Candidates preparing for a career in the banking sector have received additional time to complete their applications. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has extended the last date to apply for the IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) and Specialist Officer (SO) Recruitment 2026. Aspirants who have not yet submitted their online application can now do so until July 26, 2026, through the official IBPS portal.

The extension offers another opportunity for eligible graduates and professionals to apply for one of the country's largest public sector bank recruitment drives. This year, IBPS aims to fill 7,460 vacancies across participating public sector banks.

IBPS PO and SO Recruitment 2026: Important Highlights

The recruitment process is being conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for the posts of Probationary Officer and Specialist Officer.

Key details at a glance:

• Recruiting Body: Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)

• Posts: Probationary Officer (PO) and Specialist Officer (SO)

• Total Vacancies: 7,460

• Extended Last Date to Apply: July 26, 2026

• Application Mode: Online

• Official Website: www.ibps.in

Candidates who have not completed the registration process are advised to finish their applications before the revised deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Vacancy Distribution

The recruitment drive includes thousands of openings in participating public sector banks across India.

The vacancy breakup is as follows:

• Probationary Officer (PO): 6,715 posts

• Specialist Officer (SO): 745 posts

The recruitment process provides opportunities for candidates seeking administrative as well as specialized roles in the banking industry.

Eligibility for IBPS Probationary Officer (PO)

Applicants interested in the Probationary Officer position must satisfy the educational qualifications prescribed by IBPS.

To be eligible, candidates should:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

• Possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India, where applicable.

• Have their graduation degree or final mark sheet available while submitting the online application.

• Enter accurate graduation marks and educational details in the application form.

Candidates should ensure that all academic information matches the documents they upload during registration.

Educational Qualification for Specialist Officer (SO)

Unlike the PO post, the educational requirements for Specialist Officer positions vary depending on the discipline.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria for the specific SO post they wish to apply for. Before submitting the application, candidates should:

• Verify the educational qualification required for the selected specialization.

• Read the official recruitment notification thoroughly.

• Ensure they meet all academic and professional eligibility conditions mentioned by IBPS.

Submitting an application without meeting the required qualifications may lead to disqualification during later stages of the recruitment process.

How to Apply for IBPS PO and SO Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates can complete the online registration process by following these steps:

1. Visit the official IBPS website.

2. Click on the application link for IBPS PO Recruitment 2026 or IBPS SO Recruitment 2026.

3. Register using a valid email address and mobile number.

4. Log in with the generated credentials.

5. Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and educational details.

6. Upload the required documents, including a recent photograph and signature.

7. Pay the applicable application fee using the available online payment options.

8. Submit the completed application form.

9. Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Candidates are advised to double-check every detail before final submission, as incorrect information may affect the application.

Application Fee

The application fee varies according to the candidate's category.

Fee structure:

• General, OBC, EWS and other eligible categories: ₹850

• SC, ST and PwBD candidates: ₹175

Applicants can pay the fee through multiple online payment methods, including:

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Net Banking

• UPI

The application will be considered complete only after the successful payment of the prescribed fee.

Why Candidates Should Not Wait Until the Last Day

Although IBPS has extended the application deadline, candidates are encouraged to complete the registration process well before July 26, 2026. Waiting until the final day may result in heavy website traffic, payment failures, or technical issues that could delay or prevent successful submission.

Applicants should also verify that all uploaded documents meet the required specifications and keep a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt for future stages of the recruitment process.

With 7,460 vacancies available across public sector banks, the IBPS PO and SO Recruitment 2026 presents a significant opportunity for banking aspirants. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should make use of the extended application window and complete the registration process before the revised deadline.