In the IBPS recruitment cycle, 31 March has traditionally been an important date, which is known for the release of reserve list allocation for various posts such as IBPS PO, Clerk, RRB (Office Assistant and Officer Scale I), and SO (Specialist Officer). These reserved list play an important role in offering opportunities to those candidates who were kept due to limited vacancies in early allocation. However, in a stunning stop from the tradition, no reserve list was allocated on 31 March 2024, causing many candidates to be worried and uncertain.
Last year, no allocation was made on 31 March
The absence of reserved list allocation last year shook confusion and speculation among the candidates. The IBPS did not give any official explanation to delay or cancel, which raised many people whether the final reserve list process was being discontinued. In the previous years, banks were initially allocated to the candidates of the reserved list based on the vacancy availability arising out of non-justification or withdrawal of selected candidates. In 2024, silence from IBPS expressed concern about the transparency and prediction of the recruitment process.
What can we expect for the IBPS Reserve List this year?
As a approach of 31 March 2025, candidates hope that the IBPS will resume the practice of releasing the final reserve list. Here IBPS PO, Clerk, RRB, and what can be expected for this:
1. IBPS PO Reserve List: Probationary Officer (PO) Exam is one of the most competitive examinations conducted by IBPS. If vacancies arise due to not joining or leaving the candidates during the probation period, the reserved list will be used to fill these positions. Candidates of the reserve list may expect allocation to nationalized banks, based on their rank and preference.
2. IBPS Clerk Reserve List: The clerk reserve list is usually used to fill vacancies in various public sector banks. Given high number of clerical positions, there is a good opportunity that reserved list will be activated this year, provided vacancies are present.
3. IBPS RRB Reserve List: Regional rural banks (RRBs) often have a high attraction rate, which leads to more vacancies. Candidates of RRB Reserve list can expect allocation to rural and semi-urban branches based on their rank and regional preferences.
4. IBPS then reserved list: Expert officers (SOs) are recruited for top roles, and vacancies may arise due to the candidates fail to exit or meet eligibility criteria. The list reserved for SO is usually small but important to fill special positions.
While 2024 saw an unexpected stagnation in the final reserve list activity, everyone is now eyeing IBPS whether it returns to its regular allocation schedule this year. Candidates are advised to keep their registration details ready. This year at one time allocation will restore confidence in this process and will close those who are still waiting for their banking career success.
Factors affecting this year’s IBPS reserve list
Many factors will determine that reserved list has been released and used this year:
Vacancy status: The number of vacancies will play an important role in participating banks. If banks report sufficient vacancies, the reserve list will be activated.
Candidate Attention: The number of candidates who reject or abandon job proposals during probation period will affect the requirement of reserved list.
IBPS Policy: Any change in IBPS policies or guidelines regarding reserved list process will affect allocation.
Administrative Efficiency: With timely completion of administrative processes, the final reserve list will be ensured on 31 March.
Preparation for reserved list: Candidates of reserved list should be hopeful and prepared for possible allocation. Here are some steps that they can take:
