The SBI PO (State Bank of India Probationary Officer) exam is the most prestigious bank officer recruitment in India. Conducted by SBI independently each year, it offers one of the highest starting salaries among all Bank PO exams — approximately ₹58,000–₹62,000 per month — with fast-track promotions and a brand name that carries weight across the country. If you are preparing for 2026-27, 2027-28, or a later cycle, this is the complete SBI PO Syllabus guide you need.
SBI PO 2026: Exam Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | State Bank of India Probationary Officer |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Approximate Vacancies (2025 cycle) | 600+ |
| Application Mode | Online (sbi.co.in/careers) |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any stream; Age 21–30 years (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → GE & PI (Group Exercise & Personal Interview) |
| Prelims Mode | Online CBT (Computer Based Test) |
| Mains Mode | Online CBT + Descriptive Paper |
| Starting Gross Salary | ₹58,000–₹62,000/month (incl. HRA, DA, Special Allowance) |
| Probation Period | 2 years; 2-year bond applicable |
| Bond Amount | ₹2 lakh penalty if you leave within 2 years of joining |
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
SBI PO is a three-stage exam. The Prelims is a qualifying round — only your Mains score and GE & PI score together determine the final merit list. Plan your preparation accordingly: Prelims is about crossing the cutoff, Mains is where you score.
Stage 1: SBI PO Prelims Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer. No penalty for unattempted questions.
Sectional timing is fixed. You cannot switch between sections. Complete each section within its time limit before the screen auto-moves to the next section.
Stage 2: SBI PO Mains Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 min |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 min |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 min |
| Objective Total | 155 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Descriptive Test (Letter + Essay) | 2 | 50 | 30 min |
| Grand Total | 157 | 250 | 3h 30m |
Important: The Mains objective section carries 200 marks, and the Descriptive paper carries 50 marks. Both scores together (out of 250) determine who gets called for Stage 3. The Descriptive paper is evaluated only if you clear the Mains cutoff in the objective section.
Stage 3: Group Exercise & Personal Interview
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Group Exercise (GE) | 20 |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
Final merit is calculated as: Mains Score (250) + GE & PI Score (50) = 300 marks total. Prelims marks are NOT included in the final merit calculation.
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SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Prelims tests basic aptitude across three sections. The questions are moderate in difficulty — your aim should be to clear sectional cutoffs in all three sections while maximising overall score.
Quantitative Aptitude — SBI PO Prelims
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Number Series (Missing/Wrong Term) | 5 | Moderate |
| Simplification / Approximation | 5–7 | Easy–Moderate |
| Quadratic Equations | 5 | Easy |
| Data Interpretation (Bar/Line/Pie/Table) | 10–15 | Moderate–High |
| Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work, Speed-Distance) | 8–10 | Moderate |
| Miscellaneous (Probability, Mensuration, Mixture-Alligation) | 3–5 | Moderate |
Reasoning Ability — SBI PO Prelims
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzles (Floor/Box/Month/Circular/Linear) | 15–20 | Moderate–High |
| Seating Arrangement | 5–10 | Moderate |
| Syllogism | 4–5 | Easy–Moderate |
| Inequalities (Direct + Coded) | 4–5 | Easy |
| Coding-Decoding | 3–5 | Moderate |
| Blood Relations / Direction & Distance | 3–5 | Moderate |
| Alphanumeric Series / Order & Ranking | 2–3 | Easy |
English Language — SBI PO Prelims
| Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 10–12 | Moderate |
| Cloze Test | 5–7 | Easy–Moderate |
| Para Jumbles | 4–5 | Moderate |
| Error Detection / Phrase Replacement | 4–5 | Moderate |
| Fill in the Blanks (Double/Single) | 3–4 | Easy–Moderate |
| Word Usage / Sentence Connectors | 2–4 | Moderate |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The Mains is the core competitive round and separates the serious aspirant from the rest. Each section has a longer time window at Mains, and the questions are significantly harder — especially in Data Analysis & Interpretation and Reasoning.
Data Analysis & Interpretation — SBI PO Mains
This section replaces the simpler “Quantitative Aptitude” from Prelims. The name tells you the shift in focus — SBI PO Mains tests your ability to read, analyse, and interpret complex data sets under time pressure. Expect 3–4 DI sets per Mains paper.
