Union Bank SO Previous Year Question Papers, Download Sample PDF

The Union Bank SO Previous Year Question Papers are one of the most valuable resources for candidates preparing for the Union Bank of India Specialist Officer Recruitment 2026. Solving previous year papers and sample PDFs helps aspirants understand the latest exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics while improving speed and accuracy. Since the online examination places significant emphasis on Professional Knowledge, along with General Aptitude, regular practice with sample papers enables candidates to identify their strengths, work on weak areas, and build confidence before the actual exam.

Union Bank SO Previous Year Question Papers

By solving previous year papers regularly, aspirants can improve their speed, accuracy, and confidence before appearing for the Union Bank SO Exam 2026. To help you make the most of this limited time, we are providing sample question papers with detailed solutions. Start practising now and walk into the exam hall prepared, confident, and a step ahead of the rest.

Union Bank SO Sample Paper PDF
Union Bank SO Sample Paper PDFs Download Sample Questions

Benefits of Solving Union Bank SO Previous Year Question Papers

Preparing for the Union Bank SO Recruitment 2026 becomes easier and more effective when you include previous year papers in your study plan. Here’s how they help:

1. Recognising Question Trends: These papers help you understand the types of questions asked, how the exam is structured, and what topics are often repeated.

2. Improve Time Management: Practising with old papers helps you learn how to manage your time better during the real exam so you can finish all questions on time.

3. Build Problem-Solving Skills: Solving different types of questions improves your thinking and problem-solving ability, which is important to score well.

4. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: You’ll find out which topics you are good at and which ones need more practice. This helps you focus your preparation in the right direction.

5. Gain Confidence: Practising in an exam-like environment helps reduce nervousness and boosts your confidence before the actual exam.

Professional Knowledge Questions Asked in Union Bank SO Exam

The Professional Knowledge section is completely post-specific, and candidates are asked technical and domain-related questions based on the specialization they have applied for.

  • IT Officers: Computer Networks, Operating Systems, DBMS, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, AI/ML, APIs, DevSecOps, Data Structures, Programming, Digital Banking, and Networking.
  • Forex Officers: FEMA, Foreign Exchange, International Trade Finance, Export-Import Documentation, SWIFT, UCP 600, Treasury Operations, and RBI Forex Guidelines.
  • General Banking Officers: Banking Awareness, Credit Management, Retail Banking, Priority Sector Lending, Financial Markets, Digital Banking, RBI Guidelines, and Risk Management.
  • Chartered Accountants (CA): Accounting Standards, Ind AS, Auditing, GST, Corporate Taxation, Financial Statements, Credit Analysis, and Capital Planning.
  • Risk Management Officers: Credit Risk, Market Risk, Operational Risk, Basel Norms, Liquidity Risk, Stress Testing, Risk Analytics, and Enterprise Risk Management.
  • Law Officers: Banking Regulation Act, RBI Act, SARFAESI Act, Companies Act, Contract Act, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC), and Banking Laws.
  • Civil Engineers: RCC, Building Materials, Surveying, Estimation & Costing, Soil Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management.
  • Electrical Officers: Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Control Systems, Transformers, Electrical Measurements, Protection Systems, and Power Electronics.
  • Fire Officers: Fire Safety, Fire Prevention, Disaster Management, Fire Protection Systems, Industrial Safety, National Building Code, and Emergency Response.
  • Architects: Building Planning, Construction Technology, Urban Planning, Green Buildings, Building Bye-laws, AutoCAD, and Project Management.
    Project Management Professionals: Project Management Frameworks, Agile & Scrum, PMP Concepts, SDLC, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, and IT Project Execution.
  • Vendor Management Professionals: Procurement, Vendor Lifecycle Management, Contract Management, SLA Management, Compliance, Third-Party Risk, and Outsourcing Policies.
  • Disaster Management Professionals: Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Disaster Recovery (DR), Operational Risk, Crisis Management, IT Risk, and Regulatory Compliance.
  • Fraud & AML Specialists: Fraud Detection, Financial Crime Investigation, AML Compliance, KYC, Transaction Monitoring, Sanctions Screening, and Regulatory Reporting.
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Union Bank SO Cut Off 2026, Check Stream Wise Cut Off Factors

The Union Bank SO Cut Off is the minimum score that candidates must secure to qualify for the next stage of the recruitment process. The cut-off marks vary depending on factors such as the number of vacancies, difficulty level of the exam, number of applicants, and candidates’ overall performance. Checking the previous year cut-off trends can help aspirants understand the expected competition level and set a realistic target score for the Union Bank SO Exam 2026.

Union Bank SO Cut Off 2026

The cut off marks for Union Bank SO Recruitment 2026 will determine the minimum marks required for candidates to move forward in the recruitment process. The qualifying score is expected to vary for each post and category based on factors such as vacancy distribution, exam difficulty, and the overall performance of applicants.

Factors Affecting Union Bank SO Cut Off 2026

The Union Bank SO Cut Off 2026 will be determined by several important factors related to the examination and recruitment process. These factors may vary from one post and category to another.

  • Number of Vacancies: A higher number of vacancies may lead to a comparatively lower cut-off, while fewer vacancies can increase competition.
  • Difficulty Level of the Exam: If the exam is difficult, the cut-off is generally lower; if it is easier, the cut-off may rise.
  • Number of Candidates Appearing: More candidates appearing for the exam usually increase the level of competition.
  • Candidates’ Overall Performance: The average performance of candidates plays a major role in deciding the final cut-off.
  • Category-Wise Reservation: Separate cut-offs are released for General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwBD categories.
  • Post-Wise Competition: Different Specialist Officer posts may have different cut-offs depending on the number of applicants and vacancy distribution.

Union Bank SO Qualifying Marks 2026

Candidates appearing for the Union Bank SO Recruitment 2026 must secure the minimum qualifying marks in each stage to move ahead in the selection process. The qualifying criteria vary according to the stage of the exam and candidate category.

Online Examination Qualifying Marks

For posts up to Scale III where an online examination is conducted:

  • General / EWS Candidates: Minimum 40% marks in each relevant section.
  • SC / ST / OBC / PwBD Candidates: Minimum 35% marks in each relevant section.

Note: For General Banking Officer posts (G01–G19), the Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language sections are qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in the Professional Knowledge section will be considered for shortlisting candidates for the next stage.

Group Discussion and Personal Interview Qualifying Marks

Candidates shortlisted for the GD and Interview rounds must meet the minimum qualifying criteria:

Personal Interview (100 Marks):

  • General / EWS: 50 marks (50%)
  • SC / ST / OBC / PwBD: 45 marks (45%)

Group Discussion (50 Marks, if conducted):

  • General / EWS: 25 marks (50%)
  • SC / ST / OBC / PwBD: 22.5 marks (45%)
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PNB LBO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026, Check Subject Wise Syllabus

The PNB LBO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 is an essential guide for candidates preparing for the Punjab National Bank Local Bank Officer (LBO) recruitment. The online examination assesses candidates across Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. Understanding the latest syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, sectional timing, and qualifying criteria will help aspirants prepare strategically for the examination.

PNB LBO Exam Pattern 2026

The PNB LBO Exam Pattern 2026 has been released along with the recruitment notification for Local Bank Officer (LBO) posts under Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I). Candidates aspiring to secure an officer-level position in Punjab National Bank should carefully go through the complete syllabus and exam pattern before beginning their preparation.

PNB LBO Exam Pattern 2026
Name of the Test
No. of Qs. Max. Marks Duration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude 25 25 35 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation 25 25 35 minutes
English Language 25 25 25 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 25 25 35 minutes
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness 50 50 50 minutes
Total 150 150 3 hours

PNB LBO Syllabus 2026

The PNB LBO 2026 section-wise syllabus provides a detailed outline of topics that candidates need to prepare for the online exam. Covering areas like Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness, it helps aspirants focus on essential subjects and plan their preparation.

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

  • Logical Reasoning:
  • Seating Arrangement (Linear & Circular)
  • Puzzles
  • Blood Relations
  • Direction Sense
  • Order & Ranking
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Syllogism
  • Inequalities
  • Input-Output
  • Data Sufficiency

Computer Aptitude:

  • Basics of Computers
  • Hardware & Software
  • Operating Systems
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Internet & Networking
  • Computer Abbreviations

2. Data Analysis & Interpretation

  • Tables
  • Bar Graphs
  • Line Charts
  • Pie Charts
  • Caselets / Data Sufficiency
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Percentage Calculations
  • Profit & Loss
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Averages, Mixtures & Alligations
  • Data Sufficiency & Logical Interpretation

3. English Language

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Cloze Test
  • Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement
  • Error Spotting
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Vocabulary & Grammar
  • Idioms & Phrases
  • Sentence Correction

4. Quantitative Aptitude

  • Number System
  • Simplification / Approximation
  • Profit & Loss
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Time & Work
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Percentage
  • Average
  • Mensuration (2D & 3D)
  • Algebra & Geometry
  • Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts)

5. General / Economy / Banking Awareness

  • Current Affairs (Last 6-12 Months)
  • Banking Awareness & Financial Institutions
  • RBI & Monetary Policies
  • Budget & Economic Survey
  • Government Schemes & Policies
  • Important Appointments & Awards
  • International Organizations
  • Static GK related to Banking & Economy

PNB LBO Selection Process

The PNB LBO recruitment will be conducted in four stages, each designed to test a different aspect of the candidate’s abilities and eligibility. Progression to the next round depends on performance in the previous one.

