IBPS SO is one of the most popular recruitment exams in the banking sector and attracts a large number of aspiring candidates every year.
To crack IBPS SO, it is crucial to get a clear understanding of the syllabus, pattern, and examination format. In this article, we will decode everything you need to know about the IBPS SO syllabus.
IBPS SO Exam Pattern
The IBPS SO exam is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Candidates who clear the Prelims stage are eligible to appear for the Mains.
Preliminary Exam Pattern
The preliminary exam consists of three sections – English Language, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. The total duration of the exam is 2 hours, and the maximum marks allotted are 125.
Mains Exam Pattern
The mains exam consists of five sections – Professional Knowledge, Professional Language, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The time duration of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the maximum marks allotted are 60.
Interview
Candidates who clear the Mains are shortlisted for an Interview round. The interview is conducted for 100 marks.
Now, let’s take a look at the detailed syllabus of each stage.
IBPS SO Syllabus
English Language
The English Language section tests candidates’ proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and usage. Some important topics to focus on include –
– Reading Comprehension
– Grammar and Error Detection
– Vocabulary-based questions
– Fill in the blanks
– Para-jumbles
– Cloze Test
– Synonyms and Antonyms
Reasoning
The Reasoning section aims to assess a candidate’s analytical and logical skills. Some topics to focus on include –
– Seating Arrangements
– Puzzles
– Input-Output
– Syllogism
– Blood Relations
– Coding-Decoding
– Inequalities
– Data Sufficiency
Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section tests candidates’ mathematical and analytical skills. Some topics to focus on include –
– Simplification and Approximation
– Data Interpretation
– Quadratic Equations
– Number Series
– Profit and Loss
– Time and Work
– Pipes and Cisterns
– Permutation and Combination
Professional Knowledge
The professional knowledge section aims to test the candidates’ expertise in their respective domains. The topics covered here vary for each specialized post. Some common topics include –
– Marketing
– Law
– IT
– Agriculture
– HR
– Chartered Accountancy
– Finance
Professional Language
In this section, candidates’ knowledge of the specialized language related to their respective domains is tested. This section is only for certain specialized posts.
