SBI PO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern (Prelims & Mains) – Download PDF
The SBI PO Exam 2025 is one of the most prestigious recruitment exams for banking aspirants in India.
Each year, thousands of candidates compete for the position of Probationary Officer (PO) in the State Bank of India.
To succeed, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of the latest SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern for both the Prelims and Mains stages.
The selection process for SBI PO includes three phases — Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview/Group Discussion.
The exam pattern has been specified in the official notification.
Although minor modifications were introduced in the Mains pattern last year, the SBI PO Syllabus 2025 remains unchanged.
This post provides the complete and updated SBI PO Syllabus 2025 for both stages along with detailed exam pattern, marking scheme, and preparation guidelines.
Overview of SBI PO 2026 Exam
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Authority | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Selection Stages | 1. Prelims 2. Mains 3. Psychometric Test 4. Group Discussion & Interview |
| Total Marks | Prelims: 100 Mains: 250 Psychometric Test: 50 Final: 300 |
| Exam Duration | Prelims – 1 Hour Mains – 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for each wrong answer |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| Language | English & Hindi (except English section) |
| Sectional Cut-off | Prelims – No Mains – Yes |
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Exam is conducted in two written stages followed by a psychometric test and interview.
1. SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
- The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature.
- There is no sectional cut-off; only overall cut-off is applied.
- For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted.
- Each section is time-bound with 20 minutes duration.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
2. SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Mains exam consists of Objective and Descriptive sections. The total duration is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Objective Test:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 mins |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 mins |
| General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
| English Language | 35 | 20 | 40 mins |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours |
Descriptive Test:
| Type | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter/Email Writing | 1 out of 2 | 15 | 30 mins |
| Situation Analysis | 1 out of 2 | 15 | |
| Report/Precis Writing | 1 out of 2 | 20 | |
| Total | 3 | 50 | 30 mins |
Note: The descriptive paper is evaluated only if the candidate qualifies in the objective section.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is divided into Prelims and Mains, with each stage assessing different skill levels.
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary & Grammar
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification & Approximation
- Data Interpretation
- Number Series
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Mensuration
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements
- Syllogism
- Inequalities
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Input-Output
- Direction Sense
- Alphanumeric Series
- Logical Reasoning
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
1. Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Tables, Pie Charts, Line & Bar Graphs
- Caselets
- Missing DI
- Probability
- Data Sufficiency
- Permutation & Combination
2. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Puzzles (Linear, Circular, Double Row)
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Course of Action
- Computer Fundamentals
- Operating Systems, Networking, MS Office
3. General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
- Banking & Financial Awareness
- Static GK
- Economic & Social Issues
4. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar & Vocabulary
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Word Association
- Cloze Test
- Descriptive Writing (Essay, Letter, Report, Precis)
SBI PO Interview & Psychometric Test 2026
Candidates shortlisted from the Mains exam are called for a Psychometric Test, followed by Group Discussion and Interview.
- Psychometric Test: Evaluates personality traits and suitability for a banking role.
- Group Discussion (20 Marks)
- Interview (30 Marks)
The results of all these stages contribute to the final merit list.
Final Selection & Weightage
| Stage | Marks | Weightage in Final Merit |
|---|---|---|
| Mains Exam | 250 | 75 Marks (after scaling) |
| GD & Interview | 50 | 25 Marks (after scaling) |
| Total | 300 | 100 Marks |
The Prelims marks are not counted in the final result. Candidates must qualify each phase separately.
SBI PO Marking Scheme 2026
| Component | Scheme |
|---|---|
| Objective Test | +1 for correct answer, -0.25 for wrong answer |
| Descriptive Test | No negative marking |
| Unattempted Questions | No penalty |
Download SBI PO 2026 Syllabus PDF
To make your preparation easier, download the complete SBI PO Syllabus 2025 PDF covering all subjects and updated exam details.
👉 [Click Here to Download SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF]
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Conclusion SBI PO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern Download PDF
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 has been carefully structured to evaluate a candidate’s analytical ability, reasoning skills, and awareness of the rapidly evolving digital banking ecosystem.
With the inclusion of AI, FinTech, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision-making topics, the 2026 exam reflects the future of modern banking roles.
To secure a position as a Probationary Officer at SBI, aspirants must focus on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy in the Prelims.
And along with strong analytical and writing skills in the Mains and Interview stages.
Download the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF provided above to get a complete, subject-wise overview and begin your preparation strategically.
Consistent practice, current affairs awareness, and mock tests are the keys to cracking the SBI PO 2026 Exam and achieving your banking career goal.
FAQs on SBI PO Syllabus 2026
What are the main subjects in SBI PO Prelims 2026?
English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
Is there negative marking in SBI PO?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
Does SBI PO have a descriptive test?
Yes, the Mains exam includes a 50-mark descriptive test on essay, letter, and report writing.
Are Prelims marks included in the final selection?
No, only Mains and Interview scores are considered.
How long does it take to complete the SBI PO syllabus?
With consistent preparation, it can be completed within 2–3 months.
