IBPS SO 2025 Exam Pattern - Check Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Chapter Wise Weightage, Duration

Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 20 Feb, 2024 12:52

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IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2024

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2024 describes the type and structure of the question paper that the candidates are about to face. The IBPS SO 2024 Prelims exam was successfully conducted on December 30-31, 2023, while the Mains exam is being conducted on January 28, 2024. Exam pattern helps candidates to understand the pattern of question paper, type of questions, the number of questions in each section, marks allotted to each question, and the duration of the examination.

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) announces the exam pattern for candidates of IBPS SO Prelims, on its official website. Candidates are advised to go through the pattern before they start preparing for the IBPS SO 2024 exam. Candidates can check out the content below for a better understanding of the IBPS SO 2024 exam pattern.

Also Read: IBPS SO Selection Process 2024

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2024 - Highlights

Given below the major highlights of the exam pattern of IBPS SO 2024:

  • The IBPS SO exam will be organised into three levels, Preliminary, Main, and Interview.
  • The question paper will be available in English as well as in the Hindi language.
  • All the candidates will have to first appear for the Preliminary examination.
  • The Preliminary exam of IBPS SO will include questions from English Language, Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude/General Awareness based on their choice of post.
  • IBPS SO 2024 Mains examination will examine the candidates based on their professional knowledge.
  • Based on the performance in the Preliminary, candidates will be selected for the Mains examination.
  • Candidates qualifying for both Preliminary and Mains exam will be called to appear for the Personal interview.

IBPS SO Prelim Exam Pattern 2024 - Post-wise

The tables given below consist of the IBPS SO 2024 exam pattern for Prelims exam: 

For the post of Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari: Candidates can refer to the table given below to gain information related to the IBPS SO exam pattern 2024 for the job profile of Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari. 

Sections

Number of Questions

Marks (per section)

Medium of language

Total Duration

English Language

50

25

English

2 Hours

Reasoning

50

50

English and Hindi

General Awareness with special reference to Banking Industry

50

50

English and Hindi

Total

150

125

For the Post of IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer: Check out the below-mentioned table for information regarding the IBPS SO exam pattern 2024 for the job profile of IT Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Agriculture Field Officer and Marketing Officer

Sections

Number of Questions

Marks (per section)

Medium of language

Total Duration

English Language

50

25

English

2 Hours

Reasoning

50

50

English and Hindi

Quantitative Aptitude

50

50

English and Hindi

Total

150

125

    IBPS SO 2024 Mains Exam Pattern - Post-wise

    Candidates can check out the table given below for the IBPS SO 2024 exam pattern for Mains Exam: 

    For the Post of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer: Refer to the table to check the IBPS SO exam pattern for the job profile of IT Officer, Law Officer, Agriculture FIeld Officer,  Marketing Officer and HR/Personnel Officer.

    Sections

    Total Number of Questions

    Total Marks

    Medium of language

    Total Duration

    Professional Knowledge

    60

    60

    English and Hindi

    45 Minutes

    For the Post of Rajbhasha Adhikari: Here's the IBPS SO exam pattern 2024 for the job profile of Rajbhasha Adhikhari.

    Sections

    Total Number of Questions

    Total Marks

    Medium of language

    Total Duration

    Professional Knowledge (Objective)

    45

    60

    English and Hindi

    30 Minutes

    Professional Knowledge (Descriptive)

    2

    English and Hindi

    30 Minutes

      Top Commerce and Banking Colleges :

      IBPS SO 2024 Marking Scheme

      As the exam for IBPS SO 2024 is conducted in 2 parts, the marking scheme for both of their papers is also different.

      Marking Scheme for IBPS SO Prelims

      Paper Number-SectionsNumber of QuestionsFor Correct ResponseNegative Marking
      Paper-1
      Post of Rajbhasha Adhikari and Law Officer
      Reasoning50 Questions each1 mark0.25 marks
      English Language0.5 mark
      General Awareness with special reference to Banking Industry1 mark
      Paper-2
      post of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer HR/Personnel Officer, and IT Officer Scale 1
      Reasoning50 Questions each1 mark
      English Language0.5 mark
      Quantitative Aptitude1 mark

      Marking Scheme for IBPS SO Mains

      The marking scheme for IBPS SO 2024 Mains is mentioned below.

      Paper NumberNumber of QuestionsMarks AllottedNegative Marking
      Paper-1 (post of Law Officer, IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer HR/Personnel Officer, and IT Officer Scale 1)6060 Marks0.25 Marks
      Paper -2 (post of Rajbhasha Adhikari)45
      • Question paper is to be answered in Objective as well as Descriptive type questions for Part A and Part B respectively.
      • Part A which is Professional Knowledge (Objective Type Question) contains 45 questions.
      • Part B which is Professional Knowledge (Descriptive type Questions) Contains 2 questions.
      • For Rajbhasha Adhikari, 1 mark each for MCQs and 15 marks for the 2 descriptive questions.
      • For other posts, 1 mark each for all the MCQs.

      How to Prepare for IBPS SO 2024?

      Here are five detailed tips and strategies to help you prepare for IBPS SO 2024 and understand the exam pattern effectively:

      1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:

      • Begin by thoroughly reviewing the official IBPS SO exam notification and syllabus. Understand the sections, topics, and weightage of marks for each specialization.
      • Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam, including the number of sections, time allotted, and marking scheme (including negative marking).

      2. Create a Study Plan:

      • Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all sections and topics of the exam. Allocate sufficient time for each subject based on its complexity and your proficiency.
      • Divide your study time into smaller, focused study sessions to maintain concentration and avoid burnout.

      3. Study Materials and Resources:

      • Gather the best study materials and resources, including textbooks, online courses, video lectures, and practice papers.
      • Utilize previous years' question papers and mock tests to get a sense of the exam's difficulty level and pattern. This will help you simulate the actual exam environment.

      4. Section-Wise Preparation:

      • Break down your preparation into sections. For Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude, practice solving various types of problems regularly to enhance your problem-solving skills.
      • For English Language, focus on improving your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Read newspapers, articles, and novels to enhance your reading skills.
      • For the Professional Knowledge section, dive deep into your chosen specialization's syllabus. Make concise notes to revise important concepts.

      5. Time Management and Mock Tests:

      • Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice solving mock tests and previous years' papers within the stipulated time. This will help you improve your speed and accuracy.
      • Analyze your performance after each mock test. Identify areas where you are strong and weak. Focus on improving weak areas while maintaining your strengths.
      • Develop a strategy for attempting the exam. Decide which sections you will start with and how much time you'll allocate to each. Stick to this strategy during practice tests to refine it.

      Want to know more about IBPS SO

      FAQs about IBPS SO Exam Pattern

      Is there sectional timing in IBPS SO exam?

      Yes, there is sectional timing in IBPS SO prelims and mains examination.

      Does IBPS SO have a descriptive paper?

      As per the IBPS SO exam pattern, a descriptive paper is only included in the mains examination conducted for the post of Rajbhasha Adhikari.

      Is there a provision for negative marking in IBPS SO?

      Yes, 0.25 or 1/4th of the allotted marks are deducted for every wrong answer in IBPS SO.

      What is the difficulty level of IBPS SO?

      The difficulty level of IBPS SO is moderate.

      What kind of questions are asked in Prelims?

      All the questions asked in Prelims are objective in nature.

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