The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) Exam, a national-level competitive test for recruitment of Specialist Officers in various public sector banks in India.
The exam is held in three stages:
- Preliminary,
- Mains and
- Interview.
The positions offered through this exam include Agriculture Field Officer, Marketing Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, IT Officer, Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari.
The IBPS SO Exam is known for its comprehensive syllabus and rigorous selection process, attracting a large number of aspirants each year who aspire to build a career in the banking sector.
IBPS SO Admit Card Download and Exam Dates
Admit card for the Prelims will be available in Dec 2023 at the official website. The prelims exam will be conducted on 30th and 31st December 2023 while Mains is scheduled to take place on 28th January 2024.
| Event | Dates |
| IBPS SO 2024 Preliminary Exam Date | Dec 30 – 31, 2023 |
| IBPS SO 2024 Preliminary Admit Card Date | Dec 2023 |
| IBPS SO 2024 Mains Exam Date | Jan 28, 2024 |
| IBPS SO 2024 Mains Admit Card Date | Jan 2024 |
| IBPS SO 2024 Preliminary Exam Result | Jan 2024 |
| IBPS SO 2024 Mains Exam Result | Feb 2024 |
How to Download IBPS SO 2024 Admit Card?
Here are the steps to download your admit card:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of IBPS.
- Step 2: Login using your Registration Number and Password.
- Step 3: Once logged in, click on the ‘Download Admit Card’ link.
- Step 4: This opens the Admit Card in a new tab. Take a coloured printout.
What is the IBPS SO exam?
The IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer) exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) in India. The purpose of the exam is to select candidates for the position of Probationary Officer in various public sector banks in India.
The IBPS PO exam is held annually, and it consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Main Exam, and
- Interview.
The preliminary exam is the first stage and serves as a screening test. Successful candidates then move on to the Main Exam, and those who qualify further participate in the interview round.
The exam assesses candidates on their quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, English language skills, general awareness, and computer knowledge. Successful candidates are subsequently appointed as Probationary Officers in participating banks based on their overall performance in the selection process.
The IBPS PO exam is one of the prestigious exams for individuals aspiring to build a career in the banking sector in India.
Why to Choose IBPS SO as Your Career?
Choosing IBPS PO as a career can be a strategic and rewarding decision for several reasons:
- Job Security and Stability
Public sector banks, where IBPS POs are appointed, are known for their stability. The government backing ensures a secure work environment. Unlike some private sector jobs that may be subject to economic fluctuations, a career as an IBPS PO provides a stable foundation for long-term professional growth.
- Attractive Compensation Package
IBPS PO positions come with a competitive salary, allowances, and benefits. The comprehensive compensation package not only reflects the value placed on the role of the banking sector but also ensures financial well-being for employees. This aspect is particularly appealing for those seeking a rewarding financial career.
- Career Growth Opportunities
The IBPS PO role is often considered a gateway to various career advancements within the banking sector. With experience and performance, individuals have the chance to climb the hierarchical ladder, reaching higher positions such as Assistant Manager, Branch Manager, and beyond. The structured career progression ensures ongoing professional development.
- Diverse Roles and Responsibilities
IBPS POs are exposed to a diverse range of responsibilities, from customer service to loan processing and general banking operations. This diversity not only keeps the job engaging but also allows individuals to develop a versatile skill set. The multifaceted nature of the role enhances the overall learning experience for aspiring bankers.
- Contribution to National Development
Working in public sector banks means contributing directly to the economic development of the country. IBPS POs play a vital role in providing financial services to a wide range of customers, including small businesses and individuals. By facilitating financial transactions and fostering economic stability, IBPS POs make a tangible impact on national development. This aspect adds a sense of purpose and social responsibility to the career.
IBPS SO Eligibility Criteria 2023
Basic Eligibility
The eligibility criteria in terms of nationality, age limit and educational qualification are given below:
Nationality/Citizenship
An applicant must be either of the following:
- a citizen of India;
- a subject of Nepal;
- a subject of Bhutan;
- a Tibetan refugee who shifted to India before January 1st, 1962 with intentions of settling in India permanently;
- a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam intending to permanently settle in India.
Age Limit
- Upper Age Limit: The candidate must not be more than 30 years of age.
- Lower Age Limit: The applicant must be at least 20 years old.
