The Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Security Guard Syllabus 2026 is an important resource for candidates preparing for the newly announced Security Guard recruitment. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), a leading public sector bank headquartered in Chennai, has released the notification for recruitment of Security Guards (Advertisement No. HRMD/SS/RECT/01/2026-27, dated 25.08.2026). The vacancies are exclusively for eligible ex-servicemen/ex-Agniveers for posting in Chennai/Tamil Nadu (with possible posting anywhere in Tamil Nadu). There are 25 vacancies (SC-4, ST-0, OBC-7, EWS-2, GEN-12).
The selection process is not limited to a written examination. Candidates have to clear an objective-type test, a local language test, and a physical fitness test. Therefore, aspirants should prepare both academically and physically instead of focusing only on the written syllabus.
Important: Candidates should always match the syllabus and eligibility requirements with the latest notification available on the official IOB Careers page, as the bank can modify recruitment conditions.
Indian Overseas Bank Security Guard Syllabus 2026 – Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Overseas Bank |
| Post | Security Guard |
| Recruitment Year | 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 25 |
| Application Start Date | 25 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 September 2026 |
| Selection Process | Objective Test + Local Language Test + Physical Fitness Test |
| Objective Test | 80 Marks |
| Local Language Test | 20 Marks |
| Physical Fitness Test | 100 Marks |
| Main Written Test Areas | English Language, Aptitude, Psychometric Test |
| Local Language | Tamil |
| Physical Test | Push-ups, Sit-ups, 1 Km Run and Drill |
The latest recruitment information indicates that the objective test carries 80 marks, followed by a Tamil language test of 20 marks and a physical fitness assessment carrying 100 marks.
Indian Overseas Bank Security Guard Eligibility Criteria (as on 01.08.2026)
- Nationality: Indian citizen (or eligible categories as per Government of India norms with certificate of eligibility where required).
- Age: Minimum 18 years, maximum 26 years (relaxations apply for Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Agniveers based on service rendered + 3 years, subject to overall maximum of 45 years in most cases; specific relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/Agniveers as detailed in the notification).
- Educational Qualification: Pass in 10th standard or equivalent. Candidates should not have passed Graduation or its equivalent. Ability to speak, read, and write Tamil is mandatory. Special provisions exist for certain matriculate Ex-Servicemen with Army Special Certificate of Education (or equivalent) after 15+ years of service.
- Other: Character “Exemplary” at discharge; medical standards minimum SHAPE-1 or AYE (as applicable) at discharge. Disabled Ex-Servicemen and certain other categories are not eligible. Vacancies are reserved exclusively for Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Agniveers (excluding disabled Ex-Servicemen). The post is not identified for PwD reservation.
IOB Security Guard Selection Process 2026
Selection consists of three stages:
- Objective-type Online Test
- Local Language Test (Tamil)
- Physical Fitness Test
Merit is prepared by adding marks from the online test, local language test, and physical fitness test (reservation-wise). Cut-offs are decided by the Bank based on performance and vacancies. Pre-examination training may be arranged for eligible SC/ST/Minority/Ex-Servicemen candidates at Chennai.
IOB Security Guard Exam Pattern 2026
Before starting preparation, candidates should understand how the written examination is divided. The objective test is designed to assess basic English ability, numerical aptitude and psychological suitability for the responsibilities associated with a security role.
Objective Type Test
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of English Language | 20 |
| Aptitude Test | 20 |
| Psychometric Test | 20 |
| Additional objective-test component as specified in the recruitment handout | 20 |
| Total | 80 |
The 2026 recruitment information reports an 80-mark objective examination. Candidates should carefully check the official information handout for the precise question count, duration and detailed instructions before appearing for the examination.
Indian Overseas Bank Security Guard Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise
1. Knowledge of English Language
The English section is intended to check whether candidates can understand and use basic English required in a workplace environment. Candidates do not necessarily need advanced grammar knowledge; instead, they should focus on accuracy and comprehension.
Important areas to prepare include:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Fill in the blanks
- Sentence completion
- Error detection
- Basic grammar
- Spelling
- Articles
- Prepositions
- Tenses
- Subject-verb agreement
- Simple sentence formation
- Commonly used words and phrases
A practical way to prepare this section is to read short English passages every day and solve basic grammar questions. Candidates who are uncomfortable with English should concentrate first on commonly used words, sentence structure and comprehension.
