Indian Overseas Bank SO Recruitment 2025 — What you need to know (complete guide)

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched its Specialist Officer (SO) recruitment for 2025 — a focused drive to bring experienced professionals into technical and specialist roles across the bank. If you’re considering applying, here’s a concise, practical guide covering vacancies, important dates, eligibility, selection process, and how to prepare. I’ve drawn this together from the official notification and reputable exam portals so you get the facts you need to act fast.

Quick snapshot

• Vacancies: 127 Specialist Officer posts across MMG Scale II & III.
• Online application window: 12 September 2025 — 03 October 2025 (apply via IOB careers portal).
• Posts covered: Manager / Senior Manager level roles in areas such as Treasury, Corporate Credit, Risk, IT, Data Science, Software Engineering, IS Audit and other specialist streams (see official notification for full list).

Who should apply?

IOB’s SO hires target mid-career specialists — professionals with domain expertise and relevant experience. Typical eligibility requirements (from the official notification) include:

• Educational qualifications: Degree/postgraduate degree/BE/BTech or domain-specific qualifications as required for the particular post.
• Experience: Relevant post-qualification experience (number of years depends on the scale and role).
• Age limits: Vary by post and category; check the notification for exact upper-age relaxations and cut-offs.

Always read the post-wise eligibility table in the official PDF carefully — some specialist roles have very specific qualifications and minimum experience requirements.

Application process & fees

Applications are being accepted only online through IOB’s official careers portal. The notification emphasizes that no other mode of application will be accepted and applicants must ensure they meet eligibility before applying. The notification also lists category-wise application fee and payment instructions — check the PDF for the exact fee amounts and fee-exemption rules (for SC/ST/PwBD etc.).

Selection process and exam pattern

IOB’s selection for Specialist Officers typically uses a mixed process: an online objective test (for some posts), sectional cut-offs, and interview (or only interview for certain senior posts) depending on the role. Typical components you should expect:

• Online Objective Test — sections like English Language, General Awareness (banking focus), and Professional Knowledge (role-specific). Total marks and duration differ by role; one widely-circulated pattern lists 100 questions/100 marks with a 120-minute duration (25 Q English, 25 Q General Awareness, 50 Q Professional Knowledge) — but confirm for your specific post.
• Interview / Personal Assessment — usually for those shortlisted after the written test (or direct interview for certain senior specialist posts).
• Final selection — merit list based on marks (combination of test + interview as applicable).

Because professional knowledge forms a large chunk of the assessment, candidates applying for IT, Risk, Treasury, Data Science, or Corporate Credit roles should prioritise role-specific study and recent, practical knowledge — not just general bank exam prep.

How to prepare — a practical study plan

1. Understand the syllabus for your post: The professional knowledge section is post-specific (e.g., Treasury vs. Software Engineering). Pull the exact syllabus from the notification and list topics.
2. Mock tests & previous patterns: Practice full-length objective tests to build speed. Use specialized mock papers for the professional section.
3. Brush up basics: English language (comprehension, para jumbles, grammar) and banking awareness (current affairs with banking/finance focus) are common across posts. Read monthly banking current affairs summaries and RBI/Ministry releases.
4. Revise CV-worthy experience: For the interview, be ready to discuss projects, outcomes, and domain-specific problem-solving instances. Have crisp examples demonstrating leadership, technical know-how and bank-relevant achievements.
5. Document checklist: Keep experience certificates, degree certificates, caste/PwBD certificates (if applicable) ready in scanned form — the bank will ask for proofs during later stages.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Applying without meeting post-wise criteria: Specialist roles are strict about the exact degree/experience; a near-match may still get you disqualified. Always cross-check the post-wise table.
• Ignoring the professional section: Many candidates focus only on general sections; for SO roles, professional knowledge often decides merit.
• Missing dates or fee payment errors: Save screenshots/receipts of form submission and fee payment. Applications are online-only — no physical forms will be accepted.

Why this recruitment matters

Banks are investing in specialist roles to strengthen risk management, digital capabilities, treasury operations, and regulatory compliance. For candidates with domain expertise, this is an opportunity to join a public-sector bank in a mid-management technical role — often with a structured career path and public-sector benefits. The 2025 drive for 127 posts reflects that ongoing emphasis on specialist hires.

Final checklist before you hit “submit”

• Confirm you meet post-wise educational and experience criteria from the official PDF.
• Have scanned copies (photo, signature, relevant certificates) ready in the specified format.
• Pay the correct category fee and save the payment receipt.
• Note down application/registration number and keep an eye on the IOB careers page for call letter updates.

If you want, I can:

• Summarize the post-wise eligibility table into an easy checklist for one or two specific posts you’re interested in.
• Draft answers / STAR-style examples for common SO interview questions tailored to IT, Treasury, Risk, or Data Science roles.
• Suggest a 6-week study timetable and topic-by-topic reading list for the professional knowledge section.

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