The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is similar to that of other major banking exams. Candidates preparing for the SBI PO exam should thoroughly understand the latest syllabus and exam pattern to become familiar with the exam structure and plan their preparation effectively.
The syllabus mainly focuses on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, and Banking Awareness, which form the core of both the Prelims and Mains examinations. Since the selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and the Interview round (as mentioned in the latest SBI PO Notification 2026), candidates must prepare strategically for every stage.
A clear understanding of the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 will help aspirants identify important topics, improve time management, and build an effective preparation strategy to maximise their score.
Key Highlights – SBI PO Syllabus 2026
- SBI PO exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Phase III (Group Exercise & Interview).
- Prelims includes English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
- Mains consists of Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness along with a Descriptive Test (Email, Report, and Situation Analysis/Precis Writing).
- Final selection is based on Mains (Objective + Descriptive) and Phase III performance after normalization. A penalty of 0.25 marks is applied for each wrong answer in objective tests.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Overview
The SBI PO 2026 Exam is conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit candidates for the post of Probationary Officer (PO). The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and the final Interview round. The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 covers subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, Data Analysis, and Banking Awareness.
Understanding the SBI PO syllabus and exam pattern is important for effective preparation and better score improvement.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 Years |
| Prelims Questions | 100 |
| Mains Questions | 170 MCQs + Descriptive Test |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th Mark |
| Final Selection | Based on Mains & Interview |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in |
SBI PO Prelims vs Mains: Key Differences
Many candidates treat Prelims and Mains preparation the same way — that is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Both stages are fundamentally different in purpose, difficulty, and what they test. Here is a clear comparison to help you prepare for each stage strategically:
| Feature | Prelims | Mains |
| Purpose | Qualifying / Screening | Merit-based Selection |
| Sections | 3 (English, QA, Reasoning) | 4 Objective + 1 Descriptive |
| Total Questions | 100 | 170 MCQs + 3 Descriptive |
| Total Marks | 100 | 250 (200 Obj + 50 Desc) |
| Duration | 60 Minutes | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High / Advanced |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 per wrong answer | 0.25 per wrong answer (Objective only) |
| Sectional Cut-off | No | Yes |
| Counts for Final Merit? | No | Yes (75% weightage) |
| Computer Aptitude | Not tested | Part of Reasoning section |
| Descriptive Writing | Not included | Letter + Essay (50 marks) |
| Key Focus | Speed & Accuracy | Depth, Analysis & Awareness |
Pro Tip: Since Prelims marks do not count in the final merit list, your only goal there is to clear it comfortably. Invest at least 70% of your total preparation time on Mains-level depth and banking awareness.
Phase I: SBI PO Preliminary Exam Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 is the first stage of the selection process and consists of three sections — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The exam includes 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks in total. Candidates must prepare all sections thoroughly to qualify for the Mains Exam. For a structured approach to clearing this stage, the detailed How to Crack SBI PO Prelims 2026 in First Attempt strategy focuses on section-wise time management, question selection order, and mock test benchmarks.
The SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026 is given below.
| Quantitative Aptitude | Reasoning Ability | English Language |
| Simplification & Approximation | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | Reading Comprehension |
| Quadratic Equations | Alphanumeric Series | Cloze Test |
| Number Series | Coding-Decoding | Fill in the Blanks |
| Data Interpretation | Syllogism | Para Jumbles |
| Profit & Loss | Blood Relations | Vocabulary |
| Ratio & Proportion | Direction Sense | Error Spotting |
| Percentage | Inequalities | Sentence Improvement |
| Simple & Compound Interest | Ranking & Order | Sentence Completion |
| Time & Work | Input-Output | Word Usage |
| Time & Distance | Logical Reasoning | Double Fillers |
| Mixtures & Alligations | Alphabet Test | Paragraph Completion |
| Permutation & Probability | Data Sufficiency | Tenses Rules |
| Number System | Tabulation | Word Association |
| Mensuration |
SBI PO Mains Exam Syllabus 2026 (Phase II)
The SBI PO Mains Exam 2026 is the second stage of the selection process and includes advanced-level questions from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.
