The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the IBPS SO Admit Card 2026 for the CRP Specialist Officers-XVI Preliminary Examination. Registered candidates can now download their call letters and check their exam centre, reporting time, shift and other instructions.
The IBPS SO Prelims Admit Card was released on 20 August 2026, while the preliminary examination is scheduled for 29 August 2026. Candidates should download the call letter well in advance and read the examination instructions carefully.
Table of Contents
IBPS SO Admit Card 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | IBPS Specialist Officer CRP SPL-XVI |
| Admit Card | Prelims Call Letter |
| Admit Card Release Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 29 August 2026 |
| Revised Vacancies | 1,035 |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Prelims Duration | 80 Minutes |
| Main Exam Date | 1 November 2026 |
| Status | Admit Card Released |
IBPS has activated the Online Preliminary Examination Call Letter for candidates registered under CRP SPL-XVI.
Along with the admit card, IBPS has also made available the preliminary examination information handouts in English and Hindi, as well as instructions and declaration forms for candidates using scribes.
Candidates should particularly verify the reporting time and exam venue mentioned on their individual call letters, as these may differ from candidate to candidate.
How to Download IBPS SO Admit Card 2026
Candidates can download their call letter online by following these steps:
- Visit the official IBPS website.
- Open the CRP Specialist Officers section.
- Select CRP Specialist Officers-XVI.
- Click the Preliminary Examination Call Letter link.
- Enter the required registration/login details.
- Submit the credentials.
- Download the admit card.
- Take a clear printout for the examination.
Candidates should keep the printed call letter safely until the preliminary examination is completed.
Details to Check on the Admit Card
After downloading the IBPS SO call letter, verify:
- Candidate’s name
- Registration/Roll number
- Exam date
- Reporting time
- Examination shift
- Test centre and address
- Candidate photograph
- Exam-day instructions
Any important discrepancy should be addressed in accordance with the instructions issued by IBPS before the examination.
IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
For the IT Officer, Agricultural Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, and Marketing Officer, the Preliminary Examination comprises 100 questions for 125 marks.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 and Rajbhasha Adhikari, General Awareness with Special Reference to the Banking Industry replaces Quantitative Aptitude.
Professional Knowledge carries 50 marks, making it one of the most important sections of the preliminary examination.
Negative Marking
For every incorrect objective answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.
Documents Required at the Exam Centre
Candidates should follow the document requirements printed on their call letter and information handout. Important documents generally include:
- Printed IBPS SO Prelims call letter
- Original valid photo identity proof
- Required photocopy of the same ID proof
- Other documents mentioned in the call letter
Candidates should report to the examination centre within the prescribed time. Late entry may not be permitted.
IBPS SO Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Admit Card Released | 20 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 29 August 2026 |
| Prelims Result | September/October 2026 |
| Main Examination | 1 November 2026 |
| Interview | November-December 2026 |
| Provisional Allotment | January 2027 |
What Candidates Should Do Now
With the examination approaching, candidates should prioritise revision, sectional practice, and full-length mock tests rather than starting new large topics.
Professional Knowledge deserves particular attention due to its higher weightage. Candidates should also practise within the prescribed sectional timings and avoid unnecessary guesses because negative marking applies.
Most importantly, download the admit card early, identify the exam centre beforehand and read the official information handout before leaving for the examination.
