SBI PO Shift Timing 2026 is one of the most important details candidates should know before appearing for the State Bank of India Probationary Officer (PO) examination. The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 is scheduled to be held on 1st and 2nd August 2026 in four shifts across various exam centres. Candidates must carefully check their reporting time, exam start time, exam end time, and shift details mentioned on the admit card to avoid any last-minute confusion. Arriving at the examination centre on time is mandatory, as late entry is generally not permitted. Read this article to check the complete SBI PO Prelims and Mains shift timings, exam duration, reporting schedule, documents to carry, and important exam day instructions.
SBI PO Shift Timing 2026: Overview
Before checking the detailed SBI PO Shift Timing, candidates can go through the important highlights of the SBI PO Exam 2026 below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Name | SBI PO Exam 2026 |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Category | Shift Timing |
| SBI PO Prelims Exam Date | 1st & 2nd August 2026 |
| SBI PO Mains Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Prelims Shifts | Four Shifts |
| Mains Shifts | Single Shift |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Interview & Group Exercise |
| Official Website | https://sbi.co.in |
SBI PO Prelims Shift Timing 2026
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 will be conducted in four shifts on 1st and 2nd August 2026. Each shift has a separate reporting time and exam timing. Candidates should reach the examination centre well before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card to complete the verification process smoothly.
| Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift I | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Shift II | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Shift III | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Shift IV | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
Note: The exact shift allotted to a candidate will be mentioned on the SBI PO Admit Card 2026. Candidates must report only at the exam centre and time specified in their call letter.
SBI PO Mains Shift Timing 2026
The SBI PO Mains Exam is conducted in a single shift. Candidates shortlisted in the Preliminary Examination will receive the SBI PO Mains Admit Card with the exact reporting time, exam venue, and important instructions. The Mains examination includes both the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test, so candidates should reach the exam centre well before the reporting time to complete the verification process without any inconvenience.
| Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift I | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
SBI PO Exam Duration 2026
The SBI PO selection process consists of Prelims, Mains, and Interview & Group Exercise. The duration of both online examinations is different. The Prelims exam is conducted for 60 minutes, while the Mains exam lasts for 3 hours 30 minutes, including the descriptive paper. Since each section is individually timed, candidates cannot switch between sections until the allotted time for that section is over.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Duration
The SBI PO Preliminary Examination consists of three sections carrying a total of 100 marks. Candidates get 20 minutes to attempt each section, making the overall duration 1 hour.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
SBI PO Mains Exam Duration
The SBI PO Mains Examination consists of an Objective Test followed by a Descriptive Test. The Objective Test carries 200 marks, while the Descriptive Test carries 50 marks. Each objective section has a separate time limit.
SBI PO Mains Section-wise Duration
| Section | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 60 | 60 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 35 Minutes |
| English Language | 20 | 40 Minutes |
| Descriptive Test (Letter & Essay Writing) | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Total Duration | 250 | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
Note: The SBI PO Descriptive Test begins immediately after the Objective Test. Candidates must complete each section within the allotted time, as sectional timing is strictly enforced.
SBI PO Reporting Time & Gate Closure Rules
Candidates must strictly follow the reporting time mentioned on their SBI PO Admit Card. Reporting early allows sufficient time for document verification, biometric attendance, frisking, and other security procedures before the examination begins.
Candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Reach the SBI PO exam centre at least 60 minutes before the exam starts.
- Carry the SBI PO Admit Card and a valid original photo ID proof.
- Complete biometric verification and document verification before entering the examination hall.
- Entry gates are generally closed before the commencement of the examination.
- Candidates arriving after the gate closes will not be permitted to appear for the examination.
- Carefully follow all instructions given by the invigilators throughout the examination process.
Documents to Carry for SBI PO Exam 2026
Candidates must carry all the required documents to avoid any inconvenience on the examination day. Failure to produce the necessary documents may result in denial of entry to the examination hall.
Carry the following documents:
- SBI PO Admit Card 2026 (printed copy)
- Original Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.)
- Photocopy of the same Photo ID (if mentioned in the call letter)
- Recent passport-size photographs (if required)
- Any additional documents specified in the SBI PO Admit Card
Important Instructions for SBI PO Exam Day
Candidates should carefully follow the guidelines issued by the State Bank of India to ensure a smooth examination process.
- Reach the examination centre before the reporting time.
- Carry only the permitted documents inside the examination centre.
- Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, or any electronic gadgets.
- Avoid bringing study materials, handwritten notes, or any prohibited items.
- Cooperate during frisking and biometric verification.
- Follow the seating arrangement mentioned by the examination authorities.
- Read all instructions displayed on the computer screen carefully before starting the examination.
- Maintain discipline throughout the examination and avoid any unfair practices, as these may lead to disqualification.
SBI PO Shift Timing 2026 FAQs
1. What are the SBI PO Shift Timings 2026 for the prelims exam?
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 will be conducted in four shifts on 1st and 2nd August 2026. Shift I will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Shift II from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Shift III from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and Shift IV from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Candidates should check their allotted shift on the admit card.
2. What is the reporting time for the SBI PO Exam 2026?
Candidates are advised to report to the examination centre at least one hour before the exam starts. The exact reporting time is mentioned on the SBI PO Admit Card. Arriving early allows sufficient time for document verification, biometric attendance, and security checks.
3. How long is the SBI PO Prelims and Mains Exam?
The SBI PO Prelims Exam is conducted for 60 minutes, with 20 minutes allotted to each section. The SBI PO Mains Exam has a total duration of 3 hours 30 minutes, including both the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test, with separate sectional timings.
4. What documents should I carry to the SBI PO exam centre?
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the SBI PO Admit Card, an original valid photo identity proof (such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence), and any additional documents or photographs specified in the call letter. Without these documents, entry to the examination hall may not be permitted.
5. Is late entry allowed in the SBI PO Exam?
No. Candidates who arrive after the entry gate closes or after the reporting time specified by the examination authorities are generally not allowed to enter the examination centre. It is recommended to reach the venue well before the reporting time to complete all verification formalities without any hassle.
6. Are electronic gadgets allowed inside the SBI PO examination hall?
No. Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones, and other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall. Candidates should carry only the permitted documents and follow all exam day instructions issued by the State Bank of India.
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