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      SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Check Subject Wise Syllabus

      SBI PO Syllabus 2026– Prelims & Mains Subject-Wise Detailed Topics

      The SBI PO 2026 examination is one of the most prestigious banking recruitment tests in India. The State Bank of India has officially released the SBI PO 2026 Notification and confirmed the latest examination structure.

      The SBI PO recruitment process has three phases, namely Phase I (Preliminary Examination), Phase II (Main Examination), and Phase III (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Personal Interview). The Prelims are qualifying in nature, while the final merit is prepared using the scores candidates obtain in the Mains and Phase III.

      SBI PO 2026 Exam Structure

      As mentioned earlier, SBI PO recruitment process follows a multi-phase structure. Candidates must clear each phase to move to the next. The final merit is calculated based on performance in Mains (Objective + Descriptive), Group Exercise, and Interview only.

      PhaseExaminationMarksQualifying Nature
      Phase I Preliminary Exam 100 Qualifying
      Phase II Mains Objective Test 200 Merit Based
      Phase II Descriptive Test 30 Merit Based
      Phase III Psychometric Test Qualifying Personality Assessment
      Phase III Group Exercise 20 Merit Based
      Phase III Interview 30 Merit Based

      📖 Table of Contents

      • SBI PO Syllabus 2026– Prelims & Mains Subject-Wise Detailed Topics
      • SBI PO 2026 Exam Structure
      • SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
      • SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
      • SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
      • SBI PO Mains Syllabus
      • SBI PO 2026 High-priority Topics (80% Coverage Strategy)

      NOTE: Final Merit = Mains (Objective + Descriptive) + Group Exercise + Interview. Prelims score is NOT counted in the final tally.

      SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern

      SectionQuestionsMarksDuration
      English Language 40 40 20 Minutes
      Quantitative Aptitude 30 30 20 Minutes
      Reasoning Ability 30 30 20 Minutes
      Total 100 100 60 Minutes

      Key Points to Note:

      • The SBI PO Exam will be conducted online and the prelims will contain Objective Type Questions
      • There will be separate timings for each section with a total of 100 marks for 100 questions.
      • There will be no sectional cutoff and negative marking will be applicable.
      • Final selection to Phase II will be based on aggregate marks scored in Prelims.

      SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

      The SBI PO prelims as the first screening stage tests basic aptitude, reasoning ability, and English language proficiency under a strict sectional time limit of 20 minutes per section.

      English Language Syllabus (Prelims)

      The English Language section in SBI PO Prelims evaluates reading ability, grammar knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Candidates who read extensively from quality editorial sources consistently perform better in this section.

      Detailed Topic-Wise Syllabus

      TopicConcepts CoveredExpected Weightage
      Reading Comprehension Inference, Vocabulary, Theme, Tone 10–15 Questions
      Cloze Test Contextual Fillers 5–7 Questions
      Error Detection Grammar & Usage 3–5 Questions
      Sentence Improvement Grammar Application 3–5 Questions
      Word Swap New Pattern Questions 3–5 Questions
      Match the Column Phrase Matching 4–6 Questions
      Para Jumbles Sentence Rearrangement 3–5 Questions
      Fillers Single & Double Fillers 2–4 Questions
      Connectors Sentence Linking 2–3 Questions
      Phrase Replacement Contextual Grammar 2–3 Questions
      Vocabulary Synonyms, Antonyms Integrated

      Most Important Areas

      • Reading Comprehension
      • Cloze Test
      • Word Swap
      • Match the Column
      • Error Detection

      Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (Prelims)

      The Quantitative Aptitude section evaluates numerical ability, arithmetic understanding, and data interpretation skills. SBI increasingly designs questions that require candidates to apply concepts across multiple steps.

