IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 - Check Marking Scheme and Syllabus

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 - Check Marking Scheme and Syllabus

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Feb 24, 2025 12:06 PM IST | #IBPS SO
Upcoming Event
IBPS SO  Exam Date : 22 Nov' 2025 - 23 Nov' 2025

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection provides the IBPS SO exam pattern 2025 in the official brochure which will be released at ibps.in. As per the exam pattern of IBPS SO 2025, the recruitment exam will be conducted in three stages - prelims, mains exam and interview. IBPS SO exam pattern 2025 includes details about the examination mode, language, marking scheme, form and number of questions, etc. The IBPS SO exam for prelims and mains exam will be conducted in online mode.

This Story also Contains
  1. Highlights of IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern
  2. IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 For Prelims
  3. IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern for Mains
  4. IBPS SO Syllabus 2025
  5. IBPS SO exam pattern 2025: Best books
  6. How to prepare for IBPS SO 2025?
  7. IBPS SO Question Paper 2025
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 - Check Marking Scheme and Syllabus
IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 - Check Marking Scheme and Syllabus

The prelim test will be performed for 120 minutes with questions from Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, Reasoning and Banking Affairs, according to IBPS SO 2025 exam pattern. For more details about IBPS SO exam pattern 2025, candidates can check the article below.

Highlights of IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern

  • The IBPS SO 2025 exam selection procedure includes three stages namely prelims, main and interview.

  • The prelims exam will have 150 questions carrying 125 marks, as per the IBPS SO 2025 exam pattern.

  • For the mains exam, candidates who qualify for the prelims exam will be called.

  • For 60 minutes, the IBPS SO 2025 mains exam will be carried out

  • The IBPS SO prelims exam would be objective in nature as both objective and descriptive problems are included in the mains exam.

Also check - IBPS SO application form 2025

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 For Prelims

The preliminary exam will be objective in nature, according to the IBPS SO 2025 exam pattern. The length of the exam will be 120 minutes with 40 minutes of sectional timing. Candidates can check IBPS SO exam pattern 2025 from the table given below.

IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern For the post of Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari

Section

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Medium of exam

Duration

English language

50

25

English

40 minutes

Reasoning

50

50

English and Hindi

40 minutes

General awareness with special reference to the banking industry

50

50

English and Hindi

40 minutes

Total

150

125

120 minutes

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 For IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer

Section

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Medium of exam

Duration

English language

50

25

English

40 minutes

Reasoning

50

50

English and Hindi

40 minutes

Quantitative aptitude

50

50

English and Hindi

40 minutes

Total

150

125

120 minutes

IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern for Mains

Candidates who qualify for the prelims exam will be named for the IBPS SO 2025 mains exam. In the official notification, the conducting authorities recommend the IBPS SO 2025 exam pattern for mains. The main exam consists of questions of both analytical and descriptive forms. Candidates can check IBPS SO exam pattern 2025 from the table given below.

IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern For Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer

Section

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Medium of exam

Duration

Professional knowledge

60

60

English and Hindi

45 minutes

IBPS SO Exam Pattern For Rajbhasha Adhikari

Section

Number of questions

Maximum marks

Medium of exam

Duration

Professional Knowledge (Objective)

45

60

English and Hindi

30 minutes

Professional Knowledge (Descriptive)

2

English and Hindi

30 minutes

IBPS SO 2025 Marking Scheme

IBPS SO 2025 candidates must check the examination marking scheme. There will be a negative 1/4th mark for each incorrect answer, although there is no negative mark for unattempted questions.

IBPS SO Syllabus 2025

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection prescribes the syllabus of IBPS SO 2025 in the official notification. Candidates can check IBPS SO syllabus to check topics and chapters asked in the exam. The IBPS SO syllabus includes subject-wise topics that will be asked in the IBPS SO 2025 exam.

IBPS SO exam pattern 2025: Best books

While preparing for the IBPS SO 2025 exam, one of the major aspects is choosing the best books for IBPS SO 2025. The best book of IBPS SO exam must be based on the latest exam pattern and syllabus. Check below the table to know more about IBPS SO best books 2025.

Best books for IBPS SO 2025

Section

Books

Reasoning

A Modern Approach To Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R. S. Aggarwal

Analytical Reasoning by M K Pandey

English language

Objective General English by S P Bakshi

Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

Quantitative aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by R. S. Aggarwal

Quantitative Aptitude Test by N. K. Singh

Professional knowledge

CWE – IBPS Bank – IT Specialist Officer Exam by Chandresh Aggrawal

Professional Knowledge for IBPS/ SBI Specialist IT Officer Exam by Disha Experts

How to prepare for IBPS SO 2025?

