SBI PO Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026 Prelims & Mains
Master the complete SBI PO 2026 syllabus and revised exam pattern for Prelims and Mains. Leverage PrepMe247 for 100% Free Practice with zero paywalls, bilingual support, and TCS iON CBT Format.
SBI PO syllabus 2026 comprises English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Awareness on Economy/Banking and Computer Aptitude in Prelims and Mains. For SBI PO 2026 recruitment process, changes have beendone to SBI PO exam pattern in both prelims and mains stages. In the prelims, the total number of marks and questions remain unchanged; however, the sectional timing of 20 minutes each is introduced. In the mains, the objective test has been revised from 155 questions with marks 200 to 170 questions with marks 200. The descriptive test consists of 30 marks for 30 minutes, which involves email writing, situation analysis, and report writing/precis writing only. Thus, the exam will now be of 230 marks instead of 250. Check the complete details here for better understanding.
SBI PO Syllabus PDF Download
Applicants preparing for the State Bank of India Probationary Officer examination must refer to the SBI PO syllabus PDF for their preparation. The State Bank of India PO syllabus PDF provides a structured overview of all the subjects and topics asked in the prelims and mains exams. Applicants should keep the SBI PO 2026 syllabus PDF handy to keep track of their preparations.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026 (Revised)
SBI PO pattern has been changed and there are some major changes in the Prelims and Mains stages. English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability in Prelims still have 100 questions for 100 marks. Revised Mains pattern has 170 questions for 200 marks in Objective Test and 30 marks for Descriptive Test, for a total of 250 marks. The subject-wise number of questions and marks has also changed in prelims and mains. Candidates can check the latest SBI PO exam pattern for the latest sectional weightage, duration and marking scheme.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
The SBI PO Prelims exam is conducted online for 100 marks with a time duration of 1 hour. The exam is divided into three parts namely, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. The prelims stage is qualifying in nature conducted for 100 marks. Shortlisting of candidates for mains will be done based on category-wise merit and vacancies (approximately 20 times the numbers of vacancies, subject to availability).
| Name of the Test | No. of Questions | Duration |
| English Language | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 1 hour |
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern
The SBI PO Mains exam will be an objective type test (200 marks) and a descriptive Test (30 marks). The Objective Test has four sections with sectional timing. The candidates will have to qualify in each test by securing minimum marks as prescribed by the State Bank of India. Descriptive Test is online and immediately after Objective Test, and it tests the English Language skills through letter writing and Essay. Negative marking of -¼ applies to objective test.
| Test | Name of the Test | No. of Questions | Max. 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 | |
SBI PO Descriptive Test Exam Pattern
The SBI PO Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Main Objective Test. It is an online test of 30 minutes for 30 marks and assesses candidates’ communication and writing skills. The test consists of three questions, covering email writing, situation analysis, and either report writing or précis writing. Candidates must type their answers on the computer.
| Component | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Email Writing | 1 out of 2 options | 10 | — |
| Situation Analysis | 1 out of 2 options | 10 | — |
| Report Writing / Precis Writing | 1 out of 2 options | 10 | — |
| Total | 3 | 30 | 30 minutes |
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The prelims exam is qualifying in nature. SBI PO syllabus for the prelims exam comprises topics from English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates are advised to allot time to all the topics wisely based on the weightage in the exam
SBI PO English Language Syllabus (Prelims)
English Language assesses the candidate’s reading, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Given below are the main areas along with their weightage.
| Topic | Concepts Covered | Expected Weightage |
| Reading Comprehension | Inference, Vocabulary, Theme, Tone | 10–15 Questions |
| Cloze Test | Contextual Fillers | 5–7 Questions |
| Error Detection | Grammar & Usage | 3–5 Questions |
| Sentence Improvement | Grammar Application | 3–5 Questions |
| Word Swap | New Pattern Questions | 3–5 Questions |
| Match the Column | Phrase Matching | 4–6 Questions |
| Para Jumbles | Sentence Rearrangement | 3–5 Questions |
| Fillers | Single & Double Fillers | 2–4 Questions |
| Connectors | Sentence Linking | 2–3 Questions |
| Phrase Replacement | Contextual Grammar | 2–3 Questions |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms and Antonyms | Integrated |
SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (Prelims)
The Quantitative Aptitude section covers number skills, arithmetic, and data interpretation. Syllabus covered includes basics of arithmetic chapters as well as quantitative aptitude chapters.