  • Online Written Test: Evaluates the candidate’s subject awareness, reasoning ability and overall aptitude required for the Local Bank Officer role.
  • Screening: Involves verification of documents, eligibility criteria and preliminary assessment based on recruitment norms.
  • Language Proficiency Test: Checks the candidate’s reading, writing and communication skills in the specified regional language of the posting state.
  • Personal Interview: Assesses personality traits, communication confidence, banking knowledge and decision-making skills essential for the role.

Punjab National Bank Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)

The Local Language Proficiency Test is qualifying in nature. It is conducted for candidates who have not studied the local language in their Class 10 or Class 12. The test evaluates candidates on:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

Candidates failing to qualify in the LLPT will not be considered for final selection. However, candidates who have studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 and provide valid proof are exempted from appearing for the test.

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Union Bank of India SO Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 395 Vacancies, Apply Online Link Here

Union Bank of India has announced the Union Bank SO Recruitment 2026 under Recruitment Project 2026-27, offering 395 vacancies across various specialist and banking roles. The recruitment includes Officers with Domain Expertise, General Banking Officers, and Specialist Officers in scales ranging from MMGS-II to TEGS-VI. The online application process has started today, 21 July 2026, on the official website of Union Bank of India.

Union Bank of India SO Recruitment 2026

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online from 21 July 2026 to 10 August 2026 through the official website of Union Bank of India. This recruitment is a major opportunity for experienced banking, IT, finance, law, engineering, and risk management professionals seeking regular full-time positions in one of India’s leading public sector banks.

Union Bank of India SO Recruitment 2026: Notification PDF

Union Bank SO Recruitment 2026 Overview

The online application process for Union Bank Recruitment 2026 has started today 21 July 2026, on the official website of Union Bank of India.

Particulars Details
Recruitment Name Union Bank Recruitment Project 2026-27
Organization Union Bank of India
Exam Name Union Bank SO Recruitment 2026
Posts SO, General Banking Officers & Domain Experts
Total Vacancies 395
Application Mode Online
Registration Dates 21 July 2026 to 10 August 2026
Employment Type Regular / Full-time
Official Website www.unionbankofindia.co.in

UBI SO Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Candidates must keep track of the important dates related to the recruitment process to avoid missing any deadline.

Event Date
Notification Release 20 July 2026
Online Application Start Date 21 July 2026
Last Date to Apply Online 10 August 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment 10 August 2026
Online Exam Date To be announced
Interview Date To be announced

Union Bank Specialist Officer Vacancy 2026

The recruitment offers vacancies across various scales with attractive pay scales and annual CTC packages.

Cadre Scale Vacancies
Manager MMGS-II 163
Senior Manager MMGS-III 153
Chief Manager SMGS-IV 52
Assistant General Manager SMGS-V 20
Deputy General Manager TEGS-VI 7
Total 395

Union Bank SO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age limit, educational qualification, certification, and experience requirements for the post they apply for.

Basic Eligibility

  • Nationality: Indian citizens and other eligible categories as mentioned in the official notification can apply.
  • One Post Only: A candidate can apply for only one post. If multiple applications are submitted, only the last valid application will be considered.
  • Documents Required: Candidates must provide proof of age, education, category, certification, and experience during the recruitment process.

Age Limit & Experience

Post Age Limit Experience
Certified Fraud Examiner 25–35 yrs 5 years
AML Specialist 22–30 yrs 3 years
Financial Crimes Investigator 22–30 yrs 3 years
Project Management Professional 25–50 yrs 6–12 years
AGM – Taxation / Ind AS / Capital Planning Max 45 yrs 10 years
Disaster Management Professional Max 40–45 yrs 7–10 years
Personal Assistant to Executives 22–35 yrs 2–4 years
General Banking Officer 22–35 yrs 2–5 years
Vendor Management (Non-IT) 25–45 yrs 5–10 years

Age Relaxation

Category Relaxation
SC / ST 5 years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 3 years
PwBD 10 years
Ex-Servicemen / Commissioned Officers 5 years
Persons affected by 1984 Riots 5 years

Specialist Officer Posts

For Specialist Officer posts, the qualification and experience depend on the specific role. The major categories include:

  • IT & Technology (API, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Centre, DevSecOps, AI/ML)
  • Finance & Chartered Accountant posts
  • Risk Management & Analytics
  • Law Officers
  • Architect, Civil Engineer, Electrical Officer, and Fire Officer
  • Vendor Management and other technical specialist roles

Most Specialist Officer posts require a relevant professional degree along with 3 to 15 years of experience, depending on the scale of the post.

Educational Qualification & Age Criteria

Post category Qualification Age limit
General Banking Officers Graduate in any discipline 22–35 years
Fraud / AML / Financial Crime posts Graduate + required certification 22–35 years
Project Management posts BE/B.Tech in CS/IT/ECE or MCA/M.Sc 25–50 years
CA / Finance posts CA / CMA / CFA, as applicable 25–45 years
IT & Specialist Officer posts BE/B.Tech, ME/M.Tech, MCA, or M.Sc in the relevant field 22–50 years
Law Officer Bachelor’s degree in Law 22–45 years
Architect B.Arch + Council registration 25–45 years
Civil / Electrical Engineer BE/B.Tech in the relevant engineering discipline 22–45 years
Fire Officer BE/B.Tech in Fire Engineering or equivalent 22–35 years

Apply Online for Union Bank 2026

Eligible candidates can apply until 10 August 2026 after completing registration, filling out the online form, uploading the required documents, paying the application fee, and verifying the eligibility criteria for their chosen post. For the convenience of candidates, the direct apply online link has been provided below to access the application page quickly.

Union Bank Apply Online 2026: Active

How to Apply Online for Union Bank Recruitment 2026

  • Visit the official website of Union Bank of India.
  • Go to the “Recruitment” section.
  • Click on “Union Bank Recruitment Project 2026-27”.
  • Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
  • Fill in the online application form carefully.
  • Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
  • Pay the application fee through online mode.
  • Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Union Bank 2026 Application Fee

The application fee details will be as per the official notification. Candidates must pay the fee online before the last date of application.

Category Fee
SC / ST / PwBD ₹177 (Inclusive of GST)
UR / EWS / OBC ₹1,180 (Inclusive of GST)

Specialized Segment in UBI SO 2026

The Specialist Officer posts cover a wide range of domains, including:

  • Forex Officer
  • API Management
  • Blockchain / Quantum Computing
  • Cloud Administration
  • Cybersecurity & Forensic Analysis
  • Data Centre Specialist
  • Data Privacy Officer
  • Data Scientist / Analyst
  • DevSecOps
  • Digital Identity & Biometrics
  • Enterprise Architect
  • ETL Developer
  • Gen AI / ML Professional
  • Innovation (R&D)
  • IoT & Edge Computing
  • IT Infrastructure Management
  • Mobile App Developer
  • Network Administrator
  • Open Banking Platform
  • Quality Assurance
  • RPA Professional
  • SOC Analyst
  • Law Officer
  • Architect
  • Civil Engineer
  • Electrical Officer
  • Fire Officer
  • Printing Specialist
  • Vendor Management Professional (IT)
  • Risk Management Officers

Each post has specific educational qualifications, mandatory certifications, and experience requirements. Candidates should carefully check the detailed notification before applying.

Probation Period and Service Bond

  • Probation Period: 2 years of active service from the date of joining.
  • General Posts (G01 to G19): 3 years service or ₹2,00,000 + taxes penalty.
  • Specialist Posts (S01 to S108): 3 years service or ₹2,50,000 + taxes penalty.

Union Bank 2026 Selection Process

The selection process varies according to the scale of the post.

For Scales II & III

  • Online Written Examination
  • Group Discussion (if required)
  • Personal Interview

For Scales IV, V & VI

  • Group Discussion (if required)
  • Any other test / assessment
  • Personal Interview

Union Bank SO Exam Pattern 2026

The Union Bank of India SO Recruitment 2026 examination pattern differs according to the post code and scale of the position applied for. Candidates should carefully check the pattern relevant to their post before starting preparation.

Specialist Officers (Post Codes S01 to S108 – Up to Scale III)

For Specialist Officer posts, the online examination will assess candidates only on their professional/domain knowledge related to the specific post.