      Arithmetic Syllabus

      ChapterTopics IncludedImportance
      Percentage Increase-Decrease, Applications Very High
      Ratio & Proportion Sharing, Comparison High
      Average Weighted Average High
      Profit & Loss Marked Price, Discount Very High
      Simple Interest Banking Applications Medium
      Compound Interest CI Calculations Medium
      Time & Work Efficiency, Pipes & Cistern High
      Time, Speed & Distance Trains, Boats High
      Ages Family Age Problems Medium
      Mixture & Allegation Ratio Based Questions High
      Partnership Business Profit Sharing Medium

      Advanced Quantitative Topics

      TopicImportance
      Number Series Very High
      Quadratic Equations High
      Simplification Medium
      Approximation Medium
      Probability Low
      Permutation & Combination Low

      Data Interpretation

      DI TypeExpected Frequency
      Table DI Very High
      Pie Chart DI High
      Bar Graph DI High
      Line Graph DI High
      Missing DI High
      Caselet DI Very High

      Most Important Areas – Quantitative Aptitude (Prelims)

      • Data Interpretation (Caselet & Table)
      • Number Series
      • Percentage & Profit-Loss
      • Time & Work
      • Quadratic Equations

      Reasoning Ability Syllabus (Prelims)

      Reasoning Ability is consistently the highest-scoring section for well-prepared candidates. SBI PO Prelims places maximum emphasis on puzzles and seating arrangements.

      Puzzles & Seating Arrangement

      TopicImportance
      Linear Arrangement Very High
      Circular Arrangement Very High
      Square Arrangement High
      Floor Based Puzzle Very High
      Box Puzzle High
      Month & Date Puzzle High
      Scheduling Puzzle High

      Logical Reasoning

      TopicImportance
      Syllogism High
      Inequality Medium
      Coding-Decoding Medium
      Blood Relation Medium
      Direction Sense Medium
      Ranking & Order Medium
      Alphanumeric Series Medium

      Analytical Reasoning

      TopicImportance
      Input Output High
      Data Sufficiency Medium
      Logical Reasoning High

      Most Important Areas – Reasoning Ability (Prelims)

      • Seating Arrangement (Circular & Linear)
      • Floor-Based Puzzle
      • Box Puzzle
      • Input-Output
      • Syllogism

      SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026

      The Mains Examination is the core competitive round. Performance here determines shortlisting for Group Exercise and Interview. The objective test carries 200 marks across four sections, while the Descriptive Test adds 30 marks.

      Part A: Objective Test (200 Marks)

      TestSectionQuestionsMarksDuration
      I Reasoning & Computer Aptitude 40 60 50 Minutes
      II Data Analysis & Interpretation 30 60 45 Minutes
      III General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge 60 60 45 Minutes
      IV English Language 40 20 40 Minutes
      Total - 170 200 180 Minutes

      Points to Note:

      • There are separate timings for each section
      • The paper will be held for 3 hours for 170 questions for a total of 200 marks.
      • Negative Marking will be applicable

      SBI PO Descriptive Test Pattern 2026

      One of the most important changes in SBI PO recruitment for 2026 is the new descriptive paper structure as given below.

      Descriptive ComponentOptions
      Email Writing 1 out of 2
      Situation Analysis 1 out of 2
      Report Writing OR Precis Writing 1 out of 2

      Descriptive Test Overview

      ParticularDetails
      Total Questions 3
      Total Marks 30
      Duration 30 Minutes
      Mode Computer Based Typing Test
      Language English

      What Changed?

      The previous SBI PO Descriptive Tests generally focused on Essay and Letter Writing. But the new exam pattern includes Email, Report and Precis Writing along with Situation Analysis.

      SBI PO Mains Syllabus

      Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (Mains)

      The Mains Reasoning section is significantly more complex than Prelims. Questions are designed to test analytical thinking under time pressure often requiring multi-step deduction.

