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IBPS SO Syllabus 2025, Check Exam Pattern and Download PDF

Last Updated on Jun 07, 2025

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The Institute of Banking Personnel also known as IBPS invites applications every year to hire candidates as IBPS SO in Scale 1 for different Public Sector Banks. The IBPS exam takes place through two stages, the prelims, and mains followed by the final face-to-face interview round where the syllabus for all 6 positions will be different for both exams. Candidates must also know the exam pattern for all 6 posts which checks all the details related to the exam. The official notification for the 2025 recruitment process is out so let us look at the information about the IBPS SO syllabus 2025

  • When you aspire to crack an exam, it is important to have a detailed idea about the same. So, we have made this article to guide you throughout.
  • You will get to know the section-wise syllabus here, the time allotted to the sections separately, and the detailed pattern of the prelims and mains.

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025

The IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2025 is crucial as it provides a detailed structure of the examination, including the number of questions, subjects covered, and marking scheme. Understanding the pattern helps candidates plan their preparation strategy effectively, focusing on the weightage of each section. It ensures that candidates are familiar with the exam format, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence on the exam day. Additionally, knowledge of the exam pattern allows candidates to practice time management skills, crucial for completing the exam within the allotted time. Overall, it is an essential guide for thorough and targeted exam preparation.

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IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 

For the preliminary exam, IBPS has implemented distinct sections timing for every section. There are forty minutes allotted for each section of the 120-minute IBPS SO preliminary test.

For Law Officer and Raj Sabha Adhikari

Check the exam pattern below for Law Officer and Raj Sabha Adhikari. It has three sections with 50 questions each, consisting of a total of 125 marks. The mode of the exam is online.

Sections

No. Of Questions

Total Marks

Duration

Reasoning

50

50

40 minutes

English Language

50

25

40 minutes

General Awareness

50

50

40 minutes

Total

150

125

-

For Agriculture Field Officer, Marketing Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, IT Officer Scale 1

Check the exam pattern for the Specialist Officers of other branches that are, Agriculture Field Officer, Marketing Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, IT Officer Scale 1. This one has three sections too, which are Reasoning, English Language, and Quantitative Aptitude.

Sections

No. Of Questions

Total Marks

Duration

Reasoning

50

50

40 Minutes

English Language

50

25

40 Minutes

Quantitative Aptitude

50

50

40 Minutes

Total

150

125

-

IBPS SO Mains Exam Pattern 2025

The candidates who successfully crack the IBPS SO prelims are eligible to sit for the main exam. Check out the exam pattern for the post of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer below. It has a section on Professional Knowledge with 60 questions, to be completed within 45 minutes. The medium of the exam is bilingual.

For Agriculture Field Officer, Marketing Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, IT Officer Scale 1

Name of the Section

Number of Questions

Maximum Marks

Exam Language

Duration

Professional Knowledge

60

60

English and Hindi

45 min

For the post of Raj Sabha 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

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IBPS SO Interview 2025

The candidates who clear the main exam, are given the call to appear for the final face-to-face interview round. It is really significant for them to do well in this round, as it has high significance to play in the selection process.

IBPS SO Syllabus 2025

The IBPS SO Syllabus 2025 encompasses a comprehensive range of subjects tailored to different specialist officer roles, including IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, Rajbhasha Adhikari, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer. The syllabus generally includes sections on Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness with special reference to the banking industry, and Professional Knowledge related to the specific field. Each section is designed to assess the candidates' aptitude and technical expertise required for their respective roles. Understanding the detailed syllabus helps candidates focus their study efforts on relevant topics and enhances their chances of success. Thorough preparation of the IBPS SO syllabus is essential for excelling in the examination.

IBPS SO Reasoning Syllabus

The Reasoning section in the IBPS SO exam tests a candidate's logical thinking and analytical skills. It plays a crucial role in assessing decision-making abilities under timed conditions. Check the detailed IBPS SO Reasoning syllabus in the table below.

Topics

Sub-topics

Reasoning

Seating Arrangement

Syllogism

Blood Relations

Puzzles

Inequalities

Input-Output

Coding Decoding

Data Sufficiency

Order and Ranking

Alphanumeric Series

Distance and Direction

Verbal Reasoning

Non Verbal Reasoning

IBPS SO English Language Syllabus

The English Language section in the IBPS SO exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. It is designed to test communication skills and command over the language. Refer to the detailed IBPS SO English Language syllabus in the table below.

Topics

Sub-Topics

English Language

Reading Comprehension

Cloze Test

Detection of Errors

Improving Sentences and Paragraphs

Completion of Paragraphs

Para Jumbling

Fill in the Blanks

Parts of Speech

Modes of Narration

Prepositions

Voice Change

IBPS SO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

The Quantitative Aptitude section of the IBPS SO exam checks a candidate's numerical ability and problem-solving skills. It covers basic arithmetic, data interpretation, and mathematical reasoning. Check the detailed IBPS SO Quantitative Aptitude syllabus in the table below.