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification required for being appointed as any of the above-mentioned officers will be different. This will depend on the particular officer post a candidate is applying for.
| IBPS SO 2024 Post | Educational Qualification for IBPS SO 2024 |
| IT Officer (Scale I) | B.Tech in Computer Science/Applications, IT, Electronics, Electronics & Telecommunications, Electronics & Communication or Electronics & Instrumentation. Masters Degree in the above-mentioned field or graduate who has passed DOEACC ‘B’ level |
| Agricultural Field Officer (Scale I) | 4-year degree (graduation) in Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering or corresponding fields. |
| Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I) | Master’s degree in Hindi with English as a subject at the graduation level Or, Master’s degree in Sanskrit with English and Hindi as subjects at the graduation level |
| Law Officer (Scale I) | Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB)(The person should be enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council) |
| HR/Personnel Officer (Scale I) | Graduation with a 2-year full-time PG degree or diploma in Personnel Management, Industrial Relations, HR, HRD, Social Work or Labor Law. |
| Marketing Officer (Scale I) | Graduation with a 2-year full-time degree in MMS (Marketing), MBA (Marketing), PGDBA, PGDBM, PGPM or PGDM with a specialization in Marketing. |
IBPS SO 2024 Exam Pattern
An IBPS SO 2024 aspirant needs to know about the exam pattern of the exam in terms of the number of questions, types of questions, exam duration, marking scheme etc.
The highlights of the IBPS SO 2024 Exam Pattern are as given below:
- The preliminary exam will be a test containing 150 objective-type questions. The medium of the paper will be English and Hindi.
- There will be a total of 3 sections- English Language, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude/General Awareness. The 3rd section will be decided based on the post the applicant has applied for.
- The main exam will have both descriptive and objective type questions based on the post.
- Candidates qualifying for the main exam will be called for an interview with the bank applied to during registration.
IBPS SO Preliminary Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of the first stage (Preliminary) of the IBPS SO 2024 exam is given below.
| Specification | Details |
| Exam mode | Online- Computer Based Test |
| Total number of questions | 150 |
| Sections in paper | 3- English Language, Reasoning and General Awareness/Quantitative Aptitude |
| Total Marks | 125 |
| Exam duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| Medium of paper | English and Hindi |
| Negative Marking | There will be a negative marking of 1/4 for every wrong response. |
IBPS SO Main Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of the IBPS SO 2024 Mains exam for IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer is given below.
| Specification | Details |
| Exam mode | Online Computer Based Test |
| Total number of questions | 60 |
| Sections in paper | 1 |
| Total Marks | 60 |
| Exam duration | 45 minutes |
| Medium of paper | English and Hindi |
IBPS SO Detailed Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the Preliminary exam will include Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English and General Awareness. The topics to study under the mentioned subjects are as given below:
IBPS SO Syllabus for Quant & Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Simplification
- Average
- Percentage & Ratio Proportion
- Data Interpretation
- Quadratic Equations
- Interest
- Linear Equations
- Profit & Loss
- Number Series
- Speed, Time & Distance
- Mensuration & Geometry
- Time & Work
- Number Systems
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability
Reasoning Ability (RA)
- Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogisms
- Seating Arrangements
- Scheduling
- Input-Output
- Blood Relations
- Directions & Distances
- Ordering & Ranking
- Coding & Decoding
- Analytical Decision Making
- Coded Inequalities
Data Sufficiency
IBPS SO Syllabus for English & General Awareness
English Language Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Spotting
- Phrase Replacement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Completion
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
General Awareness
- Financial Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Who’s who
(Note: The list under General Awareness includes the specific topics Financial Awareness and Current Affairs.)
Others
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Completion
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
IBPS SO Cutoff: Check the Cutoff List for 2023 Exam
The IBPS SO cut-off will be released along with the results on the official website. Candidates can check out the previous year’s cut-off to predict the upcoming exam cut-off.
The cut-off is based on various factors such as the level of the exam, the er of vacancies, the previous year’s cut-off, and the number of candidates appearing for the IBPS SO exam.
IBPS SO Exam Result: How to Check Yours?
IBPS SO 2024 result will be declared in Jan 2024 for the Preliminary. The Mains exam result is expected to be released in Feb 2024. The results will be released separately for the Prelims and Mains exam.
IBPS SO 2024 result dates are mentioned below.
| Events | Dates |
| IBPS SO 2024 Preliminary Exam Result | Jan 2024 |
| IBPS SO 2024 Mains Exam Result | Feb 2024 |
How to Check IBPS SO 2024 Results?
Candidates qualifying in the IBPS SO Mains Result will be called for the next round. They can follow the steps given below to check the IBPS SO 2024 results.
- Step 1: Visit the official website of IBPS.
- Step 2: Navigate to and select ‘Click Here to View Provisional Allotment Reserve List’.
- Step 3: The result will be downloadable in the form of a file. Applicants will be required to enter their roll number to view the result.
- Step 4: The provisional allotment result will be displayed on the screen.
