SBI PO Syllabus 2026 for Prelims and Mains, Check Pattern & Marking Scheme

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI PO Exam every year to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Probationary Officer. Candidates preparing for the SBI PO 2026 Exam must go through the latest SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern to understand the structure of the exam and start their preparation accordingly. The SBI PO selection process consists of Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview stages.

A clear understanding of the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 helps candidates focus on important topics, understand section-wise weightage, and plan an effective preparation strategy.

SBI PO Syllabus 2026- Overview

The SBI PO Syllabus is divided into two stages: Prelims and Mains. The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature, while the marks obtained in the Mains Exam and Interview are considered for final selection. The syllabus mainly includes Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude.

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

The prelims exam of SBI PO consists of 100 questions from Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. The section-wise topics to be prepared are discussed below. 

Reasoning Ability Syllabus

• Alphanumeric Series
• Directions
• Logical Reasoning
• Data Sufficiency
• Ranking & Order
• Alphabet Test
• Puzzle & Seating Arrangement
• Coded Inequalities
• Syllogism
• Blood Relations
• Coding-Decoding
• Input-Output
• Tabulation

Quantitative Aptitude Ability Syllabus

• 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
• Ratio & Proportion
• Number Systems
• Percentage

English Language Syllabus

• Reading Comprehension
• Fill in the blanks
• Cloze Test
• Para jumbles
• Vocabulary
• Puzzles & Sentence Rearrangemnet
• Paragraph Completion
• Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting
• Word Association
• Sentence Improvement
• Sentence Completion
• Tenses Rules
• Double Fillers
• Word Usage
• Inequalities
• Pair Formation

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026

The Mains Examination covers various topics from Reasoning + Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. Computer Aptitude is the part of Reasoning section in mains exam. The subject-wise topics that need to be covered for preparing for the SBI PO 2026 Mains Exam have been listed below.

SBI PO Descriptive Test

SBI PO Descriptive Test is a part of mains examination. It is based on two questions for 50 marks for 30 minutes. It is a Test of English Language (Letter Writing & Essay). Besides the preliminary exam and the main exam, an interview process is also conducted for candidates who qualify for the first two phases of the SBI PO exam. The final merit list is made based on marks obtained by a candidate in his/ her main exam and interview process. 

SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern

State Bank of India (SBI) conducts 2 stages of online examination i.e., Preliminary and Mains, followed by an interview round. Only the candidates qualifying in both stages will be eligible to appear for the interview round. For each incorrect answer in the objective test, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks. SBI PO Prelims and Mains Exam Pattern 2026 has been discussed here. 

Key Details for prelims exam

• Total Time- 60 minutes (1 hour)
• Negative Marking- ¼th 
• Prelims have no sectional cut-off (only an overall cut-off) 
• The number of questions in the Reasoning and QA sections has been revised from 35 to 30, and in English from 30 to 40. 

How many candidates will be shortlisted for the mains exam?

Candidates numbering up to 10 times the category-wise vacancies will be shortlisted for the SBI PO mains exam (phase 2).

Key Details for mains exam

• Total Time- 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Negative Marking- 0.25 marks (except description)
• Mains does have sectional cut-off marks along with overall cut-off marks

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 (Interview Round)

SBI PO Phase 3 comprises three components: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise (20 marks), and Interview (30 marks). 

1. Psychometric Test- The Psychometric Test is conducted online, lasts approximately 90 minutes, and carries no marks. However, the findings may be shared with the interview panel to aid in their assessment. SBI introduced this test from 2022 onwards to evaluate how a potential employee behaves in different situations: professionally, practically, and emotionally. 

2. Group Exercise (GD)- The GD is conducted with a group of 8–10 candidates given a specific topic to discuss, related to current affairs, social issues, or banking topics. The panel evaluates communication skills, leadership, teamwork, logical argumentation, active listening, and confidence and clarity of expression. It carries 20 marks.

3. Personal Interview- The interview is a panel format, conducted in Hindi or English, and carries 30 marks. Expect questions about yourself, educational background, career aspirations, reasons for wanting to join SBI, banking awareness, current national/international events, and ethical dilemmas. The interview typically lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.

What is 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.

• Mains Examination Score (Scaled to 75 marks)
• Interview Score (Scaled to 25 marks)