IBPS SO 2026 Recruitment: Exam Dates, Vacancies, and Career Guide

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has unveiled the details for the CRP SPL-XVI recruitment drive. Aiming to fill 1035 vacancies across 11 major public sector banks, this competitive exam is the gateway for professionals to secure a Specialist Officer (Scale I) role. With a starting basic pay of Rs. 48,480, this position offers a lucrative career path for qualified candidates.

Key Recruitment Details

The recruitment cycle is currently in full motion. While registrations officially closed on July 26, 2026, candidates who have applied must now prepare for the upcoming stages. It is crucial to note that the selection process comprises three distinct phases: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and the Interview. The Prelims act as a qualifying round, meaning those marks do not contribute to the final merit list, which is determined solely by the combined performance in the Mains and the Interview.

Participating Banks

Candidates will be placed across these 11 public sector banks: Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, UCO Bank, and Union Bank of India.

Specialist Officer Posts & Eligibility

The recruitment covers various specialized domains. Please note that for the current cycle, there are 0 vacancies for the Marketing Officer (Scale I) position.

Available Roles

• Agriculture Field Officer (AFO)
• Marketing Officer
• HR/Personnel Officer (Scale I)
• IT Officer (Scale I)
• Law Officer (Scale I)
• Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I)

Age Limits and Relaxations

Applicants must be between 20 and 30 years old as of July 1, 2026. Age relaxations apply as follows:

• Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST): 5 years
• Other Backward Class (OBC): 3 years
• Person with Disability (PWD): 10 years
• Ex-Servicemen: 5 years

How to Apply for IBPS SO 2026

1. Visit the official website of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) at www.ibps.in.
2. Click on 'CRP-Specialist Officers' under the Career section and select the new registration link.
3. Provide basic details such as name, contact number, email ID, address, etc., and click Save and Next.
4. Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
5. Select your preferred post(s) and fill in your educational qualification details.
6. Pay the required application fee (Rs. 850 for General/OBC, Rs. 175 for SC/ST/PWD) through online mode.
7. Recheck the application preview carefully for any errors before final submission.
8. Click on Final Submit.
9. Your registration ID and password will be sent via email and SMS for future login.

Exam Preparation Resources

To excel in your preparation, ensure you review the IBPS SO Syllabus. Candidates are advised to practice using IBPS SO Previous Year Question Papers and analyze the Click to check IBPS SO Previous Year Cut-Off to gauge their progress. Remember that a negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains.

Stay updated for your exam day:

• IBPS SO Mains Admit Card 2026 - Click to Download
• IBPS SO Notification 2026 PDF (Official)- Click to Download
• Click to Apply for IBPS SO Exam 2026
• IBPS PO & SO Application Correction Window 2026 Opens - Click Here