Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the notification for Specialist Officers SO XVI recruitment. A total of 745 posts have been announced for various Scale-I specialist officer positions.
Bank of Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)IBPS Specialist Officers Syllabus Details 2026IBPS CRP IBPS SO Exam 2026-27 | Short Details of NotificationWWW.GOVFORMHUB.COM |

Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 140 | 140 | 75 minutes |
Main Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 | 30 minutes |
| Professional Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 120 | 75 minutes |
- Negative marking: 1/4 mark for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains.
- Prelims is qualifying in nature.careerpower+1
- Mains score is used for final merit and interview shortlisting.careerpower+1
Detailed Syllabus
A. Prelims – Reasoning Ability
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Seating Arrangements | Linear, circular, square arrangements |
| Puzzles | Logical puzzles, classification, arrangement puzzles |
| Inequalities | Comparison and inequality problems |
| Syllogism | Statements and conclusions |
| Input-Output | Logical input-output patterns |
| Data Sufficiency | Data interpretation and sufficiency |
| Blood Relations | Family relation reasoning |
| Order and Ranking | Position-based reasoning |
| Alphanumeric Series | Number and letter series |
| Direction and Distance | Spatial reasoning |
| Verbal Reasoning | Logic-based verbal problems |
B. Prelims – English Language
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Cloze Test | Context-based vocabulary |
| Reading Comprehension | Passages from banking, finance, economy |
| Spotting Errors | Grammar-based errors |
| Sentence Improvement | Sentence correction |
| Sentence Correction | Grammar and structure |
| Para Jumbles | Logical arrangement |
| Fill in the Blanks | Single and double blanks |
| Para/Sentence Completion | Context-based completion |
C. Prelims – Quantitative Aptitude
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Number Series | Missing, wrong number series |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, graphs, charts |
| Simplification/Approximation | BODMAS, simplification |
| Quadratic Equation | Equation solving |
| Data Sufficiency | Data-based sufficiency |
| Mensuration | Area, volume, perimeter |
| Average | Weighted average, mean |
| Profit and Loss | Ratio, percentage |
| Ratio and Proportion | Basic and complex ratios |
| Time and Work | Work, efficiency |
| Time and Distance | Speed, distance, time |
| Probability | Basic probability concepts |
| Simple and Compound Interest | Interest calculations |
| Permutation and Combination | Basic combinational problems |
D. Prelims – General Awareness
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National and international events |
| Banking Awareness | Banking terms, RBI policies, banking news |
| GK Updates | Important facts and updates |
| Currencies | Country currencies |
| Important Places | Cities, monuments, locations |
| Books and Authors | Notable books and authors |
| Awards | National and international awards |
| Headquarters | Organisational HQ locations |
| Prime Minister Schemes | Government schemes |
| Important Days | National and international days |
E. Mains – Reasoning Ability
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Seating Arrangements | Complex arrangements |
| Puzzles | High-level logical puzzles |
| Inequalities | Advanced comparison |
| Syllogism | Complex statements |
| Data Sufficiency | Higher difficulty |
| Logical Reasoning | Complex logic problems |
F. Mains – Professional Knowledge (Post-Specific)
IT Officer (Scale I)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Database Management System | SQL, DB concepts, normalization |
| Data Communication and Networking | Protocols, networks, data transmission |
| Operating System | OS concepts, types, functions |
| Software Engineering | Software development process |
| Data Structure | Arrays, stacks, queues, trees |
| Computer Organization and Microprocessor | CPU, memory, processors |
| Object Oriented Programming | OOP concepts, classes, inheritance |
Agriculture Officer (AFO)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Basics of Crop Production | Cultivation, harvesting |
| Horticulture | Fruit and vegetable farming |
| Seed Science | Seed types, quality |
| Agronomy and Irrigation | Crop management, irrigation methods |
| Agricultural Economies | Economics of farming |
| Agricultural Practices | Modern farming techniques |
| Soil Resources | Soil types, fertility |
| Animal Husbandry | Animal farming, breeding |
| Agroforestry | Forest and crop integration |
| Ecology | Environmental balance |
| Government Schemes | Agricultural schemes |
Marketing Officer (Scale I)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Basics of Marketing Management | Marketing principles |
| Brand Management | Branding strategies |
| Advertising | Advertising techniques |
| PR (Public Relations) | PR strategies |
| Sales | Sales management |
| Retail | Retail marketing |
| Business Ethics | Ethics in marketing |
| Market Segmentation | Target audience |
| Market Research | Research methods |
| Product Life Cycle | Product stages |
| CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) | Social marketing |
| Service Marketing | Service-based marketing |
| Marketing Strategies | Strategic marketing |
Law Officer (Scale I)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Banking Regulations | Banking laws |
| Compliance and Legal Aspects | Compliance rules |
| Negotiable Instruments | Securities, foreign exchange laws |
| Prevention of Money-laundering | PMLA Act |
| Limitation Act | Time limitations |
| Consumer Protection Act | Consumer rights |
| SARFAESI | Recovery laws |
| Banking Ombudsman Scheme | Dispute resolution |
| Banking Sector Laws | Banking-related laws |
| Bankers Book Evidence Act | Evidence laws |
| DRT Act | Debt recovery tribunal |
HR/Personnel Officer (Scale I)
| Topic | Key Areas |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Development | HRD concepts |
| Business Policy and Strategic Analysis | Strategic HR |
| Training and Development | Training programs |
| Recruitment and Selection | Hiring process |
| Rewards and Recognition | Employee incentives |
| Industrial Relations | Employee relations |
| Grievance and Conflict Management | Conflict resolution |
| Performance Management and Appraisal | Performance evaluation |
Important Notes
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Negative Marking | 1/4 mark for each wrong answer in Prelims and Mains |
| Prelims Status | Qualifying in nature |
| Mains Status | Used for final merit and interview |
| Professional Knowledge | Most important section in Mains |
| Interview | Mains score is used for interview shortlisting |
Preparation Strategy
- Prepare Prelims subjects first: reasoning, English, Quant, and General Awareness.
- Focus heavily on Professional Knowledge for Mains based on your applied post.
- Practice reasoning and data interpretation regularly.
- Solve mock tests with time limits.
- Revise banking awareness and current affairs daily.
Important Links : IBPS Specialist Officers Recruitment 2026
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Join GovFormhub Channel | Telegram | WhatsApp |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Official Website | IBPS |
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Short FAQ
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IBPS Specialist Officers Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Posts | IT Officer, Agriculture Officer, Marketing Officer, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer |
| Exam Mode | Online Preliminary and Online Main Examination |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
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