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IBPS SO Syllabus 2025: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has announced the IBPS SO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 along with official notification. Those who want to appear for Prelims exam, scheduled for August 30 need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly to prepare well. Being well-versed with the IBPS SO Syllabus will acquaint you with the exam structure and the topics that are likely to be asked, enabling you to formulate a successful preparation strategy. This article outlines the subject-wise syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, and provides essential preparation tips.
IBPS SO Syllabus 2025
IBPS SO Syllabus and Exam Pattern are designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude in English, Reasoning, and Quantitative sections. With 1007 vacancies available, this is a remarkable opportunity for aspirants to secure a reputable job in the banking sector. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly by studying the official syllabus PDF, practicing with mock tests, and regularly solving sample papers.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) recruitment in three stages:
Preliminary Exam
Main Exam
Interview
Prelims Exam Pattern (2025)
The Preliminary stage is structured into three sections, and candidates must clear sectional cut-offs. The pattern differs based on the chosen post:
a) For Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari:
Sections & Details:
Reasoning — 50 Qs, 50 marks, 40 mins
English Language — 50 Qs, 25 marks, 40 mins
General Awareness (Banking Focus) — 50 Qs, 50 marks, 40 mins
Total: 150 Qs, 125 marks, 120 minutes .
b) For IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer (AFO), Marketing Officer, HR/Personnel Officer:
Sections & Details:
English Language — 50 Qs, 25 marks, 40 mins
Reasoning — 50 Qs, 50 marks, 40 mins
Quantitative Aptitude — 50 Qs, 50 marks, 40 mins
Total: 150 Qs, 125 marks, 120 minutes.
Mains Exam Pattern (2025)
Mains is post-specific, focusing solely on Professional Knowledge related to the applied role.
For IT, AFO, Law, Marketing, HR Officers:
Objective-Type: 60 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes
Language: English & Hindi .
For Rajbhasha Adhikari:
Objective-Type: 45 Qs, 60 marks, 30 minutes
Descriptive: 2 questions, 30 minutes
Total duration: 60 minutes.
Prelims—Topic-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
Reasoning
Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Inequalities, Syllogism, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency
Blood Relations, Order & Ranking, Alphanumeric Series
Distance & Direction, Verbal Reasoning
English Language
Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement
Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Para/Sentence Completion
Quantitative Aptitude
Number Series, Data Interpretation, Simplification/Approximation, Quadratic Equations
Data Sufficiency, Mensuration, Average, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion
Work, Time & Energy, Time & Distance, Probability, Simple/Compound Interest
Permutation & Combination
General Awareness (Banking-Focused, for Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari)
Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, General Knowledge
Currencies, Headquarters, Awards, Books & Authors, Important Days, PM Schemes, etc.
Mains—Professional Knowledge Syllabus (Post-Wise)
IT Officer
Database Management System, Networking, Operating System, Software Engineering
Data Structures, Microprocessors, OOP
Agricultural Field Officer (AFO)
Crop Production, Horticulture, Seed Science, Agronomy, Irrigation, Agricultural Economics
Soil Resources, Agroforestry, Animal Husbandry, Ecology, Government Schemes .
Marketing Officer
Marketing Management, Brand Management, Advertising, PR
Sales, Retail, Market Research, Product Life Cycle, CSR, Marketing Strategies, Service Marketing .
Law Officer
Banking Regulations, Legal Compliance, NI Act, Forex Laws, Anti-Money Laundering
Consumer Protection Act, SARFAESI, Banking Ombudsman, DRT Act, etc.
HR/Personnel Officer
HR Development, Business Policy & Strategy, Training & Development, Recruitment
Rewards & Recognition, Industrial Relations, Performance Management, Appraisal
Quick Summary Table
| Stage | Sections / Post | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | General Sections | Objective, Section-wise timing | 120 mins |
| Mains | Post-specific Subjects | Objective or combined format | 45–60 mins |
