IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025: Syllabus, Preparation, Timetable

The IBPS SO (Specialist Officer) exam is one of the most sought-after banking recruitment tests in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for specialist roles like IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, and Rajbhasha Adhikari in public sector banks.

If you’re aiming to crack IBPS SO 2025, understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy is crucial. This guide breaks down everything—from section-wise marks to last-minute tips—so you can prepare smartly and boost your chances of selection. 🚀


Key Highlights of IBPS SO 2025 🔍

Key PointDetails
OrganizationInstitute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Exam NameIBPS SO 2025 (CRP SPL-XV)
PostsIT Officer, Agriculture Officer, Law Officer, HR Officer, Marketing Officer, Rajbhasha Adhikari
Selection StagesPrelims → Mains → Interview
Exam ModeOnline (CBT)
Negative Marking0.25 marks per wrong answer
Prelims Exam Date22nd & 23rd November 2025
Mains Exam Date4th January 2026
Official Websiteibps.in

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 📝

The IBPS SO selection process has three stages:

  1. Preliminary Exam (Qualifying)
  2. Mains Exam (Professional Knowledge + Descriptive for Rajbhasha)
  3. Interview (100 marks)
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1. IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern

The Prelims exam has two different patterns based on the post:

For Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari

SectionNo. of QsMarksDuration
Reasoning505040 mins
English Language502540 mins
General Awareness (Banking)505040 mins
Total150125120 mins

For Other Specialist Officers (IT, Agriculture, HR, Marketing)

SectionNo. of QsMarksDuration
Reasoning505040 mins
English Language502540 mins
Quantitative Aptitude505040 mins
Total150125120 mins

🔹 Note: Prelims is qualifying—marks aren’t added to the final score.

2. IBPS SO Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains exam focuses on Professional Knowledge (except Rajbhasha Adhikari, which has an extra descriptive test).

For IT, Law, Agriculture, HR, Marketing Officers

SectionNo. of QsMarksDuration
Professional Knowledge606045 mins

For Rajbhasha Adhikari

SectionNo. of QsMarksDuration
Professional Knowledge (Objective)456030 mins
Professional Knowledge (Descriptive)230 mins

🔹 Final selection depends on Mains (60%) + Interview (40%).


IBPS SO Syllabus 2025 📚

1. Prelims Syllabus

Reasoning

  • Seating Arrangements
  • Puzzles
  • Syllogism
  • Blood Relations
  • Input-Output
  • Alphanumeric Series

English Language

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Cloze Test
  • Para Jumbles
  • Error Spotting
  • Sentence Rearrangement

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Number Series
  • Data Interpretation
  • Simplification
  • Profit & Loss
  • Time & Work

General Awareness (Banking Focus)

  • Current Affairs (Last 6 months)
  • Banking Terms
  • RBI Policies
  • Government Schemes

2. Mains Syllabus (Professional Knowledge)

IT Officer

  • Database Management
  • Networking
  • Operating Systems
  • Cyber Security

Agriculture Field Officer

  • Agronomy
  • Soil Science
  • Government Schemes
  • Horticulture
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Law Officer

  • Banking Regulations
  • SARFAESI Act
  • Consumer Protection Act

🔹 Pro Tip: Rajbhasha Adhikari candidates must practice Hindi essay & letter writing.


IBPS SO Preparation Strategy 2025 🎯

1. 3-Month Study Plan

MonthFocus Areas
Month 1Concept Building (Basics of Reasoning, Quants, English)
Month 2Professional Knowledge + Mock Tests
Month 3Full-Length Mocks + Revision

2. Daily Routine (6-8 Hours)

TimeActivity
Morning (2 hrs)Current Affairs + Banking GK
Afternoon (3 hrs)Quant + Reasoning Practice
Evening (2 hrs)Professional Knowledge + Mock Tests

🔹 Expert Tip: Solve previous year papers—30% of questions repeat!


Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌

  1. Ignoring Sectional Timing → Manage 40 mins per section.
  2. Overlooking Professional KnowledgeMains is domain-specific.
  3. Skipping Mock TestsSpeed & accuracy matter.

🔹 Real-Life Example:
Rahul, an IT Officer topper, practiced 20+ mocks before the exam. His strategy? “First attempt easy questions, then tricky ones.”


Final Thoughts

The IBPS SO 2025 exam is challenging but crackable with the right plan. Focus on:
✅ Strong Basics (Prelims)
✅ Domain Expertise (Mains)
✅ Mock Tests & Time Management

🔗 Official Website: ibps.in

Now, start preparing today—your dream banking job is just a few months away! 🚀

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