The SBI exam consists of Prelims (100 marks), Mains (230 marks including descriptive), and Phase 3 — Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview (50 marks). Candidates appearing for the SBI PO 2026 exam must thoroughly review the latest syllabus and high-scoring topics.
The SBI PO syllabus focuses on Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language in the Prelims, while the Mains exam encompasses Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and a Descriptive Test. The stage-wise syllabus topics are detailed below.
What is the SBI PO Prelims Syllabus?
Reasoning Ability
- Alphanumeric Series
- Directions
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Ranking & Order
- Alphabet Test
- Puzzle & Seating Arrangement
- Inequality
- Coded Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Input-Output
- Tabulation
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification/Approximation
- Quadratic Equation
- Profit & Loss
- Mixtures & Alligations
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
- Work & Time
- Sequence & Series
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
- Time & Distance
- Data Interpretation (Pie/Bar/Caselet/Table)
- Ratio & Proportion
- Number Systems
- Percentage
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Fill in the blanks
- Cloze Test
- Para jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Paragraph Completion
- Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting
- Word Association/Arrangement
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Completion
- Tenses Rules
- Double Fillers
- Word Usage
- Inequalities
- Pair Formation
- Match the Column
- Error Detection
SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026 (1st August Shift 1): Click to Check
SBI PO Prelims Shift 2 Exam Analysis 1 August 2026 - Click to Check
SBI PO Prelims Shift 4 Exam Analysis 2026 1 August 2026 - Click to Check
Topic-Wise Weightage for Prelims Exam
| Subjects | Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension | 7 to 10 |
| Error Detection | 4 to 5 | |
| Para Jumbles | 4 to 5 | |
| Fillers | 5 to 6 | |
| Cloze Test | 5 to 6 | |
| Word Swap / Spelling Error | 5 to 6 | |
| Phrase Replacement | 3 to 4 | |
| Reasoning Ability | Arrangement & Pattern | 1 to 2 |
| Syllogism | 2 to 3 | |
| Inequality | 2 to 3 | |
| Order & Ranking | 2 to 3 | |
| Syllogism | 2 to 3 | |
| Inequality | 2 to 3 | |
| Blood Relation | 3 to 4 | |
| Coding-Decoding | 3 to 4 | |
| Direction & Distance | 3 to 4 | |
| Puzzle & Seating Arrangement | 15 to 2 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Speed Math | 3 to 4 |
| Number Series | 4 to 5 | |
| Quadratic Equation | 3 to 4 | |
| Arithmetic Problems | 7 to 8 | |
| Data Sufficiency | 2 to 3 |
What is the SBI PO Mains syllabus?
The Mains Examination covers vital topics from reasoning and computer aptitude, English language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and general/economy/banking awareness. Computer Aptitude is integrated as part of the reasoning section in the mains exam.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Seating Arrangement & Puzzles
- Double Lineup
- Scheduling
- Input Output
- Blood Relations
- Directions and Distances
- Ordering and Ranking
- Data Sufficiency
- Coding and Decoding
- Code Inequalities
- Course of Action
- Critical Reasoning
- Analytical and Decision Making
- Computer Abbreviation
- Microsoft Office
- Computer Hardware
- Internet
- Memory
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Computer Software
- Operating System
- Networking
- Computer Fundamentals/Terminologies
Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Tabular Graph
- Line Graph
- Bar Graph
- Charts & Tables
- Missing Case DI
- Radar Graph Caselet
- Probability
- Data Sufficiency
- Double Line Up
- Caselet DI
- Permutation and Combination
- Pie Charts
GA / Economy / Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Financial Awareness
- General Knowledge
- Static Awareness
- Banking Terminology Knowledge
- Banking Awareness
- Principles of Insurance
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar
- Verbal Ability
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Improvement
- Word Association
- ParaJumbles
- Error Spotting
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the blanks
SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026 Out- Click to Download
Topic-wise Weightage for Mains Exam
The data provided below is based on trends from previously conducted SBI PO examinations.
| Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Data Analysis & Interpretation |
|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
|
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness |
|
SBI PO Descriptive Test (Conducted After Objective Test)
- The descriptive test is now 30 Marks (reduced from 50)
- Duration: 30 minutes (unchanged)
- Conducted online, immediately after the Objective Test
- Candidates must type answers on the computer
- Sectional cut-off applies — must score minimum qualifying marks
| Topics | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Writing | 1 out of 2 options | 15 | 30 minutes |
| Letter Writing / Precis / Report | 1 out of 2 options | 15 | |
| Total | 2 questions | 30 |
SBI PO Descriptive Test Syllabus
- Formal Letter
- Letter to RBI / Bank Manager
- Precis Writing
- Report Writing
- Essay Writing
- Banking Topics (Digital Banking, CBDC, Financial Inclusion)
- Economy Topics
- Social Issues
Tips for Descriptive Test
Practice writing 250–300-word essays focusing on banking themes, social issues, and the economy. Read daily newspaper editorials consistently to enhance your vocabulary and essay structuring skills.
