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SBI PO 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Complete Prelims and Mains syllabus for SBI PO 2026. Know exactly what to study for India's most prestigious banking job.

Exam Overview

SBI PO 2026 Exam Structure

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Preliminary Exam

Online objective test with 3 sections. 100 questions, 100 marks, 60 minutes. Qualifying in nature.

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Mains Exam

Objective + Descriptive test. 155 objective questions (200 marks) + Descriptive (50 marks). 3 hours 30 minutes.

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Group Exercise & Interview

Group Discussion / Exercise (20 marks) + Personal Interview (30 marks). Final selection based on Mains + GE/Interview.

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Negative Marking

1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains objective sections.

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Sectional Timing

Prelims has sectional time limits (20 min each). Mains has separate timing for each section.

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Post Offered

Probationary Officer (PO) in State Bank of India - India's largest public sector bank with 22000+ branches.

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus (60 Minutes, 100 Marks)

SubjectQuestionsMarksTime
English Language303020 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude353520 minutes
Reasoning Ability353520 minutes
Total10010060 minutes

A. English Language (30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 Minutes)

  • Reading Comprehension (2-3 passages)
  • Cloze Test
  • Error Detection / Sentence Correction
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement
  • Para Completion
  • Word Usage / Vocabulary
  • Phrase Replacement / Idioms
  • Fill in the Blanks (Double / Triple fillers)
  • Spelling Errors

B. Quantitative Aptitude (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 Minutes)

  • Simplification & Approximation: 5-7 questions
  • Number Series: 5 questions (Missing and Wrong number)
  • Data Interpretation: 10-12 questions. Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Radar graphs, Caselets, Mixed DI.
  • Arithmetic Word Problems: 10-12 questions. Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Ratio, Averages, Partnership, Age, Mixtures, TSD, T&W, Pipes & Cisterns, Probability, Mensuration.
  • Quadratic Equations: 5 questions
  • Data Sufficiency: 0-3 questions

C. Reasoning Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 Minutes)

  • Puzzles & Seating Arrangement: 15-20 questions. Linear, circular, floor-based, month/date-based, box-based, uncertain number puzzles.
  • Syllogism: 3-5 questions
  • Inequality: 3-5 questions (Direct and coded)
  • Coding-Decoding: 3-5 questions
  • Direction & Distance: 2-3 questions
  • Blood Relations: 2-3 questions
  • Order & Ranking: 2-3 questions
  • Alphanumeric Series: 5 questions
  • Input-Output: 0-5 questions
  • Data Sufficiency: 0-3 questions

SBI PO Mains Syllabus (3 Hours 30 Minutes, 250 Marks)

Objective Test (3 Hours, 200 Marks)

SubjectQuestionsMarksTime
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude456060 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation356045 minutes
General/Economy/Banking Awareness404035 minutes
English Language354040 minutes
Total155200180 minutes

Descriptive Test (30 Minutes, 50 Marks)

  • Letter Writing: Formal and informal letters (20 marks)
  • Essay Writing: Banking, economy, social issues, technology topics (30 marks)

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 Questions, 60 Marks)

  • Advanced Puzzles: Complex seating, scheduling, blood relation puzzles, logical reasoning-based puzzles.
  • Input-Output: Multi-step machine input-output.
  • Logical Reasoning: Statement-assumption, inference, course of action, cause-effect, strong-weak arguments.
  • Critical Reasoning: Inference-based, assumption-based questions.
  • Computer Aptitude: Flowcharts, binary conversions, logic gates, computer fundamentals, MS Office, Internet, Networking, DBMS basics, Cyber Security.

Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 Questions, 60 Marks)

  • Advanced DI: Caselets, Radar graphs, Scatter plots, Mixed DI, Funnel diagrams, Bubble charts, Missing DI.
  • Data Sufficiency: 2-3 statement problems.
  • Arithmetic Word Problems: Advanced application-based.
  • Probability & P&C: 2-3 questions.
  • Quantity Comparison: Comparing two quantities.
  • Number Series: Advanced patterns.

General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 Questions, 40 Marks)

  • Banking Awareness: RBI, SBI functions, Banking regulation, Types of accounts, NEFT/RTGS/IMPS/UPI, Cheques, Negotiable Instruments, Basel norms, NPA, SARFAESI Act, RBI circulars.
  • Financial Awareness: Budget, Economic Survey, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, GST, Stock markets, Mutual funds, Insurance, Pension schemes.
  • Current Affairs: Last 6 months national & international news, sports, awards, appointments, important days, government schemes.
  • Static GK: Countries-currencies-capitals, International organizations, Indian states, Dams, Rivers, National parks, Temples.

English Language (35 Questions, 40 Marks)

  • Reading Comprehension (3-4 passages including banking/economy topics)
  • Cloze Test
  • Error Detection
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Para Jumbles
  • Word Swap / Sentence Rearrangement
  • Connectors / Starters
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Word Usage
  • Inference-based questions

SBI PO Group Exercise & Interview (50 Marks)

  • Group Discussion / Group Exercise: 20 marks. Topics related to banking, economy, social issues, current affairs.
  • Personal Interview: 30 marks. Banking awareness, current affairs, personal background, educational background, career goals.
Pro Tip from Shortcut Maths Faculty: SBI PO is tougher than IBPS PO. The cut-off is higher and competition is fierce. In Prelims, target 25+ in English, 28+ in Quant, and 28+ in Reasoning. In Mains, Data Analysis (60 marks) is the game-changer. For the Interview, read SBI annual report and know about recent RBI policies thoroughly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the salary of SBI PO?

The starting basic pay of SBI PO is Rs. 41,960 with 4 advance increments. Gross salary is approximately Rs. 65,000-70,000 per month including DA, HRA, and other allowances. Total CTC exceeds Rs. 10 lakh per annum.

Q2. How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?

General category: 4 attempts. OBC: 7 attempts. SC/ST: No limit. PwD candidates get additional relaxations as per government norms.

Q3. Is SBI PO tougher than IBPS PO?

Yes, SBI PO has a higher difficulty level, especially in Mains. The English and Reasoning sections are more challenging. Additionally, SBI PO has Group Discussion and Interview which IBPS PO does not.

Q4. How to prepare for SBI PO Group Discussion?

Read newspapers daily to stay updated on current affairs. Practice speaking on random topics for 2 minutes. In GD, be assertive but respectful. Start the discussion only if you have strong points; otherwise, contribute valuable mid-discussion insights.

Q5. What is the best strategy for SBI PO Descriptive English?

Practice typing essays and letters on computer daily. Read editorial sections of The Hindu and Economic Times. For essays, prepare templates for introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. For letters, know both formal and informal formats perfectly.

Last updated: June 1, 2026. For SBI PO coaching and doubt clearing, contact Shortcut Maths, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032. Call +91-9804490328.

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