Overview
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released the examination schedule for the year 2026. This notification covers all major recruitment drives, including Probationary Officers (PO), Clerks, Specialist Officers (SO), and Regional Rural Banks (RRB). Candidates preparing for these prestigious banking positions can now plan their preparation timeline with the complete calendar of registration dates, prelims and mains exam schedules, admit card release dates, and result announcements — all consolidated in one place.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Post Name | PO, Clerk, SO & Office Assistant (RRB) |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced with detailed notifications |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
Important Dates
The official calendar outlines the tentative schedule for all four major IBPS recruitment exams. While the complete dates for application windows have been announced, candidates should note that the detailed notification for each exam will confirm the final dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Prelims Exam Date | August – October 2026 (Exam-wise) |
| Mains Exam Date | October – November 2026 (Exam-wise) |
| Result Date | December 2026 (Tentative) |
Note: Exact date-wise schedule for each phase will be released along with the respective detailed notifications. Candidates are advised to check the official website regularly for updates.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- IBPS PO: A Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized university. Candidates appearing for the final year of graduation may also apply provisionally.
- IBPS Clerk: A Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized university or its equivalent.
- IBPS SO: A degree in the relevant specialization depending on the post — such as Engineering, Law, Management, Agriculture, or Finance. The requirement varies by specialist officer role.
- IBPS RRB (Officer & Office Assistant): A Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. For Officer Scale II and III, additional professional qualifications may be required based on the specific post.
Age Limit
- IBPS PO: Minimum 20 years, Maximum 30 years (as of the specified cut-off date)
- IBPS Clerk: Minimum 20 years, Maximum 28 years
- IBPS SO: Minimum 20 years, Maximum 30 years (varies by specialist post)
- IBPS RRB: Minimum 18 years, Maximum 30 years for Office Assistant; Minimum 21 years, Maximum 32 years for Officer Scale I
- Age Relaxation: Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen) will receive relaxation as per government norms
Application Fees
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: ₹850 – ₹1,000 (varies by exam)
- SC/ST/PwBD Candidates: ₹175 – ₹500 (varies by exam)
- Payment Method: Online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
Selection Process
The selection process for all IBPS exams typically follows a multi-stage screening procedure:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims): An online objective test comprising English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. This is a qualifying stage that shortlists candidates for the mains exam.
- Mains Examination: A more comprehensive online objective test covering additional subjects like General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Professional Knowledge (for SO posts). The mains exam score is considered for the final merit list.
- Interview (for PO & SO only): Shortlisted candidates from the mains exam appear for a personal interview. The final selection is based on the combined scores of the mains exam and interview in a specified ratio (typically 80:20 for PO and SO).
For IBPS Clerk and RRB Office Assistant posts, final selection is based solely on the merits of the prelims and mains examination scores — no interview is conducted.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official IBPS website. Follow these steps for a successful application:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to www.ibps.in and click on the relevant recruitment link under the "Recruitment" or "Careers" section.
- Complete One-Time Registration: Click on "New Registration" and provide basic details like name, contact number, and email ID to generate a registration number and password.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in with the generated credentials and fill out the detailed application form with personal, educational, and communication details. Ensure accuracy — changes are not permitted after submission in most cases.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, and required certificates in the specified format and size as per the notification guidelines.
- Pay the Application Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the applicable fee based on your category. Retain the payment confirmation page.
- Submit and Print: Review the application, submit it, and take a printout of the final application form for future reference. Also, keep the payment receipt safe for the examination day.
Important Links
FAQs
Q1: When will IBPS release the detailed notification for each exam?
The detailed notification for each exam — PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB — will be released separately on the official website a few weeks before the application window opens.
Q2: Can I apply for multiple IBPS exams in 2026?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple IBPS exams — such as PO and Clerk — provided they meet the individual eligibility criteria for each. Separate applications and fee payments are required for each exam.
Q3: Is there negative marking in the IBPS prelims exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in both prelims and mains exams, while unattempted questions do not attract any penalty.
