Getting a job in India’s public-sector banks is a dream for millions of aspirants. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) makes this dream come true every year by conducting some of the most competitive banking exams, especially for Clerk and Probationary Officer (PO) positions. But cracking these prestigious exams isn’t just about hard work — it’s also about smart planning. And one of the smartest ways to plan is by understanding the previous year vacancies — how many seats were available before, where they were, how they changed year by year, and what it means for you.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything about IBPS vacancies between 2013 and 2025. We’ll look at trends, states, categories, banks, and practical tips to help you craft a winning strategy. Whether you’re betting on simultaneously applying for Clerk and PO posts, or focused on a single stream, knowing the vacancy landscape can make all the difference.
Why Knowing Previous Year Vacancies Matters
You might wonder: why obsess over vacancies? After all, you just need to prepare and clear the exam, right? Well, here’s why the vacancy data is pure gold for aspiring bankers:
- Understanding Competition Levels: More vacancies generally mean cut-offs may be lower, so your chances improve.
- Selecting Preferences Wisely: State-wise and category-wise vacancy details help you pick states or banks where vacancies are high, boosting your chances of selection.
- Effective Preparation Planning: Knowing trends helps you gauge how many candidates might be competing against you.
- Avoiding Surprises: Sometimes vacancy numbers vary widely year by year. Being aware reduces disappointment and helps you strategize alternate plans.
- Timing Your Attempt: Fluctuations might suggest years with “golden opportunities” to try your luck.
Overview of IBPS Clerk Vacancies (2013–2025)
The IBPS Clerk exam is the gateway for many banking jobs and is usually the most sought-after exam due to large vacancies and easier entry compared to PO.
Here’s a glance at how Clerk vacancies have evolved over the last dozen years:
| Year | Clerk Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 39,692 |
| 2014 | 17,000 |
| 2015 | 24,583 |
| 2016 | 19,243 |
| 2017 | 7,883 |
| 2018 | 7,275 |
| 2019 | 12,075 |
| 2020 | 12,315 |
| 2021 | 12,313 |
| 2022 | 6,035 |
| 2023 | 4,545 |
| 2024 | 11,796 |
| 2025 | 10,277 |
What This Data Tells Us
- Big Peaks and Valley: 2013 was a blockbuster year with almost 40,000 vacancies, driven by massive retirements and bank expansions.
- Dips and Recoveries: Post-2013, the vacancies dropped sharply, hitting lows in 2017–2018. But from 2019 onwards, there’s a clear pattern of recovery with some fluctuation.
- Recent Trends: After a dip in 2022 and 2023, the numbers bounced back strongly in 2024 and 2025, signaling renewed hiring demand.
Why Such Fluctuations?
Vacancies depend heavily on factors such as:
- Retirement Waves: When large senior batches retire, vacancies spike.
- Bank Mergers/Reorganizations: As banks merge or reorganize, recruitment needs shift.
- Government Policies: Public sector hiring drives influence exam seat availability.
- Bank Branch Expansion or Rationalization: Expanding networks can increase seats; closed or merged branches reduce them.
State-Wise & Category-Wise Vacancies for Clerks: Recent Insights
Knowing where the vacancies lie geographically is crucial, especially because:
- Candidates need local language proficiency to work in some states.
- Reservation rules mean category-wise data affects availability.
Here’s an example of state-wise and category-wise vacancies for IBPS Clerk 2025 (approximate data for illustration):
| State/UT | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | General | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 280 | 11 | 338 | 132 | 554 | 1,315 |
| Maharashtra | 113 | 97 | 297 | 109 | 501 | 1,117 |
| Karnataka | 179 | 94 | 282 | 115 | 500 | 1,170 |
| Tamil Nadu | 183 | 5 | 227 | 88 | 391 | 894 |
| West Bengal | 121 | 24 | 118 | 51 | 226 | 540 |
| Punjab | 79 | 0 | 53 | 24 | 120 | 276 |
| Rajasthan | 54 | 43 | 60 | 32 | 139 | 328 |
| Bihar | 44 | 1 | 72 | 30 | 161 | 308 |
| Gujarat | 52 | 108 | 197 | 71 | 325 | 753 |
| Odisha | 37 | 51 | 26 | 24 | 111 | 249 |
Note: This data is based on official notifications and trends, and exact numbers vary every year. Be sure to check the official IBPS vacancy notification for the year you’re applying.
Why State-Wise Breakdown Is Important
- Language Proficiency: Many banks mandate local language knowledge and assign vacancies accordingly.
- Reservation Norms: States have their own reservations, so category-wise vacancy numbers vary.
- State Preferences Impact: Higher vacancies in your home state increase the chance of getting postings closer to home.
IBPS PO Vacancies from 2013 to 2025
The Probationary Officer (PO) post is highly coveted because it offers better career growth in banks and a higher pay scale. PO vacancies tend to be lower than Clerks but come with tougher competition.
| Year | PO Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 3,562 |
| 2018 | 4,252 |
| 2019 | 4,336 |
| 2020 | 3,517 |
| 2021 | 5,809 |
| 2022 | 7,402 |
| 2023 | 3,049 |
| 2024 | 6,344 |
| 2025 | 5,208 |
Insights on PO Recruitment Trends
- PO vacancies fluctuate due to the same factors as clerk vacancies: retirements, bank expansions/contractions, and government recruiting policies.
- 2022 saw a big surge in PO vacancies – a golden year for PO aspirants.
- The numbers dipped in 2023 but began rising again in 2024 and 2025.
Bank-Wise PO Vacancies: Who Hires the Most?
