The IBPS SO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Specialist Officer) is a highly competitive exam, particularly in the Law stream, attracting candidates who aim for a career in legal services within public sector banks. One of the key factors to strategize well for this exam is understanding the previous years’ cut-off trends. In this blog, we will dive deep into the IBPS SO Law cut-offs from 2018 to 2023, offering insights to help aspirants plan their preparation.
Analyzing the cut-off trends over the years helps candidates understand the exam’s difficulty level, competition, and required preparation intensity. The cut-offs vary depending on factors such as the number of vacancies, exam difficulty, and overall candidate performance. By studying these trends, aspirants can set realistic targets for each exam stage—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—ensuring they focus on both sectional and overall cut-offs to maximize their chances of selection as an IBPS SO Law Officer.
Introduction to IBPS SO Law
The IBPS SO Law Officer exam consists of three important phases: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Candidates must first clear the IBPS SO Prelims, which includes sections like English, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Upon qualifying, they move on to the IBPS SO Law Mains, focusing on Professional Knowledge. Finally, those shortlisted face the Interview, which plays a key role in the final selection for the IBPS SO Law Officer position:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Interview
Each phase plays a important role in the selection process, and candidates must qualify in each phase to move forward. Over the years, the cut-offs have varied depending on the difficulty level of the exam and the number of vacancies.
IBPS SO Law Cut Offs: Understanding the Trends
To fully grasp the IBPS SO Law cut-offs, it’s important to understand how they are determined. The IBPS SO exam involves sectional and overall cut-offs for both the Prelims and Mains. The cut-offs depend on several factors, including the number of vacancies, exam difficulty, and candidate performance. Only those who clear both sectional and overall cut-offs progress through the IBPS SO Law selection process, making strategic preparation essential:
- Preliminary Cut-Offs: Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs in the prelims to qualify for the mains.
- Mains Cut-Offs: The mains exam cut-off is released after the exam, and candidates who clear it are shortlisted for the interview round.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list is based on the combined scores of the mains exam and the interview in an 80:20 ratio.
Now, let’s look at the year-wise cut-off analysis.
IBPS SO Law Previous Year Cut Offs (2018-2023)
Analyzing the IBPS SO Law cut-offs from 2018 to 2023 helps candidates understand the exam’s evolving difficulty and competition. These cut-offs vary for each stage—Prelims, Mains, and Final Selection—and reflect factors like exam complexity, the number of vacancies, and candidate performance. By examining these trends, aspirants can adjust their strategy and set realistic goals for the IBPS SO Law exam to boost their chances of success.
1. IBPS SO Law Preliminary Cut Offs
The preliminary exam has three sections: English Language, Reasoning, and General Awareness. The following table shows the cut-offs for each section and the overall cut-off from 2018 to 2023.
| Year | English (Out of 25) | Reasoning (Out of 50) | General Awareness (Out of 50) | Overall Cut Off (Out of 125) |
| 2018 | 6.00 | 12.25 | 8.25 | 47.88 |
| 2019 | 4.00 | 14.00 | 8.75 | 52.63 |
| 2020 | 7.50 | 7.50 | 8.50 | 47.50 |
| 2021 | 10.25 | 10.00 | 5.75 | 42.38 |
| 2022 | 10.50 | 11.25 | 5.75 | 51.00 |
| 2023 | 7.25 | 7.50 | 3.75 | 35.63 |
Key Takeaways from Preliminary Cut-Offs
- The English Language section has seen fluctuating cut-offs over the years. It peaked in 2022 with 10.50 marks, and the lowest was in 2019 with just 4.00 marks.
- Reasoning generally has higher cut-offs than English, with a peak of 14 marks in 2019.
- General Awareness witnessed a dip in 2023 with only 3.75 as the cut-off, showing that this section’s difficulty level has increased.
- The overall cut-offs have also fluctuated significantly, with the highest being 52.63 in 2019 and the lowest in 2023 with 35.63, likely due to fewer vacancies.
2. IBPS SO Law Mains Cut Offs
In the mains exam, only the Professional Knowledge section is tested. Here’s a look at the cut-offs from 2018 to 2023.
| Year | Mains Cut Off (Out of 60) |
| 2018 | 31.00 |
| 2019 | 19.25 |
| 2020 | 20.00 |
| 2021 | 17.25 |
| 2022 | 26.25 |
| 2023 | 34.50 |
Key Takeaways from Mains Cut-Offs
- The main cut-offs have seen a gradual rise in the last few years, with 2023 having the highest cut-off of 34.50.
- The lowest cut-off in this period was 19.25 in 2019, reflecting a potentially more challenging paper or fewer vacancies that year.
3. Final Cut Offs (Mains + Interview)
The final cut-off is based on the total marks obtained in the mains and interview rounds (80:20 ratio). Here’s how the final cut-offs have varied over the years:
| Year | Final Cut Off (Out of 100) |
| 2018 | 63.07 |
| 2019 | 55.13 |
| 2020 | 53.67 |
| 2021 | 52.60 |
| 2022 | 61.00 |
| 2023 | 55.33 |
Key Takeaways from Final Cut-Offs
- The final cut-offs have remained relatively stable, with slight fluctuations.
- The highest final cut-off was 63.07 in 2018, and the lowest was 52.60 in 2021.
