SBI PO Syllabus 2026, Check Subject Wise Syllabus and Exam Pattern for Prelims + Mains

The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 provides a detailed roadmap for candidates preparing for one of the most competitive banking exams in the country. Understanding the syllabus is essential for planning a targeted preparation strategy for both the Prelims and Mains stages. The exam covers a range of subjects, including reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, general awareness, and descriptive writing. With a clear view of the topics and exam pattern, aspirants can approach their preparation in a structured and confident manner.

SBI PO Syllabus 2026

The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 outlines the subject-wise topics for both stages, enabling candidates to gauge the depth and scope of the exam. The Prelims focuses on speed and accuracy-based sections, while the Mains exam evaluates analytical skills, reasoning depth, and banking awareness. The descriptive paper further tests a candidate’s communication skills through email writing, report drafting, etc. By thoroughly understanding the syllabus, aspirants can prioritize important areas, improve time management, and enhance their chances of qualifying for the final selection.

SBI Probationary Officer Syllabus 2026 Overview

To help candidates understand the exam structure, we have provided a detailed syllabus for both stages below.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Prelims exam is the initial stage of the SBI PO 2026 selection process, conducted online. It is a qualifying exam, and candidates need to meet the cut-off to progress to the next phase. A negative marking system is in place, where a 1/4th mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. The exam has a total of 100 marks, and there is no sectional weightage.

Exam Structure:

English Language: 40 Questions | 20 Minutes
Reasoning Ability: 30 Questions | 20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude: 30 Questions | 20 Minutes

Total: 100 Questions | 60 Minutes

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The Mains stage of the SBI PO 2026 exam consists of two parts: the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test. The Objective Test is the first part, followed by the Descriptive Test. Candidates need to clear both the minimum qualifying marks in each section and the Descriptive Paper to progress. The cut-off for each section is determined based on the number of vacancies, and only those who qualify will proceed to Phase III.

• Objective Test: This includes 170 questions spread across four sections, with a total of 200 marks. The duration for this section is 180 minutes (3 hours), and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
• Descriptive Test: This section tests your communication skills through tasks like Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis, and Precis Writing. It carries a total of 50 marks and must be completed in 30 minutes.

Exam Structure:

Objective Test:

English Language: 40 Questions | 40 Minutes | 20 Marks
Data Analysis & Interpretation: 30 Questions | 45 Minutes | 60 Marks
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: 40 Questions | 50 Minutes | 60 Marks
General/Economy/Banking Awareness: 60 Questions | 45 Minutes | 60 Marks

Descriptive Test:

Communication Skills (Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing): 50 Marks | 30 Minutes
Total: Objective + Descriptive – 250 Marks | 3 Hours 30 Minutes

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

In the table below, we have provided the detailed syllabus for the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 Prelims. It has three main subjects: English, Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026

With the SBI PO Mains 2026 approaching, it’s time to focus fully on this crucial stage of the selection process. The mains exam is designed to test your depth of knowledge and overall ability in four key areas: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. Along with these, there will also be a Descriptive Test that includes communication skills.

Key Differences Between SBI PO Prelims & Mains Syllabus

Here’s a simple comparison between the SBI PO Prelims and Mains syllabus are:

The SBI PO Prelims is all about testing your speed, accuracy, and basic problem-solving in English, Quant, and Reasoning. Think of it as the qualifying round. But once you’re through, the Mains raises the bar with sections like Computer Aptitude, Banking Awareness, and Descriptive English, demanding deeper understanding, analysis, and communication skills.

SBI PO Syllabus For Descriptive Test

The Descriptive Section of the SBI PO Mains 2026 is designed to evaluate candidates’ communication abilities through tasks such as email writing, report drafting, situation analysis, and summary writing. This section is worth 50 marks and must be completed within 30 minutes. Candidates are required to write an essay of around 250 words and a letter of about 150 words based on the given topics. To perform well, it’s important to practice writing on a variety of topics and review previous years’ papers to sharpen writing skills.

SBI PO Descriptive Paper- Sample Questions

SBI PO Group Discussion and Interview

The final stage of SBI PO is the Group Discussion and Interview. Candidates can check the following important points regarding the SBI PO Group Discussion and Personal Interview below:

1. The Group Exercise is of 20 marks and 30 marks will be allotted for the Interview.
2. Candidates qualifying for Group Exercises and Interviews under the ‘OBC’ category would be required to submit an OBC certificate containing the ‘Non-Creamy Layer’ clause.
3. Candidates should score minimum qualifying marks in this phase to be considered for final selection.
4. The ratio of marks considered for mains and interviews is 75:25; Therefore, students cannot take this section lightly.

SBI PO 2026 Selection Process

Below we have given the selection process of the SBI PO 2026 Exam