EXAM SYLLABUS

The exam structure for Probationary Officers will be done through a three-Phase process:

Phase I – Preliminary Examination

Phase II – Main Examination

Phase III – Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview

Phase II – Main Examination

SBI PO Mains Detailed Syllabus

1. Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

Reasoning Topics:

Seating Arrangement (circular, linear, floor based)

Puzzles (box, scheduling, month based)

Input Output

Data Sufficiency

Logical Reasoning

Statement and Assumption

Course of Action

Critical Reasoning

Coding Decoding (new pattern)

Computer Topics:

Basics of Computers

Hardware and Software

Operating Systems

Internet

MS Office

Networking

Computer Abbreviations

This section is usually moderate to difficult.

2. Data Analysis and Interpretation

Topics include:

Data Interpretation (table, line, pie, bar)

Caselet DI

Missing DI

Quantity Comparison

Data Sufficiency

Arithmetic Word Problems (percentage, ratio, profit and loss, time and work, speed and distance, partnership, mixture, interest, ages)

This section tests calculation speed and analytical ability.

3. General / Economy / Banking Awareness

Topics include:

Current Affairs (last 4 to 6 months)

RBI updates

Banking terms and abbreviations

Government schemes

Budget and Economic Survey

Static Banking Awareness

Financial Institutions

Important Committees

This section is scoring if prepared consistently.

4. English Language

Topics include:

Reading Comprehension

Cloze Test

Error Detection

Sentence Improvement

Para Jumbles

Fill in the Blanks

Vocabulary based questions

Focus is on comprehension and grammar accuracy.

5. Descriptive Paper

Essay Topics generally based on:

Banking and Economy

Digital Payments

Financial Inclusion

Social Issues

Government Policies

Letter Writing usually:

Formal Letter

Complaint Letter

Official Communication

Important Preparation Insight

Mains is more analytical and lengthy than Prelims.

General Awareness and DI play a major role in final merit.

Descriptive writing must be practiced weekly.

Sectional cut off and overall cut off both matter.

Phase III – Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview

EXAM PATTERN

The exam pattern for the SBI PO Prelims and Mains is outlined in the table below. Review it to understand the marking scheme, question types, and other important details.

Selection for Probationary Officers (POs) will be conducted in three stages:

Stage I – Preliminary Examination

Stage II – Main Examination

Stage III – Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview

Phase II – Main Examination

The Mains exam has two parts:

1. Objective Test

Total Questions: 155

Total Marks: 200

Duration: 3 hours (sectional timing applicable)

Sections included:

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

Data Analysis and Interpretation

General / Economy / Banking Awareness

English Language

Each section has a fixed time limit. Negative marking of one fourth mark applies for every wrong answer.

2. Descriptive Test

Total Marks: 50

Duration: 30 minutes

This section includes:

Letter Writing

Essay Writing

The descriptive test is conducted immediately after the objective test. It is mandatory to qualify this section.

Phase III – Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates wishing to apply for the SBI PO Exam must be aware of the eligibility criteria established by the bank. To be considered for recruitment, applicants must meet the required conditions, including age limit, educational qualifications, and other specifications. The detailed eligibility requirements are provided below.

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

A candidate must be either -

1. A Citizen of India or

2. A subject of Nepal or

3. A subject of Bhutan or

4. A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or

5. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, 

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (2), (3), (4) & (5) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit: (As on 01.04.2026)

Not below 21 years and not above 30 years as on 01.04.2026 i.e. candidates must have been born not later than 01.04.2005 and not earlier than 02.04.1996 (both days inclusive).

Relaxations of Upper age limit

Note: Cumulative age relaxation will not be available either under the above items or in combination with any other items.

Education Qualification

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. Those who are in the Final Year/ Semester of their Graduation may also apply provisionally subject to the condition that, if called for interview, they will have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before 30.09.2026.

Candidates having Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate should ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before 30.09.2026. Candidates possessing qualifications such as Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant etc. would also be eligible.

Note: The date of passing eligibility examination will be the date appearing on the mark sheet or provisional certificate issued by the University/ Institute. In case the result of a particular examination is posted on the website of the University/ Institute, a certificate issued by the appropriate authority of the University/ Institute indicating the date on which the result was posted on the website will be taken as the date of passing.