Particular Details
Test Professional Knowledge
Questions 50 MCQs
Maximum Marks 100 marks
Duration 60 minutes
Medium Hindi & English

General Banking & Domain Posts (Post Codes G01 to G19 – Up to Scale III)

For General Banking and certain Domain posts, the examination includes both aptitude sections and professional knowledge.

Section Questions Marks Nature
Quantitative Aptitude 25 25 Qualifying only
Reasoning Ability 25 25 Qualifying only
English Language 25 25 Qualifying only
Professional Knowledge 50 100 Counted for merit
Total 125 175 120 minutes

Key exam rules and marking scheme

  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks (¼th mark) will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
  • Unanswered Questions: No penalty will be imposed for questions left blank.
  • Sectional Cut-off for General/EWS: Minimum 40% marks in relevant sections.
  • Sectional Cut-off for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD: Minimum 35% marks in relevant sections.

Senior posts (Scales IV, V & VI)

For higher management positions such as Chief Manager, Assistant General Manager (AGM), and Deputy General Manager (DGM), an online written examination may not be conducted if the number of applicants is limited.

The selection process for these posts may include:

  • Shortlisting / Screening of applications
  • Group Discussion (GD) – 50 marks, if required
  • Personal Interview

Union Bank Specialist Officer Salary 2026

The selected candidates will receive an attractive salary package along with allowances and benefits as per Union Bank rules.

Scale Pay Scale Approx. CTC
MMGS-II ₹64,820 – ₹93,960 ₹21 Lakhs/year
MMGS-III ₹85,920 – ₹1,05,280 ₹25 Lakhs/year
SMGS-IV ₹1,02,300 – ₹1,20,940 ₹30 Lakhs/year
SMGS-V ₹1,20,940 – ₹1,35,020 ₹38 Lakhs/year
TEGS-VI ₹1,40,500 – ₹1,56,500 ₹47 Lakhs/year

Why Apply for Union Bank Recruitment 2026?

  • Regular full-time government banking job
  • Attractive salary package up to ₹47 Lakhs per annum
  • Opportunities across banking, IT, finance, law, and engineering domains
  • Career growth in a leading public sector bank
  • Additional allowances and benefits as per bank rules

NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 500 Vacancies, Apply Online from 18 July

The NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) for 500 Assistant vacancies across different States and Union Territories. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online until 07 August 2026. As per the official schedule, the NICL Assistant Prelims Exam will be held on 27 August 2026 and the Mains Exam on 30 October 2026. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains and a qualifying Regional Language Test (RLT), and there is no interview stage.

NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 Notification Out

The official NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 notification contains complete details regarding the recruitment process, including state-wise vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application dates, salary, selection process, and other important instructions for candidates. The selection process includes the Prelims Exam, Mains Exam and a qualifying Regional Language Test.

NICL Assistant Notification 2026: Overview

Particulars Details
Organization National Insurance Company Limited (NICL)
Post Name Assistant
Exam Name NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026
Total Vacancies 500
Job Location Across India
Application Mode Online
Registration Dates 18 July to 07 August 2026
Phase 1 Exam 27 August 2026
Phase 2 Exam 30 October 2026
Selection Process Prelims, Mains & Regional Language Test
NICL Cut Off Check Here
Negative Marking Yes (0.25 Marks)
Final Selection Mains Marks + Regional Language Test (Qualifying)
Interview No
Official Website https://nationalinsurance.nic.co.in

NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF

Before filling out the online application form, candidates should carefully review the official NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 notification PDF. The notification contains complete information regarding eligibility criteria, vacancies, exam pattern, application fees, important dates, and other instructions. For the convenience of candidates a direct link to download the official notification PDF is provided below.

NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF

NICL Assistant 2026: Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of the important events related to the recruitment process.

Event Date
Detail Notification Released 17 July 2026
Online Registration Starts 18 July 2026
Last Date to Apply Online 07 August 2026
Phase 1 (Preliminary) Exam 27 August 2026
Phase 2 (Main) Exam 30 October 2026

What is NICL Assistant?

  • The NICL Assistant is a clerical-level post in the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL), a Government of India undertaking.
  • It is an excellent career opportunity for graduates seeking a secure government job in the insurance sector.
  • Selected candidates are responsible for handling customer service, administrative work, policy-related tasks, and supporting the daily operations of NICL branch offices.

Key Responsibilities of an NICL Assistant:

  • Assist customers with insurance policies and related queries.
  • Handle policy issuance, renewals, and documentation.
  • Maintain office records and data entry.
  • Support claim processing and administrative activities.
  • Perform clerical and operational work at branch offices.
  • Coordinate with different departments for smooth office functioning.

NICL Assistant Vacancy 2026

NICL has announced a total of 500 assistant vacancies for recruitment across different states and union territories. The detailed state-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution is available in the detailed notification.

State / UT Language UR EWS OBC SC ST Total
Andhra Pradesh Telugu 6 1 6 1 0 14
Arunachal Pradesh English 3 0 0 0 2 5
Assam Assamese 10 1 4 0 3 18
Bihar Hindi 5 1 4 2 0 12
Chhattisgarh Hindi 9 1 1 2 5 18
Goa Konkani 2 0 0 0 0 2
Gujarat Gujarati 16 3 9 2 4 34
Haryana Hindi 2 0 0 1 0 3
Himachal Pradesh Hindi 2 0 0 0 0 2
Jharkhand Hindi 4 1 1 1 3 10
Karnataka Kannada 12 3 8 5 2 30
Kerala Malayalam 21 3 6 5 0 35
Madhya Pradesh Hindi 10 1 1 3 3 18
Maharashtra Marathi 27 5 16 3 6 57
Meghalaya Khasi/Garo 2 0 0 0 0 2
Mizoram Mizo 2 0 0 0 0 2
Nagaland English 1 0 0 0 0 1
Odisha Odia 9 1 3 3 0 16
Punjab Punjabi 4 1 2 3 0 10
Rajasthan Hindi 15 3 6 7 5 36
Sikkim Nepali/English 1 0 0 0 0 1
Tamil Nadu Tamil 28 4 8 8 1 49
Telangana Telugu 8 1 2 3 1 15
Tripura Bengali/Kokborok 2 0 0 0 0 2
Uttar Pradesh Hindi 15 2 4 3 0 24
Uttarakhand Hindi 6 0 1 1 0 8
West Bengal Bengali 19 4 13 9 1 46
Chandigarh (UT) Hindi/Punjabi 2 0 1 1 0 4
Delhi (UT) Hindi 8 2 6 4 0 20
Jammu & Kashmir Hindi/Urdu 3 0 1 0 0 4
Puducherry (UT) Tamil 1 0 1 0 0 2
Grand Total 255 38 104 67 36 500

NICL Assistant Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions as of 01 July 2026.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must possess:

  • Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University, or
  • An equivalent qualification recognized by the central government.
  • Graduation certificate must have been obtained on or before 01 July 2026.

Age Limit

Candidates should be:

  • Minimum Age: 21 Years
  • Maximum Age: 30 Years

Candidates applying for the NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 must have been born not earlier than 02 July 1996 and not later than 01 July 2005 (both dates inclusive). Candidates belonging to reserved categories will be eligible for age relaxation as per the Government of India guidelines. This age criterion is applicable as on 01 July 2026.

Age relaxation will be applicable for reserved categories as per Government rules.

Category Relaxation
SC/ST 5 Years
OBC 3 Years
PwBD (General) 10 Years
PwBD (OBC) 13 Years
PwBD (SC/ST) 15 Years
Ex-servicemen Service + 3 Years
Existing NICL Employees 5 Years
Widows, Divorced Women & Women Judicially Separated (Not Remarried) 35 Years (General/EWS), 38 Years (OBC), 40 Years (SC/ST)

Regional Language Requirement

Candidates applying for a particular State or Union Territory must have adequate knowledge of the regional language of that State/UT. The candidate should be able to:

  • Read the regional language
  • Write the regional language
  • Speak the regional language

NICL Assistant Apply Online 2026

The application window for the NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 is currently open and candidates can submit their forms online until 7 August 2026. Candidates wishing to apply for the 500 Assistant vacancies should complete the registration process through the official NICL portal before the deadline.

NICL Assistant Apply Online 2026

NICL Assistant Exam Date 2026

The NICL Assistant Exam Date 2026 has been announced along with the official notification. The Phase I (Prelims) Examination is scheduled to be held on 27 August 2026, while the Phase II (Mains) Examination will be conducted on 30 October 2026. Candidates should complete their preparation according to the official schedule and regularly check the NICL website for updates regarding the admit card and examination.

How to Apply for NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026?

