SBI PO Prelims Shift Timings 2026: Schedule, Reporting Times & Exam Rules

The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially announced the shift timings and comprehensive exam schedules alongside the issuance of recruitment call letters. Organized under advertisement number CRPD/PO/2026-27/09, this prestigious recruitment drive aims to fill 1500 vacancies across the nation. Candidates preparing for the examination must familiarize themselves with the designated hours, strict entry deadlines, and procedural regulations.

SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 Schedule & Overview

The preliminary examination is scheduled to take place across four distinct shifts daily on August 1st and August 2nd, 2026. Because of the heavy volume of applicants, individual shift allotments are systematically determined by SBI and cannot be chosen or modified by candidates under any circumstances. To ensure smooth transit and preparation, examinees should check their exact shift timing via the SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026.

Guidelines to Follow on SBI PO Exam Day

To maintain absolute compliance and prevent disqualification, candidates must adhere to a strict set of regulations at the test center:

• Reach early: Report to the exam centre as per the reporting time on your admit card. Entry is not permitted after the gate closing time under any circumstances.
• Carry a printed admit card: A clear printout of the SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026 is mandatory for entry.
• Valid photo ID proof: Carry an original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence) matching the details on your admit card.
• Passport-size photograph: Carry the number of photographs specified on your call letter for the attendance sheet.
• Prohibited items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, and any study material are strictly banned inside the exam hall.
• Biometric verification: Live photo capture, biometric attendance, and thumb impression will be taken before the exam begins.
• Locate your centre early: Visit your allotted exam centre a day in advance to avoid last-minute travel issues.
• Follow invigilator instructions: Strictly follow all instructions given by the exam supervisor and invigilator throughout the session.
• Sectional timing: Keep track of the 20-minute sectional time limit for each part of the paper.
• Preserve the admit card: Keep your admit card safe until the entire recruitment process — Prelims, Mains, and Phase III — is complete.

Next Steps After Checking Your Shift Details

Once you have identified your shift timing and venue details, secure your documentation immediately. Make sure to download your call letter using the SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026 Out - Click to Download link. Plan your travel logistics ahead of time, ensuring you factor in potential traffic delays to beat the strict gate closing boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many shifts will the SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 be conducted in?

The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 will take place across 4 shifts per day, perfectly aligning with the structure implemented in past SBI PO recruitment drives.

Where can I check my SBI PO Prelims shift timing?

Your exact shift timing, reporting time, and gate closing time are explicitly printed on your official SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026, which can be downloaded directly from sbi.bank.in.

Can I choose my own shift timing for the SBI PO Prelims Exam?

No, individual shift allotments are systematically determined by SBI based on overall exam center capacity and cannot be chosen or modified by candidates.