The Central Bank of India (CBI) has released the official notification for the recruitment of 350 Specialist Officers (SO) in the Foreign Exchange and Marketing streams. This is a massive opportunity for experienced banking professionals to secure a position in Scale I and Scale III cadres with a lucrative salary package.
The online application window is officially open from January 20, 2026, and will close promptly on February 3, 2026.
Urgent Update: The application window is very short (only 14 days). Candidates are advised to apply immediately via
centralbankofindia.co.into avoid last-minute server failure. The Online Exam is tentatively scheduled for February/March 2026.
Central Bank of India Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
A quick snapshot of the recruitment drive for 350 Specialist Officer vacancies.
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Central Bank of India (CBI) |
| Post Name | Specialist Officer (Foreign Exchange & Marketing) |
| Scale | Scale I (Marketing) & Scale III (Forex) |
| Total Vacancies | 350 Posts |
| Application Dates | 20 Jan 2026 to 03 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | February/March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Selection Process | Online Written Test + Interview |
| Official Website | centralbankofindia.co.in |
Important Dates: Deadline Alert
Candidates must mark these dates to ensure they complete the registration and payment process on time.
- Notification Release Date: January 20, 2026
- Online Application Starts: January 20, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: February 03, 2026
- Call Letter Download: February 2026 (Expected)
- Online Examination: February/March 2026
- Interview Schedule: March/April 2026
Also Read: Bank Exam Calendar 2026 PDF: IBPS, SBI Exam Dates & Notification Link
Vacancy Details & Salary Structure
The recruitment is focused on two specific specialized profiles. The salary structure includes DA, HRA, CCA, and other allowances as per industry standards.
| Post Name | Scale | Vacancies | Basic Pay Scale |
| Foreign Exchange Officer | Scale III | To be notified | ₹85,920 – ₹1,05,280/- |
| Marketing Officer | Scale I | To be notified | ₹48,480 – ₹85,920/- |
| Total | 350 |
Note: In addition to Basic Pay, selected candidates are eligible for heavy perks, making the Gross Salary significantly higher.
Download Central Bank of India Notification 2026
Access the official documents directly using the links below.
- Download Official Notification PDF (Click Herer)
- Apply Online Direct Link – IBPS Portal (Click Herer)
- Syllabus & Exam Pattern PDF (Click Herer)
Comprehensive Analysis: Eligibility Criteria
This recruitment is NOT for freshers in the traditional sense. It requires specific post-qualification experience.
1. Educational Qualification & Experience
- Foreign Exchange Officer (Scale III):
- Education: Graduate in any discipline from a recognized University.
- Certification: Certificate in Foreign Exchange Operations (IIBF) is mandatory.
- Experience: Minimum 5 Years of experience in Banking/Forex operations.
- Marketing Officer (Scale I):
- Education: Full-time Graduation AND 2-Years Full-time MBA/PGDM with specialization in Marketing.
- Experience: Minimum 2 Years of post-qualification experience in BFSI Marketing.
2. Age Limit (As on 01.01.2026)
- Marketing Officer (Scale I): Max 35 Years (check official PDF for lower limit).
- Foreign Exchange Officer (Scale III): Max 35 Years.
- Relaxation: SC/ST (+5 Years), OBC (+3 Years), PwBD (+10 Years).
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
The selection methodology is strictly merit-based, comprising an Online Test and a Personal Interview.
Phase 1: Online Written Test (100 Marks)
- Stream Specific Questions: 60 Questions (60 Marks)
- Computer Knowledge: 20 Questions (20 Marks)
- Banking & General Awareness: 20 Questions (20 Marks)
- Total Duration: 60 Minutes.
- Note: There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
Phase 2: Personal Interview (100 Marks)
- Candidates who qualify in the written test will be called for the interview.
- Final Weightage: 70% (Written Test) : 30% (Interview).
Also Read: RBI Recruitment 2026 Out: Apply Online for 572 Office Attendant Posts
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online
- Visit the official portal
centralbankofindia.co.inor the IBPS registration link. - Click on “Recruitment of Specialist Officers in Scale I & III”.
- Register by clicking “Click here for New Registration”. Enter your Name, Contact, and Email.
- Upload scanned Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm), Signature, Left Thumb Impression, and Hand Written Declaration.
- Fill details regarding education and work experience carefully.
- Pay the application fee:
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women: ₹175/- (Intimation Charges + GST)
- All Other Candidates: ₹850/- + GST (Approx ₹1003/-)
- Submit and print the e-receipt and application form.
Documents Required for Application
- Recent Passport Size Photograph.
- Scanned Signature (Black Ink).
- Left Thumb Impression (Blue/Black Ink).
- Hand Written Declaration (English, on white paper).
- Experience Certificates (To be entered in the form).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can freshers apply for Central Bank of India SO Recruitment 2026? A: No, this recruitment requires mandatory experience. Marketing Officers need 2 years and Forex Officers need 5 years of relevant experience.
Q2: What is the exam date for CBI SO 2026? A: The online exam is tentatively scheduled for February or March 2026.
Q3: What is the salary of a Scale III Foreign Exchange Officer? A: The basic pay scale starts at ₹85,920, but with allowances, the in-hand salary is significantly higher, often crossing ₹1 Lakh/month.
Q4: Is there a negative marking in the exam? A: Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer in the online test.
Q5: What is the last date to apply? A: The application window closes on February 3, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official notification released on 20.01.2026. Candidates are advised to verify details from the official website before applying.