PNB SO Exam 2025: Exam to be conducted on 5th May for 350 vacancies

Published on April 30, 2025
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8 Min read time

Table of Contents

The PNB Specialist Officer (PNB SO) exam is a highly competitive examination conducted by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to recruit candidates for specialized roles across various departments. As one of India’s largest public sector banks, PNB relies on Specialist Officers to manage critical functions such as Information Technology (IT), Human Resources (HR), Law, Risk Management, and more. These officers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and growth of the bank in their respective fields.

The position offers a prestigious career and excellent growth opportunities within the banking sector. Officers can expect promotions, salary increments, and leadership roles over time, making it an attractive career path for qualified professionals. By joining as a PNB Specialist Officer, candidates can work in specialized departments, contribute to the bank’s progress, and gain invaluable experience.

What is PNB SO?

The full form of the PNB SO is Punjab National Bank Specialist Officer. A PNB SO is a professional recruited by Punjab National Bank to manage specialized roles in areas such as IT, HR, Law, Risk Management, Agriculture, and more. These officers are selected for their domain-specific expertise, making them different from general banking staff and vital to the bank’s specialized operations.

PNB SO
Punjab National Bank Logo with Post Name “PNB SO” (Specialist Officer)

PNB SO 2025: Overview

The PNB Specialist Officer (SO) Recruitment 2025 is designed to recruit qualified professionals for various specialized roles within Punjab National Bank. This recruitment drive offers a valuable chance for candidates with relevant expertise to become part of one of India’s leading public sector banks. With a structured and competitive selection process, including an online examination and a personal interview, PNB aims to identify the most suitable candidates to contribute to its continued growth and success.

ParticularsDetails
Exam Conducting BodyPunjab National Bank
Exam NamePNB SO
Official Websitewww.pnbindia.in
Posts OfferedVarious Specialist Officer Positions
Total Vacancies350
Application Start Date3rd March 2025
Last Date to Apply24th March 2025
Admit Card Release Date24th April 2025
Exam LevelNational
Selection ProcessOnline Exam and Personal Interview
Required QualificationGraduate (as per post-specific criteria)
Job CategoryBank SO Jobs

PNB SO Notification 2025

Punjab National Bank (PNB SO Notification 2025) has issued a recruitment notification for 2025, inviting applications for various PNB Specialist Officer 2025 (SO) positions. Here are the key details:

PNB-SO-Recruitment-2025-Notification-PDF

Candidates are advised to apply online through the official PNB website and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before submitting their applications. The bank has also warned against any fraudulent communications asking for money in exchange for interview calls or job appointments.

PNB SO Exam Date 2025

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has released the full PNB SO Recruitment 2025 schedule along with the official notification. The online registration process concluded on 24th March 2025. While the exact date for the PNB SO Exam 2025 is yet to be confirmed, it is tentatively scheduled for April or May 2025. The bank will announce the final exam date shortly.

Here’s the information represented in a tabular form:

EventDate/Status
Release of Official Notification1st March 2025
Start of Online Application3rd March 2025
Last Date to Apply Online24th March 2025
Last Date to Print Application8th April 2025
PNB SO Admit Card 202524th April 2025
PNB SO Exam Date5th May 2025
Online ExaminationTo Be Announced (TBA)
Personal InterviewTo Be Announced (TBA)
Document VerificationTo Be Announced (TBA)

PNB SO Vacancy 2025

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has officially announced 350 openings for Specialist Officer (SO) positions under the PNB SO Recruitment 2025. Of these, the Credit Officer role has the highest number of vacancies, accounting for 250 posts. Below is the detailed distribution of vacancies based on post and category:

PNB SO 2025 – Post-wise & Category-wise Vacancy Details

Post TitleSCSTOBCEWSURTotal
Credit Officer37186725103250
Officer – Industry1152073275
Manager – IT101035
Senior Manager – IT011035
Manager – Data Scientist000033
Senior Manager – Data Scientist000022
Manager – Cyber Security101035
Senior Manager – Cyber Security011035
Total50259132152350

PNB SO Eligibility Criteria 2025

Candidates applying for Specialist Officer (SO) positions at Punjab National Bank (PNB) must meet all required eligibility conditions. Applications may be rejected if any eligibility parameters—such as age, educational background, work experience, or nationality—are not met.

