The State Bank of India has officially released the SBI PO syllabus alongside the notification for 1,500 Probationary Officer positions. The recruitment process consists of three distinct phases: Prelims, Mains, and Phase 3, which includes a Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview. Achieving a deep understanding of the exam pattern, marking scheme, and topic-wise weightage is the essential first step toward a successful preparation strategy.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026- Overview
The SBI PO selection process is structured across three phases. While the Prelims stage is qualifying in nature and does not impact the final merit list, your final ranking is determined by your performance in the Mains exam (75% weightage) and Phase 3 (25% weightage).
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | SBI PO 2026 |
| Selection Process |
|
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| No. of Questions | Prelims- 100 Mains- 170 (MCQs) + 3 (descriptive) |
| Marks | Prelims- 100 Mains- 200 (MCQs) + 30 (descriptive) Interview- 50 |
| Negative Marking | ¼th mark |
| Sectional Cut Off | Prelims- No Mains- Yes |
| Prelims Subjects |
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| Mains Subjects |
|
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO Prelims exam comprises 100 objective-type questions, each worth one mark, covering Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and the English Language. Detailed topic-wise breakdowns for these sections are provided below.
Reasoning Ability Syllabus
- 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 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 (Pie/Bar/Caselet/Table)
- Ratio & Proportion
- Number Systems
- Percentage
English Language Syllabus
- 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 – 10 Error Detection: 4 – 5 Para Jumbles: 6 Fillers: 6 Cloze Test: 5 – 6 Word Swap / Spelling Error: 5 – 6 Phrase Replacement: 3 – 4 |
| Reasoning Ability | Arrangement & Pattern: 1 – 2 Syllogism: 2 – 3 Inequality: 2 – 3 Order & Ranking: 2 – 3 Blood Relation: 3 Coding-Decoding: 3 Direction & Distance: 3 Puzzle & Seating Arrangement: 15-20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Speed Math: 3 – 4 Number Series: 4 – 5 Quadratic Equation: 3 – 4 Arithmetic Problems: 7 – 8 Data Sufficiency: 2 – 3 Data Interpretation: 10 – 15 |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The Mains Examination tests your proficiency in Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. Note that Computer Aptitude is integrated into the Reasoning section for the Mains. Refer to the list below for the essential topics to cover for the SBI PO 2026 Mains.
| Subjects | Topics |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation |
|
| Reasoning |
|
| Computer Aptitude |
|
| General /Economy/ Banking Awareness |
|
| English Language |
|
SBI PO Mains Topic-wise Weightage
| Topics | Weightage |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation |
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| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
|
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness |
|
SBI PO Descriptive 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 |
Tips for Descriptive Test
For the descriptive test, practice writing 250–300-word essays on contemporary banking and economic themes, such as digital banking, financial inclusion, and CBDC, as well as significant social issues. For letter writing, focus on formal banking contexts, including correspondence with bank managers or the RBI. Consistently reading editorials from *The Hindu* is highly recommended to enhance your vocabulary and grasp of effective essay structures.
How many candidates are shortlisted for the interview round?
The number of candidates shortlisted for Phase 3 (the interview round) is limited to three times the number of category-wise vacancies.
SBI PO Phase 3 (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview)
SBI PO Phase 3 is divided into three distinct segments: a psychometric test, a group exercise (20 marks), and a personal 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 Updates for the SBI PO 2026 Exam
- Descriptive Test marks adjusted from 50 to 30 (duration remains 30 minutes).
- Total Mains marks reduced from 250 to 230 (Objective 200 + Descriptive 30).
- No sectional cut-offs in the Prelims; only an overall cut-off is applied.
SBI PO 2026 Notification: 1,500 Vacancies Announced - Click to View Details
SBI PO Final Selection Criteria
The final merit list is compiled based on scores from both the Mains examination and the personal interview. The Mains exam contributes 75% to the final selection criteria, while the interview accounts for the remaining 25%.
| 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 |
FAQs
The SBI PO Prelims cover three subjects: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The Mains exam includes four core areas: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.
A negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks applies to every incorrect answer across both stages of the SBI PO examination.
The descriptive test evaluates your English Language skills, requiring candidates to write a letter and an essay worth a total of 50 marks.
The Prelims exam consists of 100 questions in total. The SBI PO Mains exam includes 170 objective-type questions plus three descriptive-style writing tasks.
There is no sectional cut-off for the Prelims exam; however, sectional cut-off marks are mandatory for the SBI PO Mains examination.
SBI PO Phase 3 comprises three key components: a Psychometric Test, a Group Exercise, and a Personal Interview.
Data Interpretation and complex arithmetic problems carry the highest weightage in the quantitative section.
Frequently tested puzzle types include Circular, Linear, Square, Floor-Flat, and Box-based seating arrangements.
Key syllabus areas include Puzzles & Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Inequality (Direct & Coded), Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense & Distance.
The syllabi for various banking exams are roughly 90% similar; the primary difference for the SBI PO is the inclusion of a mandatory descriptive paper.
Also Read:
- SBI PO 2026 Notification: Apply Online for 1500 Vacancies, Exam Date & Eligibility
- SBI Apprentice Admit Card 2026 Released: Download Call Letter at sbi.bank.in
- SBI Clerk 1st Waiting List 2026 Out: Download PDF and Check Selection Status
- SBI PO Reasoning Questions, Most Important 30 Questions
- Top 30 SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Detailed Solutions
- SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis 21 September 2025 (Shift 2): Difficulty Level & Questions