IBPS Recruitment 2026: Application Deadline Extended and Vacancies Increased for PO and SO Posts
In a major relief and boost for banking job aspirants across the country, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially revised its recruitment drive for Probationary Officers (PO) and Specialist Officers (SO). Under the updated notification, IBPS has significantly increased the seat count, expanding PO vacancies from 6,715 to 7,365 and SO posts from 745 to 1,035. Alongside this vacancy expansion, the institute has also extended the online application deadline, granting candidates additional time to finalize their submissions through the official portal.
Registration Timeline and Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants now have until July 26, 2026, to complete their online registration and fee payment on the official website. To qualify for these positions, candidates must hold a recognized bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized Indian university, with specialized qualifications required for specific SO streams. The age eligibility is fixed between 20 and 30 years, with standard age relaxations applicable to reserved category candidates as per government mandates. Successfully selected candidates will receive a monthly pay scale ranging from Rs 48,480 to Rs 85,920 along with standard banking allowances.
Examination Schedule and Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
The selection process will commence with the Preliminary Online Examination scheduled for August 2026, featuring objective questions covering English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude, followed by the Main Examination in October 2026 for shortlisted candidates. To apply before the extended deadline, candidates should visit www.ibps.in, select the active PO or SO application link on the homepage, enter their basic details and academic qualifications, upload the required scanned documents, complete the online fee transaction, and preserve a printed copy of the final application form for official reference.