The released IBPS Calendar announces the examination dates for IBPS PO, Clerk, Specialist Officer (SO), and RRB recruitments. As per the exam schedule, the IBPS recruitment cycle for this year will begin with the IBPS PO Prelims Exam on 22 August 2026, marking the start of a busy exam season for banking aspirants.
IBPS Exam Calendar 2026
With the notification now available, candidates can check the complete eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application process, selection stages, salary, and important dates. Aspirants preparing for IBPS PO, IBPS SO, IBPS Clerk, and RRB examinations should use the official calendar along with the latest notifications to plan their preparation.
| IBPS Exam Calendar 2026 | |
| Organization |
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
|
| Exam Name |
IBPS PO, Clerk, SO, and IBPS RRB
|
| 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 |
Released
|
| IBPS PO & SO Notification |
Released
|
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
| IBPS Calendar 2026 (Official) | Download PDF |
IBPS Calendar 2026-27 PDF Out: 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?
About IBPS
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is the organization responsible for conducting recruitment exams for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India. It conducts transparent and merit-based examinations to recruit candidates for various banking posts every year.
Key Highlights of IBPS:
- Conducts recruitment for PO, Clerk (CSA), SO, and RRB posts.
- Follows the Common Recruitment Process (CRP) for participating banks.
- Recruits candidates for 11 Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
- Conducts online examinations in multiple stages, including Prelims, Mains, and Interview (where applicable).
- This ensures that there is a fair, transparent and standard selection process across participating banks.
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 Name | Prelims Exam Date | Mains Exam Date |
| IBPS PO 2026 (CRP PO/MT-XVI) | 22 & 23 August 2026 | 4 October 2026 |
| IBPS SO 2026 (CRP SPL-XVI) | 29 August 2026 | 1 November 2026 |
| IBPS Clerk 2026 (CRP CSA-XVI) | 10 & 11 October 2026 | 27 December 2026 |

IBPS RRB 2026 Exam Dates (CRP RRBs-XV)
IBPS RRB exams will be conducted separately for Officer Scale I, II, III, and Office Assistant posts as per the schedule below:
| Exam Name | Prelims Exam Date | Mains / Single Exam Date |
| RRB Officer Scale I (CRP RRBs-XV) | 21 & 22 November 2026 | 20 December 2026 |
| RRB Officer Scale II & III | N/A (Single Exam) | 20 December 2026 |
| RRB Office Assistant / Clerk (CRP RRBs-XV) | 6, 12 & 13 December 2026 | 30 January 2027 |
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 |
Who Can Apply for IBPS Exams 2026?
Eligibility criteria vary slightly depending on the post, but the basic requirements are as follows:
| Recruitment Exam | Required Age Range | Minimum Qualification | Citizenship Requirement |
| IBPS PO 2026 | 20 to 30 years | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university | Indian citizen or eligible under IBPS guidelines |
| IBPS Clerk 2026 | 20 to 28 years | Graduation in any stream | |
| IBPS SO 2026 | 20 to 30 years | Degree/Postgraduate qualification in the concerned field such as IT, Law, HR, Agriculture, or Marketing | |
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant 2026 | 18 to 28 years | Graduation from a recognized university | |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale I 2026 | 18 to 30 years | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
What is the IBPS Calendar 2026?
The IBPS Calendar 2026 is not just a list of exam dates it acts as a structured guide for candidates preparing for multiple banking exams conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.
- Covers the complete schedule of major exams like PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB in a single document
- Provides clarity on key stages such as notifications, application timelines, prelims, mains, and interviews
- Helps aspirants streamline their study plan based on exam sequence and gaps between exams
- Reduces chances of missing deadlines or overlapping preparation for different exams
- Allows better planning of mock tests, revision cycles, and performance analysis throughout the year
- Acts as a long-term preparation tracker to maintain consistency and discipline
IBPS Recruitment Notification Schedule 2026
Notification timeline for IBPS 2026 recruitment cycle:
| Exam | Notification Status |
| IBPS PO | (Released) 30 June 2026 |
| IBPS SO | (Released) 30 June 2026 |
| IBPS Clerk | Expected in August 2026 |
| IBPS RRB | Expected in September 2026 |
IBPS Registration Process 2026
The IBPS registration process for 2026 recruitment exams is ready to begin. The application process will be conducted entirely in online mode through the official IBPS website.
Important Registration Guidelines Released by IBPS
- Registration will be conducted in online mode only.
- A single registration will be applicable for both Preliminary and Main examinations wherever applicable.
- Candidates must upload a recent passport-size colour photograph.
- Signatures should be clearly visible and must not be in capital letters.
- Applicants will also be required to upload a live photograph using a webcam or mobile device 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 |
Application Fess of IBPS 2026
Candidates can pay the application fee online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card, or Mobile Wallet.
| Exam | Category | Application Fee |
| IBPS PO 2026 | SC/ST/PwBD Candidates | ₹175 (Intimation Charges only) |
| General/EWS/OBC Candidates | ₹850 | |
| IBPS SO 2026 | SC/ST/PwBD Candidates | ₹175 (Intimation Charges only) |
| General/EWS/OBC Candidates | ₹850 | |
| IBPS Clerk (CSA) 2026 | SC/ST/PwBD/ESM/DESM Candidates | ₹175 (Intimation Charges only) |
| General/EWS/OBC Candidates | ₹850 | |
| IBPS RRB 2026 (Office Assistant) | SC/ST/PwBD Candidates | ₹175 |
| General/OBC/EWS Candidates | ₹850 | |
| IBPS RRB 2026 (Officer Scale I, II & III) | SC/ST/PwBD Candidates | ₹175 |
| General/OBC/EWS Candidates | ₹850 |
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.
