IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 - Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern, Subject-Wise Topics
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has laid out the examination framework for Specialist Officer positions across the country, and candidates preparing for the 2026 recruitment cycle need to get their fundamentals right from now. The IBPS SO exam follows a two-tier structure—preliminary and main—with the prelims testing reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English language over two hours, while mains dive deeper into specialised technical knowledge relevant to your chosen officer category. Since the examination pattern directly shapes how you allocate your preparation time, understand that reasoning typically carries 50 questions, quantitative aptitude another 50, and English 40 in the preliminary stage. Start mapping out your subject-wise study schedule immediately, focusing on high-weightage topics like data interpretation, number series, and reading comprehension, so you're not scrambling when the official notification drops with the exact application window.
Job Description
Eligibility
How to Apply
Important Dates, Fees & How to Apply
A structured summary auto-generated for every job on hireds.in. For binding rules, always cross-check the official notification linked above.
Important Dates & Fees
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 04 Jul 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 04 Jul 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Refer notification |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Same as last date |
| Total Vacancies | As per notification |
| Application Fee | General / OBC: ₹100–₹500. SC / ST / PwD / Women: Usually exempt. Refer notification for exact amount. |
| Mode of Payment | Online — UPI / Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card |
| Mode of Application | Online only via the official portal listed above |
Step-by-step: How to apply online
Read the official notification PDF first.
Before filling any form, download and read the full notification published by IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 - Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern, Subjec. It carries the binding eligibility criteria, age-relaxation table, fee structure, exam pattern, and the syllabus. The detailed page above is a clean summary — the PDF is the legal document.Confirm you meet eligibility.
Check your age (as on the cut-off date stated in the notification), educational qualification, and category-specific reservations. Many candidates fill the form and lose the fee because their qualification did not match exactly.Keep documents ready before opening the form.
Scanned passport-size photo (recent, white background), signature, left-thumb impression, 10th certificate, qualifying degree, caste/EWS/PwD certificate if applicable, and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID). Use 100% scale and the file-size limits the portal specifies.Open the official application portal.
Use only the official application URL: www.ibps.in. Never apply through a Telegram / WhatsApp forwarded link — those are scams.Register, then log in.
Most portals require a one-time registration with your name, mobile, email and a password. Save the registration number — you will need it for every future login, admit-card download and result check.Fill the form carefully.
Personal details, educational qualification, communication address, category, and preferences. Cross-check each field. After final submission, most portals lock the form and corrections cost an extra fee.Pay the application fee online.
Use UPI, net-banking, debit / credit card. Keep the transaction receipt; some portals require you to upload the receipt before downloading the admit card.Submit & save the confirmation.
Save the final PDF acknowledgement and your registration number. Last-day submissions frequently fail because of portal overload — do not wait.
Source verified by the hireds.in editorial team. For the official notification, always visit the recruiter portal listed at the top of this page. Editorial policy.