The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has announced the IBPS Specialist Officer (SO) Recruitment 2026, offering 745 vacancies across participating public sector banks. Candidates looking to build a career in the banking sector can now submit their applications through the official IBPS recruitment portal before the registration deadline.

The online application process began on July 1, 2026, and will remain open until July 21, 2026. The recruitment process includes a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview, with the final allotment expected in January 2027.

IBPS SO 2026 Registration Dates

Candidates should complete their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Important Schedule

• Online application begins: July 1, 2026

• Last date to apply: July 21, 2026

• Application correction window: Two days after the registration period closes

• Preliminary exam admit card: August 2026

• Preliminary examination: August 2026

• Preliminary result: September/October 2026

• Main exam admit card: October 2026

• Main examination: November 2026

• Main exam result: November 2026

• Interview: November/December 2026

• Provisional allotment: January 2027

Vacancy Details

IBPS will recruit candidates for a total of 745 Specialist Officer posts across participating public sector banks.

Recruitment Overview

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

• Post Name: Specialist Officer (SO)

• Total Vacancies: 745

• Application Mode: Online

• Selection Process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview

Participating Banks

Selected candidates may be appointed to various participating public sector banks, including:

• Bank of Baroda

• Bank of India

• Central Bank of India

• Bank of Maharashtra

• Indian Bank

• Canara Bank

• Indian Overseas Bank

• UCO Bank

• Union Bank of India

• Punjab National Bank

• Punjab & Sind Bank

Application Fee

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

• SC/ST/PwBD candidates: ₹175

• All other categories: ₹850

Selection Process

The recruitment process will be conducted in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination

2. Main Examination

3. Personal Interview

Candidates must qualify at each stage to progress to the next phase of the recruitment process.

How to Apply for IBPS SO Recruitment 2026

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

1. Visit the official IBPS website.

2. Open the CRP Specialist Officers (CRP SPL-XVI) recruitment section.

3. Click on the New Registration link.

4. Register using your basic personal details.

5. Complete the online application form carefully.

6. Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.

7. Pay the applicable application fee online.

8. Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Candidates Should Apply Early

Applicants are advised to verify all information before submitting the application form. IBPS will provide a short correction window after the registration period ends, allowing candidates to edit eligible fields if required. However, completing the application accurately during the initial submission can help avoid unnecessary changes later.

With 745 Specialist Officer vacancies available across multiple leading public sector banks, IBPS SO Recruitment 2026 presents a significant opportunity for banking aspirants seeking specialist roles in government banking institutions. Interested candidates should ensure they complete their registration before July 21, 2026, and begin preparing for the upcoming preliminary examination scheduled for August.