SBI PO Prelims and Mains Syllabus 2026 & Topic Wise Weightage

The SBI PO Syllabus includes Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language in Prelims, while Mains include Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and a Descriptive Test.

The exam pattern consists of Prelims (100 marks), Mains (230 marks including descriptive), and Phase 3 — Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview (50 marks). The best preparation strategy is to first master Prelims fundamentals, then build Mains topics like banking awareness and advanced DI, while regularly attempting mock tests and analysing mistakes.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Syllabus- Overview

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	PURPOSE
Prelims	English Language- 30 Q Quantitative Aptitude- 35 Q Reasoning Ability- 35 Q	Online	100	Qualifying	Shortlisting
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

SBI PO Admit Card 2026 Out- Click to Download

Negative Marking - 0.25 (for Objective type only)

Final Merit: Final Score = 75% Mains + 25% Group Exercise & Interview

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

SBI PO Prelims Topic-Wise Weightage

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 SBI PO Mains Syllabus?

The Mains Examination covers various topics from reasoning and computer aptitude, English language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and general/economy/banking awareness. Computer Aptitude is a part of the reasoning section in the mains exam.

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 Mains Topic-wise Weightage

The data below is as per the previously conducted SBI PO exams.

Topics	Weightage
Data Analysis & Interpretation	Advanced Data Interpretation- 15 to 20 Questions Arithmetic (Advanced Concept-based)- 5 to 8 questions Data Sufficiency & Quantity Comparison: 3 to 5 Questions
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	High-Level Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: 18–22 Questions Reasoning: 8–10 Questions Machine Input-Output: 5–8 Questions. Coded Directions, Syllogisms, and Inequalities: 4–6 Questions. Computer Aptitude: 0–3 Questions
General / Economy / Banking Awareness	Current Affairs: 20 to 25 questions Para Jumbles & Sentence Connectors: 5 to 7 questions New Pattern Cloze Test / Match the Column: 5 to 7 questions

SBI PO Descriptive Test Pattern (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 Final Selection Criteria

The final merit list is prepared based on the marks scored in the mains 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

How to Prepare for SBI PO Exam 2026?

Phases	Focus on
Phase 1 (Foundation)	Concept clarity Basic arithmetic Basic reasoning Grammar
Phase 2 (Strengthening)	Puzzles Data Interpretation Reading Comprehension Current Affairs
Phase 3 (Mock Phase)	Full-length mocks Weak area analysis Speed improvement

SBI PO Related Links
SBI PO Revised Salary & Pay Scale	SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
SBI PO Previous Year Cut-Off	SBI PO Previous Year Question Paper PDF with Solution
SBI PO Preparation Tips and Strategy	SBI PO Mock Test

FAQs

There are three subjects in SBI PO Prelims Exam: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language and 5 subjects in mains exam which are Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Interpretation & Analysis and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.

0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer in both rounds of the SBI PO examination.

The description test is based on English Language, in which a candidate have to write Emai, Letter Writing / Precis / Report for 30 marks.

The Prelims exam will have a total of 100 questions while there will be 170 objective and 3 descriptive questions in the SBI PO Mains exam excluding Descriptive Paper.

There is no sectional cut off in prelims exam but there is sectional cut off marks for SBI PO mains exam.

SBI PO Phase 3 has three components: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Personal Interview.

Data Interpretation and Arithmetic Problems holds maximum weightage.

Circular, Linear, Square, Floor-Flat, and Box-based puzzles are frequently asked.

Puzzles & Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Inequality (Direct & Coded), Coding-Decoding & Blood Relations, Direction Sense & Distance

Around 90% syllabus is same, the differences are SBI has descriptive paper.