2. Aptitude Test
The aptitude portion is expected to focus on basic numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Candidates should revise the arithmetic concepts they have studied at the school level.
Important topics include:
- Number system
- Simplification
- Addition and subtraction
- Multiplication and division
- Decimals and fractions
- Percentage
- Ratio and proportion
- Average
- Profit and loss
- Simple interest
- Time and work
- Time, speed and distance
- Basic data interpretation
- Mensuration
- Age-based problems
- Basic mathematical reasoning
The objective should not be to solve extremely difficult mathematics questions. Instead, candidates should build speed and accuracy in basic calculations.
3. Psychometric Test
The psychometric component is particularly relevant to a Security Guard position because the job requires discipline, alertness, emotional stability and the ability to respond appropriately to different situations.
Candidates may encounter questions or situations designed to assess qualities such as:
- Alertness
- Discipline
- Responsibility
- Decision-making
- Presence of mind
- Honesty
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Patience
- Situational awareness
- Behaviour under pressure
- Following instructions
- Handling unexpected situations
There is no conventional formula for preparing for a psychometric assessment. Candidates should answer honestly and consistently rather than trying to guess what a particular question is “supposed” to test.
IOB Security Guard Local Language Test 2026
The recruitment process also includes a Local Language Test (LLT). For the current recruitment, the local language identified is Tamil. The language assessment carries 20 marks according to the recruitment information.
Candidates should therefore prepare basic reading, writing and communication in Tamil. The exact format should be checked in the official recruitment notification/information handout.
Possible areas may include:
- Reading simple sentences
- Understanding common words
- Writing basic sentences
- Basic communication
- Understanding instructions
- Reading notices or short passages
The language test should not be ignored because qualifying in the written examination alone does not complete the selection process.
IOB Security Guard Physical Fitness Test 2026
Physical fitness is one of the most important components of this recruitment. According to the currently reported 2026 recruitment details, the physical test carries 100 marks, with candidates required to achieve an overall qualifying score as well as the required minimum in individual events.
| Physical Event | Maximum Marks | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Push-ups | 30 | 20 |
| Sit-ups | 30 | 20 |
| 1 Km Run | 30 | 20 |
| Drill | 10 | 5 |
| Total | 100 | 65 |
Candidates should take the physical test seriously from the beginning. Waiting until after the written examination to start physical preparation can make it difficult to reach the required performance level.
How to Prepare for the IOB Security Guard Physical Test
A simple daily routine can help candidates improve gradually.
Morning: Start with a warm-up followed by running or brisk walking.
Strength training: Practise push-ups and sit-ups regularly, gradually increasing repetitions.
Running practice: Begin with a comfortable pace and work towards completing 1 km comfortably within the required time.
Drill: Candidates should practise basic discipline and drill movements according to the instructions provided by the recruiting authority.
Candidates should also allow sufficient recovery time. Overtraining immediately before the physical test can reduce performance rather than improve it.
IOB Security Guard Syllabus 2026 – Most Important Topics
Candidates preparing with limited time should prioritise the following areas:
| Priority | Area | Topics to Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| High | Aptitude | Percentage, ratio, average, simplification, profit & loss |
| High | English | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, error detection |
| High | Psychometric | Situational judgement, discipline, decision-making |
| High | Physical Test | 1 Km running, push-ups, sit-ups |
| Medium | English | Sentence completion, spelling, prepositions |
| Medium | Aptitude | Time & work, speed & distance, simple interest |
| High | Local Language | Reading, writing and basic communication |
| High | Drill | Discipline and prescribed movements |
IOB Security Guard Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
Stage 1 – Objective Type Test: Candidates first appear for the objective examination carrying 80 marks.
Stage 2 – Local Language Test: Candidates who progress through the recruitment process have to appear for the prescribed local language assessment.
Stage 3 – Physical Fitness Test: Candidates are assessed through push-ups, sit-ups, a 1 Km run and drill.
