The SBI PO syllabus is almost the same as other bank exams. To clear the Preliminary Exam, candidates need to prepare for three main sections: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Each section includes different topics from which questions are asked in the exam. Candidates are advised to check previous year question papers to understand the important topics and their weightage, which will help in better preparation.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 Preliminary Examination consists of 100 objective questions from three sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. This stage is qualifying in nature and tests the basic aptitude of candidates.
The SBI PO Syallabus 2026 Main Examination includes sections such as Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General / Economy / Banking Awareness, English Language, along with a Descriptive Test. The mains exam is more advanced and checks both objective knowledge and writing skills.
Below is the overview of the SBI PO Prelims & Mains syllabus and exam pattern.
SBI PO Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | State Bank of India |
| Exam Name | SBI PO 2026 |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Category | Syllabus & Exam Pattern |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Number of Questions | Prelims – 100 |
| Mains – 155 (Objective) + 2 (Descriptive) | |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam → Main Exam → Interview |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in |
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 examination is conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI) in two online stages – Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. Candidates who qualify in both stages will be shortlisted for the Interview round.
In the objective tests, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. The detailed SBI PO Prelims and Mains Exam Pattern 2026 is explained below for better understanding.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
Important Points:
- The prelims exam is qualifying in nature.
- Each section has a separate sectional timing.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026 – Detailed Table
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 Minutes |
| Descriptive Test (Letter & Essay) | — | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | — | 250 Marks | 180 Minutes (3 Hours) |
Important Points to Remember
- The mains exam includes both objective and descriptive sections.
- Each section has a fixed sectional time limit.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in objective tests.
- No negative marking in the descriptive paper.
- Performance in mains + interview decides the final merit list.
SBI PO Syllabus for Prelims
Below is the section-wise SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026 in a clear table format to help candidates understand all important topics easily.
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification / Approximation Profit & Loss Mixtures & Alligations Permutation, Combination & Probability Work & Time Sequence & Series Simple Interest & Compound Interest Surds & Indices Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere Time & Distance Data Interpretation Ratio & Proportion Number System Percentage Quadratic Equation |
| Reasoning Ability | Alphanumeric Series Directions Logical Reasoning Data Sufficiency Ranking & Order Alphabet Test Seating Arrangement Coded Inequalities Puzzle Syllogism Blood Relations Coding-Decoding Input-Output Tabulation |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension Fill in the Blanks Cloze Test Para Jumbles Vocabulary Puzzles & Sentence Rearrangement Paragraph Completion Error Spotting Word Association Sentence Improvement Sentence Completion Tenses Rules Double Fillers Word Usage Pair Formation |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO Mains Examination 2026 includes four major sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and General / Economy / Banking Awareness. Below is the subject-wise SBI PO Syllabus 2026 for effective preparation.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 for Mains Exam
The subject-wise topics that need to be covered for preparing for the SBI PO 2026 Mains Exam have been listed below.
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Tabular Data Line Charts Bar Graphs Charts and Tables Missing DI Case Radar Graph Caselet Probability Data Sufficiency Double Line DI Caselet Data Interpretation Permutation & Combination Pie Charts |
| Reasoning Ability | Verbal Reasoning Syllogism Seating Arrangement & Puzzles Double Line-up Scheduling Problems Input–Output Blood Relations Direction & Distance Order and Ranking Data Sufficiency Coding–Decoding Code Inequalities Course of Action Critical Reasoning Analytical & Decision-Making |
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness | Current Affairs Financial Awareness General Knowledge Static GK Banking Terminologies Banking Awareness Insurance Principles |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension Grammar Rules Verbal Ability Vocabulary Sentence Improvement Word Association Para Jumbles Error Spotting Cloze Test Fill in the Blanks |
| Computer Knowledge | Internet Basics Computer Memory Keyboard Shortcuts Computer Abbreviations Microsoft Office Tools Computer Hardware Computer Software Computer Fundamentals & Terminologies Networking Concepts Number System Operating System Basics of Logic Gates |
SBI PO Syllabus PDF – Free Download
SBI PO Syllabus PDF (Prelims & Mains)
Preliminary + Mains syllabus in one PDF
Download here: SBI PO Syllabus PDF
📌 This PDF includes subject-wise syllabus topics for both prelims and mains.
SBI PO Descriptive Test – Complete Details
The SBI PO Syllabus is descriptive test an important part of the Main Examination and is conducted to evaluate a candidate’s English writing skills. This test is held online and has a total duration of 30 minutes. Candidates are required to attempt two descriptive questions for a total of 50 marks.
Structure of the Descriptive Test
The descriptive paper mainly includes:
- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing
Candidates are expected to type their answers on the computer, and therefore, basic typing skills are essential. The test checks a candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly, maintain proper structure, and use correct grammar and vocabulary.
Important Points About SBI PO Descriptive Test
- The descriptive test is qualifying in nature, but the marks obtained are counted in the final merit list.
- Answers should be clear, relevant, and well-structured.
- Candidates must strictly follow the word limit mentioned in the question paper.
- Topics for essays and letters are usually based on current affairs, banking, economy, social issues, or general awareness.
- Good command over grammar, spelling, and sentence formation is essential to score well.
Role of Interview in SBI PO Selection Process
Apart from the Preliminary and Main examinations, the Interview round is conducted for candidates who qualify both written stages. The interview tests:
- Communication skills
- Confidence and personality
- Knowledge of banking and current affairs
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Only candidates shortlisted from the mains exam are called for the interview round.
Final Merit List – How It Is Prepared
The final merit list of SBI PO 2026 is prepared based on:
- Marks obtained in the Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive Test)
- Marks scored in the Interview round
⚠️ Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not included in the final merit list. Prelims is only qualifying in nature.
Candidates who score well in both the mains exam and interview are finally selected for the post of Probationary Officer (PO) in the State Bank of India.
Preparation Tips for SBI PO Descriptive Test
- Practice essay and letter writing regularly.
- Read newspapers and editorials to improve vocabulary and content.
- Focus on clarity of thought rather than length.
- Practice typing to manage time efficiently during the exam.
- Revise basic grammar rules and sentence structure.
Final Advice for Students
The SBI PO Descriptive Test may seem small compared to other sections, but it plays a crucial role in final selection. With regular practice and proper understanding of the exam pattern, candidates can easily score well and improve their chances of selection.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 – FAQ
Q1. What are the subjects in the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 exam?
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 exam includes Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language in the Preliminary exam. The Main exam includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and a Descriptive Test.
Q2. What is the negative marking scheme in the SBI PO Syllabus exam?
For every incorrect answer in the objective tests of both Prelims and Mains, 0.25 marks are deducted. There is no negative marking in the descriptive test.
Q3. What is the structure of SBI PO Descriptive Test?
The SBI PO Descriptive Test is conducted online for 30 minutes and carries 50 marks. It includes one essay and one letter writing question, both based on the English language.
Q4. What will be the total number of questions in SBI PO Preliminary & Mains exams?
The SBI PO Preliminary exam consists of 100 questions, while the Main exam includes 155 objective questions along with 2 descriptive questions.
Q5. Is the SBI PO Preliminary exam qualifying in nature?
Yes, the SBI PO Preliminary exam is qualifying only. The marks scored in prelims are not counted for the final merit list.
Q6. How is the final merit list prepared in SBI PO 2026?
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination (objective + descriptive) and the Interview round. Prelims marks are not included.