IBPS SO General Knowledge Syllabus

The General Knowledge section in the IBPS SO exam tests a candidate’s awareness of current events and general banking and financial knowledge. It includes questions on static GK, current affairs, and economic updates. Refer to the detailed IBPS SO General Knowledge syllabus provided in the table below

Topics

Subtopics

General Knowledge

Current Affairs

Banking Terms and Concepts

Banking History and Structure

International Organizations

National Events and Personalities

Countries & Capitals

Currencies

Famous Books and Authors

Awards and Recognitions

Headquarters of Important Organizations

Government Schemes and Initiatives

Key Government Policies

Significant Historical Dates

Major National and International Events

IBPS SO IT Officer (Scale 1) Syllabus

The IBPS SO IT Officer (Scale 1) syllabus includes both Preliminary and Mains examination subjects. While the prelims test reasoning, English, and quantitative aptitude, the Mains exam focuses on professional knowledge in IT. Check the complete IBPS SO IT Officer syllabus given below to plan your preparation effectively.

Department

Topics

IT Officer

Database Management System

Data Communication and Networking

Operating System

Software Engineering

Data Structure

Computer Organization, Microprocessor

Object-oriented Programming

IBPS SO Agricultural Field Officer (Scale 1) Syllabus

The IBPS SO Agricultural Field Officer (Scale 1) syllabus is structured to assess both general aptitude in the Prelims and professional knowledge in the Mains exam. Candidates aiming for this role must prepare thoroughly for topics related to agriculture, crop production, soil science, and allied subjects. Below is the detailed syllabus to help you plan your preparation effectively.

Department

Topics

Agricultural Field Officer

Crop Production Basics

Horticulture

Seed Science

Agronomy and Irrigation

Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Practices

Animal Husbandry

Soil Resources

Agro-Forestry Ecology

Government Schemes

IBPS SO Marketing Officer (Scale 1) Syllabus

The IBPS SO Marketing Officer (Scale 1) syllabus focuses on assessing candidates’ understanding of marketing concepts, strategies, and current trends in the industry. The Mains exam tests professional knowledge relevant to banking and marketing functions. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

Department

Topics

Marketing Officer

Basic of Marketing

Brand Management

PR, Sales, Retails Business

Advertising

Market Segmentation

Research and Forecasting Demand

Product Life Cycle

Corporate Social Responsibilities

Market Strategies

IBPS SO Law Officer (Scale 1) Syllabus

The IBPS SO Law Officer (Scale 1) syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates’ legal knowledge and understanding of laws applicable in the banking sector. The Mains exam tests core subjects like banking regulations, company law, and contract law. Check the table below for a detailed topic-wise syllabus.

Department

Topics

Law Officer

Basics of Banking and Regulations

Compliance and Legal Aspects

Law and Orders

Foreign Exchanges

Money Laundering, Limitation Acts

Consumer Protection Act

SARFAESI

Laws and Actions to Banking

DRT ACT

Banker’s Book

IBPS SO HR/Personnel Officer (Scale 1) Syllabus

The IBPS SO HR/Personnel Officer (Scale 1) syllabus focuses on assessing a candidate’s understanding of human resource management principles and practices. It covers essential topics like recruitment, training, industrial relations, and performance management. Refer to the table below for a complete breakdown of the syllabus topics.

Department

Topics

HR/Personnel Officer

Human Resource Development

Business Policies

Strategies

Transnational Analysis

Training and Development

Industrial Relations

Rewards and Prizes, Recognitions

Conflict Management

Performance Management

This was all that you will need to know about the IBPS SO Syllabus Exam Pattern. Get to know about IBPS SO Study plan and IBPS SO Preference list for the exam. Stay tuned to our page to get all the updates related to the IBPS SO exam. Download our app Testbook for free from Google Play store and get the chance to answer quizzes, attempt mock tests and attend live classes. Happy Learning.

Latest IBPS SO Updates

Last updated on Jun 8, 2025

-> The IBPS SO Mains Scorecard released on 20th March 2025 for the candidates who are shortlisted for the Interview Round. 

-> The IBPS SO Examination was conducted on 14th December 2024. 

->  Candidates with Graduation and Post Graduation were only eligible to apply for the IBPS SO exam.

-> Candidates who will get successful selection for IBPS SO post will get a salary range between Rs. 23,700 to Rs. 42,020. 

-> Candidates must go through the IBPS SO previous year papers.

IBPS SO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

There are three stages in the IBPS SO exam i.e., prelims, mains followed by the interview round.

The exam is held in bilingual language, both English and Hindi except that of the English section.

The Mains section is based on professional knowledge, detailed syllabus is stated above.

The sections are different for the posts, check it in the article above.

The candidates are selected based on the performance in the mains and interview round.

The last phase is the interview round that conststs of 100 marks. 

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