IBPS SO 2025 Exam Date, Eligibility, and Age Limit Explained

The IBPS SO 2025 exam is one of the most awaited recruitment drives for candidates aiming to secure positions as Specialist Officers in India's leading public sector banks. If you're planning to take the exam, understanding the exam date, eligibility criteria, and age limit is crucial for a smooth and successful application process. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to stay ahead in your IBPS SO journey.

Introduction to IBPS SO 2025 Exam

The IBPS SO 2025 exam is conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for the recruitment of Specialist Officers in various nationalized banks in India. The exam will offer job opportunities in various specialist roles such as:

IT Officer
Agricultural Field Officer (AFO)
Law Officer
HR/Personnel Officer
Marketing Officer
Rajbhasha Adhikari

These roles require specific expertise in the respective fields, and IBPS conducts the exam to select the best candidates for these positions. To apply for the exam, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, which includes age limits, educational qualifications, and other requirements.

IBPS SO 2025 Exam Date

The IBPS SO 2025 exam date is critical for your preparation and planning. Here’s what you need to know:

Prelims Exam Date: Expected in December 2025
Mains Exam Date: Expected in January 2026
Admit Card Release: Approximately 15 days before the exam date
Result Declaration: The Prelims results are usually declared within a few weeks of the exam, and the Mains result is typically declared within a month of the exam.

It’s important to keep track of the official IBPS website (www.ibps.in) for any updates on the exact exam dates, as these can sometimes change due to unforeseen circumstances.

IBPS SO 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the IBPS SO 2025 exam are clearly defined to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are considered for these specialist roles. Let’s break it down:

1. Nationality/Citizenship

Candidates must be either:
- A Citizen of India, or
- A Subject of Nepal, or
- A Subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962, or
- A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of settling permanently in India.

2. Age Limit (as of 01.12.2025)

The age limit for candidates applying for the IBPS SO 2025 exam is as follows:

Minimum Age: 20 years
Maximum Age: 30 years

This means candidates must have been born between 2nd December 1995 and 1st December 2005 (both dates inclusive).

Age Relaxation:

SC/ST candidates: 5 years
OBC candidates: 3 years
PwD candidates: 10 years
Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
Persons affected by 1984 riots: 5 years

3. Educational Qualification

Each post under IBPS SO requires different educational qualifications:

IT Officer: Degree in Engineering (Computer Science/IT) or equivalent.
Agricultural Field Officer (AFO): Degree in Agriculture or related fields.
Law Officer: Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university.
HR/Personnel Officer: Postgraduate degree or equivalent in HR or Personnel Management.
Marketing Officer: MBA in Marketing or PGDBM in Marketing.
Rajbhasha Adhikari: Postgraduate degree in Hindi with English as a subject at the degree level.

IBPS SO 2025 Age Limit Explained

The IBPS SO age limit is an important criterion that all candidates must meet in order to be eligible for the exam. Below is a breakdown of how the age limit works:

General Category: 20 to 30 years.
OBC Category: 20 to 33 years (age relaxation of 3 years).
SC/ST Category: 20 to 35 years (age relaxation of 5 years).
PwD Category: 20 to 40 years (age relaxation of 10 years).
Ex-Servicemen: Relaxation as per the government norms.

It’s important to note that age relaxation is applicable only for the reserved category candidates.

Important Notes on Age Limit:

The age is calculated as of 1st December 2025.
If you are applying for multiple posts under IBPS SO 2025, the age limit remains the same for all posts.
The age relaxation criteria are in place to give equal opportunities to candidates from reserved categories.

How to Check IBPS SO Eligibility?

Check Your Age: Ensure you fall within the specified age range for your category.
Educational Qualification: Verify that your qualifications align with the post you are applying for. If your degree is in a relevant field, you are likely eligible.
Nationality: Confirm that you are a citizen of India or fall under one of the eligible nationalities as per the guidelines.

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the IBPS SO 2025 exam, you can proceed with the application process.

Conclusion

Understanding the IBPS SO 2025 exam date, eligibility criteria, and age limit is essential for ensuring that you meet all the requirements before applying. This guide covers everything you need to know to stay on top of the registration process. Make sure to stay updated on the official IBPS website for any changes to exam dates and eligibility criteria.

Start your preparation early to ensure that you are well-prepared to secure your position in one of India’s prestigious public sector banks.