Introduction
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is synonymous with banking sector opportunities in India. Its yearly exams pave the way for aspiring candidates to secure prestigious positions in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Public Sector Banks (PSBs). With the tentative IBPS Calendar 2025-26 now available, this is the perfect time to gear up for your preparation. This blog provides a deep dive into everything you need to know, from exam schedules and registration details to eligibility criteria and tips for success.
What is IBPS, and Why is It Important?
IBPS is an autonomous body that conducts recruitment for various banking roles in collaboration with nationalized banks and RRBs. Its exams are trusted for their transparency, efficiency, and wide reach. By clearing these exams, candidates can secure roles such as:
- Probationary Officers (PO): Entry-level managerial roles in banks.
- Specialist Officers (SO): Specialized roles like IT, HR, Marketing, or Law Officer.
- Office Assistants (Clerks): Handling day-to-day banking operations.
- Officer Scale I, II, III (RRBs): Managerial positions in Regional Rural Banks.
IBPS Exams Calendar 2025-26: Tentative Dates
Here’s the detailed schedule, including Preliminary and Main exams:
RRBs – CRP RRBs-XIV
| Exam Stage | Officer Scale I | Officer Scale II & III | Office Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam | 27.07.2025, 02.08.2025, 03.08.2025 | NA | 30.08.2025, 06.09.2025, 07.09.2025 |
| Main/Single Exam | 13.09.2025 | 13.09.2025 | 09.11.2025 |
PSBs – CRP PO/MT-XV, CRP SPL-XV & CRP CSA-XV
| Position | Preliminary Exam Dates | Main Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| Probationary Officers (PO) | 04.10.2025, 05.10.2025, 11.10.2025 | 29.11.2025 |
| Specialist Officers (SPL) | 22.11.2025, 23.11.2025 | 04.01.2026 |
| Customer Service Associates (CSA) | 06.12.2025, 07.12.2025, 13.12.2025, 14.12.2025 | 01.02.2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for IBPS Exams
Each IBPS exam has specific eligibility criteria based on age, education, and experience. Here’s a quick overview:
Age Limit
- Clerk/PO (PSBs): 20–30 years
- Officer Scale I (RRBs): 18–30 years
- Officer Scale II (RRBs): 21–32 years
- Officer Scale III (RRBs): 21–40 years
Educational Qualifications
- Clerk/PO (PSBs): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Specialist Officers (SO): Professional qualifications like MBA, CA, or specific degrees in IT, Law, etc.
- RRBs: Varying requirements based on the role.
Exam Structure and Pattern
Each IBPS exam typically consists of two or three stages:
1. Preliminary Exam
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability
- Objective: Shortlist candidates for the Main exam.
2. Main Exam
- Duration: ~2–3 hours
- Sections: Varies by position; may include General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Professional Knowledge.
- Marks: Higher weightage compared to Prelims.
3. Interview/Single Exam (Officer Roles)
- Conducted for managerial roles (e.g., PO, SO).
- Weightage: Interview marks combined with Main exam performance for final selection.
How to Apply: Registration Process
The IBPS registration process is entirely online. Candidates must:
- Visit the official website www.ibps.in.
- Complete a one-time registration for both Preliminary and Main exams.
- Upload essential documents, including:
- Recent Photograph
- Signature and Thumb Impression
- Handwritten Declaration
Ensure you meet all specifications mentioned in the official notification to avoid application rejection.
Preparation Tips for IBPS Exams
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Study the syllabus and previous years’ question papers.
- Time Management: Allocate dedicated hours for Quant, Reasoning, and English.
- Use Reliable Study Material: Refer to standard books like R.S. Aggarwal for Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude.
- Practice Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to improve accuracy and speed.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and banking-related news for the General Awareness section.
Additional Resources
- Download the official IBPS Calendar 2025-26:
Download IBPS Calendar 2025-26 PDF. - Visit the IBPS website for detailed notifications: www.ibps.in.
FAQs on IBPS Exams
1. What is the IBPS exam, and why is it conducted?
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts exams to recruit candidates for various roles in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). These exams ensure a transparent and efficient hiring process for roles like Probationary Officers, Clerks, and Specialist Officers.
2. What are the key dates for IBPS exams in 2025-26?
The tentative dates for IBPS exams in 2025-26 are:
- RRBs: Preliminary exams start from July 27, 2025.
- PSBs (PO/MT): Preliminary exams start from October 4, 2025.
- For a detailed schedule, check the official IBPS calendar: Download Here.
3. Who is eligible to apply for IBPS exams?
Eligibility varies by role:
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree for Clerks and POs; specific professional qualifications for Specialist Officers.
- Age Limit:
- Clerks/PO (PSBs): 20–30 years
- Officer Scale I (RRBs): 18–30 years
- Officer Scale II (RRBs): 21–32 years
- Officer Scale III (RRBs): 21–40 years
- Relaxations: Age relaxations are available for SC/ST, OBC, PwD, and other categories as per government norms.
4. What documents required during the application process?
Candidates must upload:
- Recent passport-sized photograph (20–50 KB, .jpeg format)
- Signature (10–20 KB, .jpeg format)
- Thumb impression (20–50 KB, .jpeg format)
- Handwritten declaration (50–100 KB, .jpeg format)
5. What is the selection process for IBPS exams?
The process generally includes:
- Preliminary Exam (for qualifying purposes)
- Main Exam (weighted for selection)
- Interview (for managerial roles like PO and SO)
6. Are there negative marks in IBPS exams?
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every wrong answer in both Preliminary and Main exams. However, no marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
7. How can I prepare for the IBPS exams?
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Focus on key areas: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English.
- Stay updated on current affairs for the General Awareness section.
- Practice with mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
8. How many attempts are allowed for IBPS exams?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts as long as you meet the age and eligibility criteria for the specific role.
9. What is the application fee for IBPS exams?
- General and OBC candidates: Approx. ₹850 (subject to change).
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: Approx. ₹175.
Check the official notification for updated fees.
10. When will the admit card be released?
Admit cards for each stage (Prelims, Mains, and Interview) are typically released 10–15 days before the exam. Candidates can download them from the official IBPS website.
11. Can I edit my application form after submission?
No, once submitted, the application form cannot be edited. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission.
12. What happens if I forget my registration number or password?
If you forget your registration details, you can retrieve them using the “Forgot Password” link on the IBPS website. Keep your registered email and mobile number handy for verification.
13. How can I stay updated about IBPS notifications?
- Regularly visit the official IBPS website: www.ibps.in.
- Subscribe to email alerts or SMS updates during the application process.
14. Is there any reservation for candidates from different categories?
Yes, reservations are provided as per government norms for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD, and other eligible categories. Ensure you have valid supporting documents to claim reservations.
15. What is the validity of the IBPS scorecard?
The IBPS scorecard is generally valid for one year, within which the recruitment process for the specified posts is completed.