- Caselet DI — A paragraph with embedded numerical data; you must extract values and solve. Hardest format.
- Mixed DI — Two chart types combined (e.g., bar + line, table + pie)
- Table-Based DI — Multi-column comparative data sets
- Bar Graph / Line Graph / Pie Chart DI
- Data Sufficiency — 2-statement format where you determine which statement(s) are sufficient to answer the question
- Quantity-Based Questions — “Quantity I vs Quantity II” comparison format
- Arithmetic Word Problems — Higher-difficulty versions of Prelims topics (Compound Interest, Boats & Streams, Permutation-Combination)
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude — SBI PO Mains
Reasoning at Mains level is significantly harder than Prelims. The puzzles are multi-variable, often with 6–7 elements and 2+ conditions. Computer Aptitude is a short addition that tests basic computer literacy.
- High-Level Puzzles — Multi-dimensional (person + month + city + item, etc.) with uncertainty conditions
- Logical Reasoning — Statement-Assumption, Statement-Inference, Cause & Effect, Course of Action
- Critical Reasoning — Strengthen/Weaken argument questions (SBI PO-specific, rarely in IBPS)
- Input-Output — Complex word + number rearrangement patterns
- Blood Relations (Complex) — Extended family trees with coded language
- Computer Aptitude — MS Office basics, internet, networking concepts, computer hardware/software, keyboard shortcuts, memory units
General / Economy / Banking Awareness — SBI PO Mains
This section is a differentiator for most aspirants. The quant and reasoning toppers often lose their edge here. The 40 questions in 35 minutes requires you to know your banking and current affairs cold — no time for thinking.
- Current Affairs — Last 4–6 months: national events, international summits, appointments, awards, obituaries, sports, science & tech
- Banking Awareness — Types of banks, banking regulation (RBI Act, Banking Regulation Act), RBI functions, monetary policy instruments (Repo Rate, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR, MSF), types of accounts, NPA norms, SARFAESI Act, payment banks, small finance banks
- Financial Awareness — Budget highlights, Economic Survey, stock markets basics, SEBI, insurance (IRDAI), mutual funds, government financial schemes (PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Loans, etc.)
- Static Banking GK — Headquarters of banks and financial institutions, taglines, MD/CEO names (changes frequently), currency of countries, international financial bodies (IMF, World Bank, ADB, NDB)
English Language — SBI PO Mains
The English section at Mains is harder than Prelims. The RC passages are longer (600–800 words) and test inference and tone. Vocabulary-based questions now appear in context rather than as isolated word meanings.
- Reading Comprehension (2 passages) — Inference questions, author’s tone, vocabulary in context, title selection
- Para Completion / Para Summary — Choose the sentence that best completes or summarises a paragraph
- Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumble) — 6-sentence sets, often with connectors (however, therefore, nonetheless)
- Error Spotting (New Pattern) — Underlined phrases in a long sentence; identify the grammatically incorrect one
- Word Replacement / Phrase Replacement
- Column-Based Sentence Formation — Match phrases from two columns to form correct sentences
Descriptive Paper (Letter + Essay Writing)
The Descriptive paper (30 minutes, 50 marks) is a key differentiator in SBI PO. Many candidates score similarly in the objective sections; a well-written essay and letter can push your Mains score up by 15–20 marks.
| Task | Marks | Word Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing (Formal or Informal) | 25 | 150–200 words |
| Essay Writing | 25 | 200–250 words |
Letter topics asked in recent years: complaint letters to bank manager, letters to editor about banking access in rural areas, formal request letters.
Essay topics asked: Digital Banking in India, UPI revolution, Role of Banks in India’s Rural Economy, CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency), Green Finance.
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SBI PO GE & PI (Group Exercise & Personal Interview)
SBI PO is one of the few banking exams that tests group dynamics before the personal interview. The Group Exercise is a business case-study discussion where 8–10 candidates debate a banking/economic problem.
Group Exercise Format
A case study is given to the group (typically on a banking, economics, or social issue). The group has 10–15 minutes to read and discuss. Each candidate is evaluated on communication clarity, leadership, ability to listen to others, quality of arguments, and ability to build on others’ points. Topics in recent cycles include: loan waiver policies, financial inclusion, digital banking adoption in rural India, rising bank NPAs.