Number of Chances (Attempts Allowed)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates wishing to apply for the SBI PO Exam must be aware of the eligibility criteria established by the bank. To be considered for recruitment, applicants must meet the required conditions, including age limit, educational qualifications, and other specifications. The detailed eligibility requirements are provided below.

1. Nationality

2. Age Limit & Relaxations

3. Educational Qualifications

Nationality

A candidate must be either -

1. A Citizen of India or

2. A subject of Nepal or

3. A subject of Bhutan or

4. A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India or

5. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India, 

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (2), (3), (4) & (5) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit: (As on 01.04.2026)

Not below 21 years and not above 30 years as on 01.04.2026 i.e. candidates must have been born not later than 01.04.2005 and not earlier than 02.04.1996 (both days inclusive).

Relaxations of Upper age limit

Note: Cumulative age relaxation will not be available either under the above items or in combination with any other items.

Education Qualification

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. Those who are in the Final Year/ Semester of their Graduation may also apply provisionally subject to the condition that, if called for interview, they will have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before 30.09.2026.

Candidates having Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate should ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before 30.09.2026. Candidates possessing qualifications such as Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant etc. would also be eligible.

Note: The date of passing eligibility examination will be the date appearing on the mark sheet or provisional certificate issued by the University/ Institute. In case the result of a particular examination is posted on the website of the University/ Institute, a certificate issued by the appropriate authority of the University/ Institute indicating the date on which the result was posted on the website will be taken as the date of passing.

Number of Chances (Attempts Allowed)

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) Reservation

4% horizontal reservation as per the RPwD Act, 2016.

Categories eligible

Visual Impairment (VI) – Blindness & Low Vision

Hearing Impairment (HI) – Hard of Hearing

Locomotor Disabilities (LD) – One/both arm/leg affected, cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, spinal deformity/injury, etc.

d & e – Mental Illness (MI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (Mild), Multiple Disabilities

IMPORTANT DATES

The State Bank of India (SBI) is expected to release the official SBI PO Notification 2026 in May or June 2026, providing full details for the recruitment of an estimated 500 to 1,000+ Probationary Officers (PO) across various SBI branches in India. The SBI PO Prelims Exam is tentatively scheduled for August 1 and 2, 2026. The Main Exam is set to be held in September 2026, with results expected to be declared by late September or October 2026. The final selection process, including the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview, will take place in October or November 2026, and the final results are anticipated by December 2026 or February 2027. 

EXAM ANALYSIS

SBI PO Prelims 2025 – Last Conducted Exam

Dates & Shifts

The SBI PO Preliminary Examination 2025 was conducted across multiple days in March and August 2025.

Specifically, the exam was held on:

8th, 16th and 24th March 2025 with four shifts per day.

Additional batches were also conducted on 4th and 5th August 2025 to complete the prelims cycle.

Each day, there were four shifts to accommodate large numbers of candidates.

Shift Timings (Prelims 2025)

The Prelims exam was conducted in four shifts as follows:

Shift 1: Reporting ~08:00 AM ? Exam 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Shift 2: Reporting ~10:30 AM ? Exam 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Shift 3: Reporting ~01:00 PM ? Exam 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

Shift 4: Reporting ~03:30 PM ? Exam 04:30 PM – 05:30 PM

Candidates were generally advised to reach the centres well before the reporting time for document verification and mandatory handwriting sample.

Exam Pattern (Prelims 2025)

The Preliminary Exam consisted of 100 objective questions for 100 marks, lasting 60 minutes. There were three sections — Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language. Each section had a fixed 20-minute time limit.

Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applied.

Prelims Difficulty & Candidate Feedback

According to candidate feedback and expert analysis:

Overall difficulty was moderate across most shifts.

English was generally balanced with comprehension, grammar and vocabulary items.

Quantitative Aptitude included arithmetic and data interpretation, which were moderate to slightly tough.

Reasoning Ability was moderate with puzzles, seating arrangement and syllogism dominating.

Expected good attempt ranges (based on feedback and analysis):

English: 23–26 approx.

Quantitative: 18–22 approx.

Reasoning: 20–25 approx.

Safe aggregate attempts were estimated around 60–70 for qualifying chances.

SBI PO Mains 2025 – Last Conducted Exam

Date & Shift

The SBI PO Mains Examination 2025 was held on 13th September 2025 in a single shift across test centres nationwide.

The reporting and exact timings were typically outlined on individual admit cards, but based on prior official patterns the exam conventionally began in the morning with reporting one hour earlier.

