IBPS SO Law Officer Recruitment 2026: Dates, Notification, Eligibility & More!

Overview: IBPS SO law officer recruitment notification for 2026 is out! In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know about it as an aspirant.  

• IBPS has released its notification for the Common Recruitment Process for Specialist Officers (CRP SPL-XVI).  
• This notification invites applicants for six Specialist Officer posts including Law Officer (Scale I) across 11 participating public sector banks for vacancies arising in the financial year 2027-28.  
• Interested candidates can apply from 1st July 2026 to 21st July 2026.  

In this blog we tell you eligibility, vacancy numbers, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, fees, and the full selection timeline for the IBPS SO Law Officer post.  

Let's begin!  

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IBPS SO Law Officer Recruitment Notification 2026  

IBPS announced its 16th Common Recruitment Process for Specialist Officer posts in its recent advertisement CRP SPL-XV.  

Unlike the generalist Clerk or PO exams, this recruitment is meant to fill technical and domain-specific roles at Scale I level in participating banks. The Law Officer post is one of them.  

Here are the important highlights for IBPS SO law officer recruitment 2026:  

Particulars	Details
Conducting Body	IBPS
Post	Law Officer (Scale I)
No. Of Vacancies	105
Participating Banks	11 Public Sector Banks
Selection Process	Online Preliminary Exam → Online Main Exam → Interview
Application Window Opens	1st July 2026
Application Window Closes	21st July 2026

Download IBPS SO Law Officer Official Notification PDF

IBPS SO Law Officer Recruitment 2026 Participating Banks 

The following 11 public sector banks participate in IBPS SO Recruitment 2026 and will draw candidates from the common merit list based on provisional allotment:  

• Bank of Baroda 
• Bank of India 
• Bank of Maharashtra 
• Canara Bank 
• Central Bank of India 
• Indian Bank 
• Indian Overseas Bank 
• Punjab National Bank 
• Punjab & Sind Bank 
• UCO Bank 
• Union Bank of India  

Note: Since this is an all-India cadre, a candidate provisionally allotted to any of these banks may be posted anywhere in India, at the discretion of the allotted bank.  

IBPS SO Law Officer Vacancy 2026  

IBPS has published category-wise and bank-wise IBPS SO law officer vacancy for 2026. Here are the details:  

Bank	SC	ST	OBC	EWS	UR	Total
Bank of Baroda	1	-	2	1	6	10
Canara Bank	4	2	8	3	13	30
Central Bank of India	4	2	8	3	13	30
Indian Overseas Bank	1	-	2	1	6	10
Punjab National Bank	4	2	6	2	11	25
Total	14	6	26	10	49	105

These figures are provisional and subject to change based on actual business requirements reported by each bank closer to the allotment stage.  

Reservations for PwBD category include:  

• OC (Orthopedically Challenged/Locomotor Disability): 1  
• VI (Visually Impaired): 2  

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IBPS SO Law Officer Recruitment Eligibility Criteria 2026  

Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for this post. Here are the conditions mentioned for IBPS SO Law Officer Eligibility 2026:  

Nationality 

The candidate must be:  

• A citizen of India, or 
• A subject of Nepal, or 
• A subject of Bhutan, or 
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of settling permanently, or 
• A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or specified East African/Vietnam regions with intent to settle permanently in India (categories other than Indian citizens require an eligibility certificate from the Government of India).  

Age Limit (as on 1st July 2026)  

• Minimum age: 20 years 
• Maximum age: 30 years 
• Candidates must be born between 2nd July 1996 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive) 

Candidates from several categories get age relaxation:  

Category	Age Relaxation
SC/ST	5 years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	3 years
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)	10 years
Ex-servicemen/Commissioned Officers (min. 5 years' service)	5 years

Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (NCL) is available on a cumulative basis with only one other applicable relaxation category. There is no reservation for ex-servicemen in the officers' cadre, though age relaxation still applies to them.  

