IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026, Prelims & Mains

IBPS SO Interview

The total allotted marks for the Interview are 100. The minimum qualifying marks in the Interview should not be less than 40% for the General category (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD category). The ratio of weightage given to online CWE (Main Exam) and Interview is 80:20 respectively. The combined final score will be on the basis of the total scores obtained by you in the IBPS SO Mains exam and Interview. You need to qualify both - the IBPS SO 2026 Main Examination and interview and be adequately high in the merit to be shortlisted for the subsequent provisional allotment process, details of which will be made available subsequently on the IBPS website.

Note: While appearing for the Interview, it is mandatory to bring valid documents, in the absence of which the candidates' candidature may be cancelled.

IBPS SO Marking scheme

IBPS follows fixed criteria in all its exams when it comes to the marking scheme. In IBPS SO exam 2026, all questions carry 1 mark except the section of English Language where the questions carry 0.5 marks. A penalty of 0.25 marks will be charged for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains.

IBPS SO Exam Language

IBPS SO  is one of the most sought-after jobs. You can choose the language in which you wish to attempt the IBPS SO 2026 exam. You will have a choice of English and Hindi as the exam language except for the test of English Language. You can also view any particular question in a language other than the one chosen by you initially.

IBPS SO Free Mock Tests 

Practicing mock tests for IBPS SO is one such way through which you can make the most out of your daily practice along with learning more. If this practice comes with mock tests that are totally free, it adds to your advantage in a better way. To get an edge over others ixamBee is providing IBPS SO free mock tests. We provide IBPS SO Prelims mock tests & IBPS SO Mains mock tests, which will improve your performance along with enhancing your accuracy. 

IBPS SO Exam Pattern

The exam pattern of IBPS SO 2026 varies for different posts covered under Specialist Officers (SO). To be able to prepare in the best way possible, you should first know IBPS SO exam pattern which will help you in making a solid preparation plan. The IBPS SO process is divided into three phases:

• Prelims
• Mains
• Interview

The detailed IBPS SO paper pattern for Prelims and Mains for various streams covered under it is mentioned below.

IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern 

The IBPS SO Prelims 2026 will be conducted in online mode. The Preliminary Examination consists of four sections with sectional timing of 20 minutes for each section, making the total exam duration 80 minutes. The exam pattern varies slightly depending on the post applied for. The paper comprises 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 125 marks. Candidates must qualify each section by securing the minimum cut-off marks prescribed by IBPS to be shortlisted for the Main Examination.IBPS SO Pre Exam Pattern for Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari.

For the posts of Law Officer (Scale I) and Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I), the Preliminary Examination includes the following four sections:

• English Language
• Reasoning
• General Awareness with Special Reference to the Banking Industry
• Professional Knowledge

For the posts of IT Officer (Scale I), Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer, the Preliminary Examination also consists of four sections. However, Quantitative Aptitude replaces General Awareness with Special Reference to the Banking Industry. The remaining sections are:

• English Language
• Reasoning
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Professional Knowledge

The exam comprises 100 questions carrying 125 marks, with a total duration of 80 minutes. The detailed IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern for IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer is given below.

IBPS SO Mains Pattern 

Candidates who qualify the IBPS SO Prelims 2026 by securing the prescribed sectional and overall cut-offs will be shortlisted for the IBPS SO Mains Examination. Unlike the Preliminary Exam, the Mains examination pattern varies according to the post applied for. For all posts, Professional Knowledge plays the most crucial role, as merit ranking is prepared based on the Professional Knowledge score. The other objective sections in the Mains examination are qualifying in nature.

For the post of Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I), the Mains examination comprises five sections, including an Objective Professional Knowledge test and a Descriptive Professional Knowledge paper. The Objective test carries 100 marks, while the Descriptive paper carries 25 marks, making the total marks 225. The total duration of the examination is 155 minutes. Candidates can attempt the Professional Knowledge paper in Hindi or English, as specified by IBPS.

Exam Pattern for IBPS SO Mains for Rajbhasha Adhikari is as follows.

For the posts of Law Officer (Scale I), IT Officer (Scale I), Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer, the Mains examination includes objective sections along with a Professional Knowledge test. Additionally, Law Officer candidates are required to appear for a Descriptive English paper (25 marks), whereas IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer candidates are not required to take any descriptive paper. The total duration is 155 minutes for Law Officer and 125 minutes for the remaining posts. The Professional Knowledge objective paper carries 100 marks and is available in English and Hindi.

Exam Pattern for IBPS SO Mains for Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer is given below.

Candidates who qualify the IBPS SO Mains Examination will be called for the Interview round. The final selection is based on the combined performance in the Mains Examination and Interview, with a weightage of 80:20, respectively. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in the interview and rank sufficiently high in the final merit list to be considered for provisional allotment in the participating banks.