- The final cut-off is heavily influenced by the interview performance, as it carries a 20% weightage in the final score.
Analysis of Vacancies
In the IBPS SO Law exam, the number of vacancies plays a significant role in determining cut-offs. Fewer vacancies typically lead to higher cut-offs due to increased competition. Over the years, as the IBPS SO Law vacancies have fluctuated, so have the cut-off marks. Analyzing vacancy trends helps candidates understand how competition levels impact the exam and adjust their preparation strategy accordingly for the IBPS SO recruitment process:
| Year | Number of Vacancies |
| 2018 | 75 |
| 2019 | 60 |
| 2020 | 50 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 10 |
As seen in the table, the number of vacancies has drastically reduced, particularly in 2022 and 2023, with only 10 positions available each year. This explains the lower cut-offs in these years, as fewer candidates were needed to fill the positions.
How to Interpret These Cut-Offs for Future Preparation
Interpreting the IBPS SO Law previous years’ cut-offs is essential for crafting an effective preparation plan. These cut-offs help identify target scores for both Prelims and Mains. By analyzing section-wise and overall cut-offs, candidates can focus on high-weightage areas, improve time management, and set realistic goals. Understanding the IBPS SO trends enable aspirants to strategize efficiently, increasing their chances of qualifying for the IBPS SO Law Officer position:
- Set Sectional Targets: Focus on clearing sectional cut-offs in the prelims. Pay special attention to Reasoning and General Awareness, as these sections can significantly impact your overall score.
- Mains Exam Focus: Since the main cut-off has been on the rise, particularly in 2023, candidates must aim to score well in the Professional Knowledge section. Covering both legal theory and its practical application will help you secure better marks.
- Ace the Interview: The interview carries 20% weight in the final score, so do not neglect it. Mock interviews and current legal affairs preparation will help boost your score.
Importance of Analyzing Cut-Off Trends
- Setting Realistic Goals: The first step in preparing for the IBPS SO Law exam is to set achievable targets based on historical cut-offs. By analyzing past trends, candidates can understand what scores are necessary to qualify for the Prelims and Mains. For example, if the cut-off for the Mains has been consistently around 30 marks, aiming for a score above this will keep candidates competitive.
- Identifying Strong and Weak Areas: By examining section-wise cut-offs, candidates can identify which subjects require more focus. For instance, if the General Awareness cut-off is lower than the Reasoning cut-off, aspirants might prioritize practicing reasoning questions to ensure they meet the necessary scores.
Creating a Study Plan
To excel in the IBPS SO Law exam, candidates should devise a well-structured study plan that incorporates the following elements:
- Syllabus Overview: Familiarize yourself with the entire syllabus. This ensures that you cover all necessary topics without missing critical areas.
- Daily Study Routine: Allocate specific hours each day for different subjects. For example, dedicating mornings to Professional Knowledge and evenings to Reasoning and English can create a balanced approach.
- Resource Materials: Utilize standard textbooks, online resources, and coaching materials that specifically cater to the IBPS SO Law exam. Recommended books for legal knowledge include:
- “Indian Contract Act” by R.K. Sinha
- “Banking Regulation Act” by P.N. Varshney
- “Company Law” by A. Ramaiya
- Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests that simulate real exam conditions. Platforms like ixamBee offer IBPS SO specific mock tests, which can be invaluable in assessing your preparation level and familiarizing yourself with the exam format.
Time Management Techniques
Effective time management during preparation and the actual exam is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Set Time Limits: During practice, set time limits for each section. This will help you manage time effectively in the actual exam.
- Prioritize Questions: In the exam, start with questions you find easier to build confidence and save more challenging questions for later.
- Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your study schedule to maintain concentration and avoid burnout.
Importance of Current Affairs
While preparing for the IBPS SO Law exam, staying updated on current affairs is vital, especially for the General Awareness section. Follow legal developments, recent judgments, and changes in banking regulations to enhance your knowledge. Resources like:
- Legal News Websites
- Banking Magazines
- YouTube Channels specializing in current affairs
These resources can help candidates remain informed and ready for questions related to recent events.
Building Confidence
Lastly, building confidence is crucial. Engage in discussions with peers, join study groups, or participate in online forums related to the IBPS SO exam. Sharing knowledge and addressing doubts can significantly enhance understanding and retention of legal concepts.
IBPS SO Law Recruitment Strategy
- Practice Mock Tests: Mock tests are important in evaluating your preparation level and identifying your weak areas. Platforms like ixamBee offer IBPS SO Law mock tests that closely resemble the actual exam.
- Time Management: Effective time management is key, especially in the Preliminary Exam where multiple sections are tested.
- Refer to Previous Year Papers: Analyze past year papers to understand the type of questions asked and the difficulty level.
- Watch Expert Guidance Videos: To understand the strategy from an expert’s perspective, you can refer to this ixamBee YouTube video, which provides an in-depth analysis of the exam, preparation tips, and more.
Conclusion
The cut-off analysis for the IBPS SO Law exam from 2018 to 2023 highlights important trends that can guide aspirants in their preparation. Understanding these cut-offs helps in setting realistic targets, focusing on important sections, and preparing for the interview phase. With a consistent study plan, regular mock tests, and an emphasis on the right areas, clearing the IBPS SO Law exam is well within reach.
Good luck with your preparation!
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