      Advanced Reasoning Topics

      TopicImportance
      High-Level Puzzle Very High
      Seating Arrangement Very High
      Input Output High
      Critical Reasoning High
      Cause & Effect Medium
      Statement-Assumption Medium
      Statement-Conclusion Medium
      Course of Action Medium
      Decision Making High
      Logical Reasoning High

      Computer Aptitude

      TopicConcepts
      Computer Fundamentals Basic Concepts
      Hardware Devices & Components
      Software System & Application
      Operating System Windows, Linux
      Networking LAN, WAN, MAN
      Internet WWW, Browser
      Cyber Security Malware, Viruses
      MS Office Word, Excel, PPT
      Memory Devices RAM, ROM
      Database DBMS Basics

      Data Analysis & Interpretation (Mains)

      Data Analysis & Interpretation is the most high-scoring section in SBI PO Mains, but it is also the most calculation-intensive.

      Detailed Syllabus

      TopicImportance
      Caselet DI Very High
      Table DI Very High
      Bar Graph DI High
      Pie Chart DI High
      Radar DI Medium
      Missing DI High
      Quantity Comparison High
      Data Sufficiency High
      Probability Medium
      Permutation & Combination Medium

      General, Economy & Banking Awareness (Mains)

      The General/Economy/Banking Awareness section can be a decisive game-changer in SBI PO Mains because it requires less calculation and rewards consistent study of news and conceptual banking knowledge.

      Banking Awareness

      TopicImportance
      RBI Functions Very High
      Monetary Policy Very High
      Repo Rate High
      Reverse Repo Rate High
      CRR High
      SLR High
      Basel Norms Medium
      NPA High
      Financial Inclusion High
      Banking Ombudsman Medium
      Digital Banking Very High
      UPI Very High
      NEFT High
      RTGS High
      IMPS High
      NPCI High

      Economy Awareness

      TopicImportance
      Budget Very High
      Economic Survey Very High
      GDP High
      Inflation High
      Fiscal Deficit High
      Capital Market Medium
      Money Market Medium

      Current Affairs

      AreaCoverage
      Banking News Last 6 Months
      Economy News Last 6 Months
      National Affairs Last 6 Months
      International Affairs Last 6 Months
      Awards Last 6 Months
      Sports Last 6 Months
      Government Schemes Last 6 Months
      Summits Last 6 Months

      ENGLISH LANGUAGE (MAINS)

      The English Language section in SBI PO Mains is designed to test advanced reading comprehension and editorial understanding. Questions are longer and more conceptually demanding than in Prelims.

      TopicImportance
      Reading Comprehension Very High
      Editorial RC Very High
      Cloze Test High
      Error Detection Medium
      Word Swap Medium
      Connectors Medium
      Para Jumbles Medium
      Vocabulary High

      Descriptive English Syllabus

      The Descriptive Test evaluates the ability to express ideas clearly, logically, and professionally, as would be expected of a future Probationary Officer.

      Descriptive Test Components

      ComponentTopics
      Email Writing Official Emails, Customer Communication
      Situation Analysis Banking & Business Scenarios
      Report Writing Banking Reports
      Precis Writing Editorial & Economic Topics

      Frequently Asked Themes

      Theme
      Digital Banking
      Financial Literacy
      Cyber Security
      Artificial Intelligence
      Financial Inclusion
      Women Empowerment
      Sustainable Development
      Banking Reforms

      Psychometric Test

      The Psychometric Test is a qualifying round with no fixed right or wrong answers. But candidates should respond genuinely and consistently. Inconsistent patterns in responses may raise flags during evaluation.

      Parameter Evaluated
      Leadership
      Integrity
      Emotional Intelligence
      Teamwork
      Decision Making
      Risk Management
      Customer Orientation
      Adaptability

      Group Exercise & Interview

      The Group Exercise (20 marks) involves a discussion on a current affairs or banking-related topic among a group of candidates. The Personal Interview (30 marks) assesses banking knowledge, current affairs, personal background, and the candidate's suitability for an officer role.

