SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Your roadmap to crack Prelims, Mains & Interview!
If you are planning to become an SBI Probationary Officer (PO), understanding the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is the first step towards effective preparation. The syllabus covers all the important topics asked in the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Descriptive Test, and the final Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview stages. With the SBI PO 2026 notification now released for 1500 vacancies, candidates should familiarise themselves with the latest syllabus and updated exam pattern to plan their preparation strategically.
⚠️ Important 2026 Update: The SBI PO Mains exam pattern has changed this year. The Descriptive Test marks have been reduced from 50 to 30, bringing the total Mains marks down from 250 to 230. This has a direct impact on how you should weigh your preparation. Read all changes in detail →
Practising previous year papers and mock tests can further help in understanding the exam pattern and improving performance.
The SBI PO selection process is conducted in three stages. Candidates must qualify at each stage to move to the next round. The recruitment process begins with the Preliminary Exam, followed by the Main Exam, and finally the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview.
Candidates should carefully review the SBI PO Eligibility 2026 to understand the eligibility criteria, exam dates, vacancy details, and selection process before starting their preparation. A clear understanding of the recruitment process helps candidates create a realistic study plan and preparation timeline.
| Phase | Type of Exam | Main Subjects / Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Preliminary Exam (Objective) | English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability |
| Phase II | Main Exam (Objective + Descriptive) | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General / Economy / Banking Awareness, English Language |
| Phase III | Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview | Personality Assessment, Communication Skills, Leadership Qualities |
Candidates who clear all three stages are considered for final selection as an SBI Probationary Officer (PO).
Also Read: SBI PO Salary 2026
Before diving into the syllabus, every candidate must be aware of the key pattern change in 2026. As per the official notification:
This means objective sections now carry greater relative weight in determining your final rank. Even a 2–3 mark difference in Reasoning or Data Interpretation can shift your position significantly. Plan accordingly.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | — | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | — | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | — | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
(i) Objective Test:
| Test | Section Name | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| II | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| III | General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| IV | English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 hours |
(ii) Descriptive Paper (Revised for 2026):
| Component | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Writing (1 out of 2) + Situation Analysis (1 out of 2) + Report / Précis Writing (1 out of 2) | 3 | 30 (reduced from 50) | 30 minutes |
| Grand Total | | 230 (reduced from 250) | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Component | Max. Marks |
|---|---|
| Group Exercise | 20 |
| Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
| Test | Maximum Marks | Normalised To |
|---|---|---|
| Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive) | 230 | 75 |
| Group Exercise & Interview | 50 | 25 |
| Total | 280 | 100 |
Prelims marks are not added to the final merit list.
The SBI PO Prelims exam is the first stage of the selection process. Although the marks obtained in this stage are not counted in the final merit list, candidates must clear it to move to the next round. The exam mainly tests speed and accuracy.
This section evaluates your understanding of English. Questions are asked from reading comprehension, error detection, sentence rearrangement, vocabulary, and grammar-based topics.
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 10–15 |
| Error Spotting / Sentence Correction | 5–10 |
| Cloze Test | 5–10 |
| Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement | 5 |
| Fill in the Blanks / Word Replacement | 5 |
| Vocabulary-Based (Synonyms, Antonyms) | 3–5 |
This section focuses on basic mathematics and numerical ability. Topics include percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, averages, and data interpretation based on charts and tables. You can sharpen your math concepts and take advantage of our free, timed resources by practising with the Free SBI PO Mock Test.
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar, Line, Pie Charts) | 10–15 |
| Simplification / Approximation | 5–10 |
| Number Series | 5 |
| Quadratic Equations | 5 |
| Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Ratio, Average, Time & Work, Distance) | 5–10 |
| Miscellaneous Word Problems | 5 |
The reasoning section tests logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Questions are generally asked from seating arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, syllogism, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning topics.