The Mains duration was approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes — a single session covering both objective and descriptive components combined.

Mains Exam Structure (2025)

Mains included multiple objective sections followed by a descriptive test (essay/letter writing). Objective sections comprised:

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

Data Analysis & Interpretation

English Language

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

Descriptive writing was typically completed immediately after the objective portion.

Mains Difficulty & Trends

According to expert review and student feedback:

Overall difficulty was moderate to difficult — more challenging than prelims.

Reasoning & DI: moderate to higher difficulty with tricky data sets and puzzles.

English Language: relatively easier compared to other sections.

General Awareness: primarily banking/economy + current affairs — moderate.

Descriptive Test: required strong writing and conceptual clarity.

Estimated good attempts (for the objective part):

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: ~14–18

English Language: ~27–35

DI: ~9–13

General Awareness: ~14–20

Total objective good attempts were generally in the range ~64–86 depending on accuracy and speed.

Expected Schedule & Pattern for SBI PO 2026

Based on the 2025 cycle and official exam calendar patterns:

Preliminary Exam – 2026

Expected to be conducted in March and/or April 2026 across multiple dates in 4 shifts per day.

The structure is likely to remain:

100 questions

60 minutes total

Sections: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English

Separate timing for each section

Main Exam – 2026

Expected a few months after prelims — likely May or early June 2026 (official dates will be notified).

Mains will include objective sections + descriptive test and will be held in a single long session.

Note: The official notification PDF will confirm exact dates and schedules for the 2026 exams. Candidates should always refer to the official SBI website/notification for confirmed details.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

Prelims Insights

Moderate overall difficulty with time pressure due to sectional time limits.

Reasoning and English often decide speed; quant requires accuracy under time constraint.

Good attempts around 60+ with high accuracy are generally competitive.

Mains Insights

More comprehensive and time-intensive than Prelims.

General Awareness and DI often carry weight and require consistent preparation.

Descriptive writing ability is crucial and must be practiced.

STUDY TIPS

Preparing for the SBI PO Mains demands a transition from the speed-focused approach of the prelims to a deeper emphasis on conceptual clarity, advanced-level problem solving, and maintaining a balance between speed and accuracy, as the exam is generally moderate to difficult in nature. It is important to allocate dedicated time to General Awareness, practice Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning intensively, and ensure regular daily practice for the descriptive section to perform well.

1. Understand the Exam Level

SBI PO Mains is conceptual and analytical, not just speed-based. Questions are often tricky and require deep understanding, especially in Reasoning and Data Interpretation.

2. Focus on High-Weight Sections

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

Practice high-level puzzles (floor, box, scheduling, hybrid puzzles)

Strengthen topics like input-output, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning

Focus on accuracy—avoid guesswork

Data Analysis & Interpretation (DI)

Master caselet DI, missing DI, and data sufficiency

Practice arithmetic-based DI (profit & loss, time & work, probability)

Improve calculation speed (use approximation techniques)

3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness (Scoring Section)

Prepare last 4–6 months current affairs

Focus on banking, financial awareness, RBI policies, and static GK

Revise daily—this section can boost your overall score quickly

4. English Language

Improve reading skills with editorials and articles

Practice comprehension, para jumbles, and error detection

Learn new vocabulary daily and revise regularly

5. Descriptive Section (Very Important)

Practice essay and letter writing regularly (2–3 per week)

Focus on structure, clarity, and grammar

Keep content relevant to banking, economy, and current issues

6. Mock Tests & Analysis

Take full-length mocks regularly (2–3 per week)

Analyze each test deeply:

Identify weak areas

Work on time management

Avoid repeating mistakes

7. Time Management Strategy

Don’t get stuck on one question

Attempt easier questions first to build confidence

Maintain a balance between speed and accuracy

8. Revision Strategy

Keep short notes for formulas, current affairs, and rules

Revise weekly and monthly to retain information

9. Improve Calculation Speed

Practice simplification, approximation, and tables daily

Learn shortcuts to save time in DI

10. Stay Consistent & Exam Ready

Study daily with a fixed routine

Maintain a calm mindset and avoid burnout

Focus on quality practice over quantity

STUDY PLAN

1 Month Study Plan (For Revision + Practice Phase)

Goal: Maximize score through mocks, revision, and weak area improvement

Daily Time: 6–8 hours

Week-wise Plan

Week 1

Take 2 full-length mocks

Analyze mistakes deeply

Revise current affairs (last 4–5 months)

