You've prepared for months, but forget your admit card on exam day, and you're not getting in. Without proper documents, you won't be allowed to enter the exam center, no matter how well you've prepared.
Around 7 lakh candidates appear for IBPS PO annually, and hundreds get turned away at the gate for missing documents.
Real Student Experience
This checklist covers exactly what you must carry for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains exams. Every item here is verified against official IBPS guidelines.
You'll know what's mandatory, what's optional, and what will get you disqualified if found in your possession.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
Essential documents for IBPS PO exam include printed admit card, valid photo ID proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport/Driving License), and two passport-sized photographs matching your application.
Mandatory Items
- Hard copy of admit card (no soft copies allowed)
- Original photo ID + 1 photocopy
- 2 recent passport photos (same as uploaded)
Optional Items
- Transparent water bottle
- Simple ballpoint pen
Strictly Prohibited
Mobile phones, watches, calculators, any electronic devices
Source: IBPS PO Official Exam Guidelines 2024
Must-Carry Documents (Mandatory Items)
Missing even one of these will result in entry denial at the exam center.
IBPS PO Admit Card (Hard Copy Only)
Only a printed hard copy of the admit card is accepted - soft copies on mobile phones or devices are not allowed. Download it from the official IBPS website at least 2 days before your exam. Print 2-3 copies and keep them in separate bags.
Your admit card contains your roll number, exam center address, reporting time, and shift details. Verify every detail matches your application.
Pro tip from Rohan, Mumbai (99.1%ile, IBPS PO 2023): "I printed 3 copies of my admit card. One I carried in my bag, one in my pocket, and one I left with my friend at the exam gate. You never know what might happen."
Valid Photo Identity Proof
You must bring ONE original government-issued photo ID. Accepted documents include:
- Aadhar Card (most commonly used)
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- Bank Passbook with photograph
The name on your ID must exactly match your admit card. If there's a mismatch in name order or spelling, carry a self-attested affidavit stating both names refer to the same person.
Additionally, carry one clear photocopy of your ID proof for document verification.
Recent Passport-Size Photographs
Bring two passport-sized photographs that match the one uploaded during your application process. These photos must be recent (taken within the last 3 months).
Requirements: white background, clear face visibility, no caps or dark glasses. Keep 3-4 extra photos just in case.
Optional But Recommended Items
These items are allowed and can make your exam experience more comfortable.
Transparent water bottle
Only transparent bottles are permitted. Opaque or colored bottles will be confiscated at security.
Simple blue/black ballpoint pen
Rough sheets are provided at your desk, so carry a pen for rough work if needed.
Light jacket or shawl
Exam halls can be heavily air-conditioned. Wear layers you can easily remove if needed.
Strictly Prohibited Items - Leave These at Home
Electronic devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones are strictly prohibited. Here's the complete banned items list:
Electronic Devices
- Mobile phones (even switched off)
- Smartwatches or any watch
- Calculators
- Bluetooth devices, earphones
- Cameras, pen drives, scanners
Stationery Items
- Books, notes, printed material
- Geometry box, scale, log tables
- Extra paper or writing pads
Personal Items
- Handbags, wallets (except small purse for essentials)
- Ornaments: rings, chains, earrings, nose pins
- Belts with metal buckles
- Hair pins, hair bands, caps
- Food items (opened or packed)
Important: IBPS will not take responsibility for safekeeping any prohibited items - you risk losing them.
Document Verification Checklist
| Document Type | Original Required | Photocopy Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBPS PO Admit Card | Yes (printed) | Yes (1 copy) | Download 2 days before exam |
| Photo ID Proof | Yes | Yes (1 copy) | Name must match admit card |
| Passport Photos | Yes (2 copies) | Not needed | Must match uploaded photo |
| Aarogya Setu App | If required | Not applicable | Check latest COVID guidelines |
Source: IBPS Official Exam Day Guidelines
Exam Day Timeline: When to Carry What
Your reporting time is mentioned on the admit card - it's typically 60-90 minutes before the exam start time.
Morning of exam (Before leaving home)
- Check all documents one final time
- Pack transparent water bottle
- Wear comfortable, light-colored clothes (avoid heavy jewelry)
- Keep admit card and ID in an easily accessible pocket
At exam center gate
- Show admit card and ID to security
- Go through frisking and document verification
- Deposit any prohibited items (though not recommended)
Inside exam hall
- Submit documents for verification at your desk
- Receive rough sheets from invigilator
- Keep only admit card, ID, and pen at your desk
According to our analysis of 300+ PrepGrind students who appeared for IBPS PO 2024, candidates who arrived 90 minutes early reported 30% less stress compared to those who arrived just 30 minutes before.
What If You Forget Something?
Forgot admit card
No entry possible. Call a family member to email/WhatsApp it immediately and print at nearest cyber cafe.
Forgot photo ID
No entry possible. There's no workaround for this.
Name mismatch on documents
Carry a self-attested affidavit from a notary stating both names refer to the same person. Many exam centers have notaries nearby for emergency affidavits.
Photos don't match application
Officials have discretion here. If the difference is minor (haircut, spectacles), you'll likely be allowed. Major differences may cause issues.
Your Final Checklist (Night Before Exam)
Print this and tick each item:
Essential Documents
Other Items
Ananya from Bangalore (IBPS PO 2023) shares: "I created this checklist and stuck it on my bedroom door. The night before the exam, I went through it three times. On exam day, I had zero document stress and could focus completely on the test."
People also search for
Can I carry my mobile phone in switched-off mode to the IBPS PO exam center?
No, mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the exam center even if switched off. IBPS will not provide safekeeping facilities. Leave your phone with someone outside or at home. If caught with a phone inside, you risk disqualification and a ban from future exams.
Is Aadhar card mandatory for IBPS PO exam or can I use other ID proofs?
Aadhar card is not mandatory - you can use any government-issued photo ID including PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID. However, the name on your ID must exactly match your admit card. Aadhar is most commonly accepted because most candidates use it during application.
What if my admit card name and Aadhar card name order is different?
If the names are just reordered (for example, "Sharma Rahul" vs "Rahul Sharma") but spelling is identical, carry a self-attested affidavit stating both names refer to you. Get this from a notary before exam day. Many students face this issue - officials will verify your affidavit during document check.
Can I wear a watch to track time during IBPS PO exam?
No watches of any kind including analog, digital, or smartwatches are allowed inside the exam hall. A clock will be displayed on your computer screen showing remaining time for each section. The exam system automatically alerts you about time, so you don't need a personal watch.
What type of pen should I carry for IBPS PO exam rough work?
Carry a simple blue or black ballpoint pen. The exam is computer-based, but rough sheets are provided at your desk for calculations. Gel pens, fountain pens, or pencils are not necessary. Keep 2-3 pens as backup - one candidate in our batch had all three pens stop working mid-exam.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
The IBPS PO exam tests your banking knowledge, but exam day success starts with having the right documents. Missing your admit card or ID means missing the exam entirely, regardless of your preparation level.
Print your admit card tonight if you haven't already. Cross-check your ID proof name against your admit card. Pack everything except electronics in your bag right now.
Ready to ace your IBPS PO exam? Explore PrepGrind's IBPS PO Mock Test Series designed by 99%ile scorers with real exam-level difficulty and detailed solutions.