IBPS SO Prelims Exam 2026: Structure, Sections & Shift Analysis Schedule

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially set the stage for aspiring Specialist Officers with the announcement of the recruitment process. Candidates aiming to build a career across 11 participating public sector banks can find essential updates regarding the upcoming test cycle. To start your journey, you can review IBPS SO 2026 Notification Out for 745 Posts- Click to Check for complete vacancy breakdowns and eligibility criteria. Furthermore, eligible candidates can proceed to submit their applications by accessing IBPS SO Apply Online 2026- Click to Apply.

IBPS SO Prelims Exam 2026 Overview

The IBPS SO Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on a single day on 29th August 2026. This selection phase under the CRP SPL-XVI recruitment drive features multiple shifts to accommodate the large pool of applicants competing for the 745 total posts available.

Exam Structure and Sectional Layout

The objective test format is engineered to evaluate candidates thoroughly within a strict timeframe. The total duration of the exam is exactly 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes), featuring 100 questions for 125 marks.

IBPS SO Prelims Sections

• English Language - 25 questions
• Reasoning Ability - 25 questions
• General Awareness - 25 questions
• Professional Knowledge - 25 questions [NEWLY ADDED]

Detailed Sectional Syllabus Breakdown

To clear the preliminary cutoff, candidates must master specific core topics across the tested domains. Below are the checklists for the primary subjects:

English Language Topics

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Error Detection
• Phrase Replacement
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Filler

Reasoning Ability Topics

• Sitting Arrangement and Puzzles
• Syllogism
• Direction Sense
• Coding-Decoding
• Inequality
• Alphabet
• Data Sufficiency
• Logical Reasoning & Blood Relation

Next Steps for Candidates

After reviewing the syllabus and ensuring your online applications are fully verified, you should focus on rigorous mock testing, time management for the 80-minute window, and keeping track of admit card release timelines. Ensure you plan your travel arrangements ahead of the examination date on 29th August 2026.