Personal Interview
The PI panel typically has 3–4 members and lasts 15–20 minutes. Common interview areas include:
- Why do you want to join SBI? Why banking?
- Current banking affairs, RBI policy, recent bank mergers
- Your academic background and any gap years
- Situational questions: “What would you do if a customer comes to you with a complaint about a loan rejection?”
- SBI’s business, new products, CSR initiatives
- Technology in banking: UPI, digital wallets, CBDC
SBI PO Previous Year Cutoffs
Understanding cutoff trends helps you set a realistic score target. Here are the approximate final cutoffs (Mains + GE & PI combined out of 300) for General category candidates:
| Year | SBI PO Prelims Cutoff (General) | SBI PO Mains Cutoff (General, out of 250) | Final Cutoff (out of 300) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | ~65–68 | ~110–115 | ~155–162 |
| 2023–24 | ~62–65 | ~108–112 | ~150–158 |
| 2022–23 | ~63–66 | ~105–110 | ~148–155 |
| 2021–22 | ~60–64 | ~100–107 | ~145–152 |
Note: Cutoffs are indicative based on community analysis and may vary slightly from official data. OBC cutoffs are typically 3–5 marks lower; SC/ST cutoffs are 8–12 marks lower across all stages.
SBI PO 2026: High-Weightage Topics to Focus On
Based on the last 5 years of SBI PO papers, these topics consistently appear and carry the highest marks. If you are short on time, these are your highest return-on-investment areas:
| Section | Topic | Expected Questions (Mains) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analysis | Caselet DI & Mixed DI | 15–20 |
| Data Analysis | Table-based DI | 5–8 |
| Reasoning | Complex Puzzles (floor, box, month-based) | 15–20 |
| Reasoning | Critical Reasoning (Strengthen/Weaken) | 5–8 |
| English | Reading Comprehension | 12–15 |
| Banking Awareness | Current Affairs (last 4 months) + RBI policy | 20–25 |
| Descriptive | Essay + Letter Writing | 50 marks total |
Best Books for SBI PO Preparation
| Section | Book | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma (Arihant) |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| English | Objective English for Competitive Examination | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) |
| Banking Awareness | Banking Awareness | Arihant Publications |
| General Practice | SBI PO Previous Year Papers | Kiran Publications |
| Descriptive English | Descriptive English | S.P. Bakshi & Richa Sharma |
SBI PO Preparation Strategy 2026-27
If you are targeting the 2026-27 exam cycle or the 2027-28 cycle, here is a realistic timeline-based preparation plan:
Months 1–2: Concept Foundation
- Cover all Quantitative Aptitude topics from basics — start with simplification, then move to DI types
- Reasoning: clear all standard topic types (syllogism, inequalities, coding-decoding) before moving to puzzles
- English: read one editorial daily; focus on grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, tenses, articles)
- Do NOT start mocks yet — build a solid base first
Months 3–5: Sectional Practice
- 20–30 topic-wise questions daily per section
- Shift Quant focus to DI sets — practice 1 full DI set every day
- Reasoning: 1 complex puzzle daily (5–6 variable)
- Start collecting banking current affairs (bookmarks, monthly PDF capsules)
- Begin mock sectional tests (20-question speed tests, track accuracy + timing)
Months 6–8: Full Mock Test Phase
- 3 full mocks per week (2 Prelims pattern, 1 Mains pattern)
- After every mock: analyse time per section, accuracy per topic, identify weak areas
- Start Descriptive writing practice: 1 essay + 1 letter per week (timed)
- Current affairs: cover last 4 months thoroughly using monthly digest capsules
- GE & PI prep: study SBI’s annual report highlights, recent banking news, prepare 2-minute self-introduction
Also Read
- IBPS PO Syllabus 2026-27 — Complete Prelims & Mains Guide
- IBPS PO vs SBI PO — Which Is Better? Salary, Difficulty & Career Comparison
- All Bank PO Exams — Complete Guide (IBPS PO + SBI PO + RBI Grade B)
FAQs — SBI PO Syllabus 2026
Is SBI PO harder than IBPS PO?
