IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026: Reporting Time, Exam Start & End Time

The IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026 are 10:00 AM to 11:20 AM for Shift 1 and 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM for Shift 2. The reporting time is 9:00 AM for Shift 1 and 1:00 PM for Shift 2. The examination is scheduled for 29 August 2026, and candidates should follow the exact reporting time, venue and instructions printed on their individual call letter.

The IBPS SO Prelims 2026 has a total duration of 80 minutes, with 20 minutes allotted separately to each section. Candidates should also note the handwriting sample timings: 9:55–10:00 AM for Shift 1 and 1:55–2:00 PM for Shift 2.

IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026: Key Takeaways

• The IBPS SO Prelims 2026 is scheduled for 29 August 2026.
• There are two shifts in the schedule covered here.
• Shift 1 reporting time: 9:00 AM.
• Shift 1 handwriting sample: 9:55–10:00 AM.
• Shift 1 exam: 10:00–11:20 AM.
• Shift 2 reporting time: 1:00 PM.
• Shift 2 handwriting sample: 1:55–2:00 PM.
• Shift 2 exam: 2:00–3:20 PM.
• The total IBPS SO Prelims exam duration is 80 minutes.
• Each section has a separate 20-minute sectional timer.
• Candidates should carry the call letter, required original photo ID, photocopy and additional photograph as instructed.
• Ration Card and Learner’s Driving Licence are listed as invalid ID documents in the supplied instructions.
• Candidates should use their individual call letter as the final reference for candidate-specific instructions and venue details.

IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026: Shift-Wise Schedule

The complete IBPS SO Shift Timings 2026 schedule is given below. Candidates should use the timings applicable to their allotted shift and reach the centre according to the reporting time mentioned on their call letter.

IBPS SO Prelims Shift 1 Timings

The IBPS SO Prelims Shift 1 reporting time is 9:00 AM, while the handwriting sample is scheduled from 9:55 AM to 10:00 AM. The online examination starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 11:20 AM.

Candidates allotted Shift 1 should plan their journey so that they arrive before the reporting time. Reaching at the exact reporting time can leave very little margin for security checks, document verification, biometric registration and other formalities at the centre.

IBPS SO Prelims Shift 2 Timings

The IBPS SO Prelims Shift 2 reporting time is 1:00 PM, followed by the handwriting sample from 1:55 PM to 2:00 PM. The examination starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 3:20 PM.

Shift 2 candidates should also avoid planning their arrival around the exam start time. The reporting time is earlier for a reason, and entry-related procedures need to be completed before the test begins.

What Is the IBPS SO Prelims Reporting Time 2026?

The IBPS SO Prelims reporting time 2026 is 9:00 AM for Shift 1 and 1:00 PM for Shift 2. The reporting time is different from the exam start time and should not be confused with the time at which the online test begins.

Candidates should reach according to the reporting time printed on their individual call letter rather than assuming that they can enter the centre shortly before the exam begins.

What Time Is the Handwriting Sample for IBPS SO Prelims?

The handwriting sample in the IBPS SO Prelims exam is scheduled immediately before the examination begins. For Shift 1, the handwriting sample takes place from 9:55 AM to 10:00 AM. For Shift 2, it is scheduled from 1:55 PM to 2:00 PM.

Candidates should keep this requirement in mind while planning their arrival because the handwriting sample is part of the pre-examination formalities.

What Time Does the IBPS SO Prelims Exam Start and End?

The IBPS SO Prelims starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 11:20 AM in Shift 1. In Shift 2, the examination starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 3:20 PM. Each shift therefore provides 80 minutes of test time.

The exam timings should not be confused with the overall time candidates may spend at the examination centre. Reporting, verification and other formalities take place before the actual online test.

IBPS SO Prelims Exam Date 2026

The IBPS SO Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled for 29 August 2026 under CRP SPL-XVI. The official IBPS tentative calendar lists 29 August 2026 as the Preliminary Examination date, while the Main Examination is scheduled for 1 November 2026.

IBPS SO Important Dates 2026

IBPS SO Prelims Time Duration 2026

The IBPS SO Prelims Exam Time Duration 2026 is 80 minutes. The examination has separate sectional timings, with 20 minutes assigned to each section. Candidates therefore cannot freely transfer unused time from one section to another.

This sectional structure makes time management particularly important. Candidates should be comfortable solving questions within the prescribed section-specific limit rather than depending on additional time from another section.

IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026: Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari

For Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari, the Preliminary Examination consists of 100 questions for 125 marks and 80 minutes.

