Are you preparing for the SBI PO 2026 Exam? The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is your roadmap to securing a coveted Probationary Officer position with the State Bank of India (SBI). This highly competitive exam demands a thorough understanding of the syllabus for both Prelims and Mains, along with strategic preparation to stand out. In this ultimate guide, we provide an in-depth breakdown of the SBI PO Syllabus 2026, exam pattern, preparation strategies, downloadable resources, and expert tips to help you rank at the top. Let’s dive in and make your preparation unbeatable!
SBI PO 2026 Exam Overview
The SBI PO 2026 is a three-stage selection process conducted by the State Bank of India:
- Preliminary Exam: A screening test to qualify for the Mains.
- Mains Exam: Objective test + Descriptive test, critical for the final merit list.
- Psychometric Test, Group Discussion, and Interview: Evaluates personality, communication, and banking knowledge.
Key Dates (Expected):
- Notification Release: December 2025 – January 2026
- Online Application: December 2025 – January 2026
- Prelims Exam: March 2026
- Mains Exam: April – May 2026
- Phase III (Psychometric Test, GD & Interview): May – June 2026
- Final Result: July 2026
This guide covers the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 for Prelims and Mains, ensuring you’re fully equipped to excel. Note: Dates are tentative based on past trends; check the official SBI website for confirmation.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. Here’s a detailed look at the structure for Prelims and Mains in tabular format.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
- Mode: Online, objective-type
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per incorrect answer
- Note: No sectional cut-off; only overall cut-off applies. Marks do not contribute to the final merit list.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of 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 | 2-3 (Essay/Letter/Email/Report/etc.) | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 170 (Objective) + Descriptive | 250 | 3 hours + 30 minutes |
- Mode: Online, objective + descriptive
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per incorrect answer (objective test only)
- Note: Sectional cut-offs apply. The descriptive test is evaluated only for candidates clearing the objective test.
Psychometric Test, Group Discussion & Interview
- Psychometric Test: Assesses personality traits (qualifying).
- Group Discussion: 20 marks, tests communication and teamwork.
- Interview: 30 marks, evaluates banking knowledge and confidence.
- Final Merit List: Combines Mains (normalized to 75 marks) and GD/Interview (normalized to 25 marks).
SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Detailed Breakdown
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 tests a candidate’s aptitude, analytical skills, and awareness of banking and current affairs. Based on recent trends, the syllabus remains largely unchanged, with additions in the Descriptive Test (e.g., Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis, and Precis Writing). Below is a subject-wise breakdown in tabular format for clarity.
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
1. English Language
| Topic | Sub-Topics/Description | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Banking, economy, or social issue-based passages | 10-15 |
| Cloze Test | Fill-in-the-blank passages | 5-7 |
| Para Jumbles | Sentence rearrangement | 5 |
| Fill in the Blanks | Single/double fillers | 5 |
| Error Spotting | Grammatical error identification | 5-7 |
| Sentence Improvement | Correcting sentence structures | 5 |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, word usage | 5-10 |
| Paragraph Completion | Completing incomplete paragraphs | 3-5 |
| Word Association | Matching related words | 2-3 |
| Tenses Rules | Application of tense in sentences | Integrated in others |
| Double Fillers | Two-blank sentence completion | 5 |
| Inequalities & Pair Formation | Sentence-based reasoning | 2-3 |
2. Quantitative Aptitude
| Topic | Sub-Topics/Description | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Simplification & Approximation | BODMAS, fractions, decimals | 5-10 |
| Number Series | Missing or wrong number series | 5 |
| Data Interpretation | Bar graphs, pie charts, tables, line graphs | 10-15 |
| Ratio & Proportion | Basic and advanced problems | 2-3 |
| Percentage | Calculations and applications | 2-3 |
