Where can I get IBPS SO syllabus 2026?

The complete IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 is discussed in the given post.

What is the syllabus for IBPS SO?

The IBPS SO syllabus 2026 includes subjects like Reasoning Ability, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General/Banking/Financial Awareness, Static GK and Professional Knowledge related to the specific role. This covers everything you need to study for the exam effectively.

What is the medium of exam for the IBPS SO?

The IBPS SO exam is conducted in both English and Hindi for most sections, except for the English language section, which is only in English. This allows candidates to choose between Hindi and English for most parts of the exam, making it easier for more candidates to attempt.

How many sections are there in IBPS SO Exam?

The IBPS SO Exam consists of three main stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims is the initial screening stage, followed by the Mains, which assesses a candidate's specialized knowledge and skills. Finally, the Interview stage evaluates the candidate's overall suitability for the position. Each stage is crucial for determining eligibility for the final selection.

Is there sectional timing in IBPS SO Exam?

Yes, there is sectional timing in the IBPS SO Exam. Each section of the exam has a specific time limit. For example, in the Preliminary Exam, candidates are given 40 minutes for each section. This helps in managing time better and focusing on each section individually.

Is IBPS SO and po prelims syllabus the same?

The IBPS SO and PO prelims syllabus are mostly the same, covering Reasoning Ability, English Language and Quantitative Aptitude. However, the SO exam has a Professional Knowledge section that is specific to each job type. Also, Rajbhasha Adhikari candidates must take a descriptive Hindi paper.

How many attempts for IBPS SO?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for the IBPS SO exam. Candidates can apply as many times as they want as long as they meet the age requirements. However, for SBI PO, there are restrictions on attempts based on the candidate's category.

Is IBPS SO difficult?

The IBPS SO exam is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. The Preliminary Exam is similar to other bank exams and is not very tough. However, the Main Exam requires better knowledge of the specific subjects related to the chosen post. Good preparation is key to success.

What is the final stage of the IBPS SO selection process?

The final stage of the IBPS SO selection process is the interview round. Candidates who clear the Main Exam are called for the interview, which is worth 100 marks. During the interview, candidates are assessed on their knowledge, skills, and suitability for the Specialist Officer role.

IBPS SO Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026 for Prelims and Mains Exams

Planning to appear for the IBPS SO 2026? The first step is to understand the complete IBPS SO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026. A clear understanding of the topics and exam structure will help you focus on important areas, manage your preparation better, and score well in the examination.

IBPS SO Syllabus 2026

The IBPS SO Syllabus is structured to evaluate candidates on both fundamental aptitude skills and role-specific expertise required for Specialist Officer positions in public sector banks. While the Preliminary Exam focuses on Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude/General Awareness, the Mains Exam tests candidates’ professional knowledge in their respective disciplines.

IT Officer
Agriculture Field Officer
Rajbhasha Adhikari
Law Officer
HR/ Personnel Officer
Marketing Officer

IBPS SO Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

The IBPS SO exam has two stages Prelims and Mains exam. Candidates need to clear both to reach the final interview round. The exam is conducted online, and there is negative marking for wrong answers. Below we have given the overview of the IBPS SO Syllabus and Exam Pattern.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	IBPS SO 2026
Conducting Body	IBPS
Posts	IT Officer, AFO, Rajbhasha Adhikari, Law Officer, HR Officer, Marketing Officer
Selection Process	Prelims → Mains → Interview
Exam Mode	Online
Negative Marking	0.25 Marks
Prelims Marks	Qualifying Nature
Mains Marks	Considered for Merit
Interview Weightage	80:20 (Mains: Interview)
Number of Stages	3
Duration of Prelims	120 Minutes
Official Website	ibps.in

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026

The IBPS SO 2026 selection process is conducted in three stages: Prelims Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. While the Preliminary Exam serves as a qualifying stage, the Main Exam assesses candidates’ professional knowledge related to their respective specialist streams.

Prelims Exam Pattern

Aspirants can check below the IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 for the posts of Law Officer and Rajbhasa Adhikari.

Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari
S. No.	Section	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
1.	Reasoning	50	50	40 minutes
2.	English Language	50	25	40 minutes
3.	General Awareness with Special Reference to the Banking Industry	50	50	40 minutes
	Total	150	125	120 minutes

The given table includes the prelims exam pattern for the post of Specialist Officers (Agriculture Field Officer, Marketing Officer (Scale I), HR/Personnel Officer, and IT Officer Scale I.

Agriculture Field Officer, Marketing Officer (Scale I), HR/Personnel Officer, and IT Officer Scale I.
Serial No	Section	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
1.	Reasoning	50	50	40 minutes
2.	English Language	50	25	40 minutes
3.	Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	40 minutes
	Total	150	125	120 minutes

Mains Exam Pattern

Here, aspirants can check the IBPS SO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 for the post of Rajbhasha Adhikari.