Which IBPS Exam Should You Target First in 2026?
Choosing the right IBPS exam depends on your career goals, educational background, and preparation level. Since the syllabus of most IBPS exams overlaps, many candidates appear for multiple exams in the same recruitment cycle to maximize their chances of selection.
| IBPS Exam | Best For | Why You Should Choose It |
| IBPS PO | Candidates aiming for officer-level roles | Offers faster career growth, higher salary, and promotional opportunities. |
| IBPS Clerk (CSA) | Aspirants looking for a stable banking job | Comparatively easier selection process with no interview stage. |
| IBPS SO | Candidates with professional qualifications | Ideal for graduates in IT, Law, HR, Agriculture, Marketing, and other specialist fields. |
| IBPS RRB Officer Scale I | Those comfortable with rural or semi-urban postings | Officer-level position with good career prospects in Regional Rural Banks. |
| IBPS RRB Office Assistant | Candidates seeking clerical roles in RRBs | No interview stage and suitable for those preferring regional banking jobs. |
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.
IBPS 2026–27 Exam Preparation Timeline: Month-Wise Strategy & Checklist
The IBPS 2026–27 recruitment cycle will be conducted between August 2026 and January 2027. Since multiple exams are scheduled within a few months, candidates should plan their preparation smartly and focus on the right topics at the right time.
August 2026: Focus on Prelims Preparation
August marks the beginning of the IBPS exam season. Candidates should focus on improving speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills for the preliminary exams.
- 22 & 23 August: Appear for the IBPS PO Prelims Exam.
- 29 August: Appear for the IBPS SO Prelims Exam.
Preparation Focus:
Practice regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Work more on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English sections.
Analyse mock test performance and improve weak areas.
October 2026: Move Towards Mains & New Prelims Preparation
October will require candidates to manage both Mains-level preparation and upcoming Prelims exams. A balanced approach will be important.
4 October: Appear for the IBPS PO Mains Exam.
10 & 11 October: Appear for the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam.
Preparation Focus:
Revise Banking Awareness, Current Affairs, and important Mains topics.
After PO Mains, shift focus towards Clerk Prelims speed practice.
Continue solving mock tests regularly.
November 2026: Prepare for SO and RRB Exams
November brings specialist and regional banking exams. Candidates should focus on their professional subjects along with RRB preparation.
- 1 November: Appear for the IBPS SO Mains Exam.
- 21 & 22 November: Appear for the IBPS RRB Officer Scale I Prelims Exam.
Preparation Focus:
- Revise your SO professional subject thoroughly.
- For RRB Prelims, focus more on Reasoning and Numerical Ability.
- Practice questions regularly to improve accuracy.
December 2026: Mains Exam Preparation Phase
December will be an important month with multiple Mains-level exams. Candidates should focus on revision and exam strategy.
- 6, 12 & 13 December: Appear for the IBPS RRB Office Assistant Prelims Exam.
- 20 December: Appear for IBPS RRB Officer Scale I, II & III Mains / Single Exam.
- 27 December: Appear for the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam.
Preparation Focus:
- Revise Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
- Focus on accuracy and time management during practice.
- Keep important notes ready for quick revision.
January 2027: Final Stage of the Cycle
January marks the end of the IBPS recruitment cycle with the final RRB examination.
30 January: Appear for the IBPS RRB Office Assistant Mains Exam.
Preparation Focus:
- Continue revising important topics regularly.
- Stay updated with Banking Awareness and Current Affairs.
- Maintain confidence and avoid reducing preparation before the exam.
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
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 Many Exams Can You Apply for Through IBPS in 2026?
The IBPS Exam Calendar 2026–27 allows eligible candidates to apply for multiple banking exams within a single recruitment cycle. Because the syllabus for most exams overlaps, candidates can prepare for more than one exam and increase their chances of selection.
Candidates can apply for:
- IBPS PO
- IBPS Clerk (CSA)
- IBPS Specialist Officer (SO)
- IBPS RRB Officer Scale I
- IBPS RRB Officer Scale II
- IBPS RRB Officer Scale III
- IBPS RRB Office Assistant (Multipurpose)
How to Utilize the IBPS Calendar 2026-27
The IBPS Calendar 2026-27 can help banking aspirants build an exam-focused preparation strategy by working backwards from the announced examination dates.
- Mark all relevant IBPS PO, Clerk, SO, and RRB exam dates on your personal calendar.
- Identify the first exam you are targeting and make it your immediate priority.
- Calculate the number of preparation days available before each examination.
- Divide the syllabus into weekly and monthly targets.
- Keep separate time for Prelims and Mains preparation.
- Start taking full-length mock tests according to the exam timeline.
- Use the gap between Prelims and Mains for exam-specific revision and practice.
- Plan current affairs preparation consistently instead of leaving it for the final weeks.
- Avoid preparing for every IBPS exam separately; identify the common syllabus and overlapping topics.
- Review your preparation plan every week and adjust targets based on mock test performance and upcoming exam dates.
Candidates who align their preparation with the IBPS Calendar 2026 will have a clear advantage over those who prepare without a structured plan.









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