Educational Qualifications  

For IBPS SO law officer post, the candidate must have a bachelor's degree in law (LL. B) and enrolment as an advocate with the Bar Council.  

Here are a few important points to note:  

• The degree must be from a University/Institution/Board recognized by the Government of India or approved by government regulatory bodies. 
• The final result must have been declared on or before 21st July 2026. 
• No equivalent qualification will be considered; candidates must hold the exact prescribed qualification. 
• Candidates should also have studied Computer/Information Technology as a subject at some stage (High School/College/Institute) or hold a certificate/diploma/degree in computer operations. 
• Percentage calculation: where a CGPA/OGPA system is used, candidates must convert it to a percentage as per their university's official conversion criteria and be ready to produce documentary proof at the interview stage.  

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IBPS SO Law Officer Recruitment 2026: Exam Pattern  

The IBPS SO law officer selection process has two online exams: Prelims and Mains, followed by an interview.  

Stage 1: Preliminary Exam  

The Prelims exam for IBPS SO law officer tests your English language, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Professional Knowledge. Here's a detailed prelims exam pattern:  

Subject	No. Of Questions	Maximum Marks	Medium	Duration
English Language	25	25	English	20 mins
Reasoning	25	25	English & Hindi	20 mins
General Awareness	25	25	English & Hindi	20 mins
Professional Knowledge	25	50	English & Hindi	20 mins
Total	100	125		80 mins

• The prelims exam will be MCQ-based  
• It’s only qualifying in nature. These marks will not be added to the final merit list or considered for interview selection.  
• There is negative marking; 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.  

Each of the four sections is individually timed, and candidates must clear the minimum cut-off decided by IBPS in each section to be shortlisted for Mains.  

Stage 2: Main Exam  

The IBPS SO law officer mains exam pattern is set to test candidates' professional knowledge.  

Subject	No. Of Questions	Maximum Marks	Medium	Duration
English Language	30	30	English	25 mins
Reasoning	40	40	English & Hindi	35 mins
General Awareness	30	30	English & Hindi	20 mins
Professional Knowledge	50	100	English & Hindi	45 mins
Descriptive Paper (English)	2	25	English	30 mins

In the Main exam, all sections except Professional Knowledge are qualifying in nature only. The final merit list is based solely on the Professional Knowledge score.  

• 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer  
• Only marks scored in the Main Examination are used for interview shortlisting and final merit  

Get the detailed IBPS SO law officer exam pattern before you start preparing>> 

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IBPS SO Law Officer Interview and Final Selection Process  

Candidates shortlisted in the Mains exam are called for a Common Interview, conducted by the participating banks and coordinated by Nodal Banks in each state/UT/region with IBPS's assistance.  

• Total interview marks: 100 
• Minimum qualifying marks: 40% (relaxed to 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates) 
• Weightage ratio (Main Exam : Interview): 80:20 
• The final merit list is based on the combined score of the Main Exam and Interview. 
• Interview scores of candidates who fail to secure the qualifying marks are not disclosed.  

Check out these resources for IBPS SO law officer interview questions>>  

Do You Need to Carry Any Documents for IBPS SO Law Officer Interview?  

Yes. Candidates must carry originals plus self-attested photocopies of:  

• Printout of valid Interview Call Letter 
• System-generated printout of the online application form 
• Proof of Date of Birth 
• Photo Identity Proof (as specified by IBPS) 
• LL. B mark sheets/certificates (result declared on or before 21st July 2026) 
• Bar Council enrolment proof 
• Caste/EWS/PwBD/Ex-servicemen certificates, as applicable, in the prescribed government format 
• No Objection Certificate (if currently employed in government/PSU/nationalized bank) 
• Experience certificates, if applicable 
• Any other document supporting eligibility  

Note: Failure to produce any required document at the interview stage will result in the candidate being debarred from further participation in the recruitment process.  

