• Updated on 21 Aug, 2026 by Paulami Chandra
The IBPS SO Prelims Admit Card 2026 was issued on August 20, 2026, for candidates appearing in the Specialist Officer Preliminary Examination scheduled for August 29, 2026. IBPS has mentioned on its Prelims admit card portal that the downloading facility is available from August 20 to August 29, 2026. Candidates appearing for the IBPS SO Prelims 2026 must download the hall ticket and check their shift timings, reporting time, exam centre address, and other exam-related details. The Institute has scheduled IBPS SO Prelims 2026 in two shifts, one from 10 am to 12 pm and the other from 2 pm to 4 pm. The Prelims exam will contain 150 questions, totaling 125 marks, with a duration of 2 hours. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Candidates must carry their IBPS SO Prelims call letter, original photo ID proof, photocopy of original ID proof, and a passport-sized photograph (if required) to the exam centre for verification and entry.
IBPS SO Application Process 2026 commenced with the release of the CRP SPL- XVI notification on July 1, 2026, for recruitment to 11 participating public sector banks. The registration process began on July 1, 2026, and was scheduled to end on July 21, 2026. But it was later extended to July 26, 2026. Candidates had to complete online registration, enter their details, upload documents, pay the application fee, and submit the form. Later, the IBPS had opened an application correction window on July 29, 2026, and closed it on July 30, 2026. This allowed candidates to modify details by using their login details and paying a non-refundable correction fee of Rs. 200. However, some details like the candidate's name, registered mobile number, and email ID could not be modified.
IBPS SO 2026 is a national-level banking examination conducted annually by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to recruit candidates for posts such as IT Officer, Law Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, and Rajbhasha Adhikari. The selection process comprises three stages, including Prelims, Mains, and Interview. While the Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature, the final merit list is prepared based on candidates' performance in the Mains Examination and Interview.
Table of Contents
- IBPS SO 2026: Exam Overview
- IBPS SO 2026: Important Dates
- IBPS SO 2026: Notification
- IBPS SO 2026: Selection Process
- IBPS SO 2026: Eligibility Criteria
- IBPS SO 2026: Application Process
- IBPS SO 2026: Admit Card
- IBPS SO 2026: Exam Centres
- IBPS SO 2026: Exam Pattern
- IBPS SO 2026: Syllabus
- IBPS SO 2026: Books
- IBPS PO 2026: Preparation Tips
- IBPS SO 2026: Result
- IBPS SO 2026: Cutoff
- IBPS SO 2026: Participating Banks
- IBPS SO 2026: Vacancies
- IBPS SO 2026: Salary Structure
- IBPS SO 2026 FAQs
IBPS SO 2026: Exam Overview
IBPS SO exam 2026 is conducted in online mode and consists of three stages, including Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Candidates who qualify all stages are allotted to participating public sector banks across India based on merit and preference. Below are the key highlights related to the IBPS SO 2026 Recruitment:
IBPS SO 2026: Important Dates
The online application process was conducted from July 1 to July 26, 2026, while the application correction window was opened from July 29 to July 30, 2026. The Prelims exam is scheduled for August 29, 2026, while the Mains exam will be conducted on November 1, 2026. IBPS has released the IBPS SO Prelims hall ticket 2026 on August 20, 2026, on its official website. Below are the important dates related to IBPS SO 2026:
| Application Correction Window | July 29 – July 30, 2026 |
IBPS SO 2026: Notification
The IBPS SO Notification 2026 was released on July 1, 2026, on the official IBPS website for the recruitment under CRP SPL XVI. The notification provides complete details regarding vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, application fee, and important dates. Along with the notification, IBPS also activated the IBPS SO apply online 2026 link on July 1, 2026. The online registration process remained open until July 26, 2026, while the application correction window was made available from July 29 to July 30, 2026, for editing permitted details.
IBPS SO 2026: Selection Process
IBPS SO selection process 2026 is divided into three stages consisting of Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. The prelims exam is qualifying in nature, while the mains exam plays a crucial role in shortlisting candidates for the interview stage. Below is the detailed IBPS SO Selection Process 2026:
IBPS SO 2026: Eligibility Criteria
IBPS SO Eligibility 2026 has been specified across nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications. Candidates must be between 20 and 30 years of age and meet the required qualifications for the specific post they are applying for. Below is the detailed IBPS SO Eligibility Criteria 2026:
IBPS SO 2026: Post-wise Qualification
IBPS SO educational qualification has been specified separately for each post depending on the requirements. Below is the detailed IBPS SO Post-wise Qualification 2026:
IBPS SO 2026: Application Process
IBPS SO Apply Online 2026 process was conducted through the official IBPS website. Candidates were required to complete registration, fill in personal and educational details, upload required documents, and pay the application fee before the specified deadline. Below is the step-by-step process for filling out the application form for the IBPS SO Application Process 2026:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.