Candidates can apply for NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 through the online mode only. Follow the steps below to complete the application process successfully:

  • Visit the Official Website: Open the official website of National Insurance Company Limited and navigate to the Recruitment section.
  • Complete Registration: Click on the NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 link and register using your name, mobile number, and email ID. A provisional registration number and password will be generated.
  • Fill the Online Application Form: Log in with your registration credentials and enter your personal details, educational qualifications, communication address, and other required information.
  • Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, left thumb impression (if applicable), handwritten declaration (if prescribed), and other required documents in the specified format.
  • Pay the Application Fee: Complete the application fee payment through the available online payment methods.
  • Verify and Submit: Carefully review all the details entered in the application form before final submission. Once satisfied, submit the application.
  • Download the Confirmation: After successful submission, download and print the completed application form and payment receipt for future reference.

NICL Assistant Application Fee 2026

Candidates are required to pay the application fee online while submitting the NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 application form. The fee once paid is non-refundable and cannot be adjusted against any future recruitment process.

Category Application Fee
SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen NIL
General / OBC / EWS / Others ₹850 (Application Fee including Intimation Charges)

Documents Required for NICL Assistant Apply Online 2026

Before filling out the NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 application form, candidates should keep all the necessary documents ready in the prescribed format. Uploading clear and correctly sized documents is essential to complete the registration successfully.

Document Type File Size Allowed File Format Dimensions / Special Rules
Passport Photograph 20 KB – 50 KB JPG / JPEG 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm; recent coloured photograph with a light background
Live Photograph Captured during application As prescribed Capture using a webcam or by scanning a QR code with a mobile phone during the online application process
Signature 10 KB – 20 KB JPG / JPEG Must NOT be in CAPITAL letters
Left Thumb Impression 20 KB – 50 KB JPG / JPEG On white paper using blue or black ink (Right thumb impression may be used if the left thumb is unavailable)
Handwritten Declaration 50 KB – 100 KB JPG / JPEG Written by the candidate in English in their own handwriting and not in CAPITAL letters
Printout of Online Application Form Not Applicable Printed Copy Required at the time of the Regional Language Test and Document Verification
Valid Photo Identity Proof Not Applicable Original & Photocopy Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.
Proof of Date of Birth Not Applicable Original & Photocopy Birth Certificate, Class 10 Certificate, or any other valid proof of date of birth
Graduation Mark Sheets & Degree Certificate Not Applicable Original & Photocopy Required to verify educational qualification
Caste / EWS / OBC (NCL) / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen Certificate (if applicable) Not Applicable Original & Photocopy Must be in the prescribed Government of India format and valid on the verification date
No Objection Certificate (NOC) Not Applicable Original Applicable only for candidates employed in Government Departments, PSUs, or Autonomous Bodies
Other Supporting Documents Not Applicable Original & Photocopy Any additional document specified by NICL during the recruitment process

Handwritten Declaration

“I, _________, hereby declare that all information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required.”

Note: Along with the required documents, candidates must also capture and upload a live photograph during the online application process using a webcam or by scanning a QR code with a mobile phone. Failure to upload the live photo correctly may lead to rejection of the application.

Selection Process for NICL Assistant

The selection process for NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 is expected to be conducted in multiple stages. Candidates will likely have to qualify:

  • Prelims Exam
  • Mains Exam
  • Regional Language Test

NICL Assistant Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the selection process and is qualifying in nature. It is conducted online and consists of 100 objective questions for 100 marks, with a total duration of 60 minutes.

Section Questions Marks Time
English Language 30 30 20 Minutes
Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 35 35 20 Minutes
Total 100 100 60 Minutes

NICL Assistant Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates qualifying the Prelims will appear for the Mains Exam which is considered for final merit. The exam includes 200 objective questions carrying 200 marks and is conducted over 120 minutes.

Section Questions Marks Time
Reasoning Ability 40 40 30 Minutes
English Language 40 40 30 Minutes
Numerical Ability 40 40 30 Minutes
General Awareness 40 40 15 Minutes
Computer Knowledge 40 40 15 Minutes
Total 200 200 120 Minutes

NICL Assistant Syllabus 2026

Understanding the NICL Assistant Syllabus 2026 is the first step toward effective exam preparation. The Prelims evaluate candidates on English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude, while the Mains includes these subjects along with General Awareness and Computer Knowledge. Candidates should prepare each section thoroughly based on the latest exam pattern to improve their chances of qualifying for the next stage of the selection process.

NICL Assistant Exam Center 2026

State/UT Exam Cities
Andhra Pradesh Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Ongole
Assam Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Jorhat
Bihar Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur
Delhi/NCR Delhi/NCR
Gujarat Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, Surat, Rajkot
Haryana Hisar, Faridabad, Gurugram
Karnataka Bengaluru, Hubballi/Dharwad, Mangaluru, Mysuru
Kerala Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode
Madhya Pradesh Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur
Maharashtra Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik
Odisha Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur
Punjab Amritsar, Jalandhar, Mohali
Rajasthan Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur
Tamil Nadu Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai
Telangana Hyderabad, Warangal
Uttar Pradesh Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Noida
West Bengal Kolkata, Siliguri, Durgapur

NICL Assistant Salary 2026

Candidates often see ₹53,000, ₹63,000 or even a different pay-band figure for the NICL Assistant post. The confusion happens because websites quote different salary components.

Salary component Amount
Official starting basic pay ₹36,290
Approx. gross salary (metro) ₹53,000
Higher figures seen online May include HRA, transport, special allowances, arrears and city-based benefits

Probation Period & Training Bond

Candidates appointed as NICL Assistants will be placed on probation for six months from the date of joining. During the probation period, their performance and conduct will be assessed by the Company. If a candidate resigns voluntarily or their services are terminated during the probation period, they will be liable to refund the entire salary received during training along with ₹25,000 towards the cost of training, as per the terms and conditions specified in the official notification.

Important Points Candidates Should Know about NICL Assistant

Before filling out the NICL Assistant application form, candidates should keep the following points in mind:

  • Graduation will be the minimum qualification requirement, making this recruitment suitable for candidates from all academic backgrounds.
  • State preference will play an important role, as vacancies are generally allocated based on regions.
  • Candidates may need to prove their knowledge of the local language of the state they apply for.
  • The application process will be conducted online, so applicants should keep scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and required documents ready.
  • Candidates should carefully check eligibility before submitting the application to avoid rejection at later stages.

Everything You Need for NICL Assistant 2026 Preparation

Preparing for the NICL Assistant Exam 2026 requires more than just covering the syllabus. Along with studying the concepts, candidates should explore the related resources to understand the NICL Assistant Eligibility Criteria, NICL Assistant salary 2026, NICL Assistant previous year papers, and selection process. These articles will help you build a well-rounded preparation strategy and improve your chances of success.

What Makes NICL Assistant Different from Banking Clerk Jobs?

The NICL Assistant role is often compared with banking clerk jobs, but it has several unique features that make it a distinct career option in the government insurance sector.

  • Insurance-focused work: NICL Assistants handle insurance policies, claims support, and customer service rather than banking transactions.
  • Less cash handling: Unlike banking clerks, NICL Assistants generally do not deal with daily cash operations.
  • Lower sales pressure: The role is more administrative and customer-service oriented, with comparatively less sales-related stress.
  • Better work-life balance: NICL offices often have a more structured work environment compared to busy bank branches.
  • Career growth in insurance: Employees can progress within the insurance sector through promotions and departmental opportunities.

NICL Assistant Job Profile, Career Growth & Promotion

The NICL Assistant post is a promising career opportunity for graduates seeking a stable government job in the insurance sector. Along with job security and an attractive salary package, the role offers a clear path for professional growth within National Insurance Company Limited.

NICL Assistant job profile

  • An NICL Assistant is responsible for handling various clerical and administrative tasks in branch offices. The main duties include:
  • Assisting customers with insurance policies, renewals, and related queries.
  • Managing policy issuance, documentation, and record maintenance.
  • Supporting claim processing and settlement procedures.
  • Handling data entry and maintaining office files.
  • Coordinating with different departments for smooth branch operations.
  • Providing administrative support to senior officers.

Career growth in NICL

Dedicated employees can steadily move to higher positions based on performance, experience, and qualification in promotional exams.

Promotion hierarchy

The typical promotion path for an NICL Assistant is:

  • Assistant
  • Senior Assistant
  • Administrative Officer (AO)
  • Senior Administrative Officer
  • Managerial Positions

IBPS SO Recruitment 2026, Last Date to Apply for 745 IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer Posts

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is closing the online application process for the IBPS SO Recruitment 2026 (CRP SPL-XVI) today, 21 July 2026. A total of 745 Specialist Officer (Scale I) vacancies have been announced in participating Public Sector Banks. Candidates who have not yet applied should complete their registration before the deadline.

IBPS SO Recruitment 2026, Last Date to Apply

The IBPS SO 2026 application window closes today 21 July 2026, making this the last chance for Specialist Officer aspirants to apply for the 745 Scale I vacancies. Candidates are advised to complete their registration and fee payment before the deadline, as no further extensions are expected in the recruitment process.