| Topic | Topics Included | Expected Weightage |
| Percentage | Increase-Decrease, Applications | 1–3 Questions |
| Ratio & Proportion | Sharing, Comparison | 1–2 Questions |
| Average | Weighted Average | 1–2 Questions |
| Profit & Loss | Marked Price, Discount | 1–3 Questions |
| Simple Interest | Banking Applications | 0–1 Questions |
| Compound Interest | CI Calculations | 0–1 Questions |
| Time & Work | Efficiency, Pipes & Cisterns | 1–2 Questions |
| Time, Speed & Distance | Trains, Boats | 1–2 Questions |
| Ages | Family Age Problems | 0–1 Questions |
| Mixture & Alligation | Ratio Based Questions | 1–2 Questions |
| Partnership | Business Profit Sharing | 0–1 Questions |
| Number Series | Missing/Wrong Number Series | 3–5 Questions |
| Quadratic Equations | Roots and Comparison | 3–5 Questions |
| Simplification & Approximation | Basic Arithmetic Operations | 3–5 Questions |
| Probability | Basic Probability | 0–1 Questions |
| Permutation & Combination | Basic Counting | 0–1 Questions |
| Data Interpretation | Table, Caselet, Bar, Line, Pie | 8–12 Questions |
SBI PO Reasoning Ability Syllabus (Prelims)
Reasoning Ability covers puzzles, seating arrangement, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning. Puzzles and arrangement questions hold a lot of importance.
| Topic | Concepts Covered | Expected Weightage |
| Linear Arrangement | Single/Multiple Row Arrangement | 3–5 Questions |
| Circular Arrangement | Facing Centre/Outside | 3–5 Questions |
| Square Arrangement | Position-Based Arrangement | 2–4 Questions |
| Floor-Based Puzzle | Floors, Persons, Variables | 3–5 Questions |
| Box Puzzle | Box and Position-Based Questions | 2–4 Questions |
| Month & Date Puzzle | Scheduling and Dates | 2–4 Questions |
| Scheduling Puzzle | Time, Days and Events | 2–4 Questions |
| Syllogism | Statements and Conclusions | 3–4 Questions |
| Inequality | Coded/Direct Inequality | 2–3 Questions |
| Coding-Decoding | Letter/Number Coding | 1–3 Questions |
| Blood Relation | Family-Based Relations | 1–2 Questions |
| Direction Sense | Distance and Directions | 1–2 Questions |
| Ranking & Order | Position-Based Questions | 1–2 Questions |
| Alphanumeric Series | Letters, Numbers and Symbols | 2–3 Questions |
| Input-Output | Machine-Based Arrangement | 3–5 Questions |
| Data Sufficiency | Logical Sufficiency | 1–3 Questions |
| Logical Reasoning | Statement-Based Reasoning | 2–4 Questions |
Practice with the SBI PO Mock Test Series.
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO syllabus for the mains exam comprises topics from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Economy & Banking Awareness, and English Language. Applicants should thoroughly check the main exam syllabus, as it plays an important role in final merit preparation.
SBI PO Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus (Mains)
The Mains Reasoning section includes advanced reasoning puzzles, critical reasoning, decision making, and analysis-related questions. The Computer Aptitude includes basics of computers, computer hardware and software, operating system, networking, internet, and cyber security.
| Topic | Expected Weightage |
| High-Level Puzzles | 8–12 Questions |
| Seating Arrangement | 4–8 Questions |
| Input-Output | 2–4 Questions |
| Critical Reasoning | 3–5 Questions |
| Cause & Effect | 1–2 Questions |
| Statement-Assumption | 1–2 Questions |
| Statement-Conclusion | 1–2 Questions |
| Course of Action | 1–2 Questions |
| Decision Making | 2–3 Questions |
| Logical Reasoning | 3–5 Questions |
| Computer Fundamentals | 2–3 Questions |
| Computer Hardware | 1–2 Questions |
| Computer Software | 1–2 Questions |
| Operating System | 1–2 Questions |
| Networking | 2–3 Questions |
| Internet | 1–2 Questions |
| Cyber Security | 2–3 Questions |
| MS Office | 1–2 Questions |
| Memory Devices | 1–2 Questions |
| Database/DBMS | 1–2 Questions |
SBI PO Data Analysis & Interpretation Syllabus (Mains)
This section comprises long and calculation intensive questions which require good numerical ability and data analysis skills.
| Topic | Expected Weightage |
| Caselet DI | 5–10 Questions |
| Table DI | 5–10 Questions |
| Bar Graph DI | 3–5 Questions |
| Pie Chart DI | 3–5 Questions |
| Radar DI | 2–3 Questions |
| Missing DI | 3–5 Questions |
| Quantity Comparison | 2–4 Questions |
| Data Sufficiency | 2–4 Questions |
| Probability | 1–3 Questions |
| Permutation & Combination | 1–3 Questions |
SBI PO General, Economy & Banking Awareness Syllabus (Mains)
This section covers banking concepts, economic developments, financial awareness, and current affairs. For this section, expected question counts are less stable because SBI can vary the distribution considerably. Therefore topic-wise importance is provided.
