The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) exam to recruit candidates for various specialized positions in banks. The exam pattern for IBPS SO consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Let's explore each section in detail:


- The preliminary exam is the first stage of the IBPS SO selection process.
- It consists of three sections: English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- The exam is conducted online and consists of multiple-choice questions.
- The duration of the preliminary exam is usually one hour.
- Each section carries a specific weightage, and candidates need to qualify in each section to be eligible for the main exam.


- The main exam is the second stage of the IBPS SO exam.
- It consists of four sections: Professional Knowledge, Reasoning, English Language, and General Awareness.
- The Professional Knowledge section is specific to the specialized field chosen by the candidate (e.g., IT Officer, HR Officer, Marketing Officer, etc.).
- The Reasoning and English Language sections are similar to those in the preliminary exam but may be more advanced in terms of difficulty level.
- The General Awareness section tests the candidate's knowledge of current affairs, banking industry, and general awareness.
- The main exam is also conducted online and consists of multiple-choice questions.
- Each section carries a specific weightage, and candidates need to qualify in each section to be eligible for the interview round.


- The interview is the final stage of the IBPS SO selection process.
- Candidates who qualify in the main exam are called for the interview round.
- The interview assesses the candidate's personality, communication skills, subject knowledge, and suitability for the specialized role.
- The interview is conducted by a panel of experts.
- Candidates are required to secure a minimum qualifying marks in the interview to be considered for final selection.

Overall, the IBPS SO exam pattern is designed to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in various subjects relevant to the specialized role. It is essential for candidates to prepare thoroughly for each section to maximize their chances of success in the exam.