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 10–15 |
| Syllogism | 3–5 |
| Inequality | 3–5 |
| Coding-Decoding | 3–5 |
| Blood Relations | 2–3 |
| Direction Sense | 2–3 |
| Alphanumeric Series | 2–5 |
| Miscellaneous | 3–5 |
Candidates who qualify in the Prelims exam appear for the Mains examination. This stage is more advanced and requires a deeper understanding of concepts. It includes objective as well as descriptive sections. Make sure to read our dedicated guide on SBI PO Selection Process 2026.
In the Mains exam, numerical aptitude is tested through data analysis and interpretation. Candidates are required to solve questions based on graphs, charts, tables, and caselets, along with advanced mathematical concepts.
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| DI — Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Table | 15–20 |
| Caselet-Based DI | 5–10 |
| Data Sufficiency | 5 |
| Arithmetic Application Sums (Advanced) | 5–10 |
| Miscellaneous (Probability, Permutation & Combination) | 3–5 |
This section covers current affairs along with banking and financial awareness. Candidates should stay updated with important national and international events, RBI updates, government schemes, and developments in the banking sector.
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs (Last 6 months) | 20–25 |
| Banking & Financial Awareness | 15–20 |
| RBI Policies & Schemes | 5–10 |
| Government Schemes | 5–10 |
| Static GK (Capitals, Currencies, Awards, Books & Authors) | 5–10 |
The Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section tests both advanced logical thinking and basic knowledge of computers and digital concepts. Important reasoning topics include complex puzzles, seating arrangements, input-output, and data sufficiency. Computer aptitude covers topics like Mathematical operations, flow-chart or special character-based Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, and Machine Input-Output.
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (Complex) | 15–20 |
| Input-Output / Machine Input | 5 |
| Data Sufficiency | 5 |
| Logical Reasoning | 5 |
| Computer Aptitude (Flow Charts, Special Characters) | 5–10 |
| Coding-Decoding (Advanced) | 3–5 |
| Topic | Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (Long Passages) | 15–20 |
| Error Detection / Sentence Correction | 5–10 |
| Para Jumbles | 5 |
| Fill in the Blanks / Double Fillers | 5 |
| Vocabulary-Based Questions | 5 |
2026 Change: The Descriptive Test now carries 30 marks (previously 50 marks). The time limit of 30 minutes and the three-question structure remain the same. Sectional cut-off applies — you must clear the descriptive cut-off separately, regardless of your objective score.
The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Objective Test in the Mains examination. It assesses candidates’ written communication, analytical thinking, and business writing skills. Candidates must type their answers on the computer.
As per the SBI PO 2026 pattern, candidates are required to attempt:
Each question carries 10 marks. Since the section now carries 30 marks total (down from 50), it contributes less to the overall score — but the cut-off still applies individually, so you cannot skip this preparation.
Regular practice of formal writing and structured responses can significantly improve performance in this section.
A smart study plan can help you complete the SBI PO syllabus on time and improve your chances of success. If you are struggling to structure your timetable or want to pick the right books, check our step-by-step roadmap: SBI PO 30-Day Study Plan.
Regular mock tests help improve speed, accuracy, and time management while giving you a better understanding of the SBI PO exam pattern. With the Descriptive marks reduced and objective sections carrying greater weight, consistent timed practice is non-negotiable.
Take a Free SBI PO Mock Test on PracticeMock →
Reading newspapers every day improves English skills and helps you stay updated with current affairs for the General Awareness section. Focus on business, economy, and banking pages — these directly feed into the 60-question GA section in Mains.
Focus on one topic at a time instead of covering the entire SBI PO syllabus together. This makes learning easier and more effective. High-priority topics: Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (Reasoning), DI & Caselets (Quant), and Reading Comprehension (English).
Keep notes of important formulas, banking terms, and key facts for quick revision before the exam. Since the objective sections now carry maximum weightage in the 2026 pattern, a well-maintained revision bank is your fastest tool in the final weeks.