Since DI is one of the most time-consuming sections in Mains, having a clear selection strategy — knowing which sets to attempt and which to skip — is just as important as knowing the concepts. The Advanced DI Strategy for SBI PO 2026 covers how to identify manageable sets quickly, approach multi-graph questions, and score efficiently under timed conditions.
The exam also includes a Descriptive Test consisting of letter and essay writing.
The detailed SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026 is provided below.
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | General/Economy/Banking Awareness | English Language |
| Data Interpretation | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | Current Affairs | Reading Comprehension |
| Tabular Graph | Coding-Decoding | Banking Awareness | Cloze Test |
| Line Graph | Input-Output | Financial Awareness | Fill in the Blanks |
| Bar Graph | Blood Relations | Economic News | Para Jumbles |
| Pie Charts | Syllogism | Static Awareness | Vocabulary |
| Caselet DI | Directions & Distances | Banking Terminologies | Error Spotting |
| Missing Case DI | Data Sufficiency | RBI Updates | Sentence Improvement |
| Probability | Logical Reasoning | Government Schemes | Sentence Rearrangement |
| Permutation & Combination | Critical Reasoning | Insurance Awareness | Word Usage |
| Ratio & Proportion | Ordering & Ranking | Awards & Appointments | Sentence Completion |
| Percentage | Verbal Reasoning | National & International News | Word Replacement |
| Time & Work | Computer Fundamentals | Books & Authors | Idioms & Phrases |
| Profit & Loss | Networking | Connect the Sentences | |
| Simple & Compound Interest | Internet | Paragraph Central Idea | |
| Mensuration | Microsoft Office | ||
| Data Sufficiency | Operating System | ||
| Boats & Streams | Memory | ||
| Problems on Trains | Keyboard Shortcuts |
SBI PO Descriptive Test 2026
The SBI PO Descriptive Test is conducted as part of the Mains Examination. The test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s English writing skills, grammar, clarity, and communication ability. Candidates are required to type their answers on the computer within the given time duration.
The Descriptive Test carries 50 marks and includes questions based on Email Writing, Situation Analysis, and Report/Precis Writing. The marks scored in this section are considered for the final selection process.
| Topics | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Email Writing | 1 out of 2 | 15 | 30 Minutes |
| Situation Analysis Writing | 1 out of 2 | 15 | |
| Report Writing / Precis Writing | 1 out of 2 | 20 | |
| Total | 3 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
SBI PO 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage (Based on Previous Year Papers)
Knowing the syllabus is not enough — you need to know which topics carry the most weight. Based on analysis of SBI PO papers from 2021 to 2025, here is the approximate number of questions asked per topic:
Quantitative Aptitude — Prelims
| Topic | Approx. Questions |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | 8–10 questions |
| Simplification & Approximation | 6–8 questions |
| Number Series | 4–5 questions |
| Quadratic Equations | 4–5 questions |
| Arithmetic (SI/CI, Time & Work, Distance) | 3–5 questions |
| Miscellaneous (Mensuration, Mixtures, Probability) | 2–4 questions |
Reasoning Ability — Prelims
| Topic | Approx. Questions |
| Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 12–15 questions |
| Syllogism | 3–5 questions |
| Inequality | 3–5 questions |
| Coding-Decoding | 2–4 questions |
| Direction Sense / Blood Relations | 2–3 questions |
| Alphanumeric Series / Ranking | 2–3 questions |
English Language — Prelims
| Topic | Approx. Questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 12–15 questions |
| Cloze Test | 6–8 questions |
| Error Spotting | 4–5 questions |
| Para Jumbles / Fillers | 4–5 questions |
| Sentence Improvement / Word Usage | 3–5 questions |
Disclaimer: These are approximate figures based on previous year paper trends. Actual distribution may vary.
SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern
The SBI PO 2026 Selection Process consists of three stages — Prelims, Mains, and Phase 3 (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview). Candidates must qualify each stage to move forward in the recruitment process. Both the Prelims and Mains exams are conducted in online mode and include negative marking for incorrect answers.
For every incorrect answer in the objective tests, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Prelims Exam consists of three sections — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes with sectional timing for each section.
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Important Points
- The Prelims Exam is qualifying in nature.
- There is no sectional cut-off in the Prelims Exam.
