The IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern and Selection Process consists of three main stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. The Prelims test candidates on subjects like Reasoning, English, and either Quantitative Aptitude or General Awareness, depending on the post. The Mains focuses entirely on Professional Knowledge, and only those who clear this stage move to the Interview. Final selection is based on the combined score of the Mains and Interview.
- Selection Stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview
- Prelims Duration: 2 hours (150 questions, 125 marks)
- Mains Exam: 60 marks (Objective for most posts; Objective + Descriptive for Rajbhasha Adhikari)
- Interview Weightage: 20% (Minimum qualifying marks: 40%, or 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD)
- Final Merit: Based on Mains (80%) + Interview (20%)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025
The IBPS SO 2025 exam follows a structured selection process with different phases. The IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern is structured in two phases - Preliminary and Main Examination, both conducted online. The Prelims assess general aptitude with sections like Reasoning, English Language, and either Quantitative Aptitude or General Awareness, depending on the post. The Main Exam focuses solely on Professional Knowledge related to the specific specialist officer role applied for. Only candidates who qualify in each stage move forward in the recruitment process.
| Particular | Details |
|---|
| Exam Conducting Authority | Institute of Banking & Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Name | IBPS SO 2025 |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Prelims Exam Date | 30th August 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date | 9th November 2025 |
| Duration | Prelims: 120 minutes, Mains: 45-60 minutes |
| Selection Process | Prelims - Mains - Interview |
| Negative Marking | 1/4 of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted |
| Official Website | ibps.in |
IBPS SO Selection Process
The selection of candidates for IBPS SO 2025 is based on their performance in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination – Screening test for shortlisting candidates for the Mains exam.
- Mains Examination – Assesses candidates' professional knowledge in their chosen field.
- Interview – The final stage where shortlisted candidates are assessed on various parameters.
- Only candidates who clear all three stages successfully will be recruited as Specialist Officers in participating banks.
Attempt Free IBPS SO Mock Test
IBPS SO Preliminary Exam Pattern
The IBPS SO Prelims exam is conducted in online mode. It consists of three sections with a total of 150 multiple-choice questions. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes, with separate sectional timing for each part. Below is the detailed pattern for different posts.
For Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari:
The table below provides the section-wise breakdown for the IBPS SO Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari Exam Pattern:
| S No. | Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|
| 1 | Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| 3 | General Awareness (with Special Reference to Banking) | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | - | 150 | 125 | 120 minutes |
For Other Specialist Officers (IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer):
The pattern for these posts is slightly different, as shown in the table below.
| S No. | Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|
| 1 | Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 50 | 25 | 40 minutes |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | - | 150 | 125 | 120 minutes |
Solve IBPS SO Previous Year Papers
IBPS SO Mains Exam Pattern
The IBPS SO Mains Exam is designed to test candidates' professional knowledge in their respective fields. The table below highlights the exam pattern for various posts.
For the Posts of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer:
Check the Mains Exam pattern for Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer below-
| Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Duration |
|---|
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
For the Post of Rajbhasha Adhikari:
The Rajbhasa Adhikari follows a two-phase exam pattern for mains. It includes an objective and a descriptive test.
| Name of Test | No. 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 Interview Process
The IBPS SO Interview Process is the final stage of selection and is conducted for candidates who qualify the Main Examination. Coordinated by participating banks and IBPS, the interview carries 100 marks, with a minimum qualifying score of 40% (or 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates). It assesses a candidate's subject knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for the specialist officer role. The final merit list is prepared based on a weightage ratio of 80:20 for the Main Exam and Interview respectively. Only those who qualify both stages and fulfill the document requirements are considered for provisional allotment.
Check IBPS SO Syllabus
Final Selection for IBPS SO 2025
The final selection of candidates is based on their combined performance in the Mains Exam and the Interview Process. The Preliminary Exam is only qualifying in nature and does not contribute to the final merit list. Candidates who perform well in both Mains and Interview will receive appointment offers from participating banks. Understanding the IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 is crucial for candidates to streamline their preparation and maximize their chances of success.
Join IBPS SO Online Coaching
