SBI PO Syllabus 2026 and Top-wise weightage for Prelims + Mains Exams
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- SBI PO syllabus
The SBI exam consists of Prelims (100 marks), Mains (230 marks including descriptive), and Phase 3 — Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview (50 marks). Candidates going to appear in the SBI PO 2026 exam have to check the latest syllabus and important topics.
The SBI PO syllabus is based on Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language in Prelims, while Mains exam includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and a Descriptive Test. The stage-wise syllabus topics are discussed below.
What is the SBI PO Prelims Syllabus?
Reasoning Ability
- Alphanumeric Series
- Directions
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Ranking & Order
- Alphabet Test
- Puzzle & Seating Arrangement
- Inequality
- Coded Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Input-Output
- Tabulation
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification/Approximation
- Quadratic Equation
- Profit & Loss
- Mixtures & Alligations
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
- Work & Time
- Sequence & Series
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
- Time & Distance
- Data Interpretation (Pie/Bar/Caselet/Table)
- Ratio & Proportion
- Number Systems
- Percentage
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Fill in the blanks
- Cloze Test
- Para jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Paragraph Completion
- Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting
- Word Association/Arrangement
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Completion
- Tenses Rules
- Double Fillers
- Word Usage
- Inequalities
- Pair Formation
- Match the Column
- Error Detection
Topic-Wise Weightage for Prelims Exam
| Subjects | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension | 7 to 10 |
| Error Detection | 4 to 5 | |
| Para Jumbles | 4 to 5 | |
| Fillers | 5 to 6 | |
| Cloze Test | 5 to 6 | |
| Word Swap / Spelling Error | 5 to 6 | |
| Phrase Replacement | 3 to 4 | |
| Reasoning Ability | Arrangement & Pattern | 1 to 2 |
| Syllogism | 2 to 3 | |
| Inequality | 2 to 3 | |
| Order & Ranking | 2 to 3 | |
| Syllogism | 2 to 3 | |
| Inequality | 2 to 3 | |
| Blood Relation | 3 to 4 | |
| Coding-Decoding | 3 to 4 | |
| Direction & Distance | 3 to 4 | |
| Puzzle & Seating Arrangement | 15 to 2 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Speed Math | 3 to 4 |
| Number Series | 4 to 5 | |
| Quadratic Equation | 3 to 4 | |
| Arithmetic Problems | 7 to 8 | |
| Data Sufficiency | 2 to 3 |
What is the SBI PO Mains syllabus?
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Seating Arrangement & Puzzles
- Double Lineup
- Scheduling
- Input Output
- Blood Relations
- Directions and Distances
- Ordering and Ranking
- Data Sufficiency
- Coding and Decoding
- Code Inequalities
- Course of Action
- Critical Reasoning
- Analytical and Decision-Making
- Computer Abbreviation
- Microsoft Office
- Computer Hardware
- Internet
- Memory
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Computer Software
- Operating System
- Networking
- Computer Fundamentals/Terminologies
Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Tabular Graph
- Line Graph
- Bar Graph
- Charts & Tables
- Missing Case DI
- Radar Graph Caselet
- Probability
- Data Sufficiency
- Double Line Up
- Caselet DI
- Permutation and Combination
- Pie Charts
GA / Economy / Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Financial Awareness
- General Knowledge
- Static Awareness
- Banking Terminology Knowledge
- Banking Awareness
- Principles of Insurance
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar
- Verbal Ability
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Improvement
- Word Association
- ParaJumbles
- Error Spotting
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the blanks
SBI PO Prelims Result 2026 - Click to Download
Topic-wise Weightage for Mains Exam
The data below is as per the previously conducted SBI PO exams.
| Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Data Analysis & Interpretation |
|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
|
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness |
|
SBI PO Descriptive Test (Conducted After Objective Test)
- The descriptive test is now 30 Marks (reduced from 50)
- Duration: 30 minutes (unchanged)
- Conducted online, immediately after the Objective Test
- Candidates must type answers on the computer
- Sectional cut-off applies — must score minimum qualifying marks
| Topics | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Writing | 1 out of 2 options | 15 | 30 minutes |
| Letter Writing / Precis / Report | 1 out of 2 options | 15 | |
| Total | 2 questions | 30 |
SBI PO Descriptive Test Syllabus
- Formal Letter
- Letter to RBI / Bank Manager
- Precis Writing
- Report Writing
- Essay Writing
- Banking Topics (Digital Banking, CBDC, Financial Inclusion)
- Economy Topics
- Social Issues
Tips for Descriptive Test
Practice writing 250–300-word essays on banking themes, social issues, and the economy. Read editorial pages daily to improve vocabulary and essay structure.
How many candidates will be shortlisted for the interview round?
Candidates numbering up to 3 times of the category wise vacancies will be shortlisted for the Phase 3 (interview round).
SBI PO Phase 3 (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview)
SBI PO Phase 3 comprises three components: psychometric test, group exercise (20 marks), and interview (30 marks).
| Activity | Marks | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychometric Test Online | No marks | 90 minutes | Online assessment of personality traits, professional behaviour, and emotional responses. Results shared with the interview panel — not scored but influences interviewers. |
| Group Exercise | 20 Marks | 20-25 minutes | Group of 8–10 candidates discuss a current affairs / social / banking topic. Evaluated on communication, teamwork, leadership, logical argumentation, active listening, and confidence. |
| Personal Interview | 30 Marks | 15-20 minutes | Panel interview in Hindi or English. Covers personal background, banking awareness, current events, ethical dilemmas, and career motivation. Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks. |
Key Changes in SBI PO 2026 exam
- Descriptive Test marks reduced from 50 → 30 (duration stays 30 minutes)
- Total Mains marks reduced from 250 → 230 (Objective 200 + Descriptive 30)
- No sectional cut-off in Prelims — only an overall cut-off applies
SBI PO Selection Process
The SBI PO 2026 syllabus is divided across three phases. Prelims are qualifying marks that are not counted in the final merit list. Mains marks (75%) and Phase 3 (25%) together determine the final rank.
| STAGE | SUBJECTS | MODE | MARKS | NATURE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | English Language- 30 Q Quantitative Aptitude- 35 Q Reasoning Ability- 35 Q | Online | 100 | Qualifying |
| Mains | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude- 40 Q Data Analysis & Interpretation- 30 Q General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness- 60 Q English Language- 40 Q Descriptive Test- 3 Q | Online | 230 | Merit (Final Score) |
| Phase 3 | Psychometric Test Group Exercise Interview | Online-Offline | 50 | Merit (Final Selection) |
Negative Marking - 0.25 (for Objective type only)
SBI PO Final Selection Criteria
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks scored in the main exam and interview. The Mains exam carries 75% weightage in the final selection, while Interview round carries 25% weightage.
| Stage | Raw Marks | Normalised Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Mains Examination (Objective + Descriptive) | 230 marks | 75 marks |
| Group Exercise + Interview | 50 marks | 25 marks |
| Final Merit Total | 100 Marks |
SBI PO Prelims vs Mains – Key Differences
| PARAMETERS | PRELIMS | MAINS |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Screening / Qualifying | Merit determination |
| Marks Counted in Merit | No | Yes (75% weightage) |
| Total Marks | 100 | 230 (200 Objective + 30 Desc.) |
| Sections | 3 (English, QA, Reasoning) | 4 + 1 Descriptive |
| Sectional Cut Off | No (overall cut-off only) | Yes (each section) |
| Reasoning Level | Basic to Moderate Puzzles | Advanced Puzzles, Caselets, Scheduling |
| DI Level | Basic tables and graphs | Complex Caselets, Missing DI, Radar Charts |