- 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Candidates up to 10 times the category-wise vacancies are shortlisted for the Mains Exam.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Mains Exam consists of four objective sections and one descriptive test. The Mains Exam carries both sectional and overall cut-offs.
The duration of the objective test is 3 hours, and it consists of 4 sections totaling 200 marks. Each section has separate timing.
| Test | Name of the Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 Minutes |
| II | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| III | General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| IV | English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 Hours |
(ii) Descriptive Paper
The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the objective test. Candidates must type their answers on the computer.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing |
| Total Questions | 3 Tasks |
| Maximum Marks | 50 |
| Duration | 30 Minutes |
Note:
- Either Situation Analysis OR Precis Writing (one of the two)
- Emails: Compulsory (1 out of 2 options)
- Reports: Compulsory (1 out of 2 options)
Important Points
- Mains includes both objective and descriptive tests
- Sectional and overall cut-offs are applicable
- 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer (objective only)
- Candidates approximately 3 times category-wise vacancies are shortlisted for Phase III.
For a complete, up-to-date book list with study plan recommendations, check out SBI PO 2026 Books & Study Plan guide.
SBI PO Phase 3: Interview & Group Exercise
Candidates who qualify the SBI PO Mains Exam are called for Phase 3, which includes the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Personal Interview. This stage evaluates a candidate’s personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and suitability for the role of Probationary Officer.
| Activity | Marks | Details |
| Psychometric Test | No Marks | Online test conducted to assess behavioural traits and personality |
| Group Exercise | 20 Marks | Tests communication, teamwork, and leadership skills |
| Personal Interview | 30 Marks | Evaluates banking awareness, confidence, and overall personality |
Psychometric Test
The Psychometric Test is conducted online and usually lasts around 90 minutes. It does not carry any marks but helps the interview panel understand a candidate’s behavioural and emotional approach in different situations.
Group Exercise
In the Group Exercise round, candidates are divided into groups and given a topic related to banking, current affairs, or social issues. The panel evaluates communication skills, teamwork, leadership ability, and confidence.
Personal Interview
The Personal Interview carries 30 marks and is conducted by an interview panel in Hindi or English. Candidates may be asked questions related to banking awareness, current affairs, educational background, work experience, and career goals.
For a full picture of upcoming recruitment timelines alongside other major exams this cycle, refer to the Upcoming Bank Exams 2026 guide.
Want to know what you earn after cracking SBI PO? Check our SBI PO Salary 2026 guide →
SBI PO Final Selection Criteria
The final selection is based on marks obtained in the Mains exam and Interview.
- The Mains exam has 75% weightage in the final result.
- The Interview has 25% weightage in the final result.
So, the final merit list is prepared by combining:
- Mains Exam score (out of 75)
- Interview score (out of 25)
SBI PO Syllabus 2026
Other Related Blogs on SBI PO 2026
| SBI PO Exam Pattern | SBI PO Previous Year Question Paper |
| SBI PO Salary | Budget 2026 Banking Exam Strategy |
| Puzzle Solving Tricks Used by Toppers at Mains Level | Top 50 Banking Awareness Q&A for 2026 |
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SBI PO 2026 FAQs
Start with basic concepts of Quant, Reasoning, and English. After building concepts, practice topic-wise questions daily, followed by sectional tests and full-length mock tests. Also revise current affairs regularly for the Mains exam.
Prelims include English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Mains include Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis, English Language, General Awareness, and a Descriptive Test.
Important topics include Seating Arrangement (linear and circular), Puzzles (floor, box, month-based), Syllogism, Inequality, Input-Output, and Data Sufficiency.
For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. No marks are cut for unanswered questions. Final selection is based on Mains and Interview performance.
Each section in both Prelims and Mains is separately timed, so candidates must complete each section within the given time limit with proper speed and accuracy.
The SBI PO pre cut off 2026 is the minimum score required to qualify the Prelims exam. It varies every year depending on exam difficulty, number of vacancies, and overall candidate performance. Only candidates who clear this cut-off are eligible for the Mains exam.
SBI Careers is the official recruitment portal of the State Bank of India where all notifications, application forms, results, and updates for SBI PO and other posts are released. Candidates must regularly check SBI Careers for the latest SBI PO 2026 updates.