Generally yes. SBI PO Mains has a higher difficulty level — particularly in Reasoning (Critical Reasoning questions are SBI-specific) and Data Analysis. The GE & PI stage also adds a dimension of soft-skill evaluation that IBPS PO does not have. However, the syllabus is almost identical, so you are always preparing for both simultaneously.
How many vacancies are announced in SBI PO?
SBI PO vacancy count varies year to year. In recent cycles: 2023-24 (2,000 posts), 2022-23 (1,673 posts), 2021-22 (2,056 posts). SBI has reduced vacancies in some years; always check the official notification at sbi.co.in/careers for the current cycle.
Can a commerce graduate appear for SBI PO?
Yes. Any graduate — Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Management — can apply for SBI PO. There is no minimum percentage requirement. You must have completed graduation (not just appeared) before the date of joining.
Is there sectional cutoff in SBI PO Prelims?
Yes. You must clear the cutoff in each section individually — just having a high total score is not enough. If you score 95/100 overall but score 0 in English, you will not clear Prelims. SBI does not announce exact sectional cutoffs in advance; they are decided after the exam based on merit.
How is the SBI PO final merit list calculated?
Final merit = Mains score (out of 250) + GE & PI score (out of 50) = 300 marks total. Prelims marks are NOT included. This means a candidate who tops Prelims but performs poorly in Mains and GE & PI will not make the final list. Focus your energy on Mains preparation.
What is the SBI PO probation bond amount?
SBI PO has a 2-year service bond. If you leave SBI within 2 years of joining as a Probationary Officer, you must pay a penalty of ₹2 lakh. This is to ensure commitment after the bank invests in your training. IBPS PO does not have a bond condition.
When is the SBI PO notification released?
SBI PO notification is typically released between February–April each year, with Prelims held in June–July and Mains in September–October. The 2025-26 cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline. Bookmark sbi.co.in/careers and check regularly.
Is the SBI PO Descriptive Paper evaluated offline?
No. The Descriptive paper is typed online (keyboard) within the exam interface during Mains. You are NOT allowed to write offline. Practice typing essays and letters within the time limit as part of your preparation — many candidates who are good at writing lose time because they have not practiced typing under time pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
SBI PO Prelims 2026 covers 3 sections in 60 minutes: English Language (30 questions, 30 marks — Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Para Jumble, Vocabulary), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks — Data Interpretation, Number Series, Arithmetic Problems — Percentage, Ratio, Profit/Loss, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks — Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense). Each section is timed separately — English 20 min, Quant 20 min, Reasoning 20 min.
SBI PO Mains vs IBPS PO Mains key differences: SBI PO has separate Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks, 45 min) with more complex DI sets; SBI PO has General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks, 35 min); SBI PO includes a Descriptive Test (Letter + Essay, 50 marks, 30 min); SBI PO has GDPI (Group Discussion + Personal Interview) stage with higher interview weightage. SBI PO’s total selection process carries more weight on personality and communication assessment than IBPS PO.
SBI PO salary in 2026: Basic Pay ₹41,960/month (starting), rising to ₹63,840 at senior scale. Gross monthly salary with allowances (DA, HRA, Special Allowance, CCA): ₹65,000–85,000/month depending on posting city. Metro city posting adds significantly higher HRA. Annual CTC including benefits: approximately ₹10–12 lakh. Additional benefits: SBI housing loan at concessional interest, medical insurance, Provident Fund, Gratuity, and pension option. SBI PO is among the highest-paid government bank positions below General Manager level.
SBI PO vacancy announcements typically range from 1,500–2,500 vacancies annually, depending on retirement cycles and business expansion. Recent years: SBI PO 2023 — 2,000 vacancies; SBI PO 2022 — 1,673 vacancies; SBI PO 2021 — 2,056 vacancies. SBI is India’s largest employer in the banking sector, but competition is intense — over 10–15 lakh candidates apply each year for under 2,500 positions. The selection ratio is approximately 1:600–1:800.
Yes, graduates from any discipline — Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts, Law — are eligible to apply for SBI PO. The only requirement is a graduation degree from a recognised university with at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PWD candidates). Age limit is 21–30 years (with relaxation for reserved categories). Engineering graduates actually tend to have an advantage in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning sections. No banking background or specific subject is required — the examination tests general aptitude and banking knowledge that can be learned during preparation.