IBPS SO Notification 2026: Overview

The IBPS SO Recruitment 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring to work in specialized banking roles.

Events Particulars
Exam Name
IBPS SO 2026 (CRP SPL-XVI)
Conducting Body
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Posts Offered
IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer (AFO), Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, Rajbhasha Adhikari
Vacancy 745
Mode of Exam Online
Selection Stages
Prelims → Mains → Interview
Prelims Exam Date
29th August 2026
Mains Exam Date
1st November 2026
Job Location
Across India (Pan India postings)
IBPS PO Notification 2026
Released
Starting Basic Pay
₹48,480 per month + allowances
Official Website www.ibps.in

Major Changes in IBPS SO 2026: IBPS has introduced a revised exam pattern, increased the role of Professional Knowledge in the Main Examination, and announced 745 vacancies, with no vacancies for Marketing Officer this year.

IBPS SO Notification 2026 PDF

The IBPS SO Recruitment 2026 includes posts like IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer (AFO), Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, and Rajbhasha Adhikari. IBPS has also released the complete official schedule along with the notification. Candidates can download the PDF to check important details such as vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection process, exam pattern, syllabus, reservation rules, and step-by-step application process.

IBPS SO Notification PDF 2026

Are you Applying for the IBPS SO 2026???

IBPS SO 2026 Important Dates

Based on the official IBPS exam calendar and notification timeline

Event
Tentative Schedule
Notification Release 30 June 2026
Online Registration Begins 01 July 2026
Last Date to Apply 21 July 2026
Preliminary Examination
29th August 2026
Main Examination
1st November 2026
Interview
November/December 2026
Provisional Allotment
January 2027

Major Changes in IBPS SO 2026

Revised Exam Pattern introduced for both Preliminary and Main examinations.

Professional Knowledge added to the Preliminary Exam for all posts.

Application Edit Window introduced after the registration process.

Interview schedule advanced to November/December 2026.

Updated OBC (NCL) and EWS certificate validity criteria.

No changes allowed to the post, category, email ID, or mobile number during the edit window.

Provisional Allotment scheduled for January 2027.

Credit History clause removed as a separate eligibility provision.

What is IBPS SO?

IBPS SO, short for Specialist Officer, is a centralized recruitment exam conducted by IBPS to hire domain-specific Scale I officers for India’s leading Public Sector Banks. Unlike the IBPS PO or Clerk exams, which look for generalist banking talent, the SO exam is built around technical and professional expertise.

IBPS SO Vacancy 2026

The IBPS SO Vacancy 2026 details have been released along with the official notification. A total of 745 vacancies have been announced across various Specialist Officer posts in participating Public Sector Banks.The post-wise vacancy distribution is given below.

Post Vacancies
IT Officer (Scale I) 301
Agricultural Field Officer 190
Law Officer 105
Rajbhasha Adhikari 89
HR/Personnel Officer 60
Total 745

No vacancy has been announced for Marketing Officer in IBPS SO 2026.

The vacancies are indicative and may increase or decrease depending upon the requirements reported by participating banks.

IBPS SO Apply Online 2026

Aspirants seeking a Specialist Officer position through IBPS must act immediately, as the application portal will close by the end of today, 21 July 2026. Ensure that all details are verified and the application is successfully submitted well before the deadline.

IBPS SO 2026: Click here to Apply Online

Candidates can apply for only one Specialist Officer post. Multiple applications for different posts will be rejected.

IBPS SO Application Edit Window

After the registration process closes on 21 July 2026, IBPS will open a two-day Application Edit Window. During this period, candidates can modify permitted details in their application form. However, fields such as post applied for, category, email ID, and mobile number cannot be changed.

How to Apply for IBPS SO 2026

Candidates can apply online by following these steps:

  1. Visit the official IBPS website.
  2. Click on CRP SPL-XVI Registration.
  3. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
  4. Fill in the online application form carefully.
  5. Upload the required documents.
  6. Pay the application fee.
  7. Submit the application form.
  8. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

IBPS SO Application Fee 2026

The application fee details have been mentioned in the official notification.

  • SC/ST/PwBD: ₹175
  • General/OBC/EWS: ₹850

Documents Required for Apply Online

Candidates should keep the following documents ready while applying:

  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Signature
  • Left Thumb Impression
  • Handwritten Declaration
  • SSC/10th Certificate
  • Live Photograph (captured during registration)
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Valid Photo ID

IBPS SO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy the nationality, age limit, and educational qualification prescribed by IBPS. Eligibility will be verified during the document verification and interview stages.

Nationality

  • A Citizen of India, or
  • A Subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
  • A Tibetan Refugee who migrated before 1 January 1962, or
  • A person of Indian origin from specified countries, subject to eligibility certification by the Government of India.

Age Limit

Age will be calculated as on 01 July 2026. Candidates should have been born between 02 July 1996 and 01 July 2006 (both dates inclusive).

  • Minimum Age: 20 Years
  • Maximum Age: 30 Years

Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per the Government of India norms.

  • SC/ST: 5 Years
  • OBC (NCL): 3 Years
  • PwBD: 10 Years
  • Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years

Mention Computer Knowledge Requirement

For all posts except IT Officer, candidates should possess a Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Computer Operations or should have studied Computer/Information Technology as one of the subjects during school or college.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualification for the respective Specialist Officer post.

Post Qualification
IT Officer
Engineering Degree/Postgraduate Degree in relevant IT disciplines
Agricultural Field Officer
Four-year Degree in Agriculture or allied disciplines
Rajbhasha Adhikari
Postgraduate Degree in Hindi/Sanskrit with required language subjects
Law Officer
Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B.)
HR/Personnel Officer
Graduate with Two-Year PG Degree/Diploma in HR/Personnel Management/IR/Labour Law
Marketing Officer
Graduate with MBA/MMS/PGDM/PGPM specializing in Marketing

IBPS SO Selection Process 2026

The IBPS SO Selection Process 2026 includes the following stages:

  • Preliminary Examination
  • Main Examination
  • Interview
  • Final Merit List (80:20 weightage of Main Exam and Interview)
  • Provisional Allotment

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026

The IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026 consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. Candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for final selection. While the Preliminary Exam is qualifying in nature, the final merit is prepared based on the Main Examination and Interview scores

Preliminary Examination

The preliminary exam is qualifying in nature.

For IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer & Marketing Officer

Name of Test No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
English Language 25 25 20 Minutes
Reasoning 25 25 20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 25 25 20 Minutes
Professional Knowledge 25 50 20 Minutes
Total 100 125 80 Minutes

For Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari

Name of Test No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
English Language 25 25 20 Minutes
Reasoning 25 25 20 Minutes
General Awareness (with Special Reference to Banking Industry) 25 25 20 Minutes
Professional Knowledge 25 50 20 Minutes
Total 100 125 80 Minutes

IBPS SO Main Exam Pattern 2026

The Main Examination pattern varies according to the post applied for.

For IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer & Marketing Officer

Name of Test No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
English Language 30 30 25 Minutes
Reasoning 40 40 35 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 30 30 25 Minutes
Professional Knowledge (Objective) 50 100 40 Minutes
Total 150 200 125 Minutes

For Law Officer

Name of Test No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
English Language 30 30 25 Minutes
Reasoning 40 40 35 Minutes
General Awareness (with Special Reference to Banking Industry) 30 30 20 Minutes
Professional Knowledge (Objective) 50 100 45 Minutes
Total 150 200 125 Minutes
Descriptive Paper (English) 2 25 30 Minutes
Grand Total 152 225 155 Minutes

For Rajbhasha Adhikari

Name of Test No. of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
English Language 30 30 25 Minutes
Reasoning 40 40 35 Minutes
General Awareness (with Special Reference to Banking Industry) 30 30 20 Minutes
Professional Knowledge (Objective) 50 100 45 Minutes
Total 150 200 125 Minutes
Professional Knowledge (Descriptive) 2 25 30 Minutes
Grand Total 152 225 155 Minutes

There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in both the Preliminary and Main Objective Examinations.

Final Merit Calculation in IBPS SO 2026

Under the revised IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2026, the English Language, Reasoning, and General Awareness/Quantitative Aptitude sections in the Main Examination are qualifying in nature. The final merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained in the Professional Knowledge section of the Main Examination and the Interview in an 80:20 weightage. Therefore, Professional Knowledge is the most important section for final selection.

IBPS SO Salary 2026

Selected candidates will be appointed as Scale I Officers in participating Public Sector Banks.

  • Basic Pay: ₹48,480–2000/7–62480–2340/2–67160–2680/7–85920
  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • Special Allowance
  • Medical Benefits
  • Leave Travel Concession
  • Pension and other admissible benefits

IBPS Participating Banks

The following Public Sector Banks are participating in the IBPS SO Recruitment process:

  • 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 : The list of participating banks and the number of vacancies are subject to change based on the requirements communicated by the participating banks and the discretion of IBPS.

