For those aspiring to become Specialist Officers, understanding the IBPS SO Syllabus 2024 is crucial. The syllabus covers various subjects tailored to specific roles, including IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, Rajbhasha Adhikari, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer.
The IBPS SO Prelims Exam will feature sections on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness, with a total of 125 marks to be completed within 120 minutes. In contrast, the Mains Exam will focus on the specialized subject pertinent to the candidate’s chosen role, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes and carrying 120 marks.
IBPS SO Syllabus 2024
The Institute of Banking & Personnel Selection (IBPS) is set to conduct the IBPS SO Exam 2024 to recruit Specialist Officers, with the Prelims on 9th November 2024 and the Mains on 14th December 2024. To prepare effectively, candidates must be well-acquainted with the IBPS SO Syllabus 2024. The Prelims will test three main areas Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude/General Awareness with Special Reference to the Banking Industry (for Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari posts). A thorough understanding of these sections is essential for advancing to the next stage.
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IBPS SO Syllabus
The IBPS SO Syllabus 2024 also includes Professional Knowledge subjects that are specific to the role being applied for. Candidates who perform well in the Prelims will be eligible to sit for the Mains Exam and, if successful, will move on to the Interview Process. Mastery of the IBPS SO Syllabus 2024 will greatly enhance a candidate’s chances of success in the exam and achieving a Specialist Officer position.
| Parameters | Details |
| Conducting Authority | Institute of Banking & Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Name | IBPS SO 2024 |
| Mode | Online |
| Prelims Exam Date | 9th November 2024 |
| Mains Exam Date | 14th December 2024 |
| Duration | Prelims – 120 minutes; Mains – 45/60 minutes |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Negative Marking | ¼th mark for each wrong answer |
| Official Website | ibps.in |
IBPS SO Selection Process
The IBPS SO 2024 Exam will be conducted in three phases:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
- Interview Process
It is mandatory for candidates to clear all levels to be selected for the Specialist Officer post.
IBPS SO Important Points
- Separate sectional timing for each section in the prelim exam.
- The score of the Preliminary Exam will not be considered for final allotment.
- The final selection is based on the main exam and Interview Process.
- The Mains Examination contains questions only from the Professional Knowledge Subjects.
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2024 for Prelims
The IBPS SO Preliminary Exam consists of three sections such as English Language, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude or General Awareness (depending on the post). Each section is timed separately, and the total duration of the exam is 120 minutes.
For Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari:
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness with Special Reference to Banking | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 125 | 120 minutes |
For other Specialist Officers (Agriculture Field Officer, Marketing Officer (Scale I), HR/Personnel Officer, IT Officer Scale I):
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 125 | 120 minutes |
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2024 for Mains
The IBPS SO Mains Exam focuses on the professional knowledge relevant to the candidate’s chosen specialist field. The exam duration varies between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the post applied for.
For the Posts of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer:
| Name of Test | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Duration |
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
For the Post of Rajbhasha Adhikari:
| Name of Test | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Duration |
| Professional Knowledge (Objective) | 45 | 60 | English & Hindi | 30 minutes |
| Professional Knowledge (Descriptive) | 2 | – | English & Hindi | 30 minutes |
IBPS SO Syllabus Subject Wise
The IBPS SO Syllabus 2024 covers a wide range of topics specific to each specialist role, including professional knowledge and general subjects like reasoning, English language, and quantitative aptitude. Familiarity with the detailed syllabus is crucial for effective preparation and success in the exam.
IBPS SO Prelims Syllabus
The IBPS SO Preliminary Exam Syllabus 2024 includes three main sections: Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude. It focuses on testing candidates’ basic skills in these areas to assess their suitability for the Specialist Officer roles.
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Reasoning | Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Inequalities, Syllogism, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Blood Relations, Order and Ranking, Alphanumeric Series, Distance and Direction, Verbal Reasoning |
| English Language | Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Para/Sentence Completion |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number Series, Data Interpretation, Simplification/Approximation, Quadratic Equation, Data Sufficiency, Mensuration, Average, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Work, Time and Energy, Time and Distance, Probability, Simple and Compound Interest, Permutation and Combination |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, GK Updates, Currencies, Important Places, Books and Authors, Awards, Headquarters, Prime Minister Schemes, Important Days |
IBPS SO Mains Syllabus
The IBPS SO Mains Exam Syllabus 2024 varies based on the Specialist Officer role and includes Professional Knowledge along with General Awareness and English Language for certain posts. It aims to evaluate candidates’ in-depth knowledge and expertise related to their specific field.
