The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is similar to that of other major banking exams. Candidates preparing for the SBI PO exam should thoroughly understand the latest syllabus and exam pattern to become familiar with the exam structure and plan their preparation effectively.
The syllabus mainly focuses on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Banking Awareness, which form the core of both the Prelims and Mains examinations. Since the selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and the Interview round (as mentioned in the latest SBI PO Notification 2026), candidates must prepare strategically for every stage.
A clear understanding of the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 will help aspirants identify important topics, improve time management, and build an effective preparation strategy to maximise their score.
Key Highlights – SBI PO Syllabus 2026
- SBI PO exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview
- Prelims covers English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability
- Mains includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis, English, and General Awareness
- A Descriptive Test (Essay & Letter Writing) is part of the Mains exam
- Final selection is based on Mains + Interview performance with negative marking in objective tests (0.25)
SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Overview
The SBI PO 2026 Exam is conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit candidates for the post of Probationary Officer (PO). The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and the final Interview round. The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 covers subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, Data Analysis, and Banking Awareness.
Understanding the SBI PO syllabus and exam pattern is important for effective preparation and better score improvement.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 Years |
| Prelims Questions | 100 |
| Mains Questions | 170 MCQs + Descriptive Test |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th Mark |
| Final Selection | Based on Mains & Interview |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in |
Crack SBI PO 2026 Now
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 is the first stage of the selection process and consists of three sections — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The exam includes 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks in total. Candidates must prepare all sections thoroughly to qualify for the Mains Exam. For a structured approach to clearing this stage, the detailed How to Crack SBI PO Prelims 2026 in First Attempt strategy focuses on section-wise time management, question selection order, and mock test benchmarks.
The SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026 is given below.
| Quantitative Aptitude | Reasoning Ability | English Language |
| Simplification & Approximation | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | Reading Comprehension |
| Quadratic Equations | Alphanumeric Series | Cloze Test |
| Number Series | Coding-Decoding | Fill in the Blanks |
| Data Interpretation | Syllogism | Para Jumbles |
| Profit & Loss | Blood Relations | Vocabulary |
| Ratio & Proportion | Direction Sense | Error Spotting |
| Percentage | Inequalities | Sentence Improvement |
| Simple & Compound Interest | Ranking & Order | Sentence Completion |
| Time & Work | Input-Output | Word Usage |
| Time & Distance | Logical Reasoning | Double Fillers |
| Mixtures & Alligations | Alphabet Test | Paragraph Completion |
| Permutation & Probability | Data Sufficiency | Tenses Rules |
| Number System | Tabulation | Word Association |
| Mensuration |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026 (Phase II)
The SBI PO Mains Exam 2026 is the second stage of the selection process and includes advanced-level questions from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.
Since DI is one of the most time-consuming sections in Mains, having a clear selection strategy — knowing which sets to attempt and which to skip — is just as important as knowing the concepts. The Advanced DI Strategy for SBI PO 2026 covers how to identify manageable sets quickly, approach multi-graph questions, and score efficiently under timed conditions.
The exam also includes a Descriptive Test consisting of letter and essay writing.
The detailed SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026 is provided below.
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | General/Economy/Banking Awareness | English Language |
| Data Interpretation | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | Current Affairs | Reading Comprehension |
| Tabular Graph | Coding-Decoding | Banking Awareness | Cloze Test |
| Line Graph | Input-Output | Financial Awareness | Fill in the Blanks |
| Bar Graph | Blood Relations | Economic News | Para Jumbles |
| Pie Charts | Syllogism | Static Awareness | Vocabulary |
| Caselet DI | Directions & Distances | Banking Terminologies | Error Spotting |
| Missing Case DI | Data Sufficiency | RBI Updates | Sentence Improvement |
| Probability | Logical Reasoning | Government Schemes | Sentence Rearrangement |
| Permutation & Combination | Critical Reasoning | Insurance Awareness | Word Usage |
| Ratio & Proportion | Ordering & Ranking | Awards & Appointments | Sentence Completion |
| Percentage | Verbal Reasoning | National & International News | Word Replacement |
| Time & Work | Computer Fundamentals | Books & Authors | Idioms & Phrases |
| Profit & Loss | Networking | Connect the Sentences | |
| Simple & Compound Interest | Internet | Paragraph Central Idea | |
| Mensuration | Microsoft Office | ||
| Data Sufficiency | Operating System | ||
| Boats & Streams | Memory | ||
| Problems on Trains | Keyboard Shortcuts |
SBI PO Descriptive Test 2026
The SBI PO Descriptive Test is conducted as part of the Mains Examination. The test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s English writing skills, grammar, clarity, and communication ability. Candidates are required to type their answers on the computer within the given time duration.
