IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 Subject Wise Topics in Detail Download PDF
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Candidates preparing for the Indian Overseas Bank Local Bank Officer exam must understand the IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 thoroughly. The online exam will cover four key subjects: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and English Knowledge. Each section has a fixed time limit, and negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable for every wrong answer. A total of 140 questions for 200 marks will be asked, to be completed in 3 hours. This structured pattern helps assess candidates’ aptitude, speed, and subject knowledge.
To score well, applicants should follow the IOB LBO syllabus, solve IOB Bank Exam Question Papers with Answers, and refer to IOB LBO previous year question papers for practice. This strategy will enhance accuracy and build familiarity with the actual paper format. Also, knowing the IOB LBO salary, expected IOB LBO cut off, and previous trends helps plan better. Focused preparation using the correct IOB LBO exam pattern ensures higher chances of qualifying in the online exam and progressing to the Language Test and Interview rounds.
IOB Bank LBO 2025 Recruitment – Overview
Indian Overseas Bank has officially released the IOB Bank LBO 2025 notification for 400 Local Bank Officer (LBO) vacancies under JMGS-I. This opportunity is open to graduates aged between 20 to 30 years looking to begin their career in the public sector banking field. The online application window is active from 12th May to 31st May 2025 on the official website – www.iob.in.
This recruitment drive is only for six states – Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Punjab. Candidates will be selected through an Online Exam, Language Proficiency Test (LPT), and a Personal Interview. The basic starting salary is Rs. 48,480, with growth potential up to Rs. 85,920. Candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria before applying.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank Name | Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) |
| Post Name | Local Bank Officer (LBO) |
| Total Vacancies | 400 |
| Grade | JMGS-I (Assistant Manager Scale-I) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Apply Dates | 12th May to 31st May 2025 |
| Education Qualification | Graduate Degree |
| Age Limit | 20 to 30 Years |
| Selection Process | Online Exam, LPT & Interview |
| Starting Salary | Rs. 48,480 + Increments |
| Probation Period | 2 Years |
| Job Locations | Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Punjab |
| Official Website | www.iob.in |
IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 – Complete Details for Online Test
The IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 is designed to assess candidates across four key areas: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General Awareness (including Economy & Banking), Data Analysis & Interpretation, and English Knowledge. The online test will have 140 objective-type questions carrying 200 marks, and the total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). Each section has its own time limit, and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. Candidates must score 35% (Unreserved) and 30% (Reserved) as sectional qualifying marks to proceed to the next stages.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 30 | 60 | 60 minutes | English & Hindi |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes | English & Hindi |
| Data Analysis and Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 60 minutes | English & Hindi |
| English Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 30 minutes | English |
| Total | 140 | 200 | 3 Hours Total |
IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 – Section-wise Subject Topics
To score well in the Indian Overseas Bank Local Bank Officer (LBO) exam, candidates must understand the updated IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025. The online test consists of four major sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and English Knowledge. Each section has a specific time limit, total marks, and negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. To clear the exam, candidates must secure 35% (UR) and 30% (Reserved) marks in each section. Below is the complete subject-wise syllabus in table format.
