The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released its tentative recruitment calendar for the 2026–2027 session. For legal professionals looking to enter the banking sector, this is the most critical document of the year, as it outlines the path for Law Officer positions in both Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the dates and requirements for Law Officer aspirants.
1. IBPS Specialist Officer (SO) – Law Officer Scale I
The CRP SPL-XVI is the primary route for Law graduates to join major Public Sector Banks as Specialist Officers.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | August 29, 2026 |
| Main Examination | November 1, 2026 |
Note: For Law Officers, the Preliminary exam typically consists of English Language, Reasoning, and General Awareness (with special reference to the Banking Industry). The Main exam focuses entirely on Professional Knowledge (Law).
2. IBPS RRB – Law Officer (Officer Scale II)
If you are aiming for Regional Rural Banks, you will fall under the CRP RRBs-XV category for “Officers Scale II.” Unlike Scale I, Scale II Law Officers usually undergo a Single Online Examination.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Single/Main Examination | December 20, 2026 |
Since there is no preliminary round for Scale II, your preparation for the single exam must be exhaustive, covering Professional Knowledge, Financial Awareness, Reasoning, and Language.
You can download the official IBPS Tentative Calendar for 2026–2027 directly from the link below:
Download Official IBPS 2026-2027 Calendar (PDF)
3. Important Registration Guidelines
IBPS has introduced specific requirements for the 2026 application process. Candidates should prepare these digital assets in advance:
Document Specifications
Photograph: 20 kb to 50 kb (JPEG)
Signature: 10 kb to 20 kb (JPEG) — Do NOT use capital letters for signatures.
Thumb Impression: 20 kb to 50 kb (JPEG)
Handwritten Declaration: 50 kb to 100 kb (JPEG)
Live Photo: Candidates will be required to capture a “live photograph” using a webcam or mobile phone during the application process.
4. Key Takeaways for Law Aspirants
- Early Start: With the SO Prelims in August, you have roughly seven months to master both the aptitude sections and the core legal syllabus (Companies Act, Banking Regulation, SARFAESI, etc.).
- Single Registration: There is a single registration process for both Prelims and Mains. Ensure all data entered is accurate, as changes are often not allowed after the final submission.
- Monitor the Website: While these dates are “tentative,” IBPS rarely deviates from them unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Always check www.ibps.in for the detailed official notification usually released in June/July.