After clearing the written stages of the SBI PO exam, candidates appear for the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview. These stages assess a candidate’s personality, communication skills, confidence, and suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer.
The Psychometric Test helps evaluate behavioural traits and work-related qualities. It carries no marks but the findings are shared with the Interview Panel. All questions in the Psychometric Test are mandatory.
The Group Exercise and Interview together carry 50 marks, which are normalised to 25 marks in the final merit list.
Choosing the right study material is important for covering the SBI PO syllabus effectively. Good books help you understand concepts, practise questions, and improve your overall preparation. Here are some recommended resources for SBI PO 2026:
Choosing the right study material is important for covering the SBI PO syllabus effectively. Good books help you understand concepts, practice questions, and improve your overall preparation. Here are some recommended books for SBI PO 2026 preparation:
| Subject Area | Book |
| Previous Year Papers | SBI PO Prelims & Mains Previous Year Solved Papers |
| Quantitative Aptitude | KYC Quantitative Aptitude |
These cover the latest exam pattern and provide ample practice questions to help candidates prepare for both the Prelims and Mains examinations.
For a full picture of upcoming recruitment timelines alongside other major exams this cycle, refer to the Upcoming Bank Exams 2026 guide.
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 |
For a full picture of upcoming recruitment timelines alongside other major exams this cycle, refer to the SBI PO Exam Date 2026 guide.
Q1. Is the SBI PO syllabus different from other bank exams?
The basic subjects are similar to other banking exams. However, the SBI PO syllabus generally includes more challenging reasoning puzzles and data interpretation questions. The addition of Computer Aptitude in the Mains Reasoning section is also specific to SBI PO.
Q2. What is the new change in the SBI PO Mains exam pattern for 2026?
The Descriptive Test marks have been reduced from 50 to 30 in the 2026 cycle. As a result, the total Mains marks have come down from 250 to 230. The objective test structure of 200 marks across four sections remains unchanged. All other details, including the 30-minute duration of the Descriptive Test and the three-question format, remain the same.
Q3. Is the Descriptive Test still important after the marks reduction?
Yes. Even though the Descriptive Test marks have been reduced to 30, a sectional cut-off still applies. You must clear the descriptive cut-off separately to be eligible for Phase III. Skipping descriptive preparation is not an option.
Q4. Is Quantitative Aptitude difficult in the SBI PO syllabus?
The questions are based on school-level mathematics at the Prelims stage. Mains DI and Data Analysis are significantly more challenging. With regular practice and strong calculation skills, candidates can perform well in both sections.
Q5. How can I prepare for the General Awareness section of the SBI PO syllabus?
Reading newspapers, following current affairs, and staying updated on banking and financial news are the best ways to prepare for this section. Focus on the last 6 months of current affairs, RBI policies, government schemes, and static GK. This section carries 60 questions for 60 marks in the Mains exam — the highest weightage of any single section.
Q6. Are Prelims marks counted in the final SBI PO result?
No. The marks obtained in the Prelims exam are not included in the final merit list. They are only used to shortlist candidates for the Mains examination. The final merit list is prepared based on Mains (normalised to 75 marks) and Phase III (normalised to 25 marks), totalling 100 marks.
Q7. Can I prepare for the SBI PO exam at home?
Yes, candidates can successfully prepare for the SBI PO syllabus at home with the help of quality study material, mock tests, and a consistent study plan. PracticeMock’s SBI PO Mock Test Series provides full-length Prelims and Mains mocks, sectional tests, and detailed performance analysis with All India Rank.
Disclaimer: PracticeMock articles — exam analysis, expected cut-offs, expected topics, exam pattern, syllabus, strategies, dates, results, recruitment updates — are for guidance only. Exams are conducted by SBI and other authorities. Always check the official notifications / website (sbi.bank.in) for verified information. PracticeMock content is not official.
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