IOB LBO Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus 2025 (30 Questions – 60 Marks – 60 Minutes)
| Topic | Simple Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Inequalities | Compare values using signs like >, <, =. | A > B, B > C ⇒ A > C |
| Blood Relations | Questions based on family tree and relations. | “A is B’s father’s son” |
| Directions | Solve questions based on movement or facing direction. | If a person moves north, then east |
| Order & Ranking | Arrange persons/items by position or rank. | 5th from top, 3rd from bottom |
| Alphanumeric Series | Identify patterns in mixed letters, numbers, and symbols. | A2B, C3D, E4F ⇒ pattern? |
| Coding-Decoding | Decode a word based on a given code language. | CAT = DBU, then DOG = ? |
| Syllogism | Deduce logical conclusions from given statements. | All dogs are animals, etc. |
| Puzzles & Seating | Place people or items based on logical clues. | 8 people around a table puzzle |
| Input-Output | Follow a series of steps to modify input data. | Sequence changing in steps |
| Data Sufficiency | Decide if the given data is enough to answer a question. | Statement I/II/III – sufficient? |
| Computer Fundamentals | Learn basics like CPU, memory, and input-output devices. | CPU is the brain of a computer |
| Operating Systems | Understand OS types and functions. | Windows, Linux are OS examples |
| MS Office Tools | Questions on MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. | Shortcut key for Copy = Ctrl+C |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Learn frequently used shortcut keys. | Ctrl+V = Paste |
| Networking | Basics of internet and data transfer. | LAN, WAN, IP Address |
| Memory Unit | Units to measure storage and memory. | 1 GB = 1024 MB |
| Software & Hardware | Difference between programs and physical parts of computer. | Monitor is hardware, MS Word is software |
| File Extensions | Identify file types based on extensions. | .docx for Word, .xls for Excel |
| Programming Concepts | Basic coding logic and syntax. | Loops, Variables, Conditions |
| Database & Number System | Understand how data is stored and number formats. | Binary number: 1010 = 10 |
General / Economy / Banking Awareness (40 Questions – 40 Marks – 30 Minutes)
| Topic | Simple Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Evolution of Banking in India | History and growth of Indian banks. | Nationalization of banks in 1969 |
| RBI & Monetary Policy | Learn RBI roles and interest rate policies. | Repo Rate, CRR, SLR |
| Indian Economy & Budget | Understand financial planning and development strategies. | Union Budget 2025 allocations |
| International Financial Bodies | Global institutions that affect economy. | IMF, World Bank |
| Banking Terms | Learn basic financial and banking terminologies. | NEFT, RTGS, KYC |
| Government Schemes & Policies | Recent central government financial programs. | PMJDY, Atal Pension Yojana |
| Currency Management | Learn about note printing, circulation, and RBI control. | ₹500 note security features |
| PSL & Risk Types | Priority Sector Lending and types of banking risks. | Loan to farmers, credit risk |
| Shares & Debentures | Basics of equity and debt instruments. | Stock investment vs. bonds |
| Static GK | General static facts that don’t change. | National parks, capitals, rivers |
| Current Affairs | Events from the last 6 months. | Latest GDP data, awards, sports |
Data Analysis and Interpretation (30 Questions – 60 Marks – 60 Minutes)
| Topic | Simple Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tables | Interpret data from tabular format. | Table showing sales across regions |
| Bar Graph | Data shown using bars for comparison. | Sales bar for Jan–Mar |
| Line Graph | Shows trends over time using lines. | Revenue increase per month |
| Pie Chart | Circular chart showing data in percentage slices. | 25% Sales, 35% Revenue, etc. |
| Caselet DI | Word-based data interpretation. | Read paragraph and answer questions |
| Ratio & Proportion | Compare two or more values mathematically. | Ratio of boys to girls is 2:3 |
| Permutation & Combo | Count possible arrangements or selections. | Ways to arrange 3 books from 5 |
| Time & Work | Solve problems on efficiency and work completion. | A finishes job in 5 days, B in 10 |
| Probability | Calculate chances of an event happening. | Tossing a coin – chance of heads? |
| Percentage | Express part of a whole in percent. | 50 out of 200 = 25% |
| Data Sufficiency | Check if provided data can answer the question. | Is statement I enough to solve it? |
English Knowledge (40 Questions – 40 Marks – 30 Minutes)
| Topic | Simple Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun, Pronoun, Verb | Grammar basics for sentence construction. | He is a teacher. She teaches. |
| Adjectives, Adverbs | Describe nouns and verbs. | A fast runner, runs quickly |
| Prepositions | Show relation of words in space/time. | Book is on the table |
| Conjunctions | Join sentences or phrases. | and, but, or |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Ensure subject and verb match in number. | He goes, they go |
| Tenses | Indicate time of action. | I went, I go, I will go |
| Active & Passive | Sentence voice types. | She wrote a letter / A letter was written |
| Direct and Indirect | Reported speech conversions. | He said, “I am fine” → He said he was fine |
| Reading Comprehension | Read and answer from passage. | Answer based on provided paragraph |
| Cloze Test | Fill in blanks in a passage with correct words. | Fill missing words logically |
| Sentence Completion | Complete sentences meaningfully. | She was late because ___ |
| Phrase Correction | Fix incorrect phrases in sentences. | Replace “more better” with “better” |
| Para Jumbles | Arrange jumbled sentences in order. | A-B-D-C-E becomes meaningful paragraph |
| Error Detection | Identify grammar/spelling mistakes. | “He go to market” → error in verb |
| Connectors & Completion | Join or finish sentences correctly. | Use “however”, “therefore” |
Preparation Tips:
- Focus on IOB Local Bank Officer previous year question paper for trend analysis.
