The IBPS exam, conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, is essential for recruiting probationary officers, clerks, and office assistants in public-sector banks and regional rural banks. The IBPS SO exam has three phases: preliminary, mains, and interview, with the final selection based on the mains exam and interview performance. Key specialist officer roles include IT officer, marketing officer, HR officer, law officer, and agricultural field officer, each with distinct responsibilities.