Bank Exam Calendar 2026, Check Complete Expected Exam Schedule for SBI, IBPS, RBI & Insurance Exams

The Bank Exam Calendar 2026 is one of the most important updates for banking and insurance aspirants preparing for upcoming competitive exams. With multiple exams conducted by SBI, IBPS, RRBs, RBI, and insurance bodies, having a clear timeline helps candidates plan preparation in a focused and practical way. An early understanding of expected exam dates allows aspirants to balance prelims, mains, and interview preparation without unnecessary pressure.

Bank Exam Calendar 2026

As per the expected schedule, most banking exams are likely to be conducted between August 2026 and January 2027, while insurance and regulatory body exams may stretch from January to March. Exams like SBI PO, IBPS PO, Clerk, RRB Officer, and Assistant will follow their usual pattern with prelims first and mains later. Alongside this, RBI, NABARD, and IRDAI exams are also expected to be conducted in a structured timeline, giving aspirants multiple opportunities across the year.

SBI, IBPS & RRB Exams – Date-wise Expected Schedule (2026–27)

Below is the exam-wise presentation of the same schedule, rewritten clearly so aspirants can track each exam without switching between months.

SBI PO 2026- Expected Exam Dates

SBI PO is one of the most important bank exams, and its stages are usually spaced to give candidates enough time between prelims and mains. As per the expected schedule, the prelims and mains will be conducted within a gap of around one month. Aspirants targeting SBI PO should align their revision and mock test strategy accordingly.

• Notification by 25 January 2026
• SBI PO Prelims: March 2026
• SBI PO Mains: May 2026

SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) 2026- Expected Exam Dates

The SBI Clerk exam is expected to be conducted over multiple days due to a large number of candidates. Prelims are likely to be held in two phases, followed by the mains exam in November. Candidates preparing for clerical exams should note this timeline carefully.

• SBI JA Prelims (Day 1): 27 September & 03 October 2026
• SBI JA Mains: 07 November 2026

IBPS PO 2026 – Expected Exam Dates

IBPS PO follows a fixed pattern every year, with prelims in August and mains in October. The gap between stages allows candidates to shift focus from speed-based preparation to in-depth concepts and case-based questions.

IBPS PO Prelims: 22–23 August 2026

IBPS PO Mains: 04 October 2026

IBPS SO 2026 – Expected Exam Dates

The Specialist Officer exam is conducted separately for prelims and mains, with a longer preparation window for the professional knowledge section. Candidates from technical and professional backgrounds should utilize this time effectively.

IBPS SO Prelims: 23 August 2026

IBPS SO Mains: 01 November 2026

IBPS Clerk 2026 – Expected Exam Dates

IBPS Clerk prelims are usually conducted over multiple shifts and days due to high participation. The mains exam is then conducted after about a month, focusing more on accuracy and sectional strength.

IBPS Clerk Prelims: 10–11 October 2026

IBPS Clerk Mains: 14 November 2026

RRB PO 2026 – Expected Exam Dates

RRB Officer Scale I exams are generally held toward the end of the year. The prelims are conducted first, followed by mains within a short span, making focused preparation essential.

RRB PO Prelims: 21–22 November 2026

RRB PO Mains: 27 December 2026

RRB Assistant 2026–27 – Expected Exam Dates

RRB Office Assistant exams span across two calendar years, with prelims in December and mains in January. Candidates aiming for regional rural banks should be mindful of this extended cycle.

RRB Assistant Prelims: 06–12 December 2026

RRB Assistant Mains: 30 January 2027

RRB Scale II & III 2026 – Expected Exam Date

For higher officer scales, RRB conducts a single examination instead of separate prelims and mains. This exam demands strong conceptual clarity and experience-based preparation.

RRB Scale II & III Single Exam: 27 December 2026

RBI Assistant Exam in 2026

RBI exams are considered among the most prestigious in the banking sector and are usually conducted in the early months of the year. Aspirants preparing for the RBI should focus more on conceptual clarity, especially in GA, Economics, and Banking Awareness.

• RBI Assistant – Expected in January / February
• RBI Assistant Prelims: Expected in the 3rd week of February
• RBI Office Attendant – Notification expected soon

Insurance Exams Expected in 2026–27

Insurance sector exams are usually spread across multiple months, giving aspirants the flexibility to attempt more than one recruitment. Most of these exams are expected between December 2026 and February 2027, depending on administrative approvals.

• GIC Assistant Manager – Expected in January / February
• UIIC AO – Expected in January / February (subject to approval)
• UIIC Assistant – Expected in January / February
• NICL Assistant – Expected in January / February
• NIACL Assistant – Expected in January / February
• LBO Exams – Expected in January / February
• IDBI Bank Recruitment – Expected in January / February

RBI, Regulatory & Other Exams Schedule

Regulatory and All India Financial Institution exams are highly competitive and are usually conducted at the beginning of the year. Candidates targeting these exams should plan their preparation well in advance, as the syllabus and level are slightly different from regular bank exams.

• IRDAI Grade A – Expected in January
• NABARD Development Assistant – Expected in January / February / March

Why the Bank Exam Calendar 2026 Is Important

A well-defined exam calendar helps aspirants structure their study plan in a practical way. It allows candidates to prioritise exams, revise syllabus portions at the right time, and avoid last-minute stress. Since many exams overlap in the syllabus, knowing the timeline helps in smart preparation rather than isolated efforts. For serious aspirants, following the exam calendar is the first step toward disciplined and goal-oriented preparation.