The reported recruitment structure provides a total of 200 marks across the objective test, language test and physical fitness assessment. Candidates should carefully read the official notification regarding qualifying conditions and the way the final merit list is prepared.
IOB Security Guard Exam Preparation Strategy
A good preparation plan should divide the available time between written preparation and physical training. Candidates preparing for this recruitment should not spend the entire day solving aptitude questions while ignoring fitness.
Step 1: Understand the syllabus
Begin by making a list of all the subjects and physical events. This prevents candidates from spending too much time on one area.
Step 2: Strengthen basic concepts
For aptitude, revise school-level arithmetic. For English, focus on grammar and vocabulary. For the psychometric test, practise situational questions and develop a consistent approach to answering them.
Step 3: Practise questions every day
Instead of reading theory continuously, solve a small set of questions daily. Keep track of incorrect answers and revise the underlying concept.
Step 4: Start physical preparation early
Running, push-ups and sit-ups should become part of the daily routine. Candidates should monitor their progress every week rather than waiting for the physical test date.
Step 5: Attempt mock tests
Mock tests can help candidates improve speed and reduce examination anxiety. After each test, spend time analysing incorrect answers rather than simply checking the score.
Step 6: Revise regularly
Keep the final week mainly for revision, practice and physical maintenance. Avoid trying to learn a large number of new topics at the last moment.
IOB Security Guard Syllabus 2026 – Preparation Tips
- Study for at least a few focused hours every day.
- Give extra attention to basic arithmetic.
- Read English for 15–20 minutes daily.
- Practise aptitude questions with a timer.
- Take psychometric questions seriously and answer consistently.
- Start running and strength exercises well before the physical test.
- Maintain a record of your running time and repetitions.
- Practise the required local language.
- Attempt previous recruitment-style questions where available.
- Read the official notification carefully before the examination.
- Avoid ignoring physical fitness simply because the written test comes first.
IOB Security Guard Pay Scale
Selected candidates join in the subordinate staff cadre under the 12th Bipartite Settlement scale (starting basic around ₹19,500 with increments; actual fixation based on last drawn defence salary). Emoluments as per industry-wide settlements. Probation: 6 months. Job involves security duties, operating gadgets (CCTV, metal detectors, alarms, fire equipment), shift work (including nights), and other subordinate cadre tasks.
Important: Always refer to the official advertisement and website for the most accurate and updated information, as the Bank may modify details. Results and further stages will be published on the IOB website.
This recruitment offers a stable government job opportunity for eligible Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Agniveers. Prepare systematically, focusing on both the written components and physical fitness, to maximize chances of selection. Good luck!
IOB Security Guard Syllabus 2026: Final Takeaway
The Indian Overseas Bank Security Guard Syllabus 2026 is relatively manageable for candidates who have a basic academic foundation, but the recruitment should not be treated as only a written examination. The objective test checks English, aptitude and psychometric suitability, while the language and physical assessments test practical skills required for the post.
The biggest advantage for serious candidates is early preparation. A balanced routine covering English, arithmetic, psychometric practice, local-language preparation and physical fitness can make the recruitment process much easier to handle.
Since the Security Guard recruitment notification has been reported as released on 25 August 2026, candidates should use the latest official IOB recruitment documents for the final details on eligibility, examination instructions and selection conditions.
FAQs on Indian Overseas Bank Security Guard Syllabus 2026
Q1. What is the IOB Security Guard Syllabus 2026?
The syllabus covers areas assessed through the objective test, including English language, aptitude and psychometric assessment, along with a local language test and physical fitness assessment.
Q2. How many marks is the IOB Security Guard objective test?
The objective test carries 80 marks according to the currently reported recruitment details.
Q3. How many marks are allotted to the physical fitness test?
The physical fitness test carries 100 marks, covering push-ups, sit-ups, a 1 Km run and drill.
Q4. What are the physical events in the IOB Security Guard recruitment?
The reported events are push-ups, sit-ups, 1 Km running and drill.
Q5. Is there a local language test?
Yes. The current recruitment information includes a Tamil Local Language Test carrying 20 marks.
Q6. What should I study first for the written examination?
Candidates should begin with basic arithmetic, English grammar and comprehension, followed by aptitude practice and psychometric/situational questions.
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