SBI PO Selection Process 2026, Prelims, Mains, and Interview

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI PO Exam every year to recruit candidates for the Probationary Officer (PO) post. To succeed in the recruitment process, candidates should be familiar with the SBI PO Selection Process 2026, which includes three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Read the complete article below to learn about each stage of the selection process in detail.

SBI PO Selection Process 2026

The candidates need to go through two written tests, prelims and mains, which is followed by an interview round. The stage-wise details of the SBI PO Selection Process are given in the article below. Check the overview here.

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SBI PO Exam Stages 2026

There are 3 examination stages, out of which Prelims and Mains are two computer-based tests. This will be followed by an interview. Check the stage-wise exam pattern below.

Stage 1: SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 

1. This is the first round of the SBI PO Exam.
2. This will have 3 sections, and each section will have to be completed in 20 Minutes.
3. The total marks of the SBI PO Prelims Exam are 100 Marks while the duration of the exam is 1 Hour.
4. One (1) mark is awarded for every correct answer.
5. There will be a penalty of 0.25 Marks for every incorrect answer marked by the candidate.
6. All the questions will be set bilingually i.e. in English and Hindi, except the English Language.

Stage 2: SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern (Revised)

1. All the questions will be objective.
2. This main paper will have four sections for a total of 200 marks.
3. The duration of the SBI PO Mains Exam will be 3 hours.
4. The objective test will have separate timing for each section.
5. There will be no sectional cut-off in Prelims, but there is a sectional cut-off in the Mains exam.
6. There will be a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect multiple-choice question.

The Descriptive Test marks have been reduced to 30 from the earlier 50. It is conducted for a duration of 30 minutes. It is designed to assess the candidate’s writing skills through tasks such as Letter Writing and Essay Writing.

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Stage 3: SBI PO Group Exercises & Interview

Psychometric Test: The bank may conduct a Psychometric Test for personality profiling of candidates shortlisted for Phase III of the selection process. The results of this test may be shared with the interview panel to provide deeper insights into each candidate’s personality traits.

The Interview and Group Exercise are the final stages of the SBI PO selection process. Candidates who qualify in the SBI PO Mains Exam are called for this round. Performance in the Interview and Group Exercise is important, as the final selection is based on the combined scores of the Mains Exam and the Interview round.

How to Effectively Prepare for the SBI PO Selection 2026?

Preparing for the SBI PO recruitment process requires a well-planned strategy, as the selection involves multiple stages. To help you guide each phase confidently, here’s a step-by-step guide for effective preparation:

1. Understand the SBI PO Exam pattern and syllabus.
2. Create a detailed study plan.
3. Strengthen your basic concepts.
4. Regularly practice and solve problems.
5. Take mock tests and time yourself.
6. Focus on quantitative aptitude and data interpretation.
7. Enhance reasoning and logical thinking skills.
8. Improve vocabulary and grammar for the English language.
9. Stay updated with current affairs and banking awareness.
10. Brush up on computer knowledge (for the Main Exam).
11. Practice essay and letter writing (for Main Exam).
12. Analyse mistakes and work on improvement areas.
13. Revise regularly to reinforce your learning.
14. Prepare for the interview/GD stage with communication skills and current affairs knowledge.
15. Build confidence and stay positive.