Educational Qualifications for PNB SO 2025

Applicants must meet specific educational qualifications depending on the role they are applying for. Below is a summary of the essential and desirable qualifications for each post:

PostEssential QualificationDesirable Qualification
Officer – CreditCA / CMA (ICWA) / CFA / MBA (Finance) / PGDM (Finance) with a minimum of 60% marks
Officer – IndustryB.E./B.Tech in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Textile, Mining, Chemical, Production, Metallurgy, E&C, IT with 60% marksFull-time M.Tech or MBA from a recognized institute approved by AICTE/UGC
Manager – ITB.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/IS or MCA with at least 60%Full-time M.E./M.Tech in CS, IT, or related fields from AICTE/UGC-approved institutions
Senior Manager – ITSame as Manager – ITSame as Manager – IT
Manager – Data ScientistB.E./B.Tech in IT, Computer Science, Data Science, or Business with 60%Full-time Master’s in AI, Data Science, CS, or equivalent from recognized institutions
Senior Manager – Data ScientistSame as Manager – Data ScientistSame as Manager – Data Scientist
Manager – Cyber SecurityB.E./B.Tech in CS, IT, E&C, or full-time MCA with 60%M.E./M.Tech in CS, IT, or E&C; practical experience with data analysis, ML, cloud services, digital forensics, Python
Senior Manager – Cyber SecurityB.E./B.Tech in CS, IT, E&C or MCA with 60%M.E./M.Tech in CS, IT, or E&C; experience in cybersecurity tools, digital forensics, and programming languages like Python

PNB SO 2025 – Age Limit (As of 01/01/2025)

The age criteria vary based on the position applied for:

PostAge Limit
Officer – Credit21 – 30 years
Officer – Industry21 – 30 years
Manager – IT25 – 35 years
Manager – Data Scientist25 – 35 years
Manager – Cyber Security25 – 35 years
Senior Manager – IT27 – 38 years
Senior Manager – Data Scientist27 – 38 years
Senior Manager – Cyber Security27 – 38 years

PNB SO 2025 – Work Experience Requirements

Relevant work experience is a key requirement for several positions. The details are as follows:

Senior Manager – Cyber Security

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in IT, including 2 years in Cyber Security.
  • Practical experience with cybersecurity tools (Firewalls, NIPS, Anti-DDOS, SIEM, etc.).
  • Proficiency in threat detection and penetration testing.
  • Must be associated with CERT-In empaneled auditing bodies.
  • Training, BPO, or teaching experience is not accepted.

Manager – Cyber Security

  • At least 3 years in IT, with 2 years in Cyber Security roles.
  • Familiarity with advanced security tools and platforms.
  • Must be affiliated with CERT-In empaneled security audit organizations.
  • Teaching or BPO experience is not considered valid.

Manager – IT

  • Minimum 2 years working on AI/ML implementation.
  • Preference for experience with large-scale AI platforms and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and LLMs.

Senior Manager – IT

  • At least 3 years in IT, including AI/ML system architecture.
  • Preferred skills include hands-on with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, SQL, and AI infrastructure setup.

Manager – Data Scientist

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in AI/ML with exposure to NLP and model deployment.
  • Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, prompt engineering, and foundational LLM concepts is preferred.

Senior Manager – Data Scientist

  • At least 3 years of practical experience in Data Science and AI fields.
  • Preferred expertise includes deploying generative AI systems, container tools like Docker and Kubernetes, and prompt engineering.