Practice high-level puzzles + DI sets daily

Week 2

3 full-length mocks

Focus on weak areas (DI or Reasoning)

Practice descriptive writing (2 essays + 2 letters)

Continue GA revision

Week 3

3–4 mocks

Improve speed and accuracy

Revise formulas + shortcuts

Practice mixed sets (Reasoning + DI)

Week 4

4–5 mocks (alternate days)

Full revision of GA notes

Practice descriptive section (timed writing)

Light practice + focus on accuracy

3 Month Study Plan (Balanced Preparation)

Goal: Build concepts + practice + test strategy

Daily Time: 5–7 hours

Month 1 (Concept Building)

Quant: Arithmetic (profit & loss, SI/CI, time & work)

Reasoning: Basic puzzles + seating arrangement

English: Reading + grammar basics

GA: Start daily current affairs

Practice 1 sectional test every 2 days

Month 2 (Advanced Practice)

Quant: DI (caselet, missing DI, data sufficiency)

Reasoning: High-level puzzles, input-output

English: RC + para jumbles

GA: Monthly revision

Start full-length mocks (2 per week)

Month 3 (Exam-Oriented Phase)

3–4 full-length mocks per week

Deep analysis of each mock

Daily mixed practice sets

GA revision (last 4–6 months)

Descriptive writing (2–3 per week)

6 Month Study Plan (Complete Preparation)

Goal: Strong foundation + advanced mastery + top score

Daily Time: 4–6 hours

Month 1–2 (Basics + Foundati

STUDY TIPS

Preparing for the SBI PO Mains demands a transition from the speed-focused approach of the prelims to a deeper emphasis on conceptual clarity, advanced-level problem solving, and maintaining a balance between speed and accuracy, as the exam is generally moderate to difficult in nature. It is important to allocate dedicated time to General Awareness, practice Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning intensively, and ensure regular daily practice for the descriptive section to perform well.

1. Understand the Exam Level

SBI PO Mains is conceptual and analytical, not just speed-based. Questions are often tricky and require deep understanding, especially in Reasoning and Data Interpretation.

2. Focus on High-Weight Sections

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

Practice high-level puzzles (floor, box, scheduling, hybrid puzzles)

Strengthen topics like input-output, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning

Focus on accuracy—avoid guesswork

Data Analysis & Interpretation (DI)

Master caselet DI, missing DI, and data sufficiency

Practice arithmetic-based DI (profit & loss, time & work, probability)

Improve calculation speed (use approximation techniques)

3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness (Scoring Section)

Prepare last 4–6 months current affairs

Focus on banking, financial awareness, RBI policies, and static GK

Revise daily—this section can boost your overall score quickly

4. English Language

Improve reading skills with editorials and articles

Practice comprehension, para jumbles, and error detection

Learn new vocabulary daily and revise regularly

5. Descriptive Section (Very Important)

Practice essay and letter writing regularly (2–3 per week)

Focus on structure, clarity, and grammar

Keep content relevant to banking, economy, and current issues

6. Mock Tests & Analysis

Take full-length mocks regularly (2–3 per week)

Analyze each test deeply:

Identify weak areas

Work on time management

Avoid repeating mistakes

7. Time Management Strategy

Don’t get stuck on one question

Attempt easier questions first to build confidence

Maintain a balance between speed and accuracy

8. Revision Strategy

Keep short notes for formulas, current affairs, and rules

Revise weekly and monthly to retain information

9. Improve Calculation Speed

Practice simplification, approximation, and tables daily

Learn shortcuts to save time in DI

10. Stay Consistent & Exam Ready

Study daily with a fixed routine

Maintain a calm mindset and avoid burnout

Focus on quality practice over quantity

STUDY PLAN

1 Month Study Plan (For Revision + Practice Phase)

Goal: Maximize score through mocks, revision, and weak area improvement

Daily Time: 6–8 hours

Week-wise Plan

Week 1

Take 2 full-length mocks

Analyze mistakes deeply

Revise current affairs (last 4–5 months)

Practice high-level puzzles + DI sets daily

Week 2

3 full-length mocks

Focus on weak areas (DI or Reasoning)

Practice descriptive writing (2 essays + 2 letters)