- Practice IOB Bank Exam Question Papers with Answers regularly.
- Track your performance and understand expected IOB LBO cut off.
- Build strategy with the latest IOB LBO syllabus for each section.
Best Books to Cover IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025
To prepare effectively for the Indian Overseas Bank LBO Recruitment 2025, choosing the right study material is important. Below is a section-wise list of the best books and resources recommended for each part of the IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025, including Banking Awareness, General Knowledge, English, and Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning.
Banking Awareness Books
This section is key for scoring well in the exam, especially in questions related to the financial system and Indian banking.
| Recommended Books | Why This Book? |
|---|---|
| Banking Awareness by Arihant Experts | Covers complete banking concepts in easy language. |
| Objective Banking & Financial Awareness by Dhankar Publications | Helpful for quick revision with MCQs. |
General Awareness (Static + Current Affairs)
This section includes static GK, current affairs, and banking-related news. Great for boosting overall score.
| Recommended Books | Why This Book? |
|---|---|
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Best for covering static GK topics in one book. |
| Monthly Current Affairs PDFs | Monthly updates focused on exam-oriented news. |
English Language Preparation
Strong English skills are needed for comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary questions in the exam.
| Recommended Books | Why This Book? |
|---|---|
| Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi | Ideal for grammar rules, vocabulary, and practice sets. |
| High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin | Best for basic to advanced grammar concepts. |
Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning Books
Useful if the Quant & Reasoning section is included in the exam or for strengthening logical thinking.
| Recommended Books | Why This Book? |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal | Covers all math topics with solved examples. |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal | Comprehensive reasoning book for all difficulty levels. |
FAQs on IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025
Q1. Which is better, SBI or IOB?
A: Both are reputed public sector banks. SBI offers wider job exposure and higher packages, while IOB offers a more relaxed work-life balance and quicker promotions in certain roles.
Q2. What is the minimum balance charge in IOB?
A: IOB requires a minimum balance of ₹500 to ₹1,000 depending on the account type. Failing to maintain it may result in charges ranging from ₹10 to ₹100 per month.
Q3. What is the full form of the IOB exam?
A: The full form of the IOB exam is Indian Overseas Bank Local Bank Officer (LBO) Exam.
Q4. What is IOB known for?
A: Indian Overseas Bank is a public sector bank known for strong overseas operations, digital services, and retail banking. It was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Chennai.
Q5. What is the salary of IOB staff?
A: IOB Local Bank Officers earn an initial basic salary of ₹48,480 per month, which can rise to ₹85,920 with regular increments, allowances, and benefits.
Q6. Who is the CEO of Indian Overseas Bank?
A: As of 2025, Ajay Kumar Srivastava is the MD and CEO of Indian Overseas Bank.
Q7. What is the IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025?
A: The IOB LBO Exam 2025 includes 140 objective-type questions across four sections—Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Data Analysis. The total duration is 3 hours and the paper carries 200 marks.
Q8. Is there negative marking in the IOB LBO Exam?
A: Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in the IOB Local Bank Officer exam.
Q9. What is the passing mark in the IOB LBO Exam 2025?
A: Candidates must score at least 35% in each section if they belong to the General/EWS category and 30% for Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD).
Q10. How to prepare for the IOB LBO Exam 2025?
A: Start by understanding the IOB Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025, refer to top books like:
- PracticeMock for current affairs
Also, solve IOB LBO previous year question papers regularly. - R.S. Aggarwal (Quant & Reasoning)
- Arihant Banking Awareness
- Lucent GK
