IBPS SO Syllabus 2026
IBPS SO Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Check IBPS SO 2026 syllabus and exam pattern with post-wise topics, marking scheme, and official structure.
IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 (Post-Wise Detailed) + Exam Pattern, Prelims & Mains Complete Guide
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the latest IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 along with the CRP SPL-XVI notification for the recruitment of Specialist Officers in participating Public Sector Banks. The syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates on their aptitude, reasoning ability, language proficiency, banking awareness (for specific posts), quantitative aptitude (for specific posts), and most importantly, their Professional Knowledge related to the post they have applied for.
Unlike the IBPS PO or Clerk examinations, the IBPS Specialist Officer examination is profession-oriented. While the Preliminary Examination tests both aptitude and domain knowledge, the Main Examination gives maximum importance to Professional Knowledge. Candidates aspiring to become IT Officers, Agricultural Field Officers, Law Officers, HR Officers, Marketing Officers, or Rajbhasha Adhikaris must prepare their professional subjects thoroughly, as these carry the highest weightage in the selection process.
The syllabus is divided into two stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are shortlisted for the Main Examination, followed by the Interview. Therefore, understanding the complete syllabus before beginning preparation is essential for maximizing scores and improving selection chances.
IBPS SO Syllabus 2026 Highlights
Particular | Details |
|---|---|
Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
Exam Name | IBPS SO CRP SPL-XVI |
Recruitment Year | 2026 |
Selection Process | Prelims, Mains & Interview |
Mode of Examination | Online |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
Professional Knowledge | Post-wise |
Official Website |
IBPS SO Detailed Official Notification PDF
IBPS SO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Preliminary Examination acts as the first stage of selection. The syllabus differs according to the post applied for.
For IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR Officer, and Marketing Officer, candidates are tested in:
- English Language
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Professional Knowledge
For Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari, Quantitative Aptitude is replaced with General Awareness with Special Reference to Banking Industry.
IBPS SO English Language Syllabus 2026
Overview
The English Language section evaluates a candidate's command over grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and verbal ability. It assesses both accuracy and reading speed. Since English is a qualifying subject in both the Preliminary and Main Examinations, candidates should focus on building a strong foundation in grammar and improving reading habits.
Topics Covered in English Language
Topic | Description |
|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Factual, inference-based, vocabulary and tone-based passages |
Cloze Test | Fill appropriate words in a paragraph |
Error Detection | Identify grammatical and contextual errors |
Sentence Improvement | Improve sentence structure and grammar |
Fill in the Blanks | Single or double blanks based on vocabulary and grammar |
Para Jumbles | Rearrangement of sentences into a meaningful paragraph |
Sentence Rearrangement | Logical sequencing of statements |
Phrase Replacement | Replace incorrect phrases with suitable alternatives |
Word Swap | Exchange highlighted words to form meaningful sentences |
Connectors | Join ideas using appropriate conjunctions |
Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms & phrases |
Grammar | Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Subject-Verb Agreement, Voice, Narration |
Sentence Completion | Complete incomplete sentences logically |
Preparation Strategy
- Read editorials from leading newspapers daily.
- Learn 15–20 new vocabulary words every day.
- Solve one Reading Comprehension and one Cloze Test daily.
- Revise grammar rules regularly.
- Practice sectional mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
IBPS SO Reasoning Ability Syllabus 2026
Overview
Reasoning Ability measures analytical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and decision-making ability. The questions range from easy to high-level puzzles and logical reasoning sets.
Important Topics
Topic | Expected Focus |
|---|---|
Seating Arrangement | Linear, Circular, Square, Double Row |
Puzzle | Floor, Box, Scheduling, Distribution, Month-Based |
Syllogism | Statement-based logical conclusions |
Inequalities | Direct and coded inequalities |
Coding-Decoding | Letter, Number and Symbol Coding |
Blood Relations | Family tree and coded relations |
Direction Sense | Distance and direction-based problems |
Ranking & Order | Position-based questions |
Alphabet Series | Letter arrangement and pattern recognition |
Number Series | Missing number and pattern series |
Data Sufficiency | Evaluate sufficiency of given statements |
Input-Output | Machine-based arrangement problems |
Statement & Assumption | Logical assumptions |
Statement & Conclusion | Valid conclusions |
Cause & Effect | Logical cause-effect relationships |
Course of Action | Decision-making based questions |
Critical Reasoning | Analytical reasoning sets |
Preparation Strategy
- Solve puzzles every day.
- Strengthen logical reasoning concepts before attempting advanced sets.
- Time yourself while solving seating arrangement questions.
- Analyze mistakes after every mock test.
IBPS SO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
(Applicable for IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR Officer, and Marketing Officer)
Overview
Quantitative Aptitude assesses numerical ability, mathematical calculations, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills. Arithmetic and Data Interpretation form the core of this section.