Continue GA revision

Week 3

3–4 mocks

Improve speed and accuracy

Revise formulas + shortcuts

Practice mixed sets (Reasoning + DI)

Week 4

4–5 mocks (alternate days)

Full revision of GA notes

Practice descriptive section (timed writing)

Light practice + focus on accuracy

3 Month Study Plan (Balanced Preparation)

Goal: Build concepts + practice + test strategy

Daily Time: 5–7 hours

Month 1 (Concept Building)

Quant: Arithmetic (profit & loss, SI/CI, time & work)

Reasoning: Basic puzzles + seating arrangement

English: Reading + grammar basics

GA: Start daily current affairs

Practice 1 sectional test every 2 days

Month 2 (Advanced Practice)

Quant: DI (caselet, missing DI, data sufficiency)

Reasoning: High-level puzzles, input-output

English: RC + para jumbles

GA: Monthly revision

Start full-length mocks (2 per week)

Month 3 (Exam-Oriented Phase)

3–4 full-length mocks per week

Deep analysis of each mock

Daily mixed practice sets

GA revision (last 4–6 months)

Descriptive writing (2–3 per week)

6 Month Study Plan (Complete Preparation)

Goal: Strong foundation + advanced mastery + top score

Daily Time: 4–6 hours

Month 1–2 (Basics + Foundation)

Quant: Arithmetic basics + simplification

Reasoning: Basic puzzles + logical reasoning

English: Grammar + vocabulary

GA: Start current affairs daily

Practice sectional questions

Month 3–4 (Intermediate Level)

Quant: DI + data sufficiency

Reasoning: Advanced puzzles + coding-decoding

English: RC + error detection

GA: Monthly revision

Start sectional tests + 1 mock/week

Month 5 (Advanced Level)

High-level DI and puzzles daily

Practice mixed sets

2–3 mocks per week

Start descriptive writing practice

GA revision (last 4–5 months)

Month 6 (Final Phase)

3–4 mocks per week

Intensive revision of all subjects

Focus on weak areas

Daily descriptive writing practice

Improve speed + accuracy

OVERVIEW

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts an SBI PO examination every year to select suitable candidates for the position of Probation Officer. The SBI PO exam is an annual officer recruitment exam administered annually by the State Bank of India for their various vacancies in the branches. SBI PO is considered one of the most wanted bank exams in the country. Successful candidates are employed as probation officers in various branches of the bank. The SBI PO exam consists of three phases pre-examination, main examination, and interview (interview and group exercises). SBI Po Prelims is the first phase of online examination, conducted to recruit Probationary Officers in the State Bank of India.

SELECTION PROCESS

The SBI PO selection process is a three-staged process to shortlist the most eligible candidates for the post of Probationary Officer at the State Bank of India.

Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (Screening)

Online objective test:

Shortlisting rule: A category-wise merit list is made on total Prelims marks; no sectional cut-off in Prelims. About 10× the number of vacancies (per category) are called for Mains.

Negative marking: 0.25 of the question’s marks deducted for each wrong answer (no penalty if left blank).

Phase-II: Main Examination (Merit-deciding)

Conducted online: Objective (200 marks) + Descriptive (50 marks); Descriptive follows immediately after Objective.

Selection criteria for Phase-III

Sectional cut-offs apply in Mains – you must clear each objective section and the Descriptive paper.

A minimum aggregate qualifying score (decided by SBI) is applied on the total Mains score.

Candidates up to ~3× the category-wise vacancies are shortlisted for Phase-III from the Mains merit list.

Negative marking: again 0.25 per wrong answer in objective tests.

Phase-III: Psychometric Test + GE + Interview

Psychometric Test: personality profiling; findings may be shared with the interview panel. (It’s not allotted marks for the final total.)

Group Exercise: 20 marks; Interview: 30 marks ? Total 50. Minimum qualifying marks decided by the Bank.

Final Selection & Merit Preparation

You must qualify Phase-II and Phase-III separately. Prelims marks are not counted in final merit.

Normalization/Weightage

Mains (Objective + Descriptive): 250 marks scaled to 75

GE + Interview: 50 marks scaled to 25

Final merit out of 100 = 75 (Mains) + 25 (Phase-III); selection is from top ranks category-wise.

Tie-breaking: If multiple candidates are at the cut-off in the final merit, older age ranks higher.

Result publication: Prelims, Mains and Final results are released on SBI’s career website.