The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI PO exam to recruit Probationary Officers (POs). The exam is divided into three main stages: the Preliminary Exam, the Mains Exam, and the Interview. The Preliminary Exam has three sections: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The Mains Exam consists of multiple sections, including Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language.
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is released by the State Bank of India along with the official notification. Candidates preparing for the Probationary Officer (PO) exam must understand the detailed syllabus and exam pattern to crack this highly competitive banking exam.
The SBI PO selection process consists of three stages:
- Prelims Exam
- Mains Exam
- Interview & Group Exercise
The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature, while the final selection is based on Mains + Interview performance.
SBI PO 2026 Exam: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks |
| Language | English & Hindi |
The exam tests speed, accuracy, reasoning ability, and banking awareness of candidates.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Prelims exam is the first stage and acts as a screening test.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 40 | 100 (total) | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
Key Points:
- Total duration: 1 hour
- Sectional timing is fixed
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
1. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification & Approximation
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Work
- SI & CI
- Data Interpretation
- Ratio & Proportion
- Number System
3. Reasoning Ability
- Seating Arrangement & Puzzle
- Coding-Decoding
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Inequalities
- Data Sufficiency
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify Prelims appear for the Mains exam.
Objective Test
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 min |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 min |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 min |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 min |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 hours |
Descriptive Test
| Type | Marks | Duration |
| Letter & Essay Writing | 50 | 30 min |
Key Highlights:
- Total marks: 250 (200 + 50)
- Descriptive test is conducted online
- Mains score is crucial for final merit
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
1. Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Pie Chart, Bar Graph, Line Graph
- Caselet DI
- Probability
- Data Sufficiency
2. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Seating Arrangement (Circular/Linear)
- Coding-Decoding
- Input-Output
- Logical Reasoning
- Computer Fundamentals
- Networking & MS Office
3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Banking & Financial Awareness
- RBI Policies
- Static GK
4. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary & Grammar
- Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
SBI PO Descriptive Test Syllabus
The Descriptive Test is a part of the Mains exam and includes two questions:
- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing
It is conducted for 50 marks with a time limit of 30 minutes.
SBI PO Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Exam: A screening test with three sections (Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language).
- Mains Exam: A more comprehensive test with four sections (Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language), plus a Descriptive Paper.
- Interview: Candidates who clear the Mains exam are called for an Interview.
The final merit list is based on the candidate’s performance in the Mains exam and Interview.
SBI PO Important Points
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Total Marks:
- Prelims: 100 marks
- Mains: 200 marks (objective) + 50 marks (descriptive)
- Duration:
- Prelims: 1 hour
- Mains: 3 hours (objective) + 30 minutes (descriptive)
Best Books to Cover SBI PO Syllabus
To prepare for the SBI PO exam, it’s crucial to select the right books that cover all sections of the syllabus effectively. Here’s a list of recommended books for each section of the SBI PO exam:
Reasoning Ability:
- “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal – A comprehensive book for all types of logical reasoning problems.
- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey – Focuses on the reasoning portion in a detailed and easy-to-understand manner.
Quantitative Aptitude:
- “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers a wide range of problems and practice questions.
- “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma – Helps in improving speed and accuracy.
English Language:
- “High School English Grammar and Composition” by Wren & Martin – Provides a strong foundation for grammar.
- “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi – Helps with vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension practice.
General Awareness/Current Affairs:
- “Manorama Yearbook” – A comprehensive guide for static general knowledge.
- “Lucent’s General Knowledge” – Good for general awareness and important topics.
- Current Affairs from newspapers (The Hindu, The Indian Express) or apps like “Adda247” for regular updates.
Computer Knowledge:
- “Objective Computer Awareness” by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers the basics and fundamentals.
- “Computer Knowledge for SBI & IBPS” by Arihant – Designed specifically for bank exams.
Descriptive English (Letter Writing, Essay, etc.):
- “Descriptive General English” by S.P. Bakshi – Excellent for practicing essay writing and letter writing.
- “Wren & Martin’s English Grammar and Composition” for improving your language and writing skills.
These books will help you cover the entire syllabus and improve your understanding of key concepts. Regular practice, mock tests, and staying updated with current affairs are crucial for success in the SBI PO exam.
FAQs
- What are the main sections of the SBI PO exam syllabus?
The SBI PO exam syllabus covers three main sections: - Preliminary Exam: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
- Mains Exam: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, General/Economic/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Descriptive Writing.
- Interview: Candidates are also assessed through a Personal Interview round after clearing the Mains exam.
- How many subjects are there in the SBI PO Mains exam?
The Mains exam consists of four sections: - Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General/Economic/Banking Awareness
- English Language Additionally, there is a Descriptive Test that evaluates writing skills.
- What is the weightage of the General/Economic/Banking Awareness section in SBI PO Mains?
The General/Economic/Banking Awareness section in the SBI PO Mains exam has a significant weightage and typically includes questions related to current affairs, banking terminologies, government schemes, and economics. It consists of 40 marks. - Is there a negative marking in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both the Preliminary and Mains exams. - What is the syllabus for the Descriptive Test in SBI PO Mains?
The Descriptive Test in the SBI PO Mains exam includes two types of questions: - Letter Writing
- Essay Writing The candidates are required to write responses based on given topics. The test is conducted for 50 marks.