Arithmetic Topics
Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
Percentage | Basic and advanced applications |
Profit & Loss | Marked Price, Discount, Successive Discount |
Simple Interest | Interest calculations |
Compound Interest | CI formulas and applications |
Ratio & Proportion | Partnership and mixtures |
Average | Weighted and simple averages |
Partnership | Profit sharing |
Time & Work | Work efficiency |
Pipes & Cistern | Inlet-outlet problems |
Time, Speed & Distance | Relative speed, trains, races |
Boats & Streams | Upstream and downstream |
Mixture & Alligation | Ratio-based mixing problems |
Ages | Age-based equations |
Advanced Mathematics
Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
Number System | Divisibility, HCF, LCM |
Simplification | BODMAS, approximation |
Surds & Indices | Exponents and roots |
Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations |
Geometry | Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals |
Mensuration | 2D & 3D figures |
Probability | Basic probability |
Permutation & Combination | Counting principles |
Data Interpretation
Topic |
|---|
Table DI |
Bar Graph |
Pie Chart |
Line Graph |
Caselet DI |
Missing DI |
Radar Graph |
Mixed Graphs |
Preparation Strategy
- Master arithmetic first, as it contributes significantly to the exam.
- Practice Data Interpretation sets daily.
- Memorize tables, squares, cubes, and percentage equivalents.
- Focus on speed calculation techniques.
IBPS SO General Awareness with Special Reference to Banking Industry Syllabus
(Applicable for Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari)
Overview
This section evaluates knowledge of banking, finance, economy, current affairs, and recent developments affecting the banking sector.
Banking Awareness
Topic |
|---|
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
Monetary Policy |
Banking Regulation Act |
Financial Institutions |
Priority Sector Lending |
Digital Banking |
NEFT, RTGS, IMPS |
UPI & NPCI |
Basel Norms |
Banking Terminology |
Financial Inclusion |
Payment Banks & Small Finance Banks |
Financial Awareness
Topic |
|---|
Budget |
Economic Survey |
Inflation |
GDP |
Repo Rate |
Reverse Repo Rate |
CRR |
SLR |
Fiscal Policy |
Capital Markets |
Current Affairs
Topic |
|---|
National News |
International News |
Banking News |
RBI Circulars |
Government Schemes |
Awards & Honours |
Sports |
Books & Authors |
Important Days |
Appointments |
Reports & Indices |
Preparation Strategy
- Read monthly banking current affairs compilations.
- Follow RBI notifications and major banking developments.
Revise important government schemes and financial terms regularly.
IBPS SO Professional Knowledge Syllabus 2026 (Post-wise)
The Professional Knowledge section for the IT Officer post evaluates candidates on core Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, Database Management, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, and Cloud Computing concepts. Questions are generally based on the graduation-level engineering syllabus relevant to the qualifications prescribed in the official notification.
IBPS SO IT Officer Detailed Syllabus
Unit | Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
Unit 1 | Computer Fundamentals | Computer Organization, Computer Architecture, Number System, Boolean Algebra, Logic Gates, Memory, Input & Output Devices, Computer Generations |
Unit 2 | Data Structures | Arrays, Linked List, Stack, Queue, Tree, Graph, Hashing, Searching, Sorting Algorithms |
Unit 3 | Programming | C, C++, Java, Python Basics, OOP Concepts, Functions, File Handling, Exception Handling |
Unit 4 | Database Management System | ER Model, Relational Model, SQL, Normalization, Transactions, ACID Properties, Joins, Indexing, Views, Stored Procedures |
Unit 5 | Operating System | Process Management, CPU Scheduling, Deadlock, Memory Management, Paging, Segmentation, Virtual Memory, File System |
Unit 6 | Computer Networks | OSI Model, TCP/IP, Routing, Switching, DNS, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, Network Devices |
Unit 7 | Software Engineering | SDLC, Agile Model, Waterfall Model, Software Testing, UML, Requirement Engineering |
Unit 8 | Cyber Security | Cryptography, Malware, Firewalls, IDS, Authentication, Digital Signature, Information Security |
Unit 9 | Cloud Computing | SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, Virtualization, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security |
Unit 10 | Emerging Technologies | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Basics, Blockchain, Big Data, IoT |
IBPS Agricultural Field Officer Syllabus 2026
The Agriculture Field Officer syllabus is based on graduation-level agriculture subjects. Candidates should have a strong understanding of crop production, soil science, agricultural economics, horticulture, and government agricultural schemes.
