SBI PO Syllabus 2026: The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) recruitment examination for the selection of candidates for the post of Probationary Officer.

SBI PO is one of India's most competitive banking examinations. Candidates preparing for SBI PO 2026 should understand the complete syllabus for Prelims and Mains, along with the exam pattern, marking scheme, descriptive test and interview process.

Note: SBI's separate 2026 PO recruitment notification should be treated as the final authority for the exact 2026 dates, vacancies and any changes in the examination pattern. The syllabus and pattern below are based primarily on the latest official SBI PO recruitment information available.

SBI PO 2026 Selection Process

The SBI PO recruitment process consists of three phases:

1. Phase I – Preliminary Examination

2. Phase II – Main Examination

3. Phase III – Group Exercise & Interview

Candidates must qualify for each applicable stage to proceed to the next stage.

According to SBI's official PO recruitment information, Preliminary marks are not added to the final merit list. The final selection is based on the Main Examination and Phase III performance after normalization as prescribed by SBI.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination consists of three sections:

Each section has a separate time limit.

The latest official SBI PO pattern specifies 100 questions for 100 marks, with 20 minutes allotted to each section.

Negative Marking

There is a penalty for incorrect answers in the objective tests. The latest official SBI PO information specifies a deduction of one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question for each wrong answer.

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

The SBI PO Preliminary Examination consists of:

• English Language

• Quantitative Aptitude

• Reasoning Ability

1. English Language – Prelims

The English section tests vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension and the candidate's ability to understand written English.

Important Topics

• Reading Comprehension

• Cloze Test

• Error Detection

• Sentence Correction

• Sentence Improvement

• Fill in the Blanks

• Double Fillers

• Para Jumbles

• Sentence Rearrangement

• Phrase Replacement

• Vocabulary

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Idioms and Phrases

• One Word Substitution

• Spelling

• Word Usage

• Connectors

• Grammar

Important Areas to Practice

Candidates should give particular attention to:

• Reading Comprehension

• Error Detection

• Cloze Test

• Fillers

• Para Jumbles

• Vocabulary

• Sentence Improvement

Regular reading of newspapers, editorials and quality articles can improve reading speed and vocabulary.

2. Quantitative Aptitude – Prelims

Quantitative Aptitude tests numerical ability and mathematical problem-solving skills.

Number System

• Number System

• BODMAS

• Simplification

• Approximation

• Decimals

• Fractions

• LCM

• HCF

• Square Root

• Cube Root

Arithmetic

• Percentage

• Ratio and Proportion

• Average

• Profit and Loss

• Discount

• Simple Interest

• Compound Interest

• Partnership

• Mixture and Alligation

• Time and Work

• Pipes and Cisterns

• Time, Speed and Distance

• Boats and Streams

• Problems on Ages

Algebra

• Basic Algebra

• Linear Equations

• Quadratic Equations

• Algebraic Identities

Number Series

• Missing Number Series

• Wrong Number Series

• Pattern-Based Series

Data Interpretation

• Table DI

• Bar Graph

• Line Graph

• Pie Chart

• Caselet DI

• Missing DI

Other Topics

• Data Sufficiency

• Quantity Comparison

• Probability

• Permutation and Combination

• Mensuration

3. Reasoning Ability – Prelims

Reasoning Ability tests logical thinking, analytical ability and problem-solving skills.

Important Topics

• Puzzles

• Seating Arrangement

• Syllogism

• Inequality

• Coding-Decoding

• Blood Relations

• Direction and Distance

• Ranking and Ordering

• Alphanumeric Series

• Alphabet Series

• Number Series

• Input-Output

• Data Sufficiency

• Statement and Conclusion

• Statement and Assumption

• Analogy

• Classification

• Logical Reasoning

Important Puzzle Types

Candidates should practice:

• Linear Seating Arrangement

• Circular Seating Arrangement

• Floor-Based Puzzles

• Box-Based Puzzles

• Month-Based Puzzles

• Scheduling Puzzles

• Comparison-Based Puzzles

• Selection-Based Puzzles

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The SBI PO Main Examination is significantly more advanced than Prelims.

The latest official SBI PO pattern consists of an Objective Test of 200 marks followed immediately by a Descriptive Test of 50 marks.

Objective Test

The latest official SBI PO Main examination handout confirms this 170-question, 200-mark, 3-hour objective structure.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026

The Main Examination covers:

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

2. Data Analysis & Interpretation

3. General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge

4. English Language

5. Descriptive Test

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – Mains

This section combines advanced reasoning with computer aptitude.