      Interview Topics

      AreaTopics
      Banking Awareness RBI, Banking System
      Economy Budget, Inflation
      Current Affairs Last 6 Months
      Personal Background Education, Family
      Work Experience If Applicable
      Situational Questions Leadership & Ethics
      SBI Specific Questions History, Services, Initiatives

      SBI PO 2026 High-priority Topics (80% Coverage Strategy)

      Focusing on the highest-weightage topics first is the most effective preparation approach for SBI PO. The table below identifies the most important topics per subject and the expected contribution to the final score.

      SubjectMost Important Topics
      Quant Data Interpretation, Arithmetic
      Reasoning Puzzles, Seating Arrangement
      English Reading Comprehension
      Banking RBI, Monetary Policy
      Current Affairs Last 6 Months
      Descriptive Email Writing
      Interview Banking + Current Affairs

      Preparation Priority Ranking

      PriorityAreaExpected Contribution
      1 Puzzles & Seating Arrangement 25-30 Marks
      2 Data Interpretation 20-25 Marks
      3 Banking Awareness 30-40 Marks
      4 Current Affairs 20-25 Marks
      5 Reading Comprehension 10-15 Marks
      6 Arithmetic 10-15 Marks
      7 Descriptive English 30 Marks
      8 Interview Preparation 50 Marks

      Sbi Po Syllabus FAQs

      The SBI PO Prelims syllabus covers three sections: English Language (30 questions, 30 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks). The total duration is 60 minutes with a 20-minute sectional time limit for each section.

      The SBI PO Mains syllabus comprises four sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks), Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks), General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks), and English Language (35 questions, 40 marks). Additionally, a Descriptive English paper (Letter + Essay, 30 marks) is conducted on the same day.

      Yes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains (Objective Test). There is no penalty for unattempted questions. Candidates are advised to attempt questions only when reasonably confident to avoid score reduction due to wrong attempts.

      General/Economy/Banking Awareness and Data Analysis & Interpretation are widely considered the most impactful sections in SBI PO Mains. Banking Awareness requires no calculations and rewards consistent preparation, while Data Analysis carries 60 marks — the highest among all sections. Together, they contribute 120 marks to the 200-mark Mains objective test.

      Banking Awareness covers RBI functions and monetary policy (Repo Rate, CRR, SLR), NPA norms, Priority Sector Lending, Financial Inclusion, Digital Payment Systems (UPI, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS), NPCI, Banking Ombudsman, and government banking schemes. Economy Awareness includes Budget highlights, Economic Survey, GDP, Inflation, and Capital Market concepts.

      The Descriptive Test consists of 2 questions — one Letter Writing question (15 marks) and one Essay Writing question (15 marks). The duration is 30 minutes and the paper is typed on a computer. The paper is evaluated only for candidates who clear the Mains Objective Test cutoff. Common themes include Digital Banking, Financial Inclusion, Cyber Security, and AI in Banking.

      The two syllabuses are broadly similar at the subject level but differ in key ways. SBI PO Mains includes Computer Aptitude clubbed with Reasoning (unlike IBPS PO where it is separate), places heavier emphasis on editorial-style Reading Comprehension, and conducts a Psychometric Test followed by a Group Exercise before the Interview. IBPS PO does not have a Psychometric Test or Group Exercise component.

      The SBI PO Psychometric Test is a qualifying round that assesses personality traits such as leadership, integrity, emotional intelligence, customer orientation, adaptability, and decision-making. Scores from this test are not counted in the final merit list; it is only qualifying in nature.

      After SBI PO Mains, shortlisted candidates appear for Phase III, which consists of three components: a Psychometric Test (qualifying), a Group Exercise (20 marks), and a Personal Interview (30 marks). The final merit list is prepared on the basis of combined scores in Mains Objective Test + Descriptive Test + Group Exercise + Interview, with Prelims scores not counted in the final merit.

      Interview preparation for SBI PO should focus on: (1) Banking and financial awareness (2) Current affairs from the last 6 months, especially economy and banking news; (3) SBI-specific knowledge (4) Personal background — being clear about your academic background, achievements, and motivation for banking; and (5) Situational and ethical questions that test leadership and decision-making ability.


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