The IBPS Calendar 2026-27 outlines the tentative schedule for major banking examinations, including IBPS PO, Clerk/CSA, Specialist Officer (SO), and RRB recruitment. The examination cycle begins with IBPS PO Prelims on 22 and 23 August 2026, followed by SO Prelims on 29 August 2026, while Clerk/CSA Prelims are scheduled for 10 and 11 October 2026. RRB examinations will be conducted in the subsequent months, extending into January 2027.
IBPS Calendar 2026-27: Official PO, Clerk, SO & RRB Exam Dates
This article provides the complete IBPS Calendar 2026-27, including notification dates, exam schedule, registration timeline, eligibility, salary, participating banks, preparation strategy, admit card timeline and important information for IBPS PO, Clerk (CSA), IBPS SO, and RRB recruitments. This article provides the latest IBPS exam dates, recruitment schedule, important updates, and a month-wise preparation roadmap to help aspirants plan their preparation effectively.
IBPS Calendar 2026-27 Highlights
Candidates can use the official calendar to plan their preparation strategically and stay ahead throughout the 2026-27 banking recruitment cycle.
| IBPS Exam Calendar 2026 |
| Organization |
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
|
| Exam Name |
|
| Posts Covered |
PO, Clerk (CSA), SO, Officer Scale I, II, III, Office Assistants
|
| Category |
Bank Jobs |
| Selection Process |
Prelims, Mains, Interview (Depends on Post)
|
| IBPS Exam Calendar 2026 |
|
| IBPS PO & SO Notification |
|
| Official Website |
www.ibps.in |
| IBPS Calendar 2026 (Official) |
Download PDF |
IBPS Recruitment Notification Schedule 2026 Latest Updates
The IBPS Calendar 2026-27 was released in January 2026. Since then, individual recruitment notifications and updates have been issued for different examinations. Candidates should refer to the latest recruitment notification for application-related details and check the official IBPS website for any changes to the examination schedule. Notification timeline for IBPS 2026 recruitment cycle:
| Exam |
Notification Status |
| IBPS PO |
(Released) 30 June 2026 |
| IBPS SO |
(Released) 30 June 2026 |
| IBPS Clerk |
(Released) 1 August 2026 |
| IBPS RRB |
Expected in September 2026 |
IBPS Calendar 2026-27 PDF: Check PO, Clerk, SO & RRB Exam Dates
The IBPS Calendar 2026-27 provides a complete schedule of all major banking exams, helping candidates track important dates and align their preparation strategy accordingly. This article covers everything you need to know to plan your 2026 banking exam journey from start to finish.

Note: Candidates preparing for IBPS PO 2026 should now intensify their preparation, as the Prelims are expected to begin from 22 August 2026. With limited time left after notification release, focused revision and mock tests will be Important.
Need Personalized Preparation Guidance?
When Will IBPS Admit Cards Be Released?
IBPS generally releases admit cards 7 to 10 days before the respective examination. Candidates can download their call letters by logging into the IBPS website using their Registration Number/Roll Number and Password or Date of Birth.
| Exam |
Expected Admit Card |
| IBPS PO |
2nd Week of August 2026 |
| IBPS SO |
3rd Week of August 2026 |
| IBPS Clerk |
Last Week of September 2026 |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale I |
2nd Week of November 2026 |
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant |
Last Week of November 2026 |
Is the IBPS Calendar released every year?
Yes, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) releases an annual exam calendar to inform candidates about the tentative schedule for major recruitment exams such as IBPS PO, Clerk (CSA), SO, and RRB. The calendar helps aspirants plan their preparation well in advance and keep track of upcoming recruitment activities.
IBPS Exam Dates 2026 for Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
The following table shows the official tentative exam schedule for IBPS PO, Clerk, and SO exams in 2026:
| Exam |
Prelims |
Mains/Single Exam |
| IBPS PO 2026 |
22 & 23 August 2026 |
4 October 2026 |
| IBPS SO 2026 |
29 August 2026 |
1 November 2026 |
| IBPS Clerk/CSA 2026 |
10 & 11 October 2026 |
27 December 2026 |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale I |
21 & 22 November 2026 |
20 December 2026 |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale II & III |
Single Exam |
20 December 2026 |
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant |
6, 12 & 13 December 2026 |
30 January 2027 |

Can You Apply for Multiple IBPS Exams?