IBPS SO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026: IT, Agriculture, HR & Marketing

For IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, HR/Personnel Officer and Marketing Officer, the Preliminary Examination also consists of 100 questions for 125 marks and 80 minutes, but Quantitative Aptitude is included instead of General Awareness.

The Professional Knowledge section carries 50 marks for 25 questions, so candidates should understand that every section is not weighted equally even though each section receives 20 minutes.

Why Is Sectional Timing Important in IBPS SO Prelims?

The 20-minute sectional timing in the IBPS SO Prelims exam means candidates cannot compensate for a slow section by finishing another section early. Each section has its own fixed window.

For example, a candidate cannot spend 25 minutes on Reasoning after completing English in 15 minutes. Once the allotted time for a section ends, the candidate moves according to the examination system’s sectional schedule.

This makes practice under exact conditions important. Candidates should take sectional tests with a strict 20-minute timer and avoid pausing the test midway.

What Should You Check on the IBPS SO Prelims Admit Card?

Candidates should carefully check their IBPS SO Prelims call letter because it contains candidate-specific information. The exact examination centre, allotted shift and reporting instructions should be confirmed from the individual call letter.

Check the following before exam day:

• Exam date
• Shift
• Reporting time
• Examination start time
• Examination venue
• Complete centre address
• Candidate name
• Roll number
• Registration details
• Photograph
• Signature
• Handwriting-sample instructions
• Documents required
• Examination-day instructions

Documents Required for IBPS SO Prelims 2026

Candidates should carry the documents specified in the call letter. The supplied examination instructions require the call letter with a photograph pasted in the designated space, a photocopy of the photo ID attached as instructed, the original photo ID and one additional photograph.

1. IBPS SO Call Letter: Carry a clear printed copy with the photograph pasted in the specified box.

2. Original Photo ID Proof: Accepted identity documents listed in the supplied instructions include:

• PAN Card
• Passport
• Permanent Driving Licence
• Voter’s Card with photograph
• Bank Passbook with photograph
• Photo ID issued by a Gazetted Officer or People’s Representative on official letterhead
• Valid recent ID issued by a recognised College or University
• Aadhaar Card
• E-Aadhaar Card with photograph
• Employee ID
• Bar Council Identity Card with photograph

3. Photocopy of Photo ID: Carry the photocopy as instructed and attach it to the call letter where required.

4. Additional Photograph: Carry one additional photograph matching the photograph used on the call letter.

Which ID Proofs Are Not Valid?

The supplied instructions specifically list Ration Card and Learner’s Driving Licence under documents that are not accepted as valid photo ID for the examination.

Candidates should not assume that every identity-related document will be accepted. Use one of the documents specifically permitted in the examination instructions.

Important Instructions for IBPS SO Prelims Exam Day

Candidates should follow the instructions printed on the IBPS SO Prelims call letter and examination handout. The reporting time is not the same as the test start time, and candidates should complete entry formalities before the scheduled handwriting sample and examination.

Reach Before the Reporting Time

Do not plan to arrive exactly at 10:00 AM for Shift 1 or 2:00 PM for Shift 2. Those are the examination start times. The reporting times are 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, respectively. Reach the centre well before the reporting time to allow sufficient time for entry, verification and other formalities.

Carry the Required Photograph

The supplied instructions state that candidates reporting without the required photograph on the call letter and one additional photograph will not be permitted to appear. Keep the photographs ready in advance and check the call letter for any specific requirements.

Carry the Original Photo ID

A photocopy alone should not be treated as sufficient. Carry the original accepted photo identity document along with the required photocopy. Keep the ID easily accessible so that it can be presented during the verification process.

Read Your Call Letter Carefully

The call letter remains the most important candidate-specific reference for the exact venue, reporting instructions and other details. Check the examination date, shift, reporting time, centre address and document requirements carefully before leaving for the exam.

Follow the Handwriting-Sample Requirement

Keep the handwriting sample timing in mind so you are prepared for the pre-examination formalities. Candidates should follow the instructions provided at the centre and ensure that they arrive with sufficient time to complete these requirements without unnecessary last-minute pressure.

What Should You Not Carry to the IBPS SO Exam Centre?

Candidates should avoid carrying unnecessary belongings to the examination centre. The safest approach is to carry only the documents and permitted items specified in the call letter and examination instructions.

Before leaving home, check the latest instructions for prohibited items and do not assume that an item permitted in another examination will automatically be permitted in IBPS SO.

Particular care should be taken with electronic devices, as candidates should not carry items that are prohibited under the examination instructions.