Related Posts
IBPS SO Previous Year Papers IBPS SO Syllabus
IBPS SO Eligibility
IBPS SO Salary

PNB LBO Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 545 Vacancies, Apply Online for Local Bank Officer Posts

Punjab National Bank has announced the PNB Local Bank Officer (LBO) Recruitment 2026 for 545 vacancies in the Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I) cadre. The selection process includes an Online Written Test, Screening, Local Language Proficiency Test, and Personal Interview. Candidates selected for the post will receive a pay scale of ₹48,480 to ₹85,920, along with attractive benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA/Leased Accommodation, Medical Insurance, Leave Fare Concession (LFC), retirement benefits, and other allowances as per bank rules.

PNB LBO Recruitment 2026 Notification Out

PNB has issued the detailed notification containing complete information regarding vacancies, eligibility criteria, state-wise vacancies, application process, selection procedure, salary, service conditions, and important dates. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online from 20 July 2026 to 09 August 2026 through the official PNB website. Candidates should carefully read the notification before submitting the online application.

PNB LBO Recruitment 2026: Overview

Particular Details
Organization
Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Post Name
Local Bank Officer (LBO)
Grade/Scale JMGS-I
Total Vacancies 545
Notification Status Released
Online Registration Starts 20 July 2026
Last Date to Apply 09 August 2026
Tentative Online Test
August/September 2026
Selection Process
Online Test, Screening, Language Proficiency Test & Interview
Official Website pnbindia.in

PNB LBO 2026: Important Dates

Events Dates
Notification Release Date 20th July 2026
Apply Online Starts 20th July 2026
Last Date to Apply 9th August 2026
Last Date to Pay Application Fees 9th August 2026
Last Date to Print Application 24th August 2026
Exam Date 2026 August/September 2026

PNB LBO Vacancy 2026

Punjab National Bank has announced 545 vacancies for the post of Local Bank Officer (JMGS-I) across multiple states.

State Mandatory Language Proficiency Total Vacancies SC ST OBC EWS UR PwBD (Total)
Andhra Pradesh Telugu 4 0 0 0 0 4 0
Gujarat Gujarati 77 15 8 22 10 22 3
Karnataka Kannada 78 13 7 17 9 32 4
Maharashtra Marathi 67 12 10 7 14 24 5
Telangana Telugu 41 8 3 1 9 20 4
Tamil Nadu Tamil 51 13 7 0 9 22 4
West Bengal Bengali 80 12 7 23 10 28 4
Jammu & Kashmir Urdu/ Dogri/ Kashmiri 9 2 0 5 2 0 1
Ladakh Urdu/ Purgi/ Bhoti 2 0 0 0 0 2 0
Arunachal Pradesh English 4 0 0 1 0 3 0
Assam Assamese/ Bodo 85 13 7 22 9 34 3
Manipur Manipuri/ Meitei 6 1 0 1 0 4 0
Meghalaya Garo/ Khasi 8 1 0 2 0 5 0
Mizoram Mizo 5 0 0 1 0 4 0
Nagaland English 5 0 0 1 0 4 0
Sikkim Nepali/ Sikkimese 5 0 0 1 0 4 0
Tripura Bengali/ Kokborok 18 3 2 3 3 7 1
Total 545 93 51 107 75 219 29

PNB LBO Apply Online Link 2026

The PNB LBO Apply Online Link 2026 has been activated on 20 July 2026 and will remain available until 09 August 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the direct link provided below after completing the registration process.

Steps to Apply Online for PNB LBO Recruitment 2026

Candidates can complete the PNB LBO online application process by following these simple steps.

  • Visit the official website of Punjab National Bank.
  • Go to the Careers or Recruitment section.
  • Click on the PNB LBO Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online link.
  • Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
  • Fill in the online application form with the required details.
  • Upload the necessary documents, photograph, and signature.
  • Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
  • Review the application form carefully and submit it.
  • Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.

PNB LBO Application Fee 2026

Candidates must pay the prescribed application fee online while submitting the PNB LBO Application Form 2026.

Category Application Fee
SC/ST/PwBD ₹59 (₹50 + GST @18%)
All Other Categories ₹1,180 (₹1,000 + GST @18%)

PNB LBO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by PNB before applying.

Educational Qualification

Candidates should possess:

  • Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution.
  • A valid Degree/Mark Sheet on the date of registration.

Age Limit

The cut-off date for determining age is 01 July 2026.

  • Minimum Age: 20 Years
  • Maximum Age: 30 Years

Work Experience

Candidates working as Officers in Scheduled Commercial Banks may receive up to two advance increments, depending on eligible prior service and job profile. Candidates must have:

  • A minimum of one year post-qualification experience in Clerical or Officer Cadre in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank.
  • Experience must be counted after graduation.

Local Language Requirement

Applicants must be proficient in the reading, writing, and speaking of the specified local language of the state for which they are applying. A Local Language Proficiency Test will be conducted during the selection process.

PNB LBO Selection Process 2026

The recruitment process consists of the following stages:

  • Online Written Test (wherever required)
  • Screening
  • Local Language Proficiency Test
  • Personal Interview

PNB LBO Exam Pattern 2026

The PNB LBO Selection Process includes an Online Written Test (wherever required), Screening, Local Language Proficiency Test, and Personal Interview, with the online test comprising the following sections.

Section Questions Marks Duration
English Language 30 30 30 Minutes
Banking Knowledge 40 40 30 Minutes
General/Economy Awareness 30 30 30 Minutes
Computer Aptitude 20 20 20 Minutes
Total 120 120 110 Minutes

PNB LBO Negative Marking 2026

Candidates appearing for the PNB LBO Online Written Test 2026 should clearly understand the negative marking scheme and the minimum qualifying marks required in each section.

  • For every wrong answer, 1/4th (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
  • Correct Answer: Full marks will be awarded.
  • Wrong Answer: 0.25 marks will be deducted.
  • Unanswered Question: No marks will be deducted.
  • This means candidates should avoid random guessing and attempt only those questions where they are reasonably confident.

PNB LBO Minimum Qualifying Marks

Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in each section of the Online Written Test to be considered for further stages of the selection process.

Category Minimum Qualifying Marks
General / EWS 40%
SC / ST / OBC / PwBD 35%

PNB LBO Service Bond, Probation & Posting Rules 2026

Before applying for the PNB LBO Recruitment 2026, candidates should carefully understand the important service conditions mentioned in the official notification. These rules are related to the service bond, probation period, and mandatory posting tenure.

  • After selection, you must work in PNB for at least 3 years.
  • If you resign before completing 3 years, you will have to pay ₹2 lakh as bond amount.
  • You will generally be posted in the same state for which you applied.
  • You cannot request a transfer outside that state until 9 years of service are completed or you are promoted to SMG Scale IV.
  • During the first 2 years, you will be on probation, where your performance and conduct will be assessed.

PNB LBO Exam Centres 2026

States Online Examination Centres
Andhra Pradesh Vijayawada/Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Srikakulam, Rajahmundry, Ongole
Arunachal Pradesh Naharlagun
Assam Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar, Tezpur
Bihar Arrah, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea
Chhattisgarh Bilaspur, Raipur, Bhilai
Delhi Delhi/New Delhi/NCR
Gujarat Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat/Bardoli, Vadodara/Anand, Mehsana, Anand
Haryana Gurugram, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Faridabad
Himachal Pradesh Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Shimla
Jammu & Kashmir Jammu, Srinagar, Samba
Jharkhand Bokaro Steel City, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh
Karnataka Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Mangaluru, Belagavi
Kerala Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur
Ladakh Leh, Kargil
Madhya Pradesh Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Satna, Sagar
Maharashtra Mumbai/Navi Mumbai/Thane/MMR, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Jalgaon, Satara, Sangli, Nanded, Amravati, Dhule
Manipur Imphal, Churachandpur
Meghalaya Shillong
Mizoram Aizawl
Nagaland Kohima
Odisha Balasore, Berhampur-Ganjam, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Rourkela
Punjab Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala, Phagwara
Rajasthan Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Sikar, Udaipur
Sikkim Gangtok
Tamil Nadu Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Salem, Nagercoil/Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli
Telangana Hyderabad, Warangal, Mahabubnagar, Karimnagar, Khammam
Tripura Agartala
Uttar Pradesh Agra, Aligarh, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Noida, Prayagraj, Varanasi
Uttarakhand Dehradun, Haldwani, Roorkee
West Bengal Asansol, Burdwan, Durgapur, Kalyani, Kolkata, Siliguri, Howrah

PNB LBO Salary 2026

Selected candidates will be appointed in JMGS-I with the following pay scale:

₹48,480-2000/7-62,480-2340/2-67,160-2680/7-85,920

Apart from the basic pay, employees will also receive:

  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)/Leased Accommodation
  • City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
  • Leave Fare Concession (LFC)
  • Medical Insurance
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Other admissible allowances as per Bank rules

IBPS PO Apply Online 2026, Last Day to Apply Today

The IBPS PO Apply Online 2026 link is available till 21 July 2026, which is the last date to register for 6,715 Probationary Officer (PO)/Management Trainee (MT) vacancies. Eligible candidates can complete their online application through the official IBPS website before the registration window closes. Applicants are advised to complete the registration and fee payment without waiting until the final hours.

