The SBI PO syllabus 2026 consists of English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. 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.
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. The SBI PO 2026 notification is out for 1,500 posts. Check the updated syllabus and exam pattern now to smart-plan your preparation. Keep reading to know the SBI PO syllabus changes in detail →
SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Overview
The SBI PO syllabus 2026 is designed to test a candidate’s aptitude, analytical capability, and banking awareness across multiple levels. Candidates must check the SBI PO Eligibility Criteria 2026 to understand the eligibility conditions, exam dates, vacancy details, and selection process before starting their preparation.
To help you arrange your study schedule properly, below is a quick overview of the syllabus for prelims, mains examination & Psychometric test.
| 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 |
SBI PO Exam Pattern – Highlights
Before knowing the syllabus, it is important for students to know the SBI PO exam pattern. Refer to the table below to know the key highlights for the SBI PO exam.
| Exam Particulars | Details |
| Name of Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Total Vacancies (2026) | 1,500 Posts (1,446 Regular + 54 Backlog) |
| Selection Stages | PrelimsMains (Objective + Descriptive)Psychometric TestGroup Exercises & Interview |
| Stage-wise Maximum Marks | Prelims: 100 Marks Mains: 230 MarksPsychometric Test: 50 MarksFinal Selection: 300 Marks |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: 1 HourMains: 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | For every correct answer, you get 1 mark in MCQ. |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th of the marks gets deducted for every incorrect answer. |
| Mode of the Exam | Online |
| Language of Examination | Bilingual (English or Hindi)English Language paper needs to be attempted in English |
| Sectional Cut-off | It is applicable in the Main Examination. |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in |
SBI PO Syllabus Prelims 2026
The SBI PO syllabus Prelims exam is the first stage of the SBI PO selection process that tests speed, accuracy, and logical concepts. Although the marks obtained in this stage are not counted in the final merit list. It is important that candidates must clear it to move to the next round.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
Refer to the table below to know the SBI PO Prelims exam pattern.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
- There is no sectional cut-off in the Preliminary Examination.
- Candidates numbering 10 times (approx.) the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
- Prelims marks are NOT counted in the final merit list.
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 for every incorrect answer.
English Language SBI PO Prelims Syllabus
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 |
Quantitative Aptitude SBI PO Prelims Syllabus
The SBI PO syllabus Maths 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 |
Reasoning Ability SBI PO Prelims Syllabus
The reasoning section in the SBI PO syllabus 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 |
SBI PO Syllabus Mains 2026
Students who qualify the Prelims stage can appear for the mains examination. The SBI PO syllabus Mains is more advanced and assesses analytical and conceptual thinking. It includes objective as well as descriptive sections.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 (Latest)
Displayed below is the SBI PO mains exam pattern including the objective and the descriptive test.
(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 |
- Sectional cut-off is applicable in the Mains examination for each section including the Descriptive Paper
- Negative marking of ¼ mark is applicable for every wrong answer in Objective Tests
- Descriptive answers must be typed on the computer immediately after the Objective Test
Data Analysis & Interpretation SBI PO Mains Syllabus
In the Mains exam, numerical aptitude is tested through data analysis and interpretation. The SBI PO syllabus Maths questions are 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 |
General / Economy / Banking Awareness SBI PO Mains Syllabus
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 tabulated below.
| 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 |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude SBI PO Mains Syllabus
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 |
English Language SBI PO Mains Syllabus
The English Language section tests reading comprehension, grammatical accuracy, and contextual vocabulary of the students. Displayed below are the important topics for the SBI PO syllabus Mains English along with the number of questions usually asked from a section .
| 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 |
Descriptive Test in SBI PO Syllabus 2026 (New — 30 Marks)
Changes in SBI PO Descriptive Test 2026: The Descriptive Test now carries 30 marks (previously 50 marks). The time limit of 30 minutes and the three-question structure remains 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 written communication, analytical thinking, and business writing skills of a candidate. Students must type their answers on the computer..
Regular practice of formal writing and structured responses can significantly improve performance in this section.
SBI PO Psychometric Test Syllabus
Candidates who qualify for the Main Examination are eligible for the Phase III, which assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, confidence, and suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer. There is no fixed syllabus for the Psychometric test.
- 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
SBI PO Psychometric Group Exercise & Personal Interview
The Group Exercise (GE) and Personal Interview (PI) together carry 50 marks, which are normalised to 25 marks in the final merit list. The interview tests your personality, communication, banking knowledge, and fitness for an officer role. Some of the topics and areas from which questions are asked tabulated below.
| Area | Topics |
| Banking Awareness | RBI, Banking System |
| Economy | Budget, Inflation |
| Current Affairs | Last 6 Months |
| Personal Background | Education, Family |
| Work Experience | If Applicable |
| Situational Questions | Leadership & Ethics |
| SBI Specific Questions | History, Services, Initiatives |
SBI PO Marking Scheme 2026
After knowing the SBI PO syllabus, candidates must check out the table below to check the SBI PO marking scheme 2026.
| Section | Marking Scheme |
| Objective Test | Full marks for every correct answerOne-fourth mark deduction for each incorrect answerNo penalty for unattempted questions |
| Descriptive Test | No negative marking for incorrect answersNo penalty for unanswered questions. |
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
Students willing to appear for the SBI PO exam must download the SBI PO syllabus 2026 pdf to avoid the last minute hassle.
Download SBI PO Syllabus Prelims and Mains PDF
How Marks are Calculated in the SBI PO Final Merit List?
The final calculation of the marks in the SBI PO merit list is done on the basis of mains examination & group exercise followed by the interview. Students must know that Prelims marks are not added to the final merit list. Check out the table below to know the process of marks calculation in the final merit list.
| Test | Maximum Marks | Normalised To |
| Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive) | 230 | 75 |
| Group Exercise & Interview | 50 | 25 |
| Total | 280 | 100 |
80/20 Preparation Rule for SBI PO 2026 Syllabus
The 80/20 concept recommends SBI PO candidates to concentrate on the most popular and high-scoring subjects. Candidates can use the below mentioned preparation tips to crack the SBI PO exam.
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.
- Prioritize the High-Weightage Topics: In Quantitative Aptitude, students must focus on Data Interpretation, Simplification, and Number Series that carries more than 60% of the section marks. Focus heavily on these before tracking minor arithmetic topics.
- Focus on Puzzle Topics: Puzzles and seating arrangements comprises 60% of the questions in the Reasoning section.
- Read Newspaper Daily: 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.
- Consistent General Awareness Tracking: Do not leave current affairs for the last minute. The mains test contains 60 questions based on General/Economy updates. Spend 45 minutes per day tracking monthly updates to easily meet the sectional cut-off score.
- Practice Mock Tests: 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.
Recommended Study 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 complete picture of upcoming recruitment timelines alongside other major exams this cycle, check out the Upcoming Bank Exams 2026 guide.
Other Related Blogs on SBI PO 2026
SBI PO Syllabus 2026: FAQs
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.
Q8 Can I crack SBI PO exam in 1 month?
Yes, you can pass SBI PO in one month provided you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals or have recently prepared for previous banking exams. However, if you are a complete beginner beginning from scratch, it is extremely unlikely. Success necessitates 8-10 hours of everyday, intensely concentrated labor.
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