IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings & Exam Day Instruction, Know Here

IBPS SO Shift Timings

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will conduct the IBPS SO Prelims 2025 exam on the 22nd and 23rd of November 2025. Candidates are advised to check their admit cards carefully for exact shift timings, reporting time, and other important instructions. This article provides an overview of the expected exam schedule and shift timings. Based on previous years, the exam may be held in multiple shifts, such as:

  • Morning Shift
  • Afternoon Shift

Please note: The exact shift, exam center, and reporting time will be mentioned on the admit card. Please arrive at the exam center well in advance of the reporting time to avoid any last-minute issues. Also, follow all the guidelines mentioned in the admit card regarding ID proof, dress code, and items allowed inside the examination hall.

IBPS SO Prelims 2025 – Important Dates

It is important to know the exact dates for the various stages of the recruitment process. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the IBPS SO Recruitment 2025–26 schedule, as per the official IBPS exam calendar.

EventTentative / Official Date
Notification ReleaseAugust–September 2025
Online Registration BeginsAugust 2025 (with notification)
Prelims Admit Card ReleaseNovember 2025 (10–15 days before the exam)
Preliminary Exam22 & 23 November 2025 (expected)
Prelims Result DeclarationDecember 2025 (expected after the exam)
Mains Admit Card ReleaseDecember 2025 (post prelims result)
Mains Exam4  January 2026
Mains Result DeclarationJanuary/February 2026 (expected)
Interview Call LettersFebruary–March 2026 (expected)
Interview RoundsFebruary–March 2026
Provisional Allotment1 April 2026

IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2025

The IBPS SO Prelims 2025 exam will be held on 22nd and 23rd November 2025. The exam is likely to take place in two shifts each day. The exact shift and reporting time will be mentioned on your admit card, so make sure to read it carefully. Here is a general idea of the expected shift timings:

ShiftExpected Time
Shift 110:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Shift 22:00 PM to 4:00 PM

IBPS SO Mains Shift Timings 2025

The IBPS SO Mains exam is tentatively scheduled for 4th January 2026, as per the official IBPS exam calendar. The exam is expected to be held in a single shift, similar to previous years. The exact timings will be confirmed in the admit card, but tentatively, the shift details are as follows:

ShiftReporting TimeExpected Time
Single ShiftAround 07:30 AM08:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Candidates must refer to their admit card for the confirmed shift, reporting time, and other instructions. It is advisable to reach the exam center at least 60 minutes before the reporting time to avoid any last-minute issues.

General Instructions for IBPS SO Candidates

Read these instructions carefully to avoid any problems on the exam day. Make sure you carry all the required documents and follow the rules at the exam center.

  • The date, time, and exam center address will be written on your admit card (call letter).
  • You must carry your admit card to the exam center. Make sure to paste your recent passport-size photo on it.
  • Do not bring calculators, books, notes, mobile phones, smartwatches, or any other electronic devices to the exam hall.
  • Along with your admit card, also carry:
    • A photocopy of your valid photo ID (like Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
    • The original photo ID (the same one whose copy you are carrying)
  • You should also bring a ballpoint pen. Rough sheets will be given at the exam center.

Items Not Allowed in IBPS SO Exam Hall

Candidates must not carry any of the following items to the exam center. If you bring any of these, make sure to keep them in a safe place outside the exam hall, as they are strictly not allowed inside.

Stationery and Study Material:

  • Textbooks, written notes, papers
  • Geometry box, pencil box, plastic pouch
  • Calculator, scale, writing pad, pen drive, log table
  • Electronic pens or scanners

Electronic Devices:

  • Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices
  • Earphones, microphones, pagers, smartwatches, fitness bands

Personal Items:

  • Handbags, goggles, caps, belts
  • Hair pins, hair bands
  • Cameras, any metallic items
  • Wristwatches or any kind of watch

Food and Drink:

  • Only transparent water bottles are allowed

Other Restrictions:

  • Any item that can be used to hide communication devices (such as spy cameras or Bluetooth tools)
  • Avoid wearing jewelry such as rings, earrings, nose pins, chains, pendants, brooches, etc.

In-Candidate Registration Process

When candidates enter the exam center, they will be guided to their exam labs based on their roll numbers. Once they reach the lab, they will go through a quick registration process. This includes:

  • A photo of the candidate will be taken on the spot. This photo will be matched with the one uploaded during the application process.
  • Make sure your appearance is the same as in the photo you uploaded (for example: no major hairstyle changes or face coverings).
  • The photo will be taken while you are standing.
  • After the photo is verified, you will be assigned a seat number.

IBPS SO 2025 Online Examination Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern is important before you appear for the test. Here’s a quick look at the duration, format, and important instructions for the online exam.

  • The exam duration is 45 minutes for the posts of IT Officer, AFO, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer.
  • For Rajbhasha Adhikari, the exam lasts 60 minutes – 30 minutes for Objective and 30 minutes for Descriptive sections.
  • Sections of the exam will be shown on the top bar of the screen. You can click any section to switch to it.
  • You can move between questions and sections freely within the given time.
  • You cannot submit the test before the full-time ends.
  • Avoid pressing any keyboard keys during the exam. Doing so may lock your test screen.

IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the IBPS SO Prelims 2025 exam dates?

Ans. The Prelims will be held on 22nd and 23rd November 2025.

Q2. What items are banned from the IBPS SO exam hall?

Ans. Books, notes, handbags, watches, jewelry, and any communication devices.

Q3. What is the date and timing of the IBPS SO Mains 2025?

Ans. It is scheduled for 4th January 2026, likely from 08:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Q3. What are the expected shift timings for IBPS SO Prelims?

Ans. Shift 1: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Shift 2: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Q5. What happens during in-candidate registration at the exam center?

Ans. A live photo is taken and matched with the application photo before the seat allotment.

Q6. What documents should I carry to the IBPS SO exam center?

Ans. Admit card (with photo), original photo ID, photocopy, and a ballpoint pen.



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