IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) Selection Process

The IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) selection process varies depending on the specific exam, such as IBPS PO (Probationary Officer), IBPS Clerk, IBPS SO (Specialist Officer), and IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks). Below is an overview of the general selection process for these exams:

1. IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam

• Objective Type: The preliminary exam is the first stage and serves as a qualifying exam.
• Selection Criteria: Candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs to advance to the next stage.

2. Main Exam

• Objective & Descriptive Type: The main exam consists of both objective and descriptive tests (essay and letter writing).
• Selection Criteria: Candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs in the main exam. The descriptive paper is evaluated only if the candidate clears the objective paper.

3. Interview

• Personal Interview: Candidates who clear the main exam are called for an interview. This stage assesses the candidate’s suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer.
• Final Merit List: The final selection is based on the combined score of the main exam and the interview. The ratio of the main exam to the interview score is 80:20.

2. IBPS Clerk Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam

• Objective Type: This is a qualifying exam to screen candidates for the main exam.
• Selection Criteria: Candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for the main exam.

2. Main Exam

• Objective Type: This is the final stage of the exam.
• Selection Criteria: The selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the main exam. There is no interview for the IBPS Clerk exam.

3. Provisional Allotment

• Merit-Based Allotment: Candidates are provisionally allotted to one of the participating banks based on their main exam scores, preferences, and vacancies.

3. IBPS SO (Specialist Officer) Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam

• Objective Type: This is the first stage, and candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs to advance to the main exam.
• Specialization-Based: Different streams have different question patterns focusing on specific knowledge areas.

2. Main Exam

• Objective Type: Focuses on professional knowledge related to the specific field of the Specialist Officer (e.g., IT, Marketing, HR).
• Selection Criteria: The main exam is the deciding factor for shortlisting candidates for the interview.

3. Interview

• Personal Interview: Candidates who clear the main exam are called for an interview.
• Final Merit List: The final selection is based on the combined score of the main exam and the interview. The ratio is 80:20.

4. IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Banks) Selection Process

For Office Assistant (Multipurpose)

• 1. Preliminary Exam: Objective type and serves as a qualifying exam.
• 2. Main Exam: Objective type, and the final selection is based on the main exam score. No interview.

For Officer Scale I

• 1. Preliminary Exam: Objective type, qualifying exam.
• 2. Main Exam: Objective type, candidates must clear the sectional and overall cut-offs.
• 3. Interview: Candidates who clear the main exam are called for an interview. The final selection is based on the main exam and interview scores.

For Officer Scale II & III

• Single Online Exam: Objective type, professional knowledge-focused.
• Interview: Candidates are shortlisted for an interview based on their exam performance. The final selection is based on the exam and interview scores.

General Points to Note Across All IBPS Exams:

• Negative Marking: Applicable in all stages, with 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Sectional and Overall Cut-Offs: Candidates must clear both to progress to the next stage or be considered for final selection.
• Document Verification: After the final selection, candidates must undergo document verification to confirm eligibility.
• Provisional Allotment: Based on final scores and preferences, candidates are provisionally allotted to participating banks.

This process ensures that the candidates selected are well-rounded and suitable for the respective roles in banking.