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple IBPS exams such as PO, Clerk (CSA), SO, and RRB if they meet the eligibility criteria for each post. Separate applications and application fees are required for every recruitment.
Can the IBPS exam dates change after the calendar is released?
Yes, the dates mentioned in the IBPS Calendar are tentative and may change due to administrative or unforeseen circumstances. If any revisions are made, IBPS announces the updated schedule through an official notice on its website. Candidates should regularly check the official portal for the latest updates.
IBPS 2026 Exam Calendar: Month-Wise Timeline
The IBPS 2026-27 exam cycle spans from August 2026 to January 2027 as shown below:
| Month & Year |
Exam |
Stage |
Dates |
| August 2026 |
IBPS PO/MT-XVI |
Prelims |
22, 23 August 2026 |
| August 2026 |
IBPS SO (CRP SPL-XVI) |
Prelims |
29 August 2026 |
| October 2026 |
IBPS PO/MT-XVI |
Mains |
4 October 2026 |
| October 2026 |
IBPS Clerk (CRP CSA-XVI) |
Prelims |
10, 11 October 2026 |
| November 2026 |
IBPS SO (CRP SPL-XVI) |
Mains |
1 November 2026 |
| November 2026 |
IBPS RRB Officer Scale I |
Prelims |
21, 22 November 2026 |
| December 2026 |
IBPS RRB Officer Scale I |
Mains |
20 December 2026 |
| December 2026 |
IBPS RRB Officer Scale II & III |
Single Exam |
20 December 2026 |
| December 2026 |
IBPS RRB Office Assistant |
Prelims |
6, 12, 13 December 2026 |
| December 2026 |
IBPS Clerk (CRP CSA-XVI) |
Mains |
27 December 2026 |
| January 2027 |
IBPS RRB Office Assistant |
Mains |
30 January 2027 |
Can Final-Year Students Apply for IBPS Exams 2026?
Eligibility depends on the specific IBPS recruitment notification and the prescribed qualification cut-off date. Candidates should check the relevant notification to determine whether their graduation status satisfies the eligibility requirement.
Does the IBPS Calendar mention vacancies?
No, the IBPS Calendar only provides the tentative schedule for notifications and examinations. It does not include vacancy details, eligibility criteria, application fees, or exam patterns. These details are published separately in the official notification of each recruitment.
IBPS Registration Process 2026
The IBPS registration process is conducted online through the official IBPS website. Candidates need to complete the application form carefully and upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
Key Registration Guidelines:
- Applications are accepted online only.
- One registration covers both Prelims and Mains, wherever applicable.
- Candidates must upload a recent passport-size photograph.
- The signature should be clear and properly uploaded.
- A live photograph may also be required during registration.
Documents Required During Registration
| Document |
Size Requirement |
| Photograph |
20 KB – 50 KB |
| Signature |
10 KB – 20 KB |
| Thumb Impression |
20 KB – 50 KB |
| Handwritten Declaration |
50 KB – 100 KB |
How to Download the IBPS Exam Calendar 2026 PDF?
The IBPS Exam Calendar helps aspirants plan their preparation in advance for PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB exams. Candidates can easily download the IBPS Exam Calendar 2026 from the official IBPS website by following these simple steps:
- Visit the official website of IBPS at www.ibps.in.
- On the homepage, check the “Recent Updates” section and click on the IBPS Calendar 2026–27 link.
- The calendar PDF will open on your screen.
- Scroll through the PDF to check the Prelims and Mains exam dates for various IBPS exams.
- Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Is the IBPS Calendar different from the IBPS notification?
Yes, the IBPS Calendar and the IBPS notification serve different purposes. The calendar only announces the tentative exam schedule, while the official notification contains complete information such as vacancies, eligibility, age limit, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, salary, and important instructions for candidates.
Which Exam Should Be Your First Preference?
The IBPS exam sequence allows candidates to prepare strategically because the syllabus of PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB examinations overlaps significantly.
- IBPS PO: Designed for aspirants who want to begin their banking career as Probationary Officers with greater responsibilities, higher salary, and long-term promotional prospects.
- IBPS SO: Best suited for candidates possessing professional qualifications in fields such as Information Technology, Law, Human Resources, Agriculture, Marketing, or Rajbhasha, where domain-specific expertise is required.
- IBPS Clerk: A preferred option for candidates looking to secure an entry-level banking position with consistent job security and a comparatively straightforward recruitment process.
