SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Your roadmap to crack Prelims, Mains & Interview!
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 includes separate syllabi for the Preliminary and Main examinations. The Preliminary Exam tests candidates on English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, while the Main Examination covers Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, followed by a Descriptive Test. Understanding the latest syllabus is the first step towards your effective preparation, identifying high-weightage topics, and planning section-wise practice.
In this blog, you’ll find the complete SBI PO Prelims and Mains syllabus, the latest exam pattern, subject-wise topics, marking scheme, selection process, and preparation tips to help you prepare confidently for the upcoming examination.
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is divided into two major stages:
Candidates who qualify for the Prelims are shortlisted for the Mains examination. After clearing the Mains, candidates appear for the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview. The table below provides a quick overview.
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Name | SBI PO 2026 |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Psychometric Test → Group Exercise & Interview |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Prelims Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Mains Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes + Descriptive Test |
| Negative Marking | Yes (Objective Test Only) |
The SBI PO Selection Process 2026 consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview & Group Exercise. Candidates must qualify at each stage to progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. While the Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature, marks obtained in the Main Examination and Interview/Group Exercise are considered for preparing the final merit list.
Before starting your preparation, it is important to understand the complete selection process so that you can allocate sufficient time to every stage of the exam.
| Stage | Purpose | Qualifying Status |
| Preliminary Examination | Shortlisting candidates for the Main Examination | Qualifying |
| Main Examination | Evaluates candidates’ overall aptitude and knowledge | Merit-Based |
| Interview & Group Exercise | Assesses personality, communication, and suitability for the role | Merit-Based |
Before understanding the Syllabus, it is important to know the latest SBI PO exam pattern mentioned below.
The SBI PO Preliminary Examination is an online objective test comprising three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates should prepare all three sections thoroughly to qualify for the Main Examination.
| 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 |
Important Points
The SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026 comprises three subjects—English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Preliminary Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s language proficiency, numerical ability, and logical reasoning skills. Preparing every section thoroughly is essential to qualify for the Main Examination.
The English section checks your reading ability, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Read newspapers daily and solve sectional quizzes regularly to improve speed and comprehension.
Important topics include:
The Quantitative Aptitude section focuses on calculations, arithmetic, and data interpretation. Strengthen your calculation speed and revise formulas daily before attempting mock tests.
Important topics include:
The Reasoning section evaluates logical thinking and problem-solving ability. Practice different types of puzzles every day to improve your accuracy under time pressure.
Important topics include:
The SBI PO Mains Syllabus is more advanced than the Preliminary syllabus. It tests your analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, banking awareness, and written communication. Candidates should prepare every section thoroughly because the marks scored in the Mains examination play an important role in the final merit list.
The SBI PO Mains exam consists of both objective and descriptive tests.
Objective Test
| Section | 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 |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 Hours |
Descriptive Test (Latest 2026 Pattern)
| 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 | 30 Minutes |
Important Points
The SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026 is more comprehensive than the Preliminary syllabus and evaluates candidates on analytical ability, banking awareness, data interpretation, reasoning, English language skills, and descriptive writing. Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination..
The SBI PO Mains Examination consists of four objective sections followed by a Descriptive Test. Each section tests a different skill set required for the role of a Probationary Officer.
This section contains advanced reasoning questions along with basic computer aptitude topics. Practice complex puzzles daily and improve logical reasoning through sectional mock tests.
Important topics include:
This is one of the highest-scoring as well as the most challenging sections of the SBI PO Mains exam. Candidates should also revise arithmetic topics because they are often integrated with Data Interpretation questions.
Major topics include:
This section mainly tests your awareness of current banking and financial events. Read daily current affairs and revise monthly capsules regularly.
Important topics include:
The English section in the Mains examination is more difficult than the Prelims and focuses on comprehension and analytical skills. Regular reading and vocabulary building are essential for scoring well in this section.
Important topics include:
The SBI PO Mains Examination also includes a Descriptive Test to assess candidates’ written communication skills. The descriptive paper is conducted online immediately after the objective examination. Candidates are expected to write grammatically correct and well-structured answers within the given time.
It includes:
Practice formal letters and essays on banking, economy, technology, education, and current affairs.
Preparing for the SBI PO Mains Syllabus requires a smart strategy rather than only studying for long hours.
Follow these simple tips:
Candidates should keep a copy of the latest SBI PO Syllabus PDF for quick reference throughout their preparation. Referring to the syllabus regularly helps ensure that no important topic is overlooked and allows candidates to track their progress effectively.
Download the latest SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF and use it alongside your study plan, mock tests, and previous year papers for structured preparation.
The SBI PO study plan ensures every subject receives equal attention while keeping sufficient time for revision. The table below shows a balanced weekly schedule.
| Day | Focus Area |
| Monday | Quant + English |
| Tuesday | Reasoning + Current Affairs |
| Wednesday | Quant + Mock Analysis |
| Thursday | English + Banking Awareness |
| Friday | Reasoning + Quant Practice |
| Saturday | Full-Length Mock Test |
| Sunday | Revision + Weak Topics |
Choosing the right study material makes preparation more effective. Along with SBI PO books, regularly attempt online quizzes and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
| Subject | Recommended Resources |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Topic-wise Practice Books + Mock Tests |
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzle Practice Books + Sectional Tests |
| English Language | Grammar Books + Editorial Reading |
| Banking Awareness | Monthly Current Affairs PDFs |
| Full Preparation | PracticeMock Mock Tests |
Completing the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is not enough. Mock tests help you understand how well you can apply your concepts under real exam conditions.
Benefits of taking mock tests:
Attempt at least:
Covering the SBI PO syllabus effectively requires a well-planned preparation strategy. Instead of studying all subjects randomly, candidates should prepare section-wise, revise regularly, and analyse their performance through mock tests. A calm and confident mind performs much better than one overloaded with new information.
During the final week, avoid starting new topics. Instead:
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 serves as the foundation of your entire preparation journey. Now that the Prelims is over, students must check the SBI PO Mains Syllabus. Understanding the subject-wise topics and following the latest exam pattern will help you prepare in a structured manner. Instead of studying everything at once, focus on completing one topic at a time, revise regularly, and attempt mock tests consistently. A well-planned strategy, combined with regular practice and proper revision, will significantly improve your chances of clearing every stage of the SBI PO selection process.
Ans: The SBI PO Prelims syllabus includes English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The SBI PO Mains Syllabus includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and a Descriptive Test.
Ans: Yes. The SBI PO Mains Syllabus is more advanced and includes higher-level reasoning, complex Data Interpretation, banking awareness, and descriptive writing in addition to the Preliminary topics.
Ans: Yes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in the objective tests of both the Prelims and Mains examinations.
Ans: High-weightage topics include Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, Simplification, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Probability, and Permutation & Combination.
Ans: Start with the basics, revise concepts regularly, read daily current affairs, practise descriptive writing, and attempt full-length Mains mock tests every week.
Ans: Most candidates prepare the complete SBI PO Syllabus 2026 in 4–6 months, depending on their current preparation level and daily study hours.
Ans: Yes. Mock tests help improve speed, accuracy, time management, and confidence. They also help identify weak areas that need additional revision.
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