| Profit & Loss | Cost price, selling price, discounts | 2-3 |
| Simple & Compound Interest | Interest calculations | 2-3 |
| Time & Work | Work efficiency, pipes, cisterns | 2-3 |
| Time, Speed & Distance | Relative speed, boats, streams | 2-3 |
| Mensuration | Area, volume (cylinder, cone, sphere) | 1-2 |
| Permutation & Combination | Probability-based problems | 1-2 |
| Quadratic Equations | Solving and comparing equations | 5 |
| Mixtures & Alligations | Mixture problems | 1-2 |
| Surds & Indices | Simplification of surds | 1-2 |
| Number Systems | Basic arithmetic operations | Integrated |
3. Reasoning Ability
| Topic | Sub-Topics/Description | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzles | Floor-based, box-based, scheduling, day-based | 10-15 |
| Seating Arrangement | Linear, circular, square arrangements | 10-15 |
| Syllogism | Statements and conclusions | 3-5 |
| Blood Relations | Family tree problems | 2-3 |
| Coding-Decoding | Letter, number, or symbol-based coding | 3-5 |
| Input-Output | Machine-based problems | 3-5 |
| Data Sufficiency | Two/three-statement problems | 3-5 |
| Alphanumeric Series | Series-based questions | 3-5 |
| Coded Inequalities | Inequality problems | 3-5 |
| Logical Reasoning | Assumptions, arguments, course of action | 2-3 |
| Directions & Ranking | Direction sense and order-based problems | 2-3 |
| Tabulation | Data-based reasoning | 1-2 |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
| Topic | Sub-Topics/Description | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | Statements, conclusions, arguments | 5-10 |
| Syllogism | Advanced statements and conclusions | 3-5 |
| Seating Arrangement & Puzzles | Circular, linear, double lineup, scheduling | 15-20 |
| Input-Output | Machine-based | 5 |
| Blood Relations | Complex family trees | 2-3 |
| Directions & Distances | Advanced direction sense | 2-3 |
| Data Sufficiency | Multi-statement | 3-5 |
| Coding-Decoding | Advanced codes | 3-5 |
| Code Inequalities | Coded inequalities | 3-5 |
| Course of Action | Decision-making | 2-3 |
| Critical Reasoning | Analytical reasoning | 5-7 |
| Analytical Decision Making | Case-based | 2-3 |
| Internet & Networking | Basics, protocols | 2-3 |
| Computer Fundamentals | Hardware, software | 2-3 |
| Operating Systems | Windows, Linux basics | 1-2 |
| Microsoft Office | Word, Excel shortcuts | 2-3 |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Common shortcuts | 1-2 |
| Computer Abbreviations | RAM, CPU, etc. | 1-2 |
| Memory & Storage | Types, units | 1-2 |
| Logic Gates | Basic gates | 1-2 |
| Number System | Binary, decimal | 1-2 |
2. Data Analysis & Interpretation
| Topic | Sub-Topics/Description | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Tabular Graph | Table-based DI | 5-10 |
| Line Graph | Trend analysis | 5-10 |
| Bar Graph | Comparison graphs | 5-10 |
| Pie Charts | Percentage distribution | 5-10 |
| Charts & Tables | Mixed charts | 5-10 |
| Missing Case DI | Incomplete data | 3-5 |
| Radar Graph Caselet | Radar-based | 2-3 |
| Caselet DI | Text-based DI | 5-7 |
| Data Sufficiency | DI with sufficiency | 3-5 |
| Probability | Basic probability | 2-3 |
| Permutation & Combination | Arrangements | 2-3 |
| Double Line Up | Advanced DI | 2-3 |
3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
| Topic | Sub-Topics/Description | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | Last 6–8 months (national, international) | 20-25 |
| Banking Awareness | RBI policies, banking terms, financial institutions | 15-20 |
| Financial Awareness | Budget, economic survey, schemes | 10-15 |
| Static GK | Capitals, currencies, national parks, awards | 5-10 |
| Principles of Insurance | Types, basics | 2-3 |
| Economic News | GDP, inflation, monetary policies | 5-10 |
| Banking Terminologies | NEFT, RTGS, KYC, etc. | 5-7 |
4. English Language
| Topic | Sub-Topics/Description | Expected Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Complex passages (banking/economy) | 10-15 |
| Grammar | Error spotting, sentence correction | 5-10 |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, word association | 5-10 |
| Para Jumbles | Advanced sentence rearrangement | 5 |
| Cloze Test | Passage-based blanks | 5-7 |
| Sentence Improvement | Structure correction | 5 |
| Fill in the Blanks | Vocabulary-based | 5 |
| Verbal Ability | Overall language skills | Integrated |
5. Descriptive Test
The descriptive test (30 minutes, 50 marks) assesses written communication through:
- Essay Writing: Topics on banking, economy, or social issues (250 words).