- IBPS RRB: An excellent choice for candidates interested in serving in Regional Rural Banks, offering opportunities to work closer to their home state along with recruitment for both Officer and Office Assistant posts
How Much Time Do You Get Between IBPS Exams?
The IBPS Exam Calendar 2026-27 provides candidates with a clear timeline to plan their preparation for multiple banking exams. Since IBPS conducts PO, SO, Clerk, and RRB exams throughout the year, understanding the gap between each stage helps aspirants manage revision, mock tests, and exam-specific preparation.
| Exam |
Prelims Date |
Mains/Next Stage Date |
Preparation Gap |
| IBPS PO 2026 |
22 & 23 August 2026 |
4 October 2026 |
Around 6 weeks between Prelims and Mains |
| IBPS SO 2026 |
29 August 2026 |
1 November 2026 |
Around 9 weeks for Mains preparation |
| IBPS Clerk 2026 |
10 & 11 October 2026 |
27 December 2026 |
Around 11 weeks between Prelims and Mains |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale I |
21 & 22 November 2026 |
20 December 2026 |
Around 4 weeks between Prelims and Mains |
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant |
6, 12 & 13 December 2026 |
30 January 2027 |
Around 6–7 weeks between Prelims and Mains |
Why the Exam Order Matters
- PO preparation covers a major portion of Clerk and RRB syllabi.
- Candidates can reuse preparation across multiple exams.
- Better time management and revision planning.
- Higher chances of qualifying multiple recruitment processes in the same year.
Which IBPS exam comes first in the 2026 recruitment cycle?
IBPS PO Prelims is the first examination in the IBPS 2026 recruitment cycle. It will be conducted on 22 & 23 August 2026. After that, IBPS SO Prelims will be held on 29 August 2026, followed by Clerk and RRB examinations later in the year.
IBPS 2026-27 Exam Preparation Timeline: Month-Wise Strategy & Checklist
The IBPS 2026–27 recruitment cycle includes multiple examinations scheduled between August 2026 and January 2027. Following a month-wise preparation plan can help candidates manage their studies efficiently, complete revisions on time, and stay focused on the exams scheduled each month.
| Month |
IBPS Exams |
What Candidates Should Focus On |
| August 2026 |
PO Prelims, SO Prelims |
Prelims mocks, speed and accuracy |
| October 2026 |
PO Mains, Clerk Prelims |
Mains revision + Clerk Prelims |
| November 2026 |
SO Mains, RRB PO Prelims |
Professional Knowledge + RRB practice |
| December 2026 |
RRB Clerk Prelims, RRB Mains, Clerk Mains |
Mains revision and mock tests |
| January 2027 |
RRB Clerk Mains |
Final revision and mock tests |
Can You Prepare for IBPS PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB Exams Together?
Yes, candidates can prepare for IBPS PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB exams together as most of the syllabus overlaps. With proper planning, one preparation strategy can help target multiple exams in the same cycle.
How to Prepare According to the IBPS Calendar 2026?
The IBPS Calendar 2026 helps candidates plan their preparation systematically. Follow these tips to stay on track:
- Complete the syllabus well before your first scheduled exam.
- Prepare the common subjects for PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB together.
- Practice mock tests regularly according to the upcoming exam dates.
- Use the gap between Prelims and Mains for revision and exam-specific preparation.
- Stay updated with current affairs and important banking news throughout the recruitment cycle.
What to Do Between Two IBPS Exams?
The gap between two IBPS examinations should not be treated as a break. It is an opportunity to revise weak areas, improve mock-test performance and shift preparation according to the next exam. Candidates can use this period strategically instead of starting their preparation from scratch after every examination.
- Analyse your previous exam: Identify the topics where you lost time or made mistakes.
- Shift focus to the next exam: Give priority to the syllabus and pattern of the upcoming examination.
- Increase mock-test practice: Take full-length mocks regularly and analyse every incorrect or unattempted question.
- Revise high-scoring topics: Focus on frequently asked concepts instead of spending excessive time on new topics.
- Strengthen exam-specific sections: For exams such as IBPS SO, give additional time to Professional Knowledge.
- Continue current affairs preparation: Maintain regular revision of banking and financial awareness for Mains.
- Work on speed and accuracy: Use sectional tests and timed practice to improve your attempt strategy.
List of 11 Participating PSBs
IBPS conducts recruitment for the following Public Sector Banks:
-
- 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