Karnataka Bank Probationary Officer Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for the Karnataka Bank Probationary Officer (Scale-I) post, candidates must satisfy the following academic requirements as of 1st November 2024:

• Candidates must hold a Postgraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Alternatively, candidates holding a Graduate degree in Agricultural Science are also eligible.
• A 5-year integrated Law degree from a recognized institution is also accepted.
• Applicants who are currently in the process of completing their post-graduation or are awaiting their results are strictly ineligible to apply for this recruitment. The eligibility is strictly based on the possession of the qualifying degree as of the specified cut-off date.

The maximum age limit for applicants interested in the Probationary Officer (Scale-I) position is 28 years. This age constraint is critical, and all applicants must ensure they meet this requirement to avoid immediate disqualification during the document verification stage. The bank uses a specific reference date (typically 01-11-2024) to determine the candidate's age for eligibility purposes. Candidates who exceed this age limit, excluding those eligible for age relaxation, will not be considered for the recruitment process. It is essential for all aspirants to verify their birth date against the official cutoff date mentioned in the recruitment notification to ensure their candidacy remains valid throughout the selection process.

The selection process for the Karnataka Bank Probationary Officer (Scale-I) position is designed to filter candidates based on their aptitude and professional suitability. It consists of two major stages:

• Online Examination: This is the first phase, which comprises an objective test involving 202 questions (total 225 marks) covering English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Computer Awareness. Additionally, there is a descriptive test for English language skills. The duration for this examination is 150 minutes, and it uses a penalty system of 1/4th mark deduction for each incorrect answer in the objective section.
• Interview: Candidates who successfully clear the online examination are invited to an interview. This phase typically takes place at the bank's Head Office in Mangaluru or other designated locations. The interview aims to assess the candidate's personality, confidence, communication skills, and knowledge of the banking sector. Candidates must perform well in both the examination and the interview to secure a final position as a Probationary Officer.

• SC/ST Candidates: A relaxation of 5 years is provided in the maximum age limit.
• Other Categories: Any specific age relaxations provided by the bank are clearly stipulated in the official notification guidelines and are usually applied based on government-standard reservation norms. Candidates should check the official portal to see if further categories qualify for age relaxation based on the most recent recruitment cycle updates.