Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Category: Bank Jobs / Central Govt Recruitment
Application Deadline: Extended to February 15, 2026
Are you a banking aspirant looking for a high-growth career in a Public Sector Bank? The Central Bank of India (CBI) has released a massive notification for the recruitment of Specialist Officers (SO) for the year 2026. This is a golden opportunity for experienced professionals in the Marketing and Foreign Exchange sectors to secure a prestigious government job.
In a significant update for aspirants, the bank has extended the deadline to apply. If you missed the earlier window, you now have until February 15, 2026, to submit your application.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know—from vacancy breakdowns and eligibility criteria to the salary structure and step-by-step application process.
Overview: Why This Recruitment Matters
The Central Bank of India is one of the oldest and largest commercial banks in India. Unlike standard Probationary Officer (PO) recruitments that are open to freshers, this “Specialist Officer” drive is targeted at professionals who already possess specific skills and experience.
Because this recruitment requires prior experience, the competition is generally lower compared to open-market exams like IBPS PO or SBI PO. If you have the required degree and work experience, your chances of selection are significantly higher.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
- Organization: Central Bank of India
- Post Name: Specialist Officers (Marketing & Forex)
- Total Vacancies: 350
- Application Mode: Online
- Selection Process: Online Written Test + Personal Interview
- Job Location: Pan India
Vacancy Details: 350 Seats Up for Grabs
The recruitment drive is specifically focused on two critical streams: Marketing and Foreign Exchange (Forex). The bank is looking to strengthen its specialized workforce to handle modern banking challenges.
| Post Name | Scale | Total Vacancies |
| Marketing Officer | Scale I (JMG) | 300 |
| Foreign Exchange Officer | Scale III (MMG) | 50 |
| Total | 350 |
Note: Reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD candidates are applicable as per government norms.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
The eligibility criteria for Specialist Officer posts are strict regarding education and experience. Please ensure you meet the specific requirements for the post you are applying for. The cut-off date for eligibility (age and qualification) is January 1, 2026.
1. Marketing Officer (Scale I)
This is an entry-level specialist role suitable for those with a background in marketing and sales.
- Age Limit: Minimum 22 years, Maximum 30 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Full-time Graduation degree in any discipline.
- AND a full-time MBA, PGDBA, PGDBM, PGDM, or PGPM with a specialization in Marketing.
- Experience Required:
- Minimum 2 years of post-qualification experience.
- Out of these 2 years, at least 1 year must be continuous service in the Marketing stream within the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector.
- Crucial Note: You must be currently working in a marketing role to be eligible.
2. Foreign Exchange Officer (Scale III)
This is a mid-senior level role requiring deeper expertise in international banking.
- Age Limit: Minimum 25 years, Maximum 35 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Graduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Mandatory: A certificate in Foreign Exchange Operations from IIBF (Indian Institute of Banking & Finance).
- Preference: Additional qualifications like CFA, CA, or MBA are preferred.
- Experience Required:
- Minimum 5 years of experience as an Officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank.
- Out of this, 3 years must be specifically in Trade Finance, Forex Operations, or IBU-GIFT City.
- Crucial Note: Experience in NBFCs, Cooperative Banks, or Insurance companies is NOT valid for this post.
Job Profiles: What Will You Do?
Understanding the job profile is essential before you apply.
Marketing Officer (Scale I):
As a Marketing Officer, you will be the face of the bank’s business growth. Your responsibilities will include designing marketing strategies, increasing the bank’s CASA (Current Account Savings Account) ratio, selling third-party products (like insurance and mutual funds), and analyzing market trends to improve the bank’s digital footprint. You will likely be posted in Regional or Zonal offices.
Foreign Exchange Officer (Scale III):
This is a high-responsibility role. You will handle complex international trade transactions, manage foreign currency risks, ensure compliance with FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations, and oversee the bank’s forex business at authorized branches. Since this is a Scale III post, you may also have a team reporting to you.
Salary Structure: Pay Scale and Allowances
One of the biggest attractions of this recruitment is the salary package. Central Bank of India offers a lucrative pay scale that adheres to the bipartite settlements of the banking industry.
Marketing Officer (Scale I):
- Pay Scale: ₹48,480 – ₹85,920
- Approximate Gross Salary: ₹70,000 – ₹75,000 per month (depending on posting location).
Foreign Exchange Officer (Scale III):
- Pay Scale: ₹85,920 – ₹1,05,280
- Approximate Gross Salary: ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month.
Additional Benefits:
Apart from the basic pay, officers are entitled to a wide range of perks:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or Leased Accommodation
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
- Medical Aid & Hospitalization benefits
- Leave Fare Concession (LTC)
- Pension/NPS benefits
Selection Process: The Road to Selection
The selection procedure is straightforward but competitive. It consists of two main stages:
Stage 1: Online Written Examination
The tentative date for the exam is February/March 2026. The test will assess your professional knowledge and general aptitude.
- Stream Specific Questions: 60 Questions (60 Marks)
- Computer Knowledge: 20 Questions (20 Marks)
- Banking & General Awareness: 20 Questions (20 Marks)
- Total: 100 Marks | Duration: 60 Minutes
- Note: There is usually a penalty for wrong answers (0.25 marks deducted).
Stage 2: Personal Interview
Candidates who clear the written exam cut-off will be called for an interview. The interview carries 100 marks. You must score at least 50% (45% for reserved categories) in the interview to be considered for the final merit list.
Final Selection:
The final merit list is prepared by combining the scores of the Online Exam and the Interview. Weightage is typically given to both scores.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Since the deadline has been extended, you must act fast. Follow these steps to apply correctly:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Central Bank of India official website and navigate to the “Careers” or “Recruitment” section.
- Registration: Click on “New Registration” and enter your Name, Contact Number, and Email ID. You will receive a Provisional Registration Number and Password.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in and fill in your personal, educational, and experience details. Be very careful with the experience section, as errors here can lead to rejection.
- Upload Documents:
- Scanned Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm)
- Signature (with black ink)
- Left Thumb Impression
- Hand-written Declaration
- Pay the Fee:
- ₹850 for General/OBC/EWS candidates.
- ₹175 for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates.
- Final Submit: Preview your application one last time and hit submit. Save the PDF for future reference.
Why You Should Not Miss This Opportunity
- Lower Competition: Unlike the IBPS PO exam where lakhs of graduates apply, this exam is restricted to those with specific degrees and experience. The applicant pool is much smaller.
- Higher Designation: For those applying for the Forex Officer role, entering directly at Scale III (Senior Manager) is a massive career jump. It usually takes 7-10 years for a Scale I officer to reach Scale III through internal promotions.
- Job Stability: As a public sector bank employee, you enjoy high job security and government benefits.
Conclusion
The Central Bank of India SO Recruitment 2026 is a rare opening for experienced professionals to fast-track their banking careers. With the deadline extended to February 15, 2026, ensure you complete your application immediately. Focus on brushing up on your professional knowledge (Marketing or Forex) as that section holds the highest weightage in the exam.
Good luck with your application!