Reasoning Topics

• Puzzles

• Seating Arrangement

• Input-Output

• Syllogism

• Inequality

• Coding-Decoding

• Data Sufficiency

• Logical Reasoning

• Analytical Reasoning

• Statement and Assumption

• Statement and Conclusion

• Statement and Argument

• Cause and Effect

• Course of Action

• Decision Making

• Blood Relations

• Direction Sense

• Ranking

• Alphanumeric Series

• Critical Reasoning

• Machine Input-Output

Advanced Puzzle Topics

• Floor-Based Puzzles

• Box-Based Puzzles

• Scheduling

• Selection-Based Puzzles

• Distribution Puzzles

• Circular Arrangement

• Linear Arrangement

• Multiple-Variable Puzzles

Computer Aptitude Topics

• Computer Fundamentals

• Computer Hardware

• Computer Software

• Operating Systems

• Input and Output Devices

• Computer Memory

• CPU

• Internet

• Networking

• Computer Security

• Cyber Security

• MS Word

• MS Excel

• MS PowerPoint

• Database Basics

• Computer Abbreviations

• Internet and Email

• Digital Banking

• Basic Networking Concepts

2. Data Analysis & Interpretation – Mains

Data Analysis & Interpretation is one of the most important sections in SBI PO Mains.

Data Interpretation

• Tabular DI

• Bar Graph

• Line Graph

• Pie Chart

• Caselet DI

• Missing DI

• Mixed Graph

• Data Comparison

• Data Sufficiency

Arithmetic

• Percentage

• Ratio and Proportion

• Average

• Profit and Loss

• Discount

• Simple Interest

• Compound Interest

• Time and Work

• Pipes and Cisterns

• Time, Speed and Distance

• Boats and Streams

• Partnership

• Mixture and Alligation

• Problems on Ages

Advanced Topics

• Probability

• Permutation and Combination

• Quadratic Equations

• Number Series

• Quantity Comparison

• Data Sufficiency

Candidates should focus on calculation speed and approximation techniques because DI questions can be time-consuming.

3. General Awareness, Economy & Banking Knowledge

This section carries 60 questions for 60 marks in the latest official SBI PO Main pattern.

Banking Awareness

• Reserve Bank of India

• Functions of RBI

• Monetary Policy

• Repo Rate

• Reverse Repo Rate

• Bank Rate

• CRR

• SLR

• MSF

• NPA

• Basel Norms

• Banking Terminology

• Types of Banks

• Payment Banks

• Small Finance Banks

• Financial Inclusion

• Digital Banking

• UPI

• NEFT

• RTGS

• IMPS

• Digital Payments

Financial Awareness

• Indian Economy

• GDP

• Inflation

• Fiscal Policy

• Monetary Policy

• Union Budget

• Economic Survey

• Taxation

• Capital Market

• Money Market

• Financial Institutions

• Stock Market

• Insurance

• Mutual Funds

Current Affairs

Candidates should regularly prepare:

• National News

• International News

• Banking News

• RBI Announcements

• Government Schemes

• Appointments

• Awards

• Sports

• Books and Authors

• Important Days

• Reports and Indexes

• Business News

• Defence

• Science & Technology

• Economy

Special Focus for SBI PO

Candidates should pay particular attention to:

• RBI notifications

• Banking reforms

• Digital payment developments

• Government financial schemes

• Important economic reports

• Banking and financial terminology

4. English Language – Mains

The English section tests advanced comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.

Important Topics

• Reading Comprehension

• Cloze Test

• Para Jumbles

• Sentence Rearrangement

• Error Detection

• Sentence Correction

• Sentence Improvement

• Fillers

• Vocabulary

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Idioms and Phrases

• One Word Substitution

• Phrase Replacement

• Word Usage

• Connectors

• Grammar

• Inference-Based Questions

Reading Comprehension Topics

Passages may be related to:

• Banking

• Economy

• Business

• Technology

• Environment

• Education

• Social Issues

• Government Policies

• Current Affairs

Candidates should practice reading long passages while maintaining both speed and accuracy.

SBI PO Descriptive Test 2026

The Descriptive Test is conducted online immediately after the Objective Test.

The latest official SBI PO information provides 50 marks and 30 minutes for the Descriptive Test. The test evaluates English writing skills and includes Letter Writing and Essay Writing.

Important Topics for Essay Writing

Candidates can practice essays related to:

• Digital Banking

• Artificial Intelligence

• Cyber Security

• Digital Payments

• Financial Inclusion

• Women Empowerment

• Climate Change

• Education

• Indian Economy

• Employment

• Technology

• Social Media

• Banking Reforms

• Rural Banking

Letter Writing

Practice:

• Formal Letters

• Complaint Letters

• Request Letters

• Application Letters

• Banking-Related Letters

• Official Communication

Descriptive Test Preparation Tips

• Follow the prescribed word limit.

• Maintain a clear introduction, body and conclusion.

• Use simple and grammatically correct English.