The Descriptive Test carries 50 marks and includes questions based on Email Writing, Situation Analysis, and Report/Precis Writing. The marks scored in this section are considered for the final selection process.
| Topics | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Email Writing | 1 out of 2 | 15 | 30 Minutes |
| Situation Analysis Writing | 1 out of 2 | 15 | |
| Report Writing / Precis Writing | 1 out of 2 | 20 | |
| Total | 3 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern
The SBI PO 2026 Selection Process consists of three stages — Prelims, Mains, and Phase 3 (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview). Candidates must qualify each stage to move forward in the recruitment process. Both the Prelims and Mains exams are conducted in online mode and include negative marking for incorrect answers.
For every incorrect answer in the objective tests, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Prelims Exam consists of three sections — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes with sectional timing for each section.
| Subjects | No. of 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 |
Important Points
- The Prelims Exam is qualifying in nature.
- There is no sectional cut-off in the Prelims Exam.
- 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Candidates up to 10 times the category-wise vacancies are shortlisted for the Mains Exam.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Mains Exam consists of four objective sections and one descriptive test. The Mains Exam carries both sectional and overall cut-offs.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 Minutes |
| Descriptive Test | 3 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 173 | 250 | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
Important Points
- The Mains Exam includes both objective and descriptive tests.
- There is a sectional as well as overall cut-off in the Mains Exam.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable only to objective questions.
- Candidates up to 3 times the category-wise vacancies are shortlisted for the Interview round.
For a complete, up-to-date book list with study plan recommendations, check out SBI PO 2026 Books & Study Plan guide.
SBI PO Phase 3: Interview & Group Exercise
Candidates who qualify the SBI PO Mains Exam are called for Phase 3, which includes the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Personal Interview. This stage evaluates a candidate’s personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and suitability for the role of Probationary Officer.
| Activity | Marks | Details |
| Psychometric Test | No Marks | Online test conducted to assess behavioural traits and personality |
| Group Exercise | 20 Marks | Tests communication, teamwork, and leadership skills |
| Personal Interview | 30 Marks | Evaluates banking awareness, confidence, and overall personality |
Psychometric Test
The Psychometric Test is conducted online and usually lasts around 90 minutes. It does not carry any marks but helps the interview panel understand a candidate’s behavioural and emotional approach in different situations.
Group Exercise
In the Group Exercise round, candidates are divided into groups and given a topic related to banking, current affairs, or social issues. The panel evaluates communication skills, teamwork, leadership ability, and confidence.
Personal Interview
The Personal Interview carries 30 marks and is conducted by an interview panel in Hindi or English. Candidates may be asked questions related to banking awareness, current affairs, educational background, work experience, and career goals.
For a full picture of upcoming recruitment timelines alongside other major exams this cycle, refer to the Upcoming Bank Exams 2026 guide.
SBI PO Salary After 5 Years
After 5 years of joining as an SBI Probationary Officer, the salary increases significantly due to yearly increments and possible promotion to Manager level.
On average, an SBI PO earns around ₹75,000 to ₹95,000 per month (in-hand) after 5 years, depending on location, increments, and promotion status. In some cases, if promoted to MMGS-II (Manager level), the salary can be even higher with additional allowances and perks.
The basic pay after 5 years is approximately ₹51,000 to ₹55,000, along with DA, HRA, and other benefits, which increases the overall monthly income.
SBI PO Final Selection Criteria
The final selection is based on marks obtained in the Mains exam and Interview.
- The Mains exam has 75% weightage in the final result.
- The Interview has 25% weightage in the final result.
So, the final merit list is prepared by combining:
- Mains Exam score (out of 75)
- Interview score (out of 25)
SBI PO Syllabus 2026
Other Related Blogs on SBI PO 2026
| SBI PO Exam Pattern | SBI PO Previous Year Question Paper |
| SBI PO Salary | Budget 2026 Banking Exam Strategy |
| Puzzle Solving Tricks Used by Toppers at Mains Level | Top 50 Banking Awareness Q&A for 2026 |
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SBI PO 2026 FAQs
Start with basic concepts of Quant, Reasoning, and English. After building concepts, practice topic-wise questions daily, followed by sectional tests and full-length mock tests. Also revise current affairs regularly for the Mains exam.
Prelims include English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Mains include Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis, English Language, General Awareness, and a Descriptive Test.
Important topics include Seating Arrangement (linear and circular), Puzzles (floor, box, month-based), Syllogism, Inequality, Input-Output, and Data Sufficiency.
For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. No marks are cut for unanswered questions. Final selection is based on Mains and Interview performance.
Each section in both Prelims and Mains is separately timed, so candidates must complete each section within the given time limit with proper speed and accuracy.
The SBI PO pre cut off 2026 is the minimum score required to qualify the Prelims exam. It varies every year depending on exam difficulty, number of vacancies, and overall candidate performance. Only candidates who clear this cut-off are eligible for the Mains exam.
SBI Careers is the official recruitment portal of the State Bank of India where all notifications, application forms, results, and updates for SBI PO and other posts are released. Candidates must regularly check SBI Careers for the latest SBI PO 2026 updates.
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