IBPS SO Selection Process
Last verified 31 Jul 2026
IBPS SO selection runs through the stages below.
- Preliminary Examination (qualifying only)
- Main Examination
- Interview
Exam pattern by stage
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims — English Language | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| Prelims — Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| Prelims — Quantitative Aptitude (General Awareness with reference to Banking for Law and Rajbhasha) | 25 | 25 | 20 minutes |
| Prelims — Professional Knowledge | 25 | 50 | 20 minutes |
| Prelims total | 100 | 125 | 80 minutes |
| Mains — English Language | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Mains — Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Mains — Quantitative Aptitude (General Awareness for Rajbhasha) | 30 | 30 | 25 minutes |
| Mains — Professional Knowledge (Objective) | 50 | 100 | 40 minutes |
| Mains — Descriptive Paper (English) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Mains total | 152 | 225 | 155 minutes |
What counts towards the final merit
Only the Main Examination and the Interview count towards the final merit list.
Document verification
Originals are checked against everything declared in the application — qualification, category, age and any relaxation claimed. Certificates must be in the prescribed formats and dated on or before the closing date of the application. A candidate found ineligible at this point loses the candidature regardless of score.
Professional Knowledge is now tested in the Preliminary Examination
CRP SPL-XVI moved Professional Knowledge into the Preliminary Examination, worth 50 of the 125 marks — twice the weight of any other section. Previous cycles kept the Preliminary Examination to three general sections and tested subject knowledge only in the Main. A candidate preparing from an older syllabus plan will walk into the wrong exam.