PNB SO Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates will undergo an online examination as part of the shortlisting process for the interview round. Therefore, it is essential to understand the PNB SO Exam Pattern, as outlined by the conducting authority. The structure of the examination is as follows:

Exam ComponentDetails
Total Number of Questions150 (Reasoning – 25, English Language – 25, Quantitative Aptitude – 50, Professional Knowledge – 50)
Maximum Marks200
Question TypeMultiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Time Duration120 minutes (2 hours)
Work from Home, on your Own Schedule

PNB SO Syllabus 2025

The PNB SO 2025 exam syllabus is divided into four key sections: English Language, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Professional Knowledge. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

SectionTopics
English LanguageGrammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Completion, Error Spotting, Reading Comprehension
ReasoningSyllogism, Blood Relations, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Seating Arrangement, Logical Reasoning
Quantitative AptitudeNumber Systems, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Data Interpretation, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Averages, Probability, Algebra, Geometry
Professional KnowledgeTopics relevant to the specific SO positions (e.g., Banking Awareness, Financial Markets, Cyber Security basics for Manager-Cyber Security, Forex Management for Manager-Forex)

PNB SO Application Process 2025

Candidates interested in applying for the Punjab National Bank Specialist Officer (SO) positions can follow the step-by-step process below to complete their application online through the official website.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Visit the Official Website:
    • Open the Punjab National Bank official website.
    • Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and select the Recruitment/Career section.
  2. Access the Recruitment Link:
    • Search for the notification titled “Recruitment for 350 Specialist Officer Posts.”
    • Click on the Apply Online button.
  3. Complete Registration:
    • To generate login credentials, select New Registration and fill in your basic details, including name, mobile number, and email address.
  4. Fill Out the Application Form:
    • Log in with your credentials and enter your personal, academic, and professional details.
    • Upload scanned copies of your documents in the specified format.
  5. Review and Confirm Details:
    • Double-check all information for accuracy before final submission.
    • Save the filled application form.
  6. Make the Application Fee Payment:
    • Use available online payment options to complete the transaction.
  7. Submit and Save:
    • After successful payment, submit the final application.
    • Download and keep a copy of the completed application for future use.

PNB SO 2025 – Application Fee Structure

Applicants must pay the applicable fee as part of the registration process. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

CategoryApplication Fee
SC/ST/PwD Candidates₹59
All Other Categories₹1180

PNB SO Admit Card 2025

The PNB SO 2025 admit cards will be released soon. Here’s a detailed guide on how to download and use the admit card:

  1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official PNB website at pnbindia.in.
  2. Recruitment Page: Navigate to the “Recruitment/Careers” section.
  3. Download Admit Card: Click on the link to download the call letter for PNB SO Recruitment 2025.
  4. Login: Enter your registration number and password.
  5. Download: Your PNB SO Admit Card 2025 will be available for download.
  6. Print: Print the admit card and carry it to the exam center on the day of the exam.

Important Instructions

  • Exam Date: The online written exam date has yet to be revealed.
  • Identification: Ensure you carry a valid ID proof along with the admit card to the exam center.
  • Instructions: Carefully read the instructions mentioned on the admit card.

Candidates must download their admit cards well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

PNB SO Selection Process 2025

The selection procedure for the Punjab National Bank Specialist Officer (SO) posts will consist of the following stages:

  1. Online Examination
    If the bank decides to conduct an online test, it will be divided into two parts:
  • Part I will include questions on reasoning, English language, and quantitative aptitude.
  • Part II will focus on professional knowledge related to the specific post.

Candidates must clear each section of Part I to have their professional knowledge section evaluated. A penalty of 0.25 marks will be applied for each wrong answer. The minimum qualifying marks will be decided by the bank based on overall performance.

  1. Personal Interview
    Applicants who pass both parts of the online exam and meet the eligibility criteria will be called for a personal interview, which will carry 50 marks.
  • Minimum qualifying marks for the interview are:
    • 22.50 marks (45%) for SC/ST candidates
    • 25 marks (50%) for all other categories

If the online exam is not conducted, candidates may be shortlisted directly for the interview based on their application and submitted documents.

