Mains Syllabus of IBPS SO Exam 2024
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) exam annually to recruit candidates for various specialist roles in public sector banks. The exam consists of two phases: Preliminary and Mains. While the Preliminary exam tests general aptitude, the Mains exam focuses on specialized knowledge and skills relevant to the chosen specialization.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Mains syllabus for the IBPS SO exam 2024, covering various specializations.
General Awareness (GA)
This section assesses the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, banking, and the Indian economy.
Syllabus:
- Current Events: National and International events, major happenings in the past year, significant developments in various sectors like politics, economy, science, technology, sports, and culture.
- Banking Awareness: Recent developments in the banking sector, financial institutions, RBI policies, banking regulations, financial inclusion, digital banking, and innovations in the industry.
- Economy: Indian economy, economic indicators, government policies, budget, fiscal and monetary policies, inflation, GDP, and other relevant economic concepts.
- Static GK: Indian history, geography, polity, and culture.
Preparation Tips:
- Regular Reading: Stay updated with current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online resources like websites and apps.
- Focus on Banking: Read books and articles related to banking, financial markets, and the Indian economy.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to assess your understanding and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Refer to Previous Papers: Analyze previous years’ papers to understand the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.
Reasoning Ability
This section tests the candidate’s logical reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Syllabus:
- Verbal Reasoning: Syllogisms, analogies, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, and puzzles.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Figure series, mirror images, water images, embedded figures, and other visual reasoning questions.
- Analytical Reasoning: Data interpretation, critical reasoning, and logical deduction.
- Decision Making: Case studies, scenarios, and problem-solving situations.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of reasoning questions from different sources to improve your problem-solving skills.
- Understand Concepts: Learn the underlying principles and techniques involved in solving different types of reasoning questions.
- Develop Logical Thinking: Practice critical thinking and analytical skills to approach reasoning problems effectively.
- Time Management: Learn to solve questions within the allotted time.
Quantitative Aptitude
This section assesses the candidate’s numerical ability and mathematical skills.
Syllabus:
- Arithmetic: Number systems, percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed, distance, and time, ratio and proportion, averages, mixtures and alligations.
- Algebra: Linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, and basic algebraic concepts.
- Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and basic geometric formulas.
- Data Interpretation: Tables, charts, graphs, and other data representations.
Preparation Tips:
- Strong Foundation: Ensure a strong foundation in basic mathematical concepts.
- Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of quantitative aptitude questions from different sources.
- Learn Shortcuts: Explore and practice shortcuts and tricks to solve problems quickly.
- Focus on Accuracy: Pay attention to accuracy while solving problems.
English Language
This section assesses the candidate’s proficiency in the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Syllabus:
- Reading Comprehension: Passages from various topics, followed by questions based on comprehension, vocabulary, and inference.
- Grammar: Parts of speech, tenses, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, and other grammatical rules.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases.
- Sentence Correction: Identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sentences.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
Preparation Tips:
- Read Regularly: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Practice Grammar: Refer to grammar books and practice exercises to strengthen your grammatical knowledge.
- Improve Vocabulary: Learn new words regularly and practice using them in sentences.
- Focus on Comprehension: Develop the ability to understand and interpret written text effectively.
Specialization Papers
The Mains exam also includes a specialization paper specific to the chosen role. The syllabus for each specialization is detailed below.
Agriculture Field Officer (AFO)
Syllabus:
- Agriculture: Crop production, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, agricultural economics, agricultural marketing, and agricultural finance.
- Rural Development: Rural infrastructure, poverty alleviation programs, rural employment schemes, and rural credit.
- General Awareness: Current affairs related to agriculture and rural development.
Table 1: Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) Syllabus Breakdown
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Crop Production | Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Physiology, Crop Protection, Seed Technology |
| Horticulture | Fruit Production, Vegetable Production, Floriculture, Landscaping |
| Animal Husbandry | Dairy Farming, Poultry Farming, Pig Farming, Sheep and Goat Farming |
| Fisheries | Fish Culture, Fish Processing, Fish Marketing |
| Agricultural Economics | Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Finance |
| Rural Development | Rural Infrastructure, Poverty Alleviation Programs, Rural Employment Schemes |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs related to Agriculture and Rural Development |
Marketing Officer (MO)
Syllabus:
- Marketing Management: Marketing principles, consumer behavior, market research, product development, pricing strategies, promotion, distribution channels, and customer relationship management.
- Banking Products and Services: Retail banking products, corporate banking products, and other financial services offered by banks.
- Sales and Business Development: Sales techniques, customer acquisition, relationship building, and business development strategies.
- General Awareness: Current affairs related to the banking and financial sector.