How many candidates will be shortlisted for the interview round?
Candidates numbering up to 3 times the category-wise vacancies will be shortlisted for Phase 3 (the interview round).
SBI PO Phase 3 (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview)
SBI PO Phase 3 comprises three components: a psychometric test, a group exercise (20 marks), and a personal interview (30 marks).
| Activity | Marks | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychometric Test Online | No marks | 90 minutes | Online assessment of personality traits, professional behaviour, and emotional responses. Results shared with the interview panel — not scored but influences interviewers. |
| Group Exercise | 20 Marks | 20-25 minutes | Group of 8–10 candidates discuss a current affairs / social / banking topic. Evaluated on communication, teamwork, leadership, logical argumentation, active listening, and confidence. |
| Personal Interview | 30 Marks | 15-20 minutes | Panel interview in Hindi or English. Covers personal background, banking awareness, current events, ethical dilemmas, and career motivation. Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks. |
Key Changes in SBI PO 2026 Exam
- Descriptive Test marks reduced from 50 → 30 (duration remains 30 minutes)
- Total Mains marks reduced from 250 → 230 (Objective 200 + Descriptive 30)
- No sectional cut-off in Prelims — only an overall cut-off applies
SBI PO Selection Process
The SBI PO 2026 syllabus is structured across three distinct phases. Prelims scores are qualifying and are not added to the final merit list. Mains marks (75%) and Phase 3 performance (25%) are combined to determine the final rank.
| STAGE | SUBJECTS | MODE | MARKS | NATURE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | English Language- 30 Q Quantitative Aptitude- 35 Q Reasoning Ability- 35 Q | Online | 100 | Qualifying |
| Mains | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude- 40 Q Data Analysis & Interpretation- 30 Q General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness- 60 Q English Language- 40 Q Descriptive Test- 3 Q | Online | 230 | Merit (Final Score) |
| Phase 3 | Psychometric Test Group Exercise Interview | Online-Offline | 50 | Merit (Final Selection) |
Negative Marking - 0.25 marks (applicable for objective-type questions only)
SBI PO Final Selection Criteria
The final merit list is prepared strictly based on the aggregate marks scored in the Main examination and the interview. The Mains exam holds a 75% weightage in final selection, while the Interview round accounts for 25% weightage.
| Stage | Raw Marks | Normalised Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Mains Examination (Objective + Descriptive) | 230 marks | 75 marks |
| Group Exercise + Interview | 50 marks | 25 marks |
| Final Merit Total | 100 Marks |
SBI PO Prelims vs Mains – Key Differences
| PARAMETERS | PRELIMS | MAINS |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Screening / Qualifying | Merit determination |
| Marks Counted in Merit | No | Yes (75% weightage) |
| Total Marks | 100 | 230 (200 Objective + 30 Desc.) |
| Sections | 3 (English, QA, Reasoning) | 4 + 1 Descriptive |
| Sectional Cut Off | No (overall cut-off only) | Yes (each section) |
| Reasoning Level | Basic to Moderate Puzzles | Advanced Puzzles, Caselets, Scheduling |
| DI Level | Basic tables and graphs | Complex Caselets, Missing DI, Radar Charts |
FAQs
There are three subjects in the SBI PO Prelims Exam: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The Mains exam consists of 5 subjects: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Interpretation & Analysis, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.
A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every incorrect answer marked in both the Prelims and Mains rounds of the SBI PO examination.
The descriptive test evaluates English Language proficiency, requiring candidates to write an email, formal letter, précis, or report for a total of 30 marks.
The Prelims exam contains a total of 100 questions, while the SBI PO Mains exam includes 170 objective questions and 3 descriptive questions (excluding the descriptive paper portion).
There is no sectional cut-off in the Prelims exam, but sectional cut-off marks are strictly applicable for the SBI PO Mains exam.
SBI PO Phase 3 consists of three core components: a Psychometric Test, a Group Exercise, and a Personal Interview.
Data Interpretation and Advanced Arithmetic Problems carry the highest weightage in the quantitative section.
Circular, Linear, Square, Floor-Flat, and Box-based seating arrangement puzzles are frequently featured in the reasoning section.
Important reasoning topics include Puzzles & Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Inequality (Direct & Coded), Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense & Distance.
Roughly 90% of the syllabus overlaps with other banking exams, with the primary difference being SBI's inclusion of a descriptive writing paper.
Recommended Reads
- SBI PO 2026 Mains Exam Date Announced, 1500 Vacancies, Prelims Result Releasing Soon
- SBI PO Prelims 2nd August Exam Analysis 2026 (Shift 1): Good Attempts, Difficulty Level & Questions Asked
- SBI PO Shift 4 Exam Analysis 2026: Difficulty Level, Good Attempts & Review
- SBI PO Prelims Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026 (1 Aug): Difficulty Level & Review
- SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026 (1st August Shift 1): Good Attempts & Difficulty Level
- SBI PO Prelims Question Paper 2026 Released (Memory-Based) – Download 1st & 2nd August PDF
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