Introduction:
The IBPS PO Exam is a two-stage examination process that consists of the Prelims stage and the Mains stage. The Prelims stage serves as a screening test, while the Mains stage is the final selection round. The cutoff marks in these two stages vary based on various factors.

Difference in Cutoff:
The cutoff marks in the Mains stage are generally higher compared to the Prelims stage in the IBPS PO Exam. This is mainly because the Mains stage is the final round of the selection process, and the competition is more intense at this stage. Let's understand the reasons behind this difference in cutoff in detail.

1. Number of Vacancies:
- The number of vacancies for the IBPS PO Exam is limited.
- The candidates who clear the Prelims stage are shortlisted for the Mains stage based on the number of vacancies available.
- As the number of vacancies decreases for the Mains stage, the competition becomes tougher, leading to a higher cutoff.

2. Difficulty Level:
- The difficulty level of the Mains stage is generally higher than that of the Prelims stage.
- The Mains stage tests candidates on various subjects like Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
- The questions in the Mains stage are more complex and require a deeper understanding of the topics.
- Due to the increased difficulty level, the cutoff for the Mains stage is generally higher.

3. Selection Ratio:
- The selection ratio for the Mains stage is lower compared to the Prelims stage.
- In the Prelims stage, a larger number of candidates are shortlisted for the Mains stage, which reduces the competition ratio.
- However, only a limited number of candidates are selected for the final stage, increasing the competition ratio.
- To ensure that only the most deserving candidates proceed to the final round, the cutoff is set higher for the Mains stage.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the cutoff marks for the Mains stage are generally higher compared to the Prelims stage in the IBPS PO Exam. This is due to factors such as the limited number of vacancies, higher difficulty level, and lower selection ratio. Candidates must prepare thoroughly for both stages of the exam to secure a high score and increase their chances of selection.