• Avoid unnecessary repetition.

• Use relevant examples.

• Keep your arguments logical.

• Practice typing on a computer.

SBI PO Group Exercise & Interview

Candidates shortlisted after the Main Examination are called for the final phase.

The latest SBI PO selection procedure includes:

• Group Exercise – 20 marks

• Interview – 30 marks

• Total – 50 marks

Interview Preparation

Candidates should prepare questions related to:

Banking

• RBI

• Banking System

• Public Sector Banks

• Digital Banking

• Financial Inclusion

• Monetary Policy

• Banking Reforms

Current Affairs

• National Issues

• International Events

• Banking News

• Economy

• Government Schemes

• RBI Updates

• Union Budget

• Important Appointments

Personal Questions

• Tell us about yourself.

• Why do you want to join SBI?

• Why do you want to become a Probationary Officer?

• Why banking after your graduation?

• What are your strengths?

• What are your weaknesses?

• Questions about your educational background

• Questions about your hometown

• Questions about current affairs

SBI PO Prelims vs Mains

SBI PO 2026 Preparation Strategy

1. Complete the Prelims Syllabus First

Build strong fundamentals in:

• English

• Quantitative Aptitude

• Reasoning

Do not focus only on shortcuts. First understand the basic concepts.

2. Start Mains Preparation Early

Do not wait until Prelims results to begin Mains preparation.

Start General Awareness, Banking Awareness, DI and advanced Reasoning from the beginning.

3. Read Current Affairs Daily

Spend at least 30–45 minutes every day on:

• Banking Current Affairs

• RBI News

• Economy

• Government Schemes

• National News

• International News

4. Practice Mathematics Daily

Give special attention to:

• Percentage

• Ratio

• Average

• Profit & Loss

• Time & Work

• Time & Distance

• SI & CI

• Data Interpretation

5. Practice Reasoning

Solve puzzles and seating arrangements regularly.

Start with easy questions and gradually move to advanced-level problems.

6. Improve English

Read editorials and practice:

• Reading Comprehension

• Cloze Tests

• Error Detection

• Para Jumbles

• Vocabulary

7. Practice Descriptive Writing

Write at least 2–3 essays and letters every week.

8. Attempt Full-Length Mock Tests

Mock tests help improve:

• Speed

• Accuracy

• Time Management

• Question Selection

• Exam Strategy

Always analyze your mistakes after each mock test.

SBI PO Daily Study Plan

A practical daily schedule can be:

Candidates can modify this schedule according to their preparation level.

SBI PO Preparation on Quizer.in

Candidates preparing for SBI PO can use Quizer.in for regular practice and revision.

Useful resources include:

• SBI PO Mock Tests

• Previous Year Questions

• Reasoning Practice

• Quantitative Aptitude

• English Practice

• Banking Awareness

• Current Affairs

• General Knowledge

• Daily Quizzes

• Full-Length Practice Tests

• Descriptive Writing Practice

Regular practice can help candidates improve their speed, accuracy and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions – SBI PO Syllabus 2026

What are the subjects in SBI PO Prelims?

SBI PO Prelims consists of:

1. English Language

2. Quantitative Aptitude

3. Reasoning Ability

How many questions are asked in SBI PO Prelims?

There are 100 questions carrying 100 marks in the latest official pattern.

What are the subjects in SBI PO Mains?

The Main Examination consists of:

1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

2. Data Analysis & Interpretation

3. General Awareness/Economy/Banking Knowledge

4. English Language

5. Descriptive Test

Is there negative marking in SBI PO?

Yes. The latest official SBI PO pattern specifies a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question for an incorrect objective answer.

Is General Awareness asked in SBI PO Prelims?

No. General Awareness, Economy and Banking Knowledge are tested in the Main Examination.

Is Computer Knowledge included in SBI PO?

Yes. Computer Aptitude is included along with Reasoning in the Main Examination.

Is there an interview in SBI PO?

Yes. Candidates shortlisted after the Main Examination proceed to the final phase consisting of Group Exercise and Interview, as prescribed by SBI.

Are Prelims marks counted in final selection?

No. According to SBI's official selection procedure, Prelims marks are not added to the final merit list.

Final Words

SBI PO is one of India's most competitive banking examinations. Candidates need a balanced preparation strategy covering English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Banking Awareness, Current Affairs and Descriptive Writing.

Start with the fundamentals, practice questions every day, solve previous-year papers and take regular mock tests.

Most importantly, begin Mains preparation early instead of waiting for the Prelims result.

Keep this page bookmarked for future updates related to SBI PO Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern, Notification, Admit Card, Result, Cut Off, Previous Year Papers and Preparation Resources.

Prepare Smart. Practice Daily. Crack SBI PO with Quizer.in!