Step 2: Click on the “CRP Specialist Officers XVI” section available on the homepage.
Step 3: Click on “New Registration” and start the IBPS SO 2026 application process by entering basic details such as Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, and Mobile Number.
Step 4: Log in again and complete the IBPS SO application form 2026 by entering Personal details, Educational qualifications, Post preference, and Exam centre choice.
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of the photograph, Signature, Left thumb impression, and Handwritten declaration in the prescribed dimensions and size.
Step 6: Pay the prescribed application fee in an online mode through modes of payment such as Net Banking, UPI, Debit Card or Credit Card.
IBPS SO 2026: Documents Required
IBPS SO Apply Online 2026 process requires candidates to upload documents such as a photograph, a signature, a thumb impression, a handwritten declaration, and educational certificates. All documents must meet the specified format and size guidelines. Below is the list of documents and their prescribed specifications for the IBPS SO 2026 Application Form:
IBPS SO 2026: Application Fee
IBPS SO Application Fee 2026 must be paid in an online mode using a debit card, a credit card, net banking, or UPI. The category-wise standard fee structure has been specified below:
IBPS SO 2026: Admit Card
The IBPS SO Prelims Admit Card 2026 was issued on August 20, 2026, through the official admit card portal. Candidates can download their Prelims call letter online using their registration credentials for the IBPS SO Prelims exam 2026 scheduled for August 29, 2026. The IBPS SO Admit Card 2026 will contain important details such as candidates’ roll number, registration number, exam date & shift, photograph, signature, centre address, and important instructions for the exam day.
IBPS SO 2026: Exam Centres
IBPS SO Exam Centres 2026 have been specified in detail for both the Prelims and Mains stages. Candidates are required to select preferences for the exam centres during the application process. The final centre allotment is done by the conducting authority based on availability.
IBPS SO 2026: Exam Pattern
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026 has been divided across the Prelims and Mains stages. The prelims exam tests basic aptitude, while the mains exam focuses on Professional Knowledge relevant to the post for which candidates have applied.
IBPS SO 2026: Preliminary Examination
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026 for the Preliminary Examination differs for various posts, such as IT Officer, Law Officer, Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, and Rajbhasha Adhikari.
IBPS SO 2026: Mains Examination
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026 for the Mains Exam differs for various posts, such as IT Officer, Law Officer, Marketing Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, and Rajbhasha Adhikari.
Check: IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026
IBPS SO 2026: Syllabus
IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 covers subjects like English, Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and Professional Knowledge. The IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 varies based on the posts for which candidates have applied in their application form.
IBPS SO 2026: Preliminary Examination
IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 for the preliminary examination under each post is mentioned below:
IBPS SO 2026: Mains Examination
IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 for the mains examination under each post is mentioned below:
IBPS SO 2026: Books
IBPS SO Books 2026 are essential for the structured preparation of the candidates. Below is the subject-wise book list for IBPS SO 2026 Examination:
IBPS PO 2026: Preparation Tips
IBPS PO Preparation Tips 2026 play a crucial role in helping the aspirants crack the exam. Below is the detailed strategy which candidates can follow to improve their performance:
- Candidates should start their preparation by understanding the IBPS SO Syllabus and Exam Pattern, to figure out the high-weightage areas and pattern followed by IBPS.
- Focus on strengthening the Professional Knowledge section for the Mains Exam, as it carries the maximum weightage for shortlisting of candidates for the Interview stage.
- Regular Mock tests, previous year papers and current affairs revisions are essential for improving the chances of selection.
- Time Management and consistent practice are key to clearing this time-based exam.
IBPS SO 2026: Result
IBPS SO result 2026 will be released stage-wise after the completion of each stage of the exam. Once released, candidates will be able to check their IBPS SO Result 2026 through the official website. The IBPS SO Result 2026 will specify both sectional and overall marks obtained by candidates.
