can attempt the exam up to 7 times.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates: PwBD candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories can attempt the exam up to the maximum permissible attempts mentioned above for their respective categories.


In conclusion, there are certain restrictions on the maximum number of attempts for reserved category candidates in the IBPS PO exam. While SC and ST candidates have no restrictions on the number of attempts, OBC candidates can attempt the exam up to 7 times. PwBD candidates belonging to these categories also have the same maximum permissible attempts. It is important for candidates to keep these restrictions in mind while preparing for the exam and plan their attempts accordingly.