Indian Overseas Bank Specialist Officer (SO) Exam Pattern

The Indian Overseas Bank Specialist Officer exam contains an online examination and interview. This article contains information related to the IOB SO post interview and exam pattern for the online test. Candidates who are planning to write the IOB SO exam can download the ‘Information Handout’ available on the official website of the Indian Overseas Bank to know the details of the online test and how to attempt questions during the online examination.

Candidates who are preparing for Bank, PSC and other Government exams can refer to the links given below.

Overview of the Exam Pattern for the IOB Specialist Officer (SO) Post

Candidates are recruited for the Specialist Officer (SO) post through an online examination and interview. The online test is of objective type containing multiple choice questions on English language, reasoning, quantitative aptitude and professional knowledge (based on the post for which the candidate has applied). Applicants who pass the online test are eligible to appear in the interview. The pattern of the Indian Overseas Bank SO online examination is given in the table below.

Points to Remember: Indian Overseas Bank Specialist Officer (SO) Online Test

• The Indian Overseas Bank reserves the right to call only the required number of candidates for the online test based on their educational qualification, work experience etc.
• The registration numbers of shortlisted candidates eligible for the online test will be available on the official website of the Indian Overseas Bank. Shortlisted candidates will receive an email containing  details of online examination (date, venue, ID proof etc.)
• Candidates should regularly check the bank’s website for updates.
• Candidates who have applied for multiple positions will take the Professional Knowledge test for each position one after the other (in the same session and without any break).
• English language, reasoning and quantitative aptitude are qualifying papers. Marks obtained in these 3 papers will not be included to select the candidate.
• The maximum marks allotted for the professional knowledge test is 80.
• Duration of each professional knowledge test is 30 minutes (for every post).
• There is negative marking of 0.25 marks, where one fourth of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
• PwBD candidates will get additional time to attempt the online examination.

Indian Overseas Bank Specialist Officer (SO)  Interview

Candidates who qualify in the online examination will be shortlisted for the interview. More information related to the Specialist Interview is given below:

• Interviews (online or offline mode) will be at centre(s) determined by the Indian Overseas Bank. 
• The venue, date of interview etc will be given in the call letter, which will be sent to the candidate’s registered email ID.
• The IOB will not entertain any requests pertaining to change in Interview dates or centres.
• The bank can change or add or cancel the date, time, centre, venue of the Interview and reserves the right to hold supplementary selection process for particular set of candidates at its discretion, if any. 
• The details of shortlisted candidates for Interview will be available on the bank’s official website.
• The shortlisted candidates must carry the required documents during the interview. The details are given in the official notification released by the bank.
• Final selection of the candidates will be based on the marks obtained by them in the Interview and online examination.
• Candidates have to submit the following documents and certificates during the interview:
  • Printout of the valid Interview Call Letter of the candidate
  • Valid system generated printout of the online application form registered
  • Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate or SSLC/ Std. X Certificate with DOB)
  • Photo Identity Proof such as Passport/ Aadhaar / e-Aadhaar Card / PAN Card/ Driving Licence/ Voter’s Card.
  • Consolidated Mark sheets and relevant certificates for educational qualifications.
  • Work Experience documents and certificates such as current employer’s, appointment letters, relieving letters, pay or Salary Slips etc.
  • Certificates, namely CISA/ CISSP/ CISM / DISA / Certified Cyber Forensic Professional (CCFP), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFS), Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH).
  • Caste Certificate given by a competent authority in the prescribed format
  • PwBD candidates have to submit disability certificate issued by the District Medical Board in the prescribed format 
  • Candidates who are serving in Government or Public Sector Undertakings have to produce in original a “No Objection Certificate” from their employer during the interview.
  • A domicile certificate has to be produced by the persons who are eligible for age relaxation under “Persons ordinarily domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the period 1-1-80 to 31-12-89”.
  • Persons eligible for age relaxation under “Persons affected by 1984 riots” have to  produce relevant certificates from the District Magistrate.
  • Any other relevant certificate or document in support of eligibility (if applicable).

Candidates can refer to the official notification released by the Indian Overseas Bank to get detailed information about the certificates and documents (and their prescribed format) that they have to produce during the interview for the post of IOB Specialist Officer.

Candidates preparing for other bank exams can go through the links given below.