The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released the notification for the Common Recruitment Process (CRP SPL-XVI) for Specialist Officers. This recruitment drive aims to fill 745 indicative vacancies across six Specialist Officer (Scale I) posts in 11 participating public sector banks for the financial year 2027–28.
This is the 16th edition of the IBPS SO recruitment cycle and presents a significant opportunity for graduates in specialized fields to build a rewarding career in the banking sector. The online application process commenced on 1 July 2026 and the last date to apply is 21 July 2026.
The selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (29 August 2026), Main Examination (1 November 2026), and Common Interview. Selected candidates will join at Officer Scale I with a pay scale of ₹48,480 – ₹85,920 and an approximate in-hand salary of ₹60,000 – ₹65,000 per month. Read below for complete details including post-wise eligibility, vacancy breakdown, selection process, exam pattern, and step-by-step application instructions.
| Organization | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | CRP SPL-XVI (Specialist Officers) |
| Post Name | Specialist Officer (Scale I) |
| Total Vacancies | 745 (Indicative) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) – Preliminary & Main Examination |
| Participating Banks | 11 Public Sector Banks |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 30 June – 1 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 1 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 21 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 21 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination (Tentative) | 29 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Result | September / October 2026 |
| Main Examination (Tentative) | 1 November 2026 |
| Main Result | November 2026 |
| Common Interview | November / December 2026 |
| Provisional Allotment | January 2027 |
| Admit Card | Will be intimated |
| Result Date | Will be updated here |
The exact dates for the Preliminary and Main Examinations will be confirmed on the official IBPS website. Candidates are advised to regularly check www.ibps.in for updates.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 850/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD | ₹ 175/- |
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the integrated payment gateway on the IBPS website. Payment modes: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| All Categories | 20 Years | 30 Years |
Age Relaxation (as per Government of India rules):
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government norms |
The age calculation date is 1 July 2026. Candidates must have been born between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
IBPS has announced a total of 745 indicative vacancies distributed across six Specialist Officer posts. Marketing Officer (Scale I) has been reduced to zero vacancies in this recruitment cycle, which is a significant change from the previous year.
| Post | Total Indicative Vacancies | Change vs Previous Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| IT Officer (Scale I) | 301 | Increased |
| Agricultural Field Officer (Scale I) | 190 | Decreased |
| Law Officer (Scale I) | 105 | Increased |
| Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I) | 89 | Increased |
| HR / Personnel Officer (Scale I) | 60 | No major change |
| Marketing Officer (Scale I) | 0 | Not released this cycle |
| Total | 745 | — |
Candidates must possess a degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized university or institution.
| Post | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| IT Officer (Scale I) | Graduate with DOEACC 'B' Level OR 4-year B.Tech in Computer Science / Computer Applications / Information Technology / Electronics / Electronics & Telecommunications / Electronics & Communication / Electronics & Instrumentation OR PG Degree in Electronics / Electronics & Telecommunication / Electronics & Communication / Electronics & Instrumentation / Computer Science / Information Technology / Computer Applications |
| Agricultural Field Officer (Scale I) | 4-year Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / Animal Husbandry / Veterinary Science / Dairy Science / Fishery Science / Pisciculture / Agri. Marketing & Cooperation / Co-operation & Banking / Agro Forestry / Forestry / Agricultural Biotechnology / B.Tech Biotechnology / Food Science / Agriculture Business Management / Food Technology / Dairy Technology / Agricultural Engineering / Sericulture / Fisheries Engineering |
| Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I) | Master's Degree in Hindi with English as a subject at Degree level OR Master's Degree in Sanskrit with Hindi and English as subjects at Degree level |
| Law Officer (Scale I) | Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB) and enrolled with the Bar Council |
| HR / Personnel Officer (Scale I) | PG Degree / Diploma in Personnel Management / Industrial Relations / HR / HRD / Social Work / Labour Law |
| Marketing Officer (Scale I) | MMS / MBA / PGDBA / PGDBM / PGPM / PGDM in Marketing (Note: 0 vacancies this cycle) |
Nationality:
The selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
Stage 2: Main Examination
Stage 3: Common Interview
Final Merit List:
Specialist Officers recruited under CRP SPL-XVI join at Officer Scale I.
| Pay Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹ 48,480/- |
| Pay Scale | ₹ 48,480 – ₹ 85,920 |
| Pay Structure | 48,480 – 2000/7 – 62,480 – 2340/2 – 67,160 – 2680/7 – 85,920 |
| Gross Salary | Approx. ₹ 90,000+ per month |
| In-Hand Salary | Approx. ₹ 60,000 – ₹ 65,000 per month (including allowances) |
Additional Benefits: In addition to the basic pay, employees are entitled to various allowances as per bank norms, including:
Follow these step-by-step instructions to successfully submit your online application:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Step 2: Navigate to the CRP SPL-XVI Section
Step 3: Complete New Registration
Step 4: Fill the Online Application Form
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
Step 7: Final Submission
Ans: A total of 745 indicative vacancies have been announced for Specialist Officer (Scale I) posts across six streams.
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 21 July 2026.
Ans: General / OBC / EWS: ₹850/- | SC / ST / PwBD: ₹175/-.
Ans: The age limit is 20 to 30 years as on 1 July 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.
Ans: The selection process consists of: Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (29 August 2026), Stage 2: Main Examination (1 November 2026), and Stage 3: Common Interview.
Ans: The basic pay is ₹48,480/- with a pay scale of ₹48,480 – ₹85,920. The approximate in-hand salary is ₹60,000 – ₹65,000 per month including allowances.
Ans: IT Officer (Scale I) has the highest number of vacancies with 301 posts.
Ans: Yes, freshers who meet the educational qualification criteria can apply for IBPS SO 2026.
Ans: The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for 29 August 2026.
Ans: No, Marketing Officer (Scale I) has 0 vacancies in this recruitment cycle.
Ans: A total of 11 Public Sector Banks are participating in this recruitment drive.
Ans: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in the Preliminary Examination.