SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026 Revised, Check Prelims, Mains, Descriptive Pattern

The SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026 is divided into three stages like Prelims, Mains (objective + descriptive) & Interview. As per the latest SBI PO notification 2026, the descriptive paper has been reduced from 50 to 30 marks. It tests you on email writing, situation analysis, and either report or precis writing. The preliminary exam is qualifying in nature, while the marks scored in the mains and Phase III are used in the final merit list.

The SBI PO notification is out for 1500 vacancies. Candidates preparing for the SBI PO 2026 exam must carefully review the exam pattern, as it is essential for understanding the important and scoring topics in each section. Let us now have a look at the detailed SBI PO exam pattern 2026 for effective exam preparation. 

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The first stage in the SBI PO selection process is the Preliminary examination which is qualifying in nature. Students must clear the prelims exam to shortlist for the Mains round. Marks scored in Phase-I are qualifying in nature and are not included in the final merit list.

• The preliminary exam is conducted online.
• The SBI PO Prelims exam pattern is divided into three sections, each with a separate time limit.
• The preliminary scores are not considered in the final SBI PO selection process.
• Approximately 10 times as many openings are shortlisted for the main examination.
• There is no sectional cutoff for the preliminary examination based on the SBI PO exam pattern.
• Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of one-fourth of the marks allocated to the question.

SBI PO Exam Pattern Mains 2026

The SBI PO exam pattern main is the most essential part of the selection process. It evaluates a candidate’s reasoning abilities, data interpretation skills, banking knowledge, and English language fluency. The marks scored at the mains level play a significant role in the preparation of the final merit list. 

• The SBI PO Exam pattern mains 2026 consists of two parts: Objective & Descriptive Sections.
• The objective part is divided into 4 sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, and English Language. It has to be completed in 3 hours.
• The descriptive part has 3 questions and has to be completed in 30 minutes.
• The objective and descriptive parts are conducted online together.
• For every wrong answer in the objective part, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
• No marks are deducted for leaving a question blank or left unattempted.

SBI PO Descriptive Test 2026 (Revised)

According to the latest SBI PO 2026 notification, the descriptive paper is now 30 marks. The SBI PO Descriptive Test is held right after the objective test of the Main Examination. The SBI PO descriptive assesses communication skills, analytical thinking, of a candidate.

• The Descriptive Test is administered online, and candidates must type their responses into a computer.
• As per the SBI PO Exam Pattern, it has a total weightage of 30 marks.
• Candidates must attempt email writing and situation analysis.
• The third activity requires candidates to select between report and precis writing.
• The final merit list is based on the performance in the Descriptive Test.
• Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks set by SBI.

SBI PO Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Personal Interview

The SBI PO exam pattern has a phase III which is divided into three stages namely Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Personal Interview.

1. Psychometric Test

Candidates shortlisted for Phase III must take a Psychometric Test. SBI uses this exam to assess candidates’ personality traits and behavioral profiles. The results are provided with the Interview Panel so that they can better understand each candidate during the interview process.

• The Psychometric Test can be administered online under supervision or at certified exam centers. All questions are mandatory. However, the test carries no marks and is simply used to profile candidates.

2. Group Exercise (20 Marks)

The minimum qualifying marks for the Group Exercise and Interview will be determined by the Bank. 

• The group exercise evaluated your teamskills, presentation skills, and leadership.

3. Personal Interview (30 Marks)

The last phase of the hiring process is the SBI PO Personal Interview (PI), which is worth 30 marks. Candidates are assessed on their personality, self-assurance, communication abilities, banking knowledge, current affairs expertise, leadership potential, and general fit for the position of probationary officer. 

• The final selection is based on the combined score of the Main Exam and Group Exercise/Interview.

SBI PO Final Selection Process 2026

After knowing the SBI PO Exam Pattern, the candidates must meet the requirements for both the Mains and the Interview to be eligible for the appointment. The marks acquired in the Main Examination (Phase II), both in the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test, will be added to the marks received in Phase III for generating the final merit list. 

• The final merit list for selection will not include the scores from the Preliminary Examination (Phase-I).
• The prelims exam is qualifying in nature.
• The normalized score is 100.
• Candidates with higher rankings are chosen for appointments.

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FAQs

How many phases are there in the SBI PO selection process?

There are three stages in the SBI PO selection process like Preliminary, Main, and Interview/Group Discussion.

Has the SBI PO Exam Pattern changed?

Yes, the SBI has made a few changes in the SBI PO paper pattern. It has reduced the descriptive test score in the main exam from 50 marks to 30 marks.

What is the SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026?

The preliminary exam is divided into three sections: English language, quantitative aptitude, and reasoning ability.

Does SBI PO 2026 have any negative marks?

Yes, each wrong response will result in a deduction of 0.25 marks.

Are the Prelims and Mains exams conducted online or offline?

According to the SBI PO Exam Pattern, the SBI PO mains and preliminary tests are administered online in a computer-based mode.