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IBPS SO Law Officer 2026 Syllabus (Prelims & Mains)  

The indicative syllabus for IBPS SO law officer recruitment 2026 is as mentioned below:  

Subject	Important Topics
English Language	RC, cloze test, error detection, sentence improvement, para jumbles, fillers, basic vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms)
Reasoning	Puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, inequalities, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, series, order & ranking, input–output, basic logical reasoning
General Awareness	Current affairs, banking awareness (RBI, types of banks, products, digital payments), basic economy (repo rate, inflation, markets), major schemes and financial inclusion

Professional Knowledge Test Syllabus for Prelims and Mains 

Topics	Important Areas
Banking & Financial Laws	Banking Regulation Act, RBI Act, Negotiable Instruments, SARFAESI, DRT/Recovery, banker–customer relationship, securities and charges, loan documentation, KYC/AML
Contract & Commercial	Contract Act basics, Specific Relief, Sale of Goods, Partnership/LLP, Companies Act (company types, directors, meetings, charges)
Civil & Property	CPC basics, Limitation, Evidence (incl. electronic), Transfer of Property (mortgage, lease), Registration, Stamp
Criminal & Public Law	New criminal codes (offences relevant to banking fraud), basic criminal procedure, cheque dishonor; Constitution basics, writs, natural justice
Insolvency/Consumer/IT	IBC and NCLT/NCLAT (conceptual), Consumer Protection Act (deficiency in service), IT Act (e‑transactions, cyber offences)

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How to Apply for IBPS SO Law Officer Recruitment 2026?  

Here's a step-by-step process to apply for IBPS SO law officer exam 2026:  

Step 1: Visit www.ibps.in and navigate to the "CRP SPL" link, then select "Click Here to Apply Online for CRP-Specialist Officers (CRP SPL-XVI)." 

Step 2: Register using "Click Here for New Registration". Note the system-generated provisional registration number and password. 

Step 3: Upload the following as per specified format (details in Annexure III of the notification):  

• Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm, 20-50 KB) 
• Signature (10-20 KB, not in capital letters) 
• Left thumb impression (20-50 KB) 
• Handwritten declaration (in own handwriting, in English, not in capital letters, 50-100 KB) 
• SSC/SSLC/10th standard or equivalent certificate (PDF, max 500 KB)  

Step 4: Capture a live photograph via webcam or mobile phone during registration. 

Step 5: Fill in all application details carefully. No changes are permitted after clicking "Complete Registration." 

Step 6: Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card, net banking, IMPS, or UPI. 

Step 7: Take a printout of the e-receipt and final application form for personal records (do not send it to IBPS).  

DigiLocker integration is available for voluntary submission of Aadhaar and educational documents during registration.  

IBPS SO Law Officer 2026 Application Fee  

Here's the category-wise application fee for IBPS SO law officer recruitment 2026:  

Category	Fee
SC/ST/PwBD	₹175
All Other Candidates	₹850

• Application fee is payable online only between 1st July 2026 and 21st July 2026 
• Bank transaction charges for online payment are to be borne by the candidate. 
• Once paid, fees are non-refundable and cannot be carried forward to any other examination.  

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IBPS SO Law Officer Salary 2026 

As per the official notification, IBPS SO Law officers (Scale-1) are placed on the following pay scale:  

Component	Details
Starting Basic Pay	₹48,480
1st Stage Increments	7 annual increments of ₹2,000 each (up to ₹62,480)
2nd Stage Increments	2 annual increments of ₹2,340 each (up to ₹67,160)
3rd Stage Increments	7 annual increments of ₹2,680 each (up to ₹85,920)
Maximum Basic Pay in Scale I	₹85,920

Allowances and Perquisites  

Beyond basic pay, the notification confirms that officers are eligible for allowances and perquisites as per the rules of the concerned Participating Bank, in force from time to time. In practice, this typically includes components such as:  

• Dearness Allowance (DA) 
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) or leased accommodation 
• City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) 
• Special Allowance 
• Provident Fund/Pension and Gratuity benefits 
• Medical, LFC (Leave Fare Concession), and other standard PSU bank benefits  

IBPS SO Law Officer Provisional Allotment: What Happens After Selection? 