Detailed Agriculture Officer Syllabus
Unit | Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
Unit 1 | Agronomy | Cropping Systems, Irrigation, Weed Management, Crop Production, Seed Technology |
Unit 2 | Soil Science | Soil Formation, Soil Fertility, Soil Chemistry, Soil Testing, Fertility Management |
Unit 3 | Horticulture | Fruits, Vegetables, Floriculture, Plantation Crops, Medicinal Plants |
Unit 4 | Plant Pathology | Plant Diseases, Fungicides, Bacteria, Virus Diseases, Disease Control |
Unit 5 | Genetics & Plant Breeding | Hybridization, Mutation, Biotechnology, Plant Breeding |
Unit 6 | Agricultural Economics | Agricultural Finance, Agricultural Marketing, Cooperative Banking, NABARD |
Unit 7 | Agricultural Extension | Rural Development, Extension Education, Transfer of Technology |
Unit 8 | Animal Husbandry | Dairy Science, Livestock Production, Poultry, Fisheries |
Unit 9 | Agricultural Engineering | Farm Machinery, Irrigation Engineering, Soil Conservation |
Unit 10 | Government Schemes | PM-KISAN, PMFBY, KCC, Soil Health Card, e-NAM |
IBPS Law Officer Syllabus 2026
Law Officer candidates are tested on banking laws, constitutional law, commercial laws, and procedural laws relevant to banking operations.
Detailed Law Officer Syllabus
Unit | Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
Unit 1 | Constitutional Law | Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Parliament, Judiciary |
Unit 2 | Contract Act | Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Agency, Indemnity, Guarantee |
Unit 3 | Company Law | Incorporation, Directors, Meetings, Share Capital |
Unit 4 | Banking Laws | Banking Regulation Act, RBI Act, Negotiable Instruments Act |
Unit 5 | Recovery Laws | SARFAESI Act, DRT Act, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) |
Unit 6 | Civil Laws | CPC, Limitation Act, Specific Relief Act |
Unit 7 | Criminal Laws | CrPC, Indian Penal Code (relevant provisions), Evidence Act |
Unit 8 | Consumer & IT Laws | Consumer Protection Act, Information Technology Act, Cyber Crimes |
Unit 9 | Financial Laws | FEMA, Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Banking Ombudsman |
Unit 10 | Legal Drafting | Legal Notices, Agreements, Affidavits, Banking Documentation |
IBPS HR/Personnel Officer Syllabus 2026
Unit | Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
Unit 1 | HR Management | HRM, HR Planning, Recruitment, Selection |
Unit 2 | Organizational Behaviour | Leadership, Motivation, Personality, Organizational Culture |
Unit 3 | Training & Development | Need Analysis, Training Methods, Evaluation |
Unit 4 | Performance Management | KPI, Appraisal Methods, Career Planning |
Unit 5 | Labour Laws | Industrial Disputes Act, Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, EPF, ESI |
Unit 6 | Industrial Relations | Trade Unions, Collective Bargaining, Grievance Handling |
Unit 7 | Compensation Management | Salary Structure, Incentives, Benefits |
Unit 8 | Strategic HRM | Workforce Planning, Succession Planning, HR Analytics |
Unit 9 | HRD | Employee Development, Organizational Development |
Unit 10 | Contemporary HR | Emotional Intelligence, Diversity Management, HR Technology |
IBPS Marketing Officer Syllabus 2026
Unit | Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
Unit 1 | Marketing Fundamentals | Marketing Concepts, Marketing Environment, STP |
Unit 2 | Consumer Behaviour | Buying Behaviour, Decision Process |
Unit 3 | Product Management | PLC, Branding, Packaging, Product Mix |
Unit 4 | Sales Management | Sales Planning, CRM, Distribution Channels |
Unit 5 | Advertising | Promotion Mix, Media Planning, Branding |
Unit 6 | Digital Marketing | SEO, SEM, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, Content Marketing |
Unit 7 | Services Marketing | Banking Services, Relationship Marketing |
Unit 8 | Marketing Research | Research Design, Sampling, Data Collection |
Unit 9 | Retail Marketing | Banking Products, Cross Selling, Customer Acquisition |
Unit 10 | Financial Marketing | Mutual Funds, Insurance, Investment Products, Banking Product Marketing |
IBPS Rajbhasha Adhikari Syllabus 2026
Unit | Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
Unit 1 | Hindi Grammar | संधि, समास, कारक, वाक्य शुद्धि |
Unit 2 | Vocabulary | पर्यायवाची, विलोम, मुहावरे, लोकोक्तियाँ |
Unit 3 | Translation | English to Hindi, Hindi to English |
Unit 4 | Official Language | Official Language Act, Hindi Implementation |
Unit 5 | Official Correspondence | कार्यालयी हिंदी, पत्राचार |
Unit 6 | Essay Writing | सामाजिक, आर्थिक एवं प्रशासनिक विषय |
Unit 7 | Precis Writing | हिंदी एवं अंग्रेज़ी |
Unit 8 | Comprehension | हिंदी एवं अंग्रेज़ी गद्यांश |
Unit 9 | Literature | आधुनिक हिंदी साहित्य, संस्कृत साहित्य |
Unit 10 | Banking Terminology | Banking and Financial Terms in Hindi & English |