The first stage of the selection process for the IBPS SO (Specialist Officer) Exam is the preliminary examination. This is a screening test that is conducted to shortlist candidates for the next stage of the recruitment process. The preliminary examination is common for all the Specialist Officer posts and is designed to assess the basic knowledge and skills of the candidates. The key points related to the preliminary examination are:

- The exam is conducted online and consists of multiple-choice questions.
- The duration of the preliminary exam is usually one hour.
- The exam is divided into different sections, such as English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- Each section has a specific number of questions and carries a certain weightage.
- Candidates need to clear the sectional as well as the overall cutoff to qualify for the next stage.


After qualifying the preliminary examination, candidates are eligible to appear for the mains examination. The mains examination is the second stage of the selection process and is conducted to assess the in-depth knowledge and expertise of candidates in their respective fields. The key points related to the mains examination are:

- The exam pattern and syllabus for the mains examination vary depending on the post applied for.
- The mains examination consists of objective as well as descriptive questions.
- The objective section tests the candidates' knowledge in their specialized field, while the descriptive section evaluates their writing skills.
- The duration of the mains examination is usually 2-3 hours.
- Candidates need to clear the cutoff for each section and the overall cutoff to be considered for further selection rounds.


Candidates who qualify the mains examination are shortlisted for the interview round. The interview is conducted to assess the candidates' personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role. The key points related to the interview round are:

- The interview round is generally conducted by a panel of experts or senior officials.
- Candidates are evaluated based on their knowledge, confidence, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle work-related situations.
- The interview is usually conducted face-to-face, but it can also be conducted through video conferencing.
- The final selection is based on the combined performance of the mains examination and the interview round, with weightage given to both.

Overall, the selection process for the IBPS SO Exam includes preliminary and mains examinations as screening tests, followed by an interview round. Clearing each stage is essential to progress to the next stage and ultimately secure a position as a Specialist Officer in the banking sector.