IBPS SO Syllabus 2026: Updated Exam Pattern for Prelims & Mains

The IBPS SO Prelims syllabus focuses on Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. The preliminary exam consists of 100 questions to be completed within 80 minutes, while the Mains examination features 152 questions specifically designed to test your professional domain knowledge.

As per the official IBPS annual calendar, the Prelims are scheduled for 29th August 2026, followed by the Mains on 1st November 2026. Aspirants should craft a robust study plan anchored in the comprehensive IBPS SO syllabus to ensure success. 

IBPS SO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 (New)

The IBPS SO 2026 recruitment process involves three rigorous stages: the Preliminary Exam, the Mains Exam, and the Personal Interview. Candidates must qualify at every stage to secure a Specialist Officer position across 11 participating public sector banks.

IBPS SO 2026 Notification Released for 745 Vacancies - Click to View Details

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Key Changes in the IBPS SO Exam Pattern

• Comprehensive updates to both Prelims and Mains exam structures.
• Prelims format reduced to 100 questions with an 80-minute time limit.
• Inclusion of Professional Knowledge topics within the Prelims stage.
• Mains exam now features 150 objective questions and 2 descriptive questions totaling 225 marks.
• Revised Mains examination duration set to 155 minutes.

IBPS SO 2026 Selection Process

The selection process for IBPS Specialist Officer roles is based on merit achieved across three distinct stages. Only candidates who successfully clear each phase will be appointed to their respective roles in leading public sector banks.

1. Preliminary Exam – Qualifying round only — score not counted in final merit
2. Mains Exam — Professional Knowledge — score counted in final merit
3. Interview – Final stage — combined with Mains for selection

Understanding Syllabus Overlap Across Posts

• Reasoning and English Language are mandatory for all 6 posts in Prelims.
• Quantitative Aptitude is required for IT, AFO, Marketing, and HR/Personnel posts, while Law and Rajbhasha candidates face General Awareness.
• Professional Knowledge syllabi are unique to each specific functional role in the Mains.

IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The IBPS SO Prelims is an online examination featuring 100 MCQs worth 125 marks. Candidates have 80 minutes to complete the test, which includes individual 20-minute sectional time limits for each subject.

IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern for Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari

IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern For IT Officer Scale I, AFO, Marketing Officer (Scale I), HR/Personnel Officer

Q. Is the IBPS SO Prelims score included in the final merit list?
Ans.- No, the Preliminary exam is strictly a qualifying stage. Your final selection is determined solely by your performance in the Mains examination and the Interview.

IBPS SO Prelims Syllabus 2026 (All Subjects)

Review the detailed, topic-wise syllabus for the Prelims exam provided below to streamline your preparation strategy effectively. 

Reasoning Ability Syllabus

1. Seating Arrangements
2. Puzzles
3. Inequalities
4. Syllogism
5. Input-Output
6. Data Sufficiency
7. Blood Relations
8. Order and Ranking
9. Alphanumeric Series
10. Distance and Direction
11. Verbal Reasoning

English Language Syllabus

1. Cloze Test
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Spotting Errors
4. Sentence Improvement
5. Sentence Correction
6. Para Jumbles
7. Fill in the Blanks
8. Para/Sentence Completion
9. Column Based
10. Sentence Rearrangement
11. Word Swap
12. Sentence-Based Error
13. Spelling Errors
14. Connectors

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

1. Number Series
2. Data Interpretation
3. Simplification/ Approximation
4. Quadratic Equation
5. Data Sufficiency
6. Mensuration
7. Average
8. Profit and Loss Ratio
9. Proportion Work,
10. Time and Energy
11. Time and Distance
12. Probability
13. Relations
14. Simple and Compound Interest
15. Permutation and Combination

General Awareness Syllabus

1. Current Affairs
2. GK Updates
3. Currencies
4. Important Places
5. Books and Authors
6. Headquarters
7. Prime Minister Schemes
8. Centre Government Schemes
9. Important Days
10. RBI Circulars
11. Static Banking

IBPS SO Mains Exam Pattern 2026

For the Post of IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer:

For the Post of Rajbhasha Adhikari

For the Post of Law Officer

IBPS SO Mains Syllabus 2026

IBPS SO IT Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus

1. Database Management System
2. Data Communication and Networking
3. Operating System
4. Software Engineering
5. Data Structure
6. Computer Organization and Microprocessor
7. Object Oriented Programming

IBPS AFO Syllabus (Agricultural Field Officer  Scale-I)

1. Basics of Crop Production
2. Horticulture
3. Seed Science
4. Agronomy and Irrigation
5. Agricultural Economies
6. Agricultural Practices
7. Soil resources
8. Animal Husbandry
9. Agroforestry
10. Ecology
11. Government Schemes

Click Here for the Detailed IBPS AFO Syllabus 2026

IBPS SO Marketing Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus

1. Basics of Marketing Management
2. Brand Management
3. Advertising
4. PR
5. Sales
6. Retail
7. Business Ethics
8. Market Segmentation
9. Market research and forecasting demand
10. Product Life Cycle
11. Corporate Social Responsibility
12. Service Marketing
13. Marketing Strategies

IBPS SO Law Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus

1. Banking Regulations
2. Compliance and Legal Aspects
3. Relevant Law and Orders related to negotiable instruments, securities, and foreign exchange
4. Prevention of Money-laundering, Limitation Act
5. Consumer Protection Act
6. SARFAES
7. Banking Ombudsman Scheme
8. Laws and Actions with a direct link to the Banking Sector
9. Bankers Book Evidence Act
10. DRT Act

Click Here for the Detailed IBPS Law Officer Syllabus 2026

IBPS SO HR/Personnel Officer (Scale-I) Syllabus

1. Human Resource Development
2. Business policy and strategic analysis
3. Transnational Analysis
4. Training and Development
5. Recruitment and Selection
6. Rewards and Recognition
7. Industrial Relations
8. Business Policy and Strategic Analysis
9. Grievance and Conflict Management
10. Performance Management and Appraisal

IBPS SO 2026 Interview Process

Candidates who successfully qualify for the Mains are invited for a personal interview. This stage is crucial as it evaluates professional expertise, interpersonal communication, and overall suitability for a banking career.

• Interviews are exclusively for candidates who pass the Mains examination.
• Final merit ranking is calculated based on the combined scores of the Mains and the Interview.
• Document verification occurs during or after the interview stage.
• Ensure you have all original certificates ready for submission.