- Step 5: The positions/ranks obtained by the candidates on this list will be based on their cumulative scores obtained in the Mains exam and Interview.
Vacancy and Job Roles
IBPS with a mandate from the participating banks has declared 1599 Scale I Bank Officer vacancies to be recruited for in 2023.
Recruitment Notification has been released by IBPS for hiring the following officers:
- I.T. Officer,
- Agricultural Field Officer,
- Rajbhasha Adhikari Law Officer,
- HR/Personnel Officer,
- Marketing Officer.
The number of vacancies had gone down due to less number of participating banks. Here is the number of different posts:
| Post | Number of Seats |
| IT Officer – Scale I | 150 |
| HR/personnel – Scale I | 70 |
| Rajbhasha Adhikari – Scale I | 55 |
| Marketing Officer – Scale I | 400 |
| Law Officer – Scale I | 100 |
| Agricultural Officer – Scale I | 700 |
| Total | 1500 |
List of Prominent Recruiter Banks
Following is the list of banks that are participating in the IBPS SO 2024 Exam:
| Allahabad Bank | Canara Bank | Indian Bank | Syndicate Bank |
| Andhra Bank | Central Bank of India | Indian Overseas Bank | UCO Bank |
| Bank of Baroda | Corporation Bank | Oriental Bank of Commerce | Union Bank of India |
| Bank of India | Dena Bank | Punjab National Bank | United Bank of India |
| Bank of Maharashtra | IDBI Bank | Punjab & Sind Bank | Vijaya Bank |
Salary and Job Profile
The IBPS SO position offers a lucrative salary structure, a wide range of perks and allowances, and a prestigious job profile, making it a great opportunity for bank job aspirants.
The job not only provides financial stability but also offers a chance to contribute to the nation’s economic development. The IBPS SO position is highly coveted due to its attractive salary structure and prestigious job profile.
Salary
The basic pay for an IBPS SO is Rs 23,700. However, the in-hand salary, which includes various allowances, ranges from Rs 38,000 to Rs 39,000.
The salary structure for IBPS SO follows the pattern of Rs. 23700-980/7-30560-1145/2-32850-1310/7-42020.
- This means that the basic pay will increase by Rs 980 for the next 7 years, reaching Rs 30560.
- Then it will increase by Rs 1145 for the next 2 years, reaching Rs 32850.
- Finally, it will increase by Rs 1310 for the next 7 years, reaching Rs 42020.
Job Profile
The job profile of an IBPS SO varies depending on the field of specialization. The IBPS SO Recruitment 2023 has been made for the following posts:
- I.T. Officer (Scale I)
- Agricultural Field Officer (Scale I)
- Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I)
- Law Officer (Scale I)
- HR/Personnel Officer (Scale I)
- Marketing Officer (Scale I)
Each of these posts requires specific qualifications and skills. For instance, an I.T. Officer is responsible for managing the bank’s software systems, while a Law Officer handles all legal and judicial matters of the bank.
Allowances: In addition to the basic pay, the IBPS SO Salary also includes various allowances. These include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): This is 36% of the basic pay.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): This depends on the location of the job. It is 9.0%, 8.0% or 7.0% depending on the place of posting.
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA): This also depends on the place of posting and can be either 4%, 3% or 0%.
- Special Allowance: For officers, it is a fixed amount of Rs. 1836.75.
The diverse job roles offer opportunities for continuous learning and growth. Moreover, the respect and prestige associated with a banking job are unmatched. Therefore, a career as an IBPS SO can be highly rewarding and fulfilling.
FAQs
Q1. What are the posts recruited under IBPS SO?
Under IBPS SO, the recruited candidates are designated as Scale I officers and may hold positions such as IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, Law Officer, and Rajbasha Adhikari.
Q2. What is the selection process for the IBPS SO 2024 exam, and how many rounds are there?
The IBPS SO 2024 selection process comprises three rounds: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Personal Interview.
Q3. What is the age limit for applying to IBPS SO 2024?
Candidates applying for IBPS SO 2024 should fall within the age range of 20 to 30 years.
Q4. Can final-year students apply for the IBPS SO exam?
Final-year students are eligible to apply for the IBPS SO exam if their results are declared before December.
Q5. What is the application fee for IBPS SO 2024?
The application fee for IBPS SO 2024 is INR 100 for SC/ST/PWD/EXSM candidates and INR 600 for General and other categories.
Q6. If I fail to clear my IBPS SO Examinations, what other choices do I have to go into the Banking industry?
If you fail your IBPS SO Exams, do not worry, you still have plenty of options to clear other banking examinations and get into a reputable bank. One such bank is the State Bank of India. You can take the SBI PO Exam to get selected for a job in the SBI.
