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.
| Event | Tentative / Official Date |
| Notification Release | August–September 2025 |
| Online Registration Begins | August 2025 (with notification) |
| Prelims Admit Card Release | November 2025 (10–15 days before the exam) |
| Preliminary Exam | 22 & 23 November 2025 (expected) |
| Prelims Result Declaration | December 2025 (expected after the exam) |
| Mains Admit Card Release | December 2025 (post prelims result) |
| Mains Exam | 4 January 2026 |
| Mains Result Declaration | January/February 2026 (expected) |
| Interview Call Letters | February–March 2026 (expected) |
| Interview Rounds | February–March 2026 |
| Provisional Allotment | 1 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:
| Shift | Expected Time |
| Shift 1 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Shift 2 | 2:00 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:
| Shift | Reporting Time | Expected Time |
| Single Shift | Around 07:30 AM | 08:30 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
Ans. The Prelims will be held on 22nd and 23rd November 2025.
Ans. Books, notes, handbags, watches, jewelry, and any communication devices.
Ans. It is scheduled for 4th January 2026, likely from 08:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Ans. Shift 1: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Shift 2: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Ans. A live photo is taken and matched with the application photo before the seat allotment.
Ans. Admit card (with photo), original photo ID, photocopy, and a ballpoint pen.
- IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings & Exam Day Instruction, Know Here
- IBPS SO IT Officer Success Story: Deepanjan’s Journey
- IBPS SO IT Officer Success Story: Aditya’s Journey
- IBPS SO Cut Off 2025 Out, Specialist Officer Mains Cut Off Marks
- IBPS SO Mains Score Card 2025 Out, Check Your Marks
- How to Prepare for IBPS SO Marketing Interview 2024-25?
Hello, I’m a content writer working at Oliveboard. I focus on creating blogs, articles, and educational content that’s simple, clear, and saves time for readers. I believe in writing that adds real value without overcomplicating things. I also have strong knowledge of banking and government exams, which helps me create content that is both accurate and easy to understand. With experience and consistency, I aim to make preparation smoother for every learner.