Candidates who will apply for IBPS SO 2025 need to have better preparation in order to crack the IBPS SO examination. Check below a few tips that must be followed while preparing for IBPS SO 2025.

  • Go through IBPS SO exam pattern thoroughly before starting your preparations.

  • Check previous year IBPS SO question papers.

  • Practice online mock tests for better time management.

  • Prepare short notes for revision purposes.

  • Maintain a good and healthy lifestyle.

IBPS SO Question Paper 2025

IBPS does not provide any official question paper of IBPS SO as the exam is conducted in online mode for both prelims and mains round. However, the leading coaching institutes provide the memory-based IBPS SO question paper for the aspirants. With the help of IBPS SO question papers, it is easy to understand the syllabus and exam pattern of IBPS SO 2025.

Check Here List of Other Government Exams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there any negative mark in IBPS SO 2025?

Yes. 0.25 marks will be deductible for each wrong answer in IBPS SO 2025.

2. How many marks does each question in the ‘Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude’ section carry?

Questions in Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude section carry 1.2 marks each. Questions in other sections, according to IBPS SO exam pattern 2025, carry 1 mark each.

3. What is the difference between IBPS SO Prelims and IBPS SO Main?

Only those candidates who qualify in the prelims results will be able to sit for the mains exam. Marks scored in the mains exam will be considered in the final result.

4. Can I write the IBPS SO 2025 exam in Hindi?

Yes. Candidates will be able to appear for IBPS SO 2025 in both Hindi and English mediums. 

5. What is the time allotted for IBPS SO 2025?

Candidates will get 60 minutes to complete the prelims paper, and 160 minutes to complete the mains paper of IBPS SO 2025.

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Questions related to IBPS SO

Have a question related to IBPS SO ?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for the IBPS SO HR Personnel role with your MBA in HRM from DDCE Utkal University. The eligibility criteria require a degree in HR or a related field from a recognized university, which you meet with your qualification.

Hello,

To be eligible for the IBPS SO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Specialist Officer) exam under the general category, candidates typically need to be within the age range of 20 to 30 years as of a specific cutoff date , which is generally defined in the notification for that exam cycle.

Born on May 20, 1995, you would be 29 years old in 2024. If the cutoff date falls within that year and the upper age limit remains at 30 years, you would still be eligible to apply under the general category for that cycle .

To know more details about eligibility criteria, visit : https://competition.careers360.com/articles/ibps-so-eligibility

Hope it helps !

If you fill out the IBPS SO (Specialist Officer) form twice using the same email ID and mobile number but with some mistakes, the admit card will generally be generated based on the latest valid application form.

However, here are the key points to consider:

1. Duplicate Applications: The IBPS typically advises candidates to submit only one application. Multiple applications might lead to confusion or rejection.

2. Contact IBPS: To resolve this, contact the IBPS helpdesk or support immediately to inform them of the situation. They can guide you on the appropriate steps to rectify the issue.

3. Admit Card Generation: The admit card is usually generated based on the latest application form that is accepted and validated by IBPS. Ensure that your details are correct in the final application.

4. Check Application Status: Regularly check the status of your application on the official IBPS website to confirm whether your latest form is accepted and to download the admit card.

5. Follow Up: Keep records of all communications with IBPS and follow up if you encounter any issues with the admit card or application process.


Taking these steps will help you ensure that you are not disqualified due to the duplicate submission.

Hello Sachin,

It’s generally important for the name on your registration and ID proof to match exactly to avoid any issues. Discrepancies between the name you provided in your IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) registration and the name on your ID proof could lead to complications during verification or in the examination process.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Check IBPS Guidelines : Review the guidelines provided by IBPS for name discrepancies. They might have specific instructions or a process for handling such issues.

  2. Contact IBPS Support : Reach out to IBPS or the examination authority’s support team to inform them of the discrepancy and seek advice on how to correct it. They might allow you to update your details or provide guidance on how to proceed.

  3. Carry Supporting Documents : When you go for the examination, bring any supporting documents that show your name in both formats, such as a birth certificate or an affidavit, to explain the discrepancy if needed.

In summary, it’s best to address the discrepancy as soon as possible to ensure a smooth examination process.

Hope it helps !

Hello there,

The eligibility criteria for IPBS SO HR Exam states that a candidate must have done 2 years Post Graduation or Full-Time Post Graduation Diploma in the field; Personnel Management\Labour Law\HR\HRD\Industrial Relations.

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