IBPS SO 2026: Cutoff
IBPS SO Cutoff 2026 is released along with the results and varies by category for each post specified in the notification. Candidates must clear both the sectional and overall cutoffs to be shortlisted for further recruitment stages. Below is the expected IBPS SO Cutoff 2026 data to help analyse a safe score for the candidates:
|
Post |
SC |
ST |
OBC |
EWS |
UR |
HI |
OC |
VI |
ID |
|
IT Officer |
59–61 |
49–51 |
59–61 |
56–58 |
59–61 |
22–24 |
47–49 |
43–45 |
37–39 |
|
Agriculture Field Officer |
51–53 |
46–48 |
51–53 |
51–53 |
51–53 |
26–28 |
38–40 |
40–42 |
24–26 |
|
HR/Personnel |
63–65 |
63–65 |
63–65 |
63–65 |
63–65 |
32–34 |
20–22 |
26–28 |
— |
|
Marketing Officer |
22–25 |
18–20 |
19–22 |
28–30 |
28–30 |
22–24 |
21–23 |
24–26 |
36–38 |
|
Rajbhasha Adhikari |
17–19 |
11–13 |
17–19 |
17–19 |
17–19 |
26–28 |
19–21 |
43–45 |
14–16 |
|
Law Officer |
43–45 |
35–37 |
44–46 |
45–47 |
47–49 |
21–23 |
26–28 |
24–26 |
24–26 |
IBPS SO 2026: Participating Banks
IBPS SO Participating Banks 2026 include various public sector banks of India. The allotment for these banks is done based on merit, category, and preference filled during the application process by the candidates. Below is the list of IBPS SO Participating Banks 2026:
IBPS SO 2026: Vacancies
The IBPS SO Vacancy 2026 was initially announced for 745 posts in the CRP SPL- XVI notification. IBPS later revised the vacancies for IBPS SO recruitment 2026 to 1,035 on July 20, 2026, increasing the total by 290 posts. The revised vacancies include 376 IT Officers, 370 Agriculture Field Officers, 125 Law Officers, 94 Rajbhasha Adhikaris, 60 HR or Personnel Officers, and 10 Marketing Officers. Candidates should go through the table below to check out the revised IBPS SO vacancies 2026.
IBPS SO 2026: Salary Structure
IBPS SO Salary 2026 has been specified in the official notification released by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. The Salary starts with a basic pay of INR 48,480 along with allowances. Below are the detailed components included in the salary structure for IBPS SO:
IBPS SO 2026 FAQs
What is the IBPS SO 2026 exam, and who conducts it?
IBPS SO 2026 is a national-level banking exam conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection to recruit Specialist Officers in public sector banks for posts like IT Officer, Law Officer, and Marketing Officer.
What are the IBPS SO 2026 exam dates?
As per the IBPS calendar, the IBPS SO 2026 Prelims exam is scheduled for August 29, 2026, while the Mains exam will be conducted on 1 November 2026 across various exam centres in India.
What is the IBPS SO selection process 2026?
The IBPS SO selection process includes three stages: Prelims (qualifying), Mains (Professional Knowledge), and Interview. Final merit is prepared based on Mains (80%) and Interview (20%) marks for final allotment.
What is the IBPS SO eligibility criteria 2026?
IBPS SO eligibility includes an age limit of 20–30 years, required educational qualifications depending on the post, and nationality criteria. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the IBPS SO syllabus 2026 for Prelims?
IBPS SO prelims syllabus includes English Language, Reasoning Ability, and either General Awareness (for Law/Rajbhasha) or Quantitative Aptitude (for other posts), covering topics like puzzles, comprehension, and banking awareness.
How to apply online for IBPS SO 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official IBPS website by registering, filling out the application form, uploading documents, and paying the application fee. Ensure all details are correct before final submission.
What is the IBPS SO application fee 2026?
The IBPS SO application fee is INR 175 for SC/ST/PwBD candidates and INR 850 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. The fee must be paid online and is non-refundable under any circumstances.
What is the IBPS SO salary 2026?
IBPS SO salary for Scale I officers starts from INR 48,480 basic pay with a gross salary of around INR 60,000 to INR 75,000 per month, including allowances like DA, HRA, and other benefits depending on the posting location.
When will the IBPS SO admit card 2026 be released?
The IBPS SO Prelims Admit Card 2026 was released on August 20, 2026, for the Prelims exam scheduled on August 29, 2026. Candidates can download their Prelims call letter online using their Registration Number or Roll Number and Password or Date of Birth.
Is there negative marking in the IBPS SO exam 2026?
Yes, the IBPS SO marking scheme includes negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains objective tests. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
What is the expected IBPS SO cutoff 2026?
IBPS SO cutoff 2026 depends on factors like exam difficulty, vacancies, and the number of candidates. Based on previous trends, candidates should aim higher than the expected cutoff for safer selection chances.
Have IBPS SO vacancies 2026 been announced?
Yes. IBPS initially notified 745 Specialist Officer Scale 1 vacancies in the CRP SPL- XVI recruitment. The vacancy count was subsequently revised to 1,035 on July 20, 2026. Following the revision, the vacancies stand at 376 IT Officers, 370 Agriculture Field Officers, 125 Law Officers, 94 Rajbhasha Adhikaris, 60 HR or Personnel Officers, and 10 Marketing Officers. These vacancy figures are indicative, and IBPS can change them as per the requirements.
What are the best books for IBPS SO 2026 preparation?
IBPS SO books should include Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, and Professional Knowledge books. Candidates should focus on concept clarity, practice questions, and previous year papers for effective preparation.
How to prepare for the IBPS SO 2026 exam effectively?
To prepare for IBPS SO 2026, focus on syllabus completion, practice mock tests regularly, revise current affairs, and strengthen Professional Knowledge. Consistent practice and revision are key to cracking the exam.
