SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF for Prelims and Mains, Exam Pattern Revised

The SBI Probationary Officer (PO) post is one of the most popular banking jobs in India. To prepare effectively for the exam, candidates should have a clear understanding of the SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern. The selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Candidates preparing for SBI PO 2026 can check the latest syllabus and exam pattern for both Prelims and Mains here. The article covers all important topics for the objective and descriptive tests and also provides a downloadable SBI PO Syllabus PDF

SBI PO Syllabus 2026

​The examination consists of two stages: Prelims and Mains. Both exams are conducted online and contain objective-type questions, while the Mains exam also includes a descriptive paper. The Prelims syllabus covers English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. In the Mains exam, candidates are tested on Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language, along with essay and letter writing. The syllabus is designed to assess candidates' speed, accuracy, analytical skills, and overall knowledge.

Note: This SBI has revised the Mains exam pattern. The descriptive paper marks has been reduced from 50 to 30.

SBI PO 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern- Highlights

Here, we have shared a few highlights of the syllabus for the candidates.

SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026

SBI has made a few updates to the marking scheme and the use of sectional cut-offs in both the Prelims and Mains exams. All the changes are explained in detail below.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The following points are the highlights of the Prelims Exam Pattern:

1. There will be no sectional cut-off. However, there will be an overall cut-off.
2. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer
3. Total Duration: 60 minutes, Section-wise Duration: 20 minutes
4. A Category-wise merit list will be drawn based on the aggregate marks scored in the Preliminary Exam.

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026

This main paper will have four sections for a total of 200 marks, and the duration of the Mains Exam will be 3 hours. The Descriptive Test has a duration of 30 minutes with a score of 30 marks. There will be a sectional cut-off. Candidates will get a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. This test is conducted to test the writing skills of candidates via Letter Writing and essay Writing.

Note: The descriptive paper of a candidate will be checked only if they qualify in the Objective test as per the qualifying marks decided by the Bank.Join SBI PO Online Coaching Classes

SBI PO Marking Scheme 2026

The details of the SBI PO Marking Scheme 2026 have been mentioned in the table given below for the candidates.

​SBI PO Apply Online 2026 - Click to Check​​​

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

The Prelims Syllabus is not very vast, and candidates can cover it easily within a month or two with proper preparation and practice. The subjects included are Reasoning, English, and Quantitative Aptitude. The chapter-wise syllabus for each section has been mentioned below.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026

The SBI PO Mains Syllabus comprises four sections:

1. Data Analysis & Interpretation
2. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
4. English Language

Data Interpretation and Analysis Syllabus

The following topics are covered under the Data Analysis section:

1. Tabular Graph,
2. Line Graph,
3. Pie Chart,
4. Bar Graph,
5. Radar Graph Case-let,
6. Missing Case DI,
7. Let it Case DI,
8. Data Sufficiency,
9. Probability,
10. Permutation and Combination

Reasoning Syllabus

The following topics are covered under the Reasoning section:

1. Verbal Reasoning,
2. Syllogism,
3. Circular Seating Arrangement,
4. Linear Seating Arrangement,
5. Double Lineup,
6. Scheduling,
7. Input-Output,
8. Blood Relations,
9. Directions and Distances,
10. Ordering and Ranking,
11. Data Sufficiency,
12. Coding and Decoding,
13. Coded Inequalities,
14. The course of Action,
15. Critical Reasoning,
16. Analytical and Decision Making

English Syllabus 

The following topics are covered under the English Language section:

1. Reading Comprehension,
2. Grammar,
3. Vocabulary,
4. Verbal Ability,
5. Word Association,
6. Sentence Improvement,
7. Para Jumbles,
8. Cloze Test,
9. Error Spotting,
10. Fill in the blanks

General Awareness/ Economy/ Banking Awareness Syllabus

The following topics are covered under the Economy section:

1. Financial Awareness
2. Current Affairs
3. General Knowledge
4. Static Awareness
5. Banking and Financial Awareness

Computer Aptitude Syllabus

The following topics are covered under the Computer Aptitude section:

1. Internet,
2. Memory,
3. Keyboard Shortcuts,
4. Computer Abbreviation,
5. Microsoft Office,
6. Computer Hardware,
7. Computer Software,
8. Operating System,
9. Networking,
10. Computer Fundamentals/ Terminologies

SBI PO Interview 2026

Psychometric Test – The bank will conduct a psychometric assessment to evaluate the personality traits of candidates shortlisted for the Interview. The results of this test will be shared with the interview panel to provide deeper insights into each candidate's personality. This is the final stage and the Group Discussion carries 20 marks, and the Interview carries 30 marks.

Download SBI PO Syllabus PDF

Candidates appearing in the examination must download the SBI PO Syllabus PDF to understand the complete structure of the examination and the subject-wise topics they need to prepare. The direct link to download the syllabus PDF is provided below for the convenience of candidates.

SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF-Click to Download

SBI PO 2026 Final Selection Process

The final selection for SBI PO 2026 is based on candidates' performance in Phase-II (Mains Examination) and Phase-III (Group Exercise & Interview). Candidates must qualify separately in both stages to be considered for final appointment. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination (Phase-I) are only qualifying in nature and are not included in the final merit list. For preparing the final merit list, the marks secured in the Mains Examination (Objective + Descriptive Tests) and Group Exercise & Interview are normalized to 100 marks.

Out of these, the Mains Examination carries a weightage of 75 marks, while the Group Exercise & Interview carry 25 marks. The final merit list is prepared by aggregating these normalized scores, and candidates are selected based on their rank in the combined score.