Final selection will be based on either the combined scores of the professional knowledge test and interview or interview marks alone, as per the bank’s discretion.

PNB SO Result 2025

The PNB SO result is published on the official website of Punjab National Bank. Results are declared separately for each stage of the recruitment process. To view their results, candidates need to visit the official portal. It is advised to keep checking the website regularly for the latest updates and further instructions regarding the next stages.

PNB SO Cut-Off 2025

The PNB SO cut-off 2025 exam is the minimum score required for candidates to advance to the next stage of the selection process. Here are the expected cut-off marks for different categories:

CategoryExpected Cut-Off Marks
General93.5
OBC86.5
SC77.5
ST75.5
LD75.5
VI88.5
HI75.5

These cut-off marks are based on various factors, including the difficulty level of the exam, the total number of vacancies, and the number of good attempts. Candidates should aim to score above these marks to increase their chances of selection.

PNB SO Salary 2025

Selected candidates for various PNB Specialist Officer posts will receive an attractive salary package. For instance, the starting basic pay for a Credit Officer is ₹48,480, with an increment of ₹2,000 every 7 years. The complete pay scale structure, along with the respective grades for all position,s is provided in the table below:

PostGrade/ScalePay Scale Structure
Credit OfficerJMGS-I₹48,480–2000 (7 years)–₹62,480–2340 (2 years)–₹67,160–2680 (7 years)–₹85,920
Officer-IndustryJMGS-I₹48,480–2000 (7 years)–₹62,480–2340 (2 years)–₹67,160–2680 (7 years)–₹85,920
Manager–ITMMGS-II₹64,820–2340 (1 year)–₹67,160–2680 (10 years)–₹93,960
Senior Manager–ITMMGS-III₹85,920–2680 (5 years)–₹99,320–2980 (2 years)–₹1,05,280
Manager–Data ScientistMMGS-II₹64,820–2340 (1 year)–₹67,160–2680 (10 years)–₹93,960
Senior Manager–Data ScientistMMGS-III₹85,920–2680 (5 years)–₹99,320–2980 (2 years)–₹1,05,280
Manager–Cyber SecurityMMGS-II₹64,820–2340 (1 year)–₹67,160–2680 (10 years)–₹93,960
Senior Manager–Cyber SecurityMMGS-III₹85,920–2680 (5 years)–₹99,320–2980 (2 years)–₹1,05,280

PNB SO Preparation Tips

Here are 5 simple preparation tips for the PNB SO exam:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with all the topics and create a study plan to cover each one systematically.
  • Practice Regularly: Solve practice questions and take mock tests to assess your progress and improve your problem-solving speed.
  • Revise Consistently: Set aside time for revision to reinforce what you’ve learned and retain information better.
  • Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed of the latest developments related to the exam and the field you’re applying to.
  • Focus on Time Management: Practice managing time effectively during practice sessions to ensure you can complete all sections within the given time.
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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)

What is the meaning of so in PNB?

Ans. In the context of Punjab National Bank (PNB), “PNB SO” refers to a Specialist Officer position, where the bank recruits candidates for specialized roles in departments like IT, HR, Law, and Risk Management.

How to apply for PNB Specialist Officer 2025?

Ans. You can apply online by visiting the official PNB website, navigating to the recruitment section, and filling out the application form. The registration link is active from March 3, 2025, to March 24, 2025.

Are there any limits to the number of attempts in the PNB Specialist Officer exam?

Ans. No, there is no upper limit on the number of attempts for the PNB SO exam.

What is the selection process for PNB Specialist Officer 2025?

Ans. The selection process includes an online written examination followed by a personal interview.

What is the salary of PNB so in hand?

Ans. The in-hand salary for a Punjab National Bank (PNB) Specialist Officer (SO) can vary depending on the post and experience, but generally, a starting salary can range from around ₹31,705 for Manager posts to ₹42,020 for Senior Manager posts. 

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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