Some banks recruit larger numbers of POs than others. For example, here’s an approximate bank-wise breakup for PO vacancies in 2025 and 2024:
| Bank Name | 2025 Vacancies | 2024 Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Baroda | 1,000 | Data Not Reported |
| Bank of Maharashtra | 1,000 | 885 |
| Canara Bank | 1,000 | 750 |
| Bank of India | 700 | 885 |
| Central Bank of India | 500 | 1,500 |
| Indian Overseas Bank | 450 | 260 |
| Punjab & Sind Bank | 358 | 360 |
| Punjab National Bank | 200 | 200 |
Note: Vacancy numbers can change year to year depending on banks’ workforce planning.
Knowing who hires the most helps:
- Target applications specifically to those banks.
- Understand where the biggest opportunities lie.
- Tailor preparation based on banks’ exam patterns if any differ.
How Are IBPS Vacancies Determined?
Vacancies aren’t random numbers — they result from careful planning involving:
- Retirements and Promotions: The number of staff retiring, being promoted, or leaving generates natural openings.
- Bank Mergers and Expansions: Reorganizations sometimes create new roles or reduce existing ones.
- Government Policies: The public sector hiring guidelines, budget allocations, and economic plans heavily influence hiring.
- Regional and Category Quotas: Reservation policies for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and different states strongly shape vacancy distribution.
- Unfilled Vacancies & Backlogs: Sometimes leftover unfilled seats from the previous year add up to the next year’s vacancies.
This system keeps the recruitment aligned with real-world needs and social equity goals.
What Do Vacancy Trends Teach Aspirants?
- Expect Fluctuations: Don’t get discouraged if vacancies drop one year. They usually rebound, as seen between 2023 and 2024–25.
- Apply Broadly: Consider applying for multiple posts (Clerk and PO) and states to maximize chances.
- Focus on High-Vacancy States: States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu consistently have more vacancies.
- Prepare for Category Competition: With reserved vacancies for different categories, competition dynamics vary—check your category’s past cut-offs.
- Stay Updated: Vacancies can increase after initial announcements; keep track of official notifications throughout the recruitment cycle.
Reservation & Allotment: How Your Category Affects Vacancy Availability
The government mandates reservation quotas in banking jobs, obliging the allocation of vacancies across several categories:
- General Category
- OBC (Other Backward Classes)
- SC (Scheduled Castes)
- ST (Scheduled Tribes)
- EWS (Economically Weaker Sections)
These quotas mean that each category has fixed sets of vacancies reserved in each state. If you belong to a reserved category, you’ll compete within your category’s vacancy pool which can sometimes mean fewer candidates than in general, but also fewer vacancies.
Candidates often choose states based on where their category vacancies are higher, increasing their chance of final allotment.
Preparing with Vacancies in Mind: A Step-by-Step Strategy
If you aim to crack IBPS Clerk or PO exams, here is how you can align your preparation with vacancy trends:
Research Past Vacancies
- Gather vacancy data for at least 5 years.
- Note trends in your preferred state and category.
- Understand which banks offer the most vacancies.
Decide Your Preferences
- Choose states with higher vacancy numbers.
- Pick banks where vacancy likelihood remains steady or growing.
- Match state preferences to your language abilities (for clerk posts).
Prepare Accordingly
- For clerk posts, focus on speed and accuracy in clerical tasks.
- For PO posts, emphasize reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness.
- Practice previous year question papers and mock tests of banks with higher vacancies.
Apply Strategically
- Consider applying to both clerk and PO exams if you’re eligible — doubling your chances.
- Apply to multiple states if local language requirements allow.
- Monitor vacancy revisions after the initial notification.
Monitor Trends Post-Notification
- Keep an eye on IBPS official announcements for vacancy updates.
- Follow exam calendars and admit card releases closely.
Conclusion: Using Vacancy Data to Your Advantage
IBPS recruitment is a test of knowledge, endurance, and strategy. Vacancy numbers reveal the “where” and “how many” of the opportunity landscape — insight that is priceless when competing against lakhs of aspirants.
From the peak recruitment year of 2013 to recent fluctuations and recoveries, vacancy trends underscore the importance of:
- Staying flexible and adaptable,
- Applying to multiple states and posts,
- Aligning your preparation to the demand outlook,
- Staying current with official announcements,
- Keeping patience and persistence through ups and downs.
With careful analysis and smart planning using previous year vacancy data, you can significantly improve your chances to join the banking fraternity as a Clerk or PO. Remember, your study time is finite — focus it smartly and let the numbers guide your choices.
Wishing you the very best in your IBPS journey! Stay consistent, stay confident, and let the vacancies be your roadmap to success.
Note: All data is based on official IBPS notifications up to 2025 and reputable exam preparatory sources. Always verify the latest information on the official IBPS website before applying.
IBPS Previous Year Vacancies – FAQ
IBPS vacancies change due to retirements, new branch openings, mergers, recruitment policy shifts, economic factors, and workforce planning by banks.
They help aspirants analyze competition, select states or banks with better chances, prioritize their applications, and set realistic goals.
Yes, banks may revise vacancies upward due to internal staffing needs or unfilled positions. Always check official updates on the IBPS website.
Usually, yes. Clerk roles are widely needed across multiple branches, whereas PO posts are fewer but more competitive and prestigious.
Very important. Candidates are usually posted in the applied state and must know the local language. More vacancies improve selection chances.
Yes. Vacancies are divided among SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and General categories as per government policy, affecting chances per category.
Visit www.ibps.in for accurate, state-wise, bank-wise, and category-wise vacancy updates. Reputed education sites can help, but always verify with official sources.