Table 2: Marketing Officer (MO) Syllabus Breakdown
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Marketing Management | Marketing Principles, Consumer Behavior, Market Research, Product Development, Pricing Strategies, Promotion, Distribution Channels, Customer Relationship Management |
| Banking Products and Services | Retail Banking Products, Corporate Banking Products, Financial Services |
| Sales and Business Development | Sales Techniques, Customer Acquisition, Relationship Building, Business Development Strategies |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs related to Banking and Financial Sector |
IT Officer (ITO)
Syllabus:
- Computer Fundamentals: Hardware, software, operating systems, networking, databases, and data structures.
- Programming Languages: C, C++, Java, Python, and other relevant programming languages.
- Software Engineering: Software development methodologies, software testing, and quality assurance.
- Cyber Security: Network security, data security, and ethical hacking.
- General Awareness: Current affairs related to information technology and cyber security.
Table 3: IT Officer (ITO) Syllabus Breakdown
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Computer Fundamentals | Hardware, Software, Operating Systems, Networking, Databases, Data Structures |
| Programming Languages | C, C++, Java, Python, Other Relevant Languages |
| Software Engineering | Software Development Methodologies, Software Testing, Quality Assurance |
| Cyber Security | Network Security, Data Security, Ethical Hacking |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs related to Information Technology and Cyber Security |
Law Officer (LO)
Syllabus:
- Banking Law: Negotiable Instruments Act, Banking Regulation Act, SARFAESI Act, and other relevant banking laws.
- Contract Law: Indian Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, and other relevant contract laws.
- Company Law: Companies Act, SEBI regulations, and other relevant company laws.
- General Awareness: Current affairs related to legal and regulatory developments in the banking sector.
Rajbhasha Adhikari (RA)
Syllabus:
- Hindi Language: Grammar, vocabulary, composition, translation, and comprehension.
- Hindi Literature: Modern Hindi literature, major writers, and literary movements.
- General Awareness: Current affairs related to Hindi language and literature.
Other Specializations
The IBPS SO exam also includes other specializations like HR Officer, Agriculture Officer, and others. The syllabus for these specializations is similar to the ones mentioned above, with a focus on the specific skills and knowledge required for the respective roles.
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus for your chosen specialization.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that covers all the topics and allows for sufficient time for revision.
- Refer to Quality Study Material: Use reliable books, online resources, and mock tests for preparation.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Time Management: Learn to solve questions within the allotted time.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs related to banking, finance, and your specialization.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to improve them.
- Stay Motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
Conclusion
The IBPS SO exam is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for aspiring professionals in the banking sector. By understanding the syllabus, creating a structured study plan, and practicing regularly, candidates can increase their chances of success in the exam. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and confident throughout your preparation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the IBPS SO Mains Exam 2024
General FAQs:
Q: What is the exam pattern for the IBPS SO Mains Exam?
A: The Mains exam consists of objective-type questions, divided into sections based on the specialization. The sections include General Awareness, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and the specialization paper.
Q: What is the duration of the IBPS SO Mains Exam?
**A: ** The exam duration varies depending on the specialization. However, it typically lasts for 3 hours.
Q: What is the qualifying score for the IBPS SO Mains Exam?
A: The qualifying score varies each year and is determined by the number of vacancies and the performance of candidates.
Q: How many attempts are allowed for the IBPS SO Exam?
A: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the IBPS SO Exam.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the IBPS SO Exam?
A: Eligibility criteria vary based on the specialization. Generally, candidates must have a graduate degree with relevant experience or a postgraduate degree in the specialization.
Q: How can I prepare for the IBPS SO Mains Exam?
A: Focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing mock tests, and staying updated with current affairs. Refer to quality study material and seek guidance from experienced mentors.
Q: What are the best resources for preparing for the IBPS SO Mains Exam?
A: Refer to books, online resources, and mock tests from reputable sources. Previous years’ papers are also valuable for understanding the exam pattern.
Q: What are the important topics to focus on for the General Awareness section?
A: Focus on current affairs, banking awareness, and the Indian economy. Stay updated with recent developments in these areas.
Q: What are the important topics to focus on for the Reasoning Ability section?
A: Practice various types of reasoning questions, including syllogisms, analogies, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, puzzles, and data interpretation.
Q: What are the important topics to focus on for the Quantitative Aptitude section?
A: Strengthen your foundation in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Practice solving a variety of numerical problems.
Q: What are the important topics to focus on for the English Language section?
A: Focus on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, and para jumbles. Improve your reading and writing skills.
Q: What are the important topics to focus on for the specialization paper?
A: Thoroughly understand the syllabus for your chosen specialization. Focus on the specific skills and knowledge required for the role.
Q: What are the interview tips for the IBPS SO Exam?
A: Prepare for questions related to your specialization, current affairs, and banking knowledge. Be confident, articulate, and well-prepared.
Q: What are the career prospects after clearing the IBPS SO Exam?
A: Successful candidates are appointed as Specialist Officers in various public sector banks, offering a promising career path with growth opportunities.
Q: What is the salary and benefits for an IBPS SO?
A: The salary and benefits for an IBPS SO vary depending on the bank and the specialization. However, it generally includes a competitive salary, allowances, and other benefits.