IBPS PO Last Date to Apply Online 2026

Before filling out the application form, candidates should carefully verify the eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, and document specifications prescribed in the official notification. The IBPS PO Preliminary Examination 2026 will be conducted on 22 and 23 August 2026, while the Main Examination is scheduled for 12 October 2026.

IBPS PO Apply Online 2026: Overview

Candidates can check the key details related to IBPS PO Apply Online 2026, including important dates, exam schedule, selection process, and other recruitment information in the table below. This overview will help aspirants stay updated with all the major events of the recruitment process in one place.

Particulars Details
Exam Name IBPS PO 2026
Conducting Body Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Post Name Probationary Officer (PO)
Vacancy  6715
Application Mode Online
Notification Release Date 01 July 2026
Apply Online Starts 01 July 2026
Last Date to Apply Online 21 July 2026 (Today)
Last Date for Fee Payment 21 July 2026 (Today)
Educational Qualification Graduation
Age Limit 21-30 years
Selection Process Prelims, Mains & Interview
Official Website www.ibps.in

IBPS PO Apply Online 2026 Link

The IBPS PO Apply Online 2026 link remains available only till today. Candidates who have not yet registered should complete the application process immediately through the official website before the deadline expires.

IBPS PO Apply Online 2026 Link

How to Apply for IBPS PO 2026?

Follow these simple steps to complete your application form:

  1. Visit the official IBPS website.
  2. Click on the “IBPS PO Apply Online 2026” link.
  3. Complete the registration using your email ID and mobile number.
  4. Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
  5. Upload the required documents.
  6. Capture and upload a Live Photograph through webcam/mobile during registration.
  7. Pay the application fee online.
  8. Check all details and submit the form.
  9. Download and save the application form for future use.

Important: Since today is the last date for registration, candidates should not wait until the final hours to submit the application form. Complete the registration and fee payment well before the deadline to avoid technical issues due to heavy traffic on the website.

Documents Required for IBPS PO Application Form 2026

Keep the following documents ready before applying:

  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Signature
  • Left Thumb Impression
  • Handwritten Declaration
  • SSC/10th Certificate (Mandatory for Date of Birth verification)
  • Graduation Marksheet or Degree Certificate
  • Valid ID Proof
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Active Mobile Number and Email ID

1. Handwritten Declaration Format

Candidates must write the following declaration in English on white paper using black ink and upload the scanned copy:

“I, _______ (Name of the candidate), hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required.” The declaration should be written only by the candidate and should not be in capital letters.

2. Photograph Specifications

Candidates must upload a recent passport-size coloured photograph.

Particulars Specification
Photograph Size 20 KB – 50 KB
Dimensions 200 x 230 pixels
Background Light/White
Format JPG/JPEG
Recent Photo Mandatory

3. Signature Specifications

Signature in CAPITAL LETTERS will not be accepted.

Particulars Specification
File Size 10 KB – 20 KB
Dimensions 140 x 60 pixels
Format JPG/JPEG
Ink Colour Black Ink

4. Left Thumb Impression Specifications

If a candidate does not have a left thumb, he/she may use the right thumb impression.

Particulars Specification
File Size 20 KB – 50 KB
Format JPG/JPEG
Ink Colour Black or Blue Ink

5. Live Photograph Requirement

During the registration process, candidates must capture and upload a live photograph through a webcam or mobile phone. This step is mandatory while filling out the IBPS PO Application Form.

IBPS PO Application Fee 2026

Category Fee
SC/ST/PwBD ₹175
General/OBC/EWS ₹850

IBPS PO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Before applying for the IBPS PO 2026 exam, candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements prescribed by IBPS.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a Graduation degree in any discipline from a University recognized by the Government of India or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government. The final result must have been declared on or before 21 July 2026 (Today). Candidates having CGPA/OGPA must convert it into percentage as per their university norms while filling the application form.

Age Limit

  • Minimum Age = 20 Years
  • Maximum Age = 30 Years (As on 01 July 2026)
Category Relaxation
SC/ST 5 Years
OBC (NCL) 3 Years
PwBD 10 Years
Ex-Servicemen 5 Years
Persons affected by 1984 riots 5 Years

 

Related Post
IBPS PO Cut Off  IBPS PO Salary
IBPS PO Exam Date IBPS PO Syllabus
IBPS PO Previous Year Papers IBPS PO Preparation Strategy

Union Bank of India SO Salary 2026, Check In Hand, Allowances and Growth

The Union Bank Salary 2026 is one of the key highlights of the recruitment, with the annual CTC ranging from approximately ₹21 lakh to ₹47 lakh, depending on the post and scale. Along with an attractive pay package, selected candidates will receive various allowances, medical facilities, leave benefits, and other perks as per Union Bank of India rules. Check the detailed pay scale and approximate CTC for each post below.

Union Bank SO Salary 2026

Selected candidates will receive an attractive pay package ranging from approximately ₹21 lakh per annum for Manager (MMGS-II) posts to ₹47 lakh per annum for Deputy General Manager (TEGS-VI) posts, along with allowances and other benefits as per Union Bank rules.

Union Bank of India SO Salary 2026 Overview

Along with the basic pay, selected candidates will also receive allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), and other benefits as per Union Bank rules.

Particulars Details
Organization Union Bank of India
Recruitment Name Union Bank Recruitment 2026
Vacancy 395
Posts General Banking Officers & Specialist Officers
Scales Covered MMGS-II to TEGS-VI
Basic Pay Range ₹64,820 – ₹1,56,500
Annual CTC Range Approximately ₹21 Lakhs – ₹47 Lakhs
Allowances DA, HRA, CCA, Medical, LTC, PF, Gratuity, Pension, etc.
Probation Period 2 years
Minimum Service Bond 3 years
Bond Amount (General Posts) ₹2,00,000 + applicable taxes
Bond Amount (Specialist Posts) ₹2,50,000 + applicable taxes

Union Bank SO Salary Structure 2026

The Union Bank Recruitment 2026 notification has announced an attractive salary structure for various posts across MMGS-II to TEGS-VI scales. The salary has been provided post-wise, with the annual CTC ranging from approximately ₹21 lakh for Manager (MMGS-II) posts to ₹47 lakh for Deputy General Manager (TEGS-VI) posts.

Union Bank SO Pay Scale

The Pay Scale & CTC Summary for Union Bank Recruitment 2026 has been released along with the official notification. The salary has been provided post-wise for various scales from MMGS-II to TEGS-VI, and selected candidates will receive an attractive annual CTC along with allowances and other benefits as per Union Bank rules.

Cadre / Post Scale Basic Pay Scale Approx. Annual CTC
Manager MMGS-II ₹64,820 – ₹93,960 ~₹21 Lakhs
Senior Manager MMGS-III ₹85,920 – ₹1,05,280 ~₹25 Lakhs
Chief Manager SMGS-IV ₹1,02,300 – ₹1,20,940 ~₹30 Lakhs
Assistant General Manager SMGS-V ₹1,20,940 – ₹1,35,020 ~₹38 Lakhs
Deputy General Manager TEGS-VI ₹1,40,500 – ₹1,56,500 ~₹47 Lakhs

Union Bank SO In-Hand Salary 2026

The exact in-hand salary of Union Bank SOs varies depending on the post, scale, place of posting, and applicable deductions. However, selected candidates receive a competitive monthly salary along with allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), medical benefits, and other perks.

Union Bank SO Salary 2026 Perks and Allowances

In addition to the attractive basic pay and annual CTC, candidates selected under Union Bank Recruitment 2026 will also receive various perks and allowances as per the bank’s rules. These benefits make the overall salary package more rewarding and financially secure.

Allowances and benefits include

  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
  • Medical Benefits
  • Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
  • Provident Fund (PF)
  • Gratuity
  • Pension Benefits
  • Performance-linked incentives
  • Other allowances and benefits as per Union Bank norms

Union Bank SO Service Indemnity Bond

Candidates selected for Union Bank Recruitment 2026 must serve the bank for a minimum period of 3 years from the date of joining.

Bond amount

  • General Banking Posts (G01–G19): ₹2,00,000 + applicable taxes
  • Specialist Posts (S01–S108): ₹2,50,000 + applicable taxes

If a candidate resigns or leaves the bank before completing 3 years of service, they will have to pay the applicable bond amount along with taxes to the bank.

Union Bank SO Probation Period

After getting selected, candidates will have to complete a probation period of 2 years from the date they join Union Bank. During this time, their performance and conduct will be closely observed. Only after successfully completing the probation period will they be confirmed as permanent employees of the bank.