IT Officer (Scale-I):
- Database Management System
- Data Communication and Networking
- Operating System
- Software Engineering
- Data Structure
- Computer Organization and Microprocessor
- Object-Oriented Programming
Agricultural Field Officer (Scale-I):
- Basics of Crop Production
- Horticulture
- Seed Science
- Agronomy and Irrigation
- Agricultural Economies
- Agricultural Practices
- Soil resources
- Animal Husbandry
- Agroforestry
- Ecology
- Government Schemes
Marketing Officer (Scale-I):
- Basics of Marketing Management
- Brand Management
- Advertising
- PR
- Sales
- Retail
- Business Ethics
- Market Segmentation
- Market research and forecasting demand
- Product Life Cycle
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Service Marketing
- Marketing Strategies
Law Officer (Scale-I):
- Banking Regulations
- Compliance and Legal Aspects
- Relevant Law and Orders related to negotiable instruments, securities, foreign exchange
- Prevention of Money-laundering, Limitation Act
- Consumer Protection Act
- SARFAESI Act
- Banking Ombudsman Scheme
- Laws and Actions with a Direct Link to Banking Sector
- Bankers Book Evidence Act
- DRT Act
HR/Personnel Officer (Scale-I):
- Human Resource Development
- Business policy and strategic analysis
- Transnational Analysis
- Training and Development
- Recruitment and Selection
- Rewards and Recognition
- Industrial Relations
- Business Policy and Strategic Analysis
- Grievance and Conflict Management
- Performance Management and Appraisal
IBPS SO Interview 2024
The IBPS SO Interview Process 2024 is the final stage of the recruitment for Specialist Officer positions. It assesses candidates’ suitability for the role through a structured and comprehensive interview.
1. Interview Stage
- Description: The interview focuses on evaluating a candidate’s personality, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the banking sector and the specific role they are applying for. Candidates may be asked questions about their educational background, work experience, and general awareness related to the banking industry.
- Preparation Tips: Candidates should prepare for questions related to their field of expertise, stay updated on current banking and financial news, and practice common interview questions to boost confidence.
2. Interview Weightage
- Description: The interview is a crucial component of the final selection process, with a certain weightage assigned to it. The performance in the interview, combined with the scores from the Prelims and Mains exams, determines the final selection of candidates.
- Preparation Tips: Emphasize improving soft skills, brushing up on professional knowledge, and understanding the job role’s requirements to enhance performance in the interview.
The interview process aims to ensure that selected candidates are well-rounded professionals capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of a Specialist Officer in a public sector bank.
IBPS SO Preparation Tips
To excel in the IBPS SO exam, a well-planned preparation strategy is crucial. Here are some tips given below:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the IBPS SO exam pattern and syllabus. The exam is divided into multiple stages, including Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. Focus on the specific syllabus for the IT Officer Scale I, which covers subjects like Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and English Language. Familiarize yourself with the weightage of each section and allocate your study time accordingly.
- Create a Structured Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that breaks down the syllabus into manageable sections. Set realistic goals for each week and month to cover all topics systematically. Regularly revise what you have learned and take practice tests to assess your progress. This approach will help in reinforcing your knowledge and improving your time management skills.
- Utilize High-Quality Study Materials: Invest in reputable study materials and resources, including textbooks, online courses, and previous years’ question papers. Use these materials to gain a deep understanding of key concepts and to practice a variety of questions. Ensure that your study resources are up-to-date and align with the latest exam pattern.
- Practice Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Regularly practice mock tests and solve previous years’ question papers. This will help you familiarize yourself with the exam format, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance in these tests to focus on areas that need improvement.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: For the General Awareness section, stay updated with current affairs related to banking and finance. Read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow reputable online news sources. Understanding recent developments in the financial sector will enhance your performance in this section.
- Focus on Interview Preparation: Since the interview stage is crucial, prepare thoroughly by practicing common interview questions and answers. Develop a clear understanding of your resume, the role of an SO, and current trends in the banking industry. Conduct mock interviews to build confidence and improve your communication skills.
IBPS SO Books 2024 for Preparation
These books should provide a solid foundation for preparation in each respective area. Ensure you cover both the preliminary and main exam content as per the IBPS SO 2024 syllabus.
| Section | Book Title | Author |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | |
| English Language | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma | |
| General Awareness | Banking Awareness | Disha Experts |
| Current Affairs Yearly | Pratiyogita Darpan | |
| IT Officer | Computer Knowledge for IBPS PO/Clerk/ RRB/ SO/ SBI PO/Clerk | Abhishek Chaturvedi |
| Objective Computer Knowledge and Literacy | R. Pillai | |
| Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) | Introduction to Agricultural Extension | R. K. Bansal |
| Agricultural Engineering | A. S. Mangal | |
| Marketing Officer | Marketing Management | Philip Kotler |
| Principles of Marketing | Gary Armstrong & Philip Kotler | |
| Law Officer | Banking Law and Regulation | M. L. Tannan |
| Banking Law and Regulation in India | N.S. Toor | |
| HR/Personnel Officer | Human Resource Management | Gary Dessler |
| Human Resource Management | S.S. Khanka |
- IBPS SO Exam Date 2024 Out, Prelims, and Mains Schedule
- IBPS SO Vacancy 2024 Out, Check Department-wise Vacancy
- IBPS SO Syllabus 2024 for Prelims, Mains & Check Exam Pattern
- IBPS SO Online Application 2024 Extended till 28th August 2024
- IBPS SO Salary 2024, Check Pay Scale, Salary Structure
- IBPS SO Cut Off 2024, Previous Year Category-wise Cut Off
IBPS SO Syllabus 2024 – FAQs
Ans. The IBPS SO syllabus includes Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude/General Awareness for Prelims, and Professional Knowledge subjects for Mains.
Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking of ¼th mark for each wrong answer.
Ans. The Prelims Exam is scheduled for 9th November 2024.
Ans. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview rounds.
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