What Happens at the IBPS SO Exam Centre Before the Test?

Candidates may need to complete multiple formalities before entering the actual IBPS SO Prelims test.

The broad sequence is:

Reporting → Identity Verification → Document Checking → Candidate Registration/Formalities → Handwriting Sample → Login/Instructions → Examination

The actual process may vary according to the centre’s operational arrangements, so candidates should follow the directions provided by the examination staff.

The fact that the reporting time is one hour before the Shift 1 exam start and one hour before the Shift 2 exam start provides candidates with a window for these pre-examination processes.

What Happens If You Reach Late at the IBPS SO Exam Center?

Candidates should not assume that reaching just before the IBPS SO Prelims exam start time will be sufficient. The reporting time is earlier than the exam start time, and entry procedures must be completed before the test.

For this reason:

Shift 1: Reach before 9:00 AM

Shift 2: Reach before 1:00 PM

Do not plan your journey around 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM, because those are the examination start times, not reporting times.

IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026: Last-Minute Checklist

Before leaving for the IBPS SO examination centre, check each item below:

The timings above are taken from the supplied corrected schedule.

IBPS SO Prelims Preparation Before 29 August 2026

With the IBPS SO Preliminary Examination scheduled for 29 August 2026, the remaining preparation time should be used for focused revision and timed practice rather than attempting to cover everything again. 

Candidates should prioritise:

• Full-length mock tests
• 20-minute sectional tests
• Previous year question papers
• Professional Knowledge revision
• Reasoning practice
• English practice
• Quantitative Aptitude practice or General Awareness, depending on the post
• Formula and shortcut revision
• Error-notebook revision

The final days should be used to improve execution, not to keep changing resources.

Conclusion

The IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026 are clearly divided into two scheduled shifts on 29 August 2026. Shift 1 reports at 9:00 AM, completes the handwriting sample from 9:55 to 10:00 AM, and takes the examination from 10:00 to 11:20 AM. Shift 2 reports at 1:00 PM, completes the handwriting sample from 1:55 to 2:00 PM, and takes the examination from 2:00 to 3:20 PM.

The IBPS SO Prelims Exam Time Duration 2026 is 80 minutes, with four sections receiving 20 minutes each. Candidates should therefore practise in a way that mirrors the actual sectional timing rather than treating the test as one unrestricted 80-minute paper.

Before leaving for the examination, check the individual call letter carefully, especially the reporting time, allotted shift, examination centre, required documents and candidate-specific instructions. Carry the required call letter, original photo ID, photocopy and additional photograph, and reach the centre with enough time to complete verification and other formalities.

Also Read

FAQs on IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026

What are the IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026?

The IBPS SO Prelims Shift Timings 2026 are 10:00 AM to 11:20 AM for Shift 1 and 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM for Shift 2. The corresponding reporting times are 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Candidates should follow their individual call letter for the final allotted shift and venue.

What is the reporting time for IBPS SO Prelims Shift 1?

The IBPS SO Prelims Shift 1 reporting time is 9:00 AM. The handwriting sample is scheduled from 9:55 AM to 10:00 AM, and the online examination starts at 10:00 AM. Candidates should reach before the reporting time to complete centre-entry formalities.

What is the reporting time for IBPS SO Prelims Shift 2?

The IBPS SO Prelims Shift 2 reporting time is 1:00 PM. The handwriting sample is conducted from 1:55 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by the examination from 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM. Candidates should plan their travel around the reporting time rather than the test start time.

What is the duration of the IBPS SO Prelims exam?

The IBPS SO Prelims exam duration is 80 minutes. The 80 minutes are divided into four separate sections, with 20 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates cannot freely transfer unused time between sections, so practising with sectional timers is important.

When is the IBPS SO Prelims 2026 exam?

The IBPS SO Prelims 2026 examination is scheduled for 29 August 2026. The official IBPS calendar lists 29 August as the Preliminary Examination date for CRP SPL-XVI and 1 November 2026 for the Main Examination.

What documents are required for the IBPS SO Prelims exam?

Candidates should carry the printed call letter with the prescribed photograph, an original valid photo ID, the required photocopy of the ID and one additional photograph. The supplied instructions list Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Permanent Driving Licence and other specified documents as acceptable IDs.

Can I arrive at the exam centre just before the exam starts?

Candidates should not plan to arrive just before the examination begins. The reporting time is 9:00 AM for Shift 1 and 1:00 PM for Shift 2, while the examination begins at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM respectively. Entry verification and other formalities must be completed before the test.

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