Related Posts
Union Bank SO Syllabus
Union Bank SO Previous Year Question Papers Union Bank Assistant Manager Cut Off
 

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 21st July 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams

Daily Current Affairs:20 July, 2026

Q1. Which player was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball Award as the best player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament?

 (a) Lionel Messi

(b) Unai Simón

(c) Rodri

(d) Pau Cubarsí

(e) Kylian Mbappé

Answer: c

Solution:

  • Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 title.
  • The final was played at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
  • After a tense and closely fought match ended 0-0 at the end of regular time, Spain’s substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
  • The victory gave Spain its second FIFA Men’s World Cup title and its first World Cup triumph since 2010.
  • With this achievement, Spain became the first country in history to simultaneously hold both the Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup titles.
  • France’s Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot Award as the tournament’s highest goal scorer.
  • Mbappé became the first player to finish as the leading scorer in multiple FIFA World Cups, securing his second Golden Boot.
  • Spain captain Rodri was named the Best Player of the Tournament and received the Golden Ball Award.
  • Unai Simón of Spain won the Golden Glove Award for being the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
  • Pau Cubarsí of Spain received the Young Player Award for his outstanding performances during the tournament.

Q2. The Japan Open title won by PV Sindhu falls under which specific classification tier of the BWF World Tour?

(a) Super 300

(b) Super 500

(c) Super 750

(d) Super 1000

(e) BWF World Tour Finals

Answer: c

Solution:

  • Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu clinched her maiden Japan Open title on 19 July 2026, becoming the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious tournament.
  • In the final, Sindhu defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, a local favourite and three-time World Champion, in straight games 21-17, 21-17.
  • The victory marked Sindhu’s triumph at a BWF Super 750 tournament.
  • With this win, the 31-year-old ended a title drought of more than two years.
  • Sindhu’s success at the Japan Open adds another significant achievement to her illustrious career, which already includes two Olympic medals, a World Championship title, and multiple international titles.

About Japan Open

  • The Japan Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the BWF World Tour.
  • It is currently classified as a BWF Super 750 event.
  • The tournament is organized annually in Japan and attracts many of the world’s top badminton players.

Q3. The 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026, which witnessed India’s historic performance, was organized in which host city and country?

(a) Vilnius, Lithuania

(b) Tashkent, Uzbekistan

(c) Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

(d) Almaty, Kazakhstan

(e) Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Answer: b

Solution:

  • India delivered its best-ever performance at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 10 to 19 July 2026.
  • All four members of the Indian team won Gold Medals, marking India’s first-ever all-gold haul at the International Chemistry Olympiad.

Indian Medal Winners

  • Debadatta Priyadarshi (Gold Medal) – Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
  • Harshit Singla (Gold Medal) – Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab
  • Kabeer Chillar (Gold Medal) – Delhi
  • Sandeep Kuchi (Gold Medal) – Hyderabad, Telangana
  • In the country-wise medals tally, India secured the first position jointly with China, Vietnam, and Individual Participants Group B (from Russia).
  • The 58th IChO witnessed participation from 363 students representing 93 countries, making it the largest International Chemistry Olympiad ever held.
  • This achievement represents India’s best performance in the history of the International Chemistry Olympiad

Q4. The Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced its participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 on 20 July 2026. At which Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base is this multinational exercise centered?

(a) RAAF Base Amberley

(b) RAAF Base Darwin

(c) RAAF Base Tindal

(d) RAAF Base Pearce

(e) RAAF Base Williamtown

Answer: b

Solution:

  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia.
  • The exercise is being conducted from 20 July 2026 to 07 August 2026.
  • Exercise Pitch Black is the RAAF’s premier biennial multinational air combat exercise.
  • The exercise derives its name from its emphasis on night flying operations over the vast, unpopulated regions of northern Australia.
  • In its 45-year history, the 2026 edition features a large number of participating forces and military personnel conducting complex Large Force Employment (LFE) missions and multinational air combat operations.
  • The IAF has previously participated in the 2018, 2022, and 2024 editions of the exercise, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and regional security.

About Exercise Pitch Black

  • The Royal Australian Air Force has a long history of conducting air exercises in the Northern Territory, including the High-series exercises during the 1960s and the Top-series exercises in the early 1970s.
  • Exercise Pitch Black was first conducted in June 1981 from RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, as a three-day air defence exercise.
  • The exercise was held again at Williamtown in July 1982.
  • The name “Pitch Black” is believed to refer to the exercise’s emphasis on night-time flying operations over large unpopulated areas.
  • RAAF Base Darwin hosted Exercise Pitch Black for the first time from 9–13 May 1983.
  • Exercise Pitch Black has been held biennially since 1988, except in 2020, when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Q5. What is the name of the official mascot launched for the BWF World Championships, New Delhi 2026, which is inspired by India’s national bird, the peafowl?

(a) Perry

(b) Olly

(c) Peacko

(d) Tazuni

(e) Feifei

Answer: c

Solution:

  • Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Badminton Association of India (BAI) President and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the official mascot “Peacko” and launched the official championship anthem for the BWF World Championships, New Delhi 2026 on 18 July 2026.

Q6. The 8th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services (20–21 July 2026) was organized under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship. Which official presided over this multilateral legal conference?

(a) Chief Justice of India

(b) Union Minister of Law and Justice

(c) Attorney General for India

(d) Solicitor General of India

(e) Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister

Answer: c

Solution:

  • The Department of Legal Affairs, under the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, is organizing the 8th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services on 20–21 July 2026 in a virtual format.
  • The meeting is being held under the aegis of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.
  • The event presided over by the Attorney General for India, Shri R. Venkataramani.
  • The dialogue will bring together the heads of prosecution services from BRICS member countries to discuss issues of mutual interest and strengthen legal cooperation.
  • The meeting aligns with India’s BRICS Chairship theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
  • By bringing together prosecution leaders from member nations, the meeting aims to promote cooperation in legal and prosecutorial matters and strengthen institutional frameworks 

Q7.  Which statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitated the first export of Frozen French Fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq?

(a) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

(b) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

(c) Spices Board India

(d) National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)

(e) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Answer: b

Solution:

  • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export of 24 Metric Tonnes (MT) of Frozen French Fries from Kashipur, Uttarakhand, to Iraq.
  • The consignment is being exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd.
  • The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that the consignment marks a significant milestone in promoting value-added agricultural exports from Uttarakhand while strengthening India’s processed food export basket.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

  • It is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
  • Established: December 1985
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • Objective: To develop and promote the export of scheduled products.
  • Chairman: APEDA is headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central Government.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.

Q8. Who among the following political leaders was elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during its 69th Ordinary Session?

(a) Julius Maada Bio

(b) Bola Tinubu

(c) Nana Akufo-Addo

(d) Assimi Goïta

(e) Bassirou Faye

Answer: e

Solution:

  • Senegal President Bassirou Faye has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
  • He succeeds Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio as the head of the regional bloc.
  • Faye was elected during the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held in Sierra Leone.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

  • It is a regional organization established through the Lagos Treaty, signed on 28 May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Aim: To promote economic cooperation and regional integration among West African countries.
  • It seeks to establish an economic union to improve living standards, maintain economic stability, strengthen relations among member states, and contribute to Africa’s development.
  • ECOWAS also aims to create a single common currency and a unified trading bloc covering sectors such as industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, finance, and socio-cultural affairs.
  • Along with economic integration, ECOWAS has played an important role in maintaining peace and security in the region.
  • It operated a regional peacekeeping force known as ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group), particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Member countries: The current Member States of ECOWAS are Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sénégal and Togo.

Q9. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav recently held high-level discussions in New Delhi on climate finance, adaptation, and technology transfer during an official visit by the UN Climate Chief from 20 to 22 July 2026. Who among the following currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?

(a) Simon Stiell

(b) António Guterres

(c) Inger Andersen

(d) Jim Skea

(e) Achim Steiner

Answer: a

Solution:

  • Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav met UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell in New Delhi to discuss global climate action and cooperation.
  • The discussions focused on key issues including climate finance, climate adaptation, technology transfer, the Global Stocktake, and a just transition.
  • During the meeting, Bhupender Yadav highlighted that India has successfully achieved its enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) well ahead of schedule.
  • The dialogue reaffirmed India’s commitment to climate action while emphasizing the need for greater support from developed countries in terms of finance, technology, and capacity building.
  • Simon Stiell’s official visit to India is scheduled from 20 to 22 July 2026.

Q10. According to official data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), how many users were onboarded on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform as of June 2026?

(a) 42.15 crore

(b) 48.80 crore

(c) 55.49 crore

(d) 61.20 crore

(e) 68.35 crore

Answer: c

Solution:

  • The National Payment Corporation of India has informed that there were 55.49 crore users onboarded on UPI platform as in June 2026.
  • The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a payment system operated by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), authorised under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.