IBPS SO Eligibility, Age Limit and Relaxations 2025 – The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) examination annually to recruit candidates for specialized roles in public sector banks across India. These roles include IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, and Rajbhasha Adhikari. For aspirants aiming to join as Specialist Officers, understanding the IBPS SO Eligibility criteria like age limit, age relaxation, educational qualification, number of attempts, credit history for IBPS SO Exam 2025 is crucial to ensure eligibility. This article provides a detailed overview of the age limit, relaxations for reserved categories, and related eligibility criteria based on the latest available information.
toc=#(table of content)
IBPS SO Eligibility 2025 – Age Limit
For the IBPS SO 2025 examination, the age limit for general category candidates is:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
This means candidates must have been born between specific dates, typically calculated as of a reference date mentioned in the official notification (e.g., November 1, 2025). For example, candidates should not be born earlier than November 2, 1995, or later than November 1, 2005, for the general category. The exact dates will be confirmed in the IBPS SO Notification 2025, expected in November 2025.
The age limit ensures that candidates are mature enough to handle specialized responsibilities, such as IT system management, agricultural credit assessment, or legal compliance, while allowing a broad range of applicants. IBPS provides relaxations in the upper age limit for reserved categories to promote inclusivity.
IBPS SO Eligibility 2025 – Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
IBPS offers age relaxations for candidates from specific categories, in line with government norms. Below is a table summarizing the category-wise age relaxation for IBPS SO 2025, based on standard practices from recent notifications:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / Commissioned Officers including ECOs/SSCOs (who have rendered at least 5 years of military service and have been released) | 5 years |
| Persons affected by 1984 riots | 5 years |
| Persons domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir (between Jan 1, 1980, and Dec 31, 1989) | 5 years |
Note: Candidates claiming age relaxation must provide valid certificates (e.g., caste/category certificate, disability certificate, or ex-servicemen discharge book) during document verification or at the interview stage. The exact details will be specified in the IBPS SO Notification 2025.
IBPS SO Eligibility 2025 – Educational Qualification, Number of Attempts ,Credit History
In addition to the age limit, candidates must meet other eligibility requirements to apply for the IBPS SO position. The requirements vary depending on the specific SO post (e.g., IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, etc.):
- Educational Qualification:
- IT Officer (Scale I): 4-year Engineering/Technology Degree in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, or related fields, or a postgraduate degree in these areas, or a graduate with DOEACC ‘B’ level certification.
- Agricultural Field Officer (Scale I): 4-year Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields.
- Rajbhasha Adhikari (Scale I): Postgraduate degree in Hindi with English as a subject at the degree level, or a postgraduate degree in Sanskrit with English and Hindi as subjects at the degree level.
- Law Officer (Scale I): Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) and enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council.
- HR/Personnel Officer (Scale I): Graduate and a full-time postgraduate degree or diploma in Personnel Management, Industrial Relations, HR, or related fields.
- Marketing Officer (Scale I): Graduate and a full-time MMS (Marketing), MBA (Marketing), or postgraduate diploma in Marketing.
- Candidates must possess valid mark sheets/degree certificates as of the last date for registration (likely in November 2025).
- Nationality:
- Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan Refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or specified East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Non-Indian citizens must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
- Candidates must be:
- Number of Attempts:
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the IBPS SO exam, provided candidates meet the age and other eligibility criteria.
- Credit History:
- Candidates must maintain a healthy credit history at the time of joining. A minimum credit score may be required as per the bank’s policy, and candidates with adverse CIBIL status must provide No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from lenders.
Why the Age Limit Matters
The age limit for IBPS SO ensures candidates are within an appropriate age range to handle specialized roles that require technical expertise, such as managing IT infrastructure, assessing agricultural loans, or ensuring legal compliance in banking operations.
The relaxations for reserved categories align with government policies to provide equitable opportunities to underrepresented groups. Failing to meet the age criteria or providing incorrect information can lead to disqualification at any stage, including the interview or document verification.
Key Dates for IBPS SO 2025
The exact dates will be confirmed in the IBPS SO Notification 2025, but based on the IBPS Calendar 2025 and past trends, the following are tentative dates:
- Notification Release: November 2025
- Online Application Period: November 2025 to December 2025
- Prelims Exam Dates: December 13 and 14, 2025
- Mains Exam Date: January 24, 2026
- Interview: To be notified
Candidates should regularly check the official IBPS website (www.ibps.in) for updates on the notification and application process.
Tips for Aspirants
- Verify Eligibility: Calculate your age as of the reference date (likely November 1, 2025) to confirm eligibility. Ensure your educational qualifications match the requirements for the specific SO post.
- Prepare Documents: Gather valid certificates for age relaxation (e.g., SC/ST/OBC/PwBD certificates or ex-servicemen documents) and educational qualifications in the prescribed format for the interview stage.
- Stay Updated: Monitor the IBPS website for the official notification in November 2025 to confirm exact dates and requirements.
- Start Preparation: Begin studying for the Prelims and Mains exams, focusing on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Professional Knowledge relevant to the SO post. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and an Interview, making early preparation critical.
Conclusion
The IBPS SO Eligibility Criteria for 2025 is 20 to 30 years for general category candidates, with relaxations for reserved categories to ensure inclusivity. Meeting the age and other eligibility criteria is the first step toward a specialized career in public sector banks as an IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, or other SO roles.
By understanding these requirements and preparing diligently, aspirants can confidently apply for the IBPS SO exam and aim for success in the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. Stay updated via the official IBPS website and start your preparation early to secure a prestigious banking role in 2025!
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on the latest available data and standard practices from IBPS SO notifications up to April 2025. Candidates must verify details in the official IBPS SO Notification 2025 for any changes or updates.
