SBI PO Detailed Syllabus 2026: Complete Guide for Banking Aspirants
The SBI PO selection process includes three phases:
- Phase 1: Prelims (Qualifying, 100 marks, 1 hour)
- Phase 2: Mains (Objective 200 marks + Descriptive 50 marks)
- Phase 3: Psychometric Test + Group Exercise (20 marks) + Interview (30 marks)
Final merit is based on Mains (75% weightage) + Interview/Group Exercise (25% weightage). Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for wrong answers in objective tests.
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026 – Phase 1
| SBI PO 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern | ||||
| S.No. | Name of Tests(Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour | |
Syllabus – SBI PO Prelims Exam
| SBI PO 2026 Prelims Syllabus | ||
| English Syllabus | Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus | Reasoning Syllabus |
| Reading Comprehension | Simplification/ Approximation | Alphanumeric Series |
| Fill in the blanks | Profit & Loss | Directions |
| Cloze Test | Mixtures & Alligations | Logical Reasoning |
| Para jumbles | Permutation, Combination & Probability | Data Sufficiency |
| Vocabulary | Work & Time | Ranking & Order |
| Paragraph Completion | Sequence & Series | Alphabet Test |
| Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting | Simple Interest & Compound Interest | Seating Arrangement |
| Sentence Completion | Surds & Indices | Coded Inequalities |
| Tenses Rules | Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere | Puzzle |
| Time & Distance | Syllogism | |
| Data Interpretation | Blood Relations | |
| Ratio & Proportion | Coding-Decoding | |
| Number Systems | Input-Output | |
| Percentage | Tabulation | |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026 – Phase 2
| Subjects | Questions | Marks | 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 | 2 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 170 + Descriptive | 250 | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
Syllabus – SBI PO Mains
The Mains Examination covers various topics from Reasoning + Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. Computer Aptitude is a part of the Reasoning section in the 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 |
|
| Reasoning |
|
| Computer Aptitude |
|
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness |
|
| English Language |
|
SBI PO Descriptive Test
SBI PO Descriptive Test is a part of the mains examination. It is based on two questions for 50 marks for 30 minutes. It is a Test of English Language (Letter Writing & Essay). Besides the preliminary exam and the main exam, an interview process is also conducted for candidates who qualify for the first two phases of the SBI PO exam. The final merit list is made based on marks obtained by a candidate in his/ her main exam and interview process.
| Topics | No. of 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 |
SBI PO Phase 3 (Interview + Group Exercise)
SBI PO Phase 3 comprises three components: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise (20 marks), and Interview (30 marks).
| Activity | Marks | Details |
| Psychometric Test Online | No marks | Online 90 minutes, results shared with the interview panel only |
| Group Exercise | 20 Marks | tests communication, teamwork, and leadership |
| Personal Interview | 30 Marks | assesses banking knowledge, personality, and suitability |
1. Psychometric Test- The Psychometric Test is conducted online, lasts approximately 90 minutes, and carries no marks. However, the findings may be shared with the interview panel to aid in their assessment. SBI introduced this test from 2022 onwards to evaluate how a potential employee behaves in different situations: professionally, practically, and emotionally.
2. Group Exercise (GD)- The GD is conducted with a group of 8–10 candidates given a specific topic to discuss, related to current affairs, social issues, or banking topics. The panel evaluates communication skills, leadership, teamwork, logical argumentation, active listening, and confidence and clarity of expression. It carries 20 marks.
3. Personal Interview- The interview is a panel format, conducted in Hindi or English, and carries 30 marks. Expect questions about yourself, educational background, career aspirations, reasons for wanting to join SBI, banking awareness, current national/international events, and ethical dilemmas. The interview typically lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.
SBI PO Final Selection Criteria
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks scored in the mains exam and interview. The Mains exam carries 75% weightage in the final selection, while Interview round carries 25% weightage.
- Mains Examination Score (Scaled to 75 marks)
- Interview Score (Scaled to 25 marks)
Preparation Tips (Key Highlights)
- Prelims: Emphasize speed + accuracy; high-weightage topics include Puzzles/Seating, DI, RC.
- Mains: Depth matters — advanced DI, critical reasoning, 6+ months current affairs + banking knowledge.
- Practice mocks regularly. No major pattern changes reported for 2026.
- Stay updated via official SBI website for notification.