- Letter Writing: Formal/informal letters (150 words).
- New Additions: Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis, and Precis Writing (based on recent updates; confirm with official notification).
Key Differences Between Prelims and Mains Syllabus
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Banking Awareness, English, Descriptive Test |
| Difficulty | Basic to moderate | Advanced, analytical |
| Focus | Speed and accuracy | Analytical skills, banking knowledge, communication |
| Questions | 100 | 155 (objective) + Descriptive |
| Marks | 100 | 250 (200 objective + 50 descriptive) |
| Duration | 1 hour | 3 hours + 30 minutes (descriptive) |
Preparation Strategies for SBI PO 2026
- Master the Syllabus: Download the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF from SBI Careers once available to understand topic weightage.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate 2–3 hours daily per section, prioritizing weak areas.
- Mock Tests & Analysis: Take 1–2 mock tests weekly and analyze mistakes to improve.
- Focus on High-Weightage Topics:
- Prelims: Data Interpretation, Puzzles, Reading Comprehension.
- Mains: Caselet DI, Banking Awareness, Complex Puzzles.
- Stay Updated: Read The Hindu, The Economic Times, or BeePedia for General Awareness.
- Speed & Accuracy: Use shortcuts for Quantitative Aptitude and practice time-bound reasoning.
- Recommended Books:
- Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude: Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- English: High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin
- General Awareness: Manorama Yearbook, Lucent’s General Knowledge
- Computer Aptitude: Objective Computer Awareness by Arihant
- Descriptive Writing: Practice books covering Emails, Reports, and Precis.
Downloadable Resource: SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF (link to a downloadable PDF with topic-wise weightage and practice questions; available post-notification).
SBI PO Syllabus 2026: FAQs
Q1. What are the subjects in the SBI PO 2026 Prelims and Mains exams?
Prelims: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability.
Mains: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, Descriptive Test.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the SBI PO 2026 exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in the objective tests of Prelims and Mains.
Q3. What is the format of the SBI PO Descriptive Test for 2026?
It includes Essay Writing (250 words), Letter Writing (150 words), and potentially Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis, or Precis Writing for 50 marks, testing English communication skills.
Q4. How can I prepare for General/Economy/Banking Awareness?
Read BeePedia, Adda247, or newspapers like The Hindu. Focus on banking terms, RBI policies, and current affairs (last 6–8 months).
Q5. Where can I download the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Visit SBI Careers or download our curated SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF with topic-wise weightage once available.
Q6. How is the final merit list prepared for SBI PO 2026?
It combines Mains marks (normalized to 75) and GD/Interview marks (normalized to 25).
Q7. Are there any changes in the SBI PO 2026 syllabus?
No major changes expected from 2025, but confirm with the official notification. Recent additions include new formats in the Descriptive Test like Emails and Reports.
Why This Guide Stands Out
Unlike other resources, this guide offers:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Detailed topic-wise syllabus in tables for easy reference.
- Updated for 2026: Includes expected dates, recent pattern additions, and preparation tips.
- Actionable Tips: Practical strategies and book recommendations.
- Free Resources: Downloadable PDF and practice questions.
- SEO-Optimized: Designed to rank higher with targeted keywords and user-friendly formatting.
- Freshness: Based on the latest trends as of August 15, 2025.
Start your preparation today with this guide and take the first step toward becoming an SBI Probationary Officer!
Download Now: SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF
Official Website: SBI Careers