• Allotment to a specific participating bank is done on a merit-cum-preference basis, based on actual vacancies reported by banks during FY 2027-28. 
• Once made, provisional allotment is final and binding; no request for change or re-allotment is entertained. 
• If a candidate does not join the allotted bank, they forfeit their candidature/chance in the process. 
• Validity of CRP SPL-XVI expires one year after the date of provisional allotment, or upon a fresh allotment being made. 
• A reserve list of approximately 20% of category-wise vacancies may be maintained, with provisional allotment potentially carried out 3-4 times during the list's validity if further vacancies are reported. This does not guarantee eventual allotment. 
• Final appointment is subject to medical fitness and the allotted bank's own service and conduct rules; IBPS has no role beyond the allotment stage. 

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IBPS SO Law Officer Exam 2026 Preparation Tips 

How to prepare for IBPS SO Law Officer Exam 2026? It is not just another examination. It requires meticulous planning, a clear understanding of the subjects, and consistent efforts. Here, we delve into the steps to guide aspirants towards effective preparation.

Start Early 

Beginning your preparation journey at least half a year in advance gives you ample time to cover and revise all the topics effectively. If the main exam is in December, begin your preparation in June. This way, you'll be fully prepared and confident by the end of November. 

Understand the Syllabus 

Before diving into books, analyze the IBPS SO Law Officer Exam 2026 syllabus. It's crucial to know the topics that carry more weight. 

• Categorize subjects: Easy, Moderate, Difficult
• Allocate more time to complex subjects and topics you're unfamiliar with.
• Allocate specific days or weeks to each, ensuring you've covered every aspect before the exam.

Leverage IBPS SO Books and Online Resources to Strengthen your Preparation 

Rely on recommended books that specifically cater to the IBPS SO Law Officer Exam 2026. They provide in-depth knowledge and practice questions.  

• Enroll in online courses or webinars. They offer interactive sessions, doubt-clearing forums, and updated content.
• Practice online mock tests to simulate the real exam environment.
• The law sector frequently witnesses changes and updates. Online forums, news websites, and legal journals can keep you informed. 

Check out these IBPS SO law officer notes>> 

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IBPS SO Law Officer Exam 2026 Result 

The culmination of the intense preparation and hard work for the IBPS SO Law Officer Exam 2026 will be reflected in the results. The result will pave the way for the next steps in the recruitment process. Let's understand its particulars:

Cutoff Score for Online Main Examination:

• Every candidate must achieve a specific minimum score in the Online Main examination.
• This score is pivotal not just to clear the test but also to be deemed eligible for the subsequent interview round.
• The cutoff score will depend on the number of vacancies (56) available. Based on these scores, candidates will be shortlisted for the interview.
• One key thing to remember is that before the interview process is complete, scores from the IBPS SO Law Officer 2026 Main examination won't be disclosed to the candidates.

Decision-making Process:

• The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) holds the final say in the number of candidates that are shortlisted and invited for the common interviews or for provisional allotment.
• Only marks from the Online Main examination will be considered when shortlisting for interviews and determining the final merit list.

Clarifications on Scores:

• Sometimes exams are conducted in different sessions, which might have slight variations in difficulty levels. To ensure fairness, the scores of candidates across various sessions will be normalized using the equi-percentile method.
• For the sake of precise calculations, scores will be rounded off to two decimal points.

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Here are your key takeaways: 

• The IBPS SO Law Officer Exam 2026 offers a great chance for law graduates to secure officer-level jobs in public sector banks.
• Keep an eye out for the official notification for accurate, detailed information about the exam.
• Be aware of all the crucial dates related to registration, exams, and results.
• Ensure you meet the eligibility conditions - nationality, age, and educational qualifications required for the exam.
• Follow a structured study plan, use recommended books, and take mock tests.
• Understand the exam format and syllabus thoroughly to prepare effectively.
• Prepare for the interview phase, focusing on both your knowledge and presentation skills.