| Topic | Importance |
| RBI Functions | High |
| Monetary Policy | High |
| Repo Rate | High |
| Reverse Repo Rate | Moderate |
| CRR | High |
| SLR | High |
| Basel Norms | Moderate |
| NPA | High |
| Financial Inclusion | High |
| Banking Ombudsman | Moderate |
| Digital Banking | High |
| UPI | High |
| NEFT | High |
| RTGS | High |
| IMPS | High |
| NPCI | High |
| Budget | High |
| Economic Survey | High |
| GDP | High |
| Inflation | High |
| Fiscal Deficit | High |
| Capital Market | Moderate |
| Money Market | Moderate |
| Banking News | High |
| Economy News | High |
| National Affairs | Moderate |
| International Affairs | Moderate |
| Awards | Moderate |
| Sports | Moderate |
| Government Schemes | High |
| Summits & Conferences | Moderate |
SBI PO English Language (Mains)
The SBI PO Mains English syllabus focuses on advanced comprehension, editorial understanding, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence-based questions.
| Topic | Expected Weightage |
| Reading Comprehension | 8–12 Questions |
| Editorial RC | 5–10 Questions |
| Cloze Test | 4–6 Questions |
| Error Detection | 2–4 Questions |
| Word Swap | 2–4 Questions |
| Connectors | 2–3 Questions |
| Para Jumbles | 3–5 Questions |
| Vocabulary | 3–5 Questions |
SBI PO Descriptive English Syllabus
Descriptive test assesses the professional communication ability of the aspirant through writing questions.
| Component | Topics | Marks | Duration |
| Letter Writing | Formal/official letter writing | 25 | 15 minutes* |
| Essay Writing | Essay on a given topic | 25 | 15 minutes* |
| Total | Letter Writing & Essay | 50 | 30 minutes |
Note: *SBI PO notification mentions the overall time period of 30 minutes, but no time is allotted separately for Letter Writing and Essay. The division of time mentioned above is provisional.
SBI PO Psychometric Test Syllabus
SBI PO Psychometric Test is done to measure the personality and behavioral attributes of candidates suitable for the Probationary Officer position. Different aspects of personality that can be assessed in the psychometric test for the purposes of banking management are possible.
| Component | Areas Covered |
| Personality Assessment | Personality traits and behavioural characteristics |
| Behavioural Assessment | Response to different workplace situations |
| Leadership Traits | Decision-making and leadership qualities |
| Teamwork | Cooperation and interpersonal skills |
| Communication | Professional and interpersonal behaviour |
| Emotional Stability | Handling pressure and challenging situations |
| Decision-Making | Judgement and problem-solving approach |
| Work Orientation | Professional attitude and responsibility |
Note: There is no detailed topic-wise syllabus provided by SBI for the Psychometric Test. These topics are indicative only.
SBI PO Interview Syllabus
The SBI PO interview tests the suitability of the candidate for the post of Probationary Officer by means of questions on Banking, Current Affairs, General Awareness, Professional Knowledge, and Personal Background.
| Component | Topics Covered |
| Banking Awareness | Banking terms, RBI, monetary policy, financial institutions |
| Current Affairs | National and international events, banking and economic developments |
| Economic Awareness | Indian economy, Budget, financial policies and economic issues |
| General Awareness | Important national and international developments |
| SBI Awareness | SBI's history, services, products and recent developments |
| Personal Background | Education, qualifications, interests and achievements |
| Situational Questions | Decision-making, problem-solving and workplace situations |
| Role-Based Questions | Responsibilities and challenges of a Probationary Officer |
| Communication Skills | Clarity, confidence and ability to express views |
| Leadership & Management | Team management, responsibility and professional judgement |
Note: SBI doesn’t provide any definite syllabus or topics for interview. Mostly, the interview tests the personality, communication skills, banking awareness, current affairs, professional aptitude, and knowledge of the candidate.
SBI PO Marking Scheme 2026
Applicants appearing in the exam must get well-versed with the marking scheme of the SBI PO exam. For the objective-type questions in the prelims and mains exams, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong answers. For descriptive-type questions, there will be no negative marking.
| Particulars | Marking Scheme |
| Correct Answer | Varies as per the question |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.25 marks or -¼ per incorrect answer |
| Unattempted Question | NIL |
Best Preparation Strategy for SBI PO Exam
Candidates can improve their preparation by following the 80/20 rule, which means concentrating on the topics that are frequently asked in the examination.
- Focus on SBI PO syllabus high-weightage topics like Puzzles, Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension and Banking Awareness. This should take up close to 70% of your preparation time.
- Spend about 20% of your time doing sectional and full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Use the remaining 10% for revision of formulas, vocabulary, banking terms and current affairs.
- Analyse all the mock tests in detail to find out weak areas and avoid repeating mistakes.
- Revise current affairs from at least last six months regularly and practice descriptive writing on a weekly basis.
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