The selection process for the IBPS SO (Specialist Officer) Exam consists of three stages. These stages are as follows:



The first stage of the selection process is the Preliminary Examination. It is an online objective test that comprises of multiple-choice questions. The exam is conducted for a duration of 2 hours and is divided into three sections: English Language, Reasoning, and General Awareness. The preliminary exam is qualifying in nature, and the marks obtained in this stage are not considered for final merit listing.



Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination. The Main Examination is also an online objective test that consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam is conducted for a duration of 2 hours and is divided into four sections: Professional Knowledge, Reasoning, English Language, and General Awareness. The marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for final merit listing.



Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are shortlisted for the Interview stage. The Interview is conducted by the participating organizations and is aimed at assessing the candidate's personality, communication skills, and domain knowledge. The Interview carries a weightage of 100 marks, and the final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the Main Examination and the Interview.



- The Preliminary Examination is conducted in online mode, while the Main Examination and Interview are conducted in offline mode.
- Candidates need to qualify in each stage of the selection process in order to be eligible for the next stage.
- The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the Main Examination and Interview, subject to the fulfillment of eligibility criteria, document verification, and medical examination.

Overall, the selection process for the IBPS SO Exam consists of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview stages. Clearing all three stages is essential for candidates to secure a position as a Specialist Officer in various participating organizations.