IBPS SO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 for Rajbhasha Adhikari
Name of Test	Number of Questions	Duration	Maximum Marks
Professional Knowledge(Objective)	45	30 minutes	60 Marks
Professional Knowledge(Descriptive)	2	30 minutes	60 Marks

Aspirants applying for the Post of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer can check the main examination pattern below.

IBPS SO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Name of Test	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
Professional Knowledge	60	60	45 minutes

IBPS SO Marking Scheme & Selection Strategy

1/4th mark deducted for every incorrect answer.
No penalty for unanswered questions.
Attempt only those questions where your accuracy is above 75-80%.
Blind guessing can reduce your overall score significantly.

IBPS SO Syllabus

Before beginning IBPS SO 2026 preparation, candidates should familiarize themselves with the complete exam syllabus and structure. The recruitment process comprises both Preliminary and Main examinations, covering aptitude-based subjects along with specialized professional knowledge relevant to the chosen post.

Prelims Syllabus

The preliminary examination of IBPS SO consists of the same subjects for each post, i.e. Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Here, we have discussed a detailed breakdown of the subjects included in the IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 for prelims.

IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 For Prelims
Reasoning	English Language	Quantitative Aptitude	General Awareness
Seating Arrangements Puzzles Inequalities Syllogism Input-Output Data Sufficiency Blood Relations Order and Ranking Alphanumeric Series Distance and Direction Verbal Reasoning	Cloze Test Reading Comprehension Spotting Errors Sentence Improvement Sentence Correction Para Jumbles Fill in the Blanks Para/Sentence Completion Column Based Sentence Rearrangement Word Swap Sentence Based Error Spelling Errors Connectors	Number Series (Missing and Wrong) Data Interpretation and Caselet Simplification and Approximation Quadratic Equation and Quantity Comparison Data Sufficiency (Two statements) Mensuration (2D and 3D) Average, Percentage, Age, Profit & Loss and Discount, Ratio and Proportion, Mixture and Alligation, Number system Time and Work, Time work and wage, Pipe and Cistern Time and Distance, Boat and stream, Train Probability Simple and Compound Interest Permutation and Combination	Current Affairs Banking Awareness GK Updates Currencies Important Places Books and Authors Awards Headquarters Central Government Schemes Important Days RBI Circulars Static Banking

Mains Syllabus

The main examination of IBPS SO requires candidates from all posts to take the Professional Studies test. However, the IBPS SO Syllabus for professional studies varies for each post. Here, we have discussed the topic-wise IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 of Professional Knowledge for each of the posts.

IBPS SO Mains Exam Syllabus 2026
IT Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus	Agricultural Field Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus	Marketing Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus	HR/ Personnel Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus	Law Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus
Database Management System Data Communication and Networking Operating System Software Engineering Data Structure Computer Organization and Microprocessor Object-Oriented Programming	Agriculture Current Affairs Crop Horticulture Vegetables Spacing Time Of Sowing Seed Rate Varieties Important Only Herbicides Pesticides Important points regarding plants fruits vegetables Preservation of fruits and vegetables Types of cropping system Different Diseases Seed technology – Different government schemes Agriculture economics – Agriculture cost and schemes Various types of agricultural practices Soil resources Indian soil Types of facts ( like humus content, CN ratio etc) Green manures Animal husbandry and technology Different breeds of animals Agriculture small industries like honey daily in the fisheries Various diseases and their causes Rural welfare activities in India – Before independence and After independence Different insurance schemes regarding agriculture Women and child development schemes	Basics of Marketing Management Brand Management Advertising PR Sales Retail Business Ethics Market Segmentation Market research and forecasting demand Product Life Cycle Corporate Social Responsibility Service Marketing Marketing Strategies	Human Resource Development Business policy and strategic analysis Transnational Analysis Training and Development Recruitment and Selection Rewards and Recognition Industrial Relations Business Policy and Strategic Analysis Grievance and Conflict Management Performance Management and Appraisal	Banking Regulations Compliance and Legal Aspects Relevant Law and Orders related to negotiable instruments, securities, foreign exchange Prevention of Money-laundering, Limitation Act Consumer Protection Act SARFAES Banking Ombudsman Scheme Laws and Actions with a direct link to Banking Sector Bankers Book Evidence Act DRT Act

IBPS SO Rajbhasha Adhikari Syllabus 2026

Objective Section

Hindi Grammar
Translation
Official Language Policy
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Functional Hindi

Descriptive Section

Essay Writing
Precis Writing
Translation (Hindi ↔ English)
Official Correspondence

IBPS AFO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern- Check Here

IBPS SO Law Officer Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern- Check Here

IBPS SO Marketing Officer Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern- Check Here

IBPS SO 2026 Interview Process

The Interview is the final stage of the recruitment process and plays an important role in determining the final merit list. Candidates who qualify in the Mains Exam are called for the interview round, where their professional competence, communication skills, and suitability for the Specialist Officer role are assessed.

Key areas evaluated during the interview include: