The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the SBI PO 2026 Notification for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) across its branches in India. The last date to apply for SBI PO Exam 2026 is July 08, 2026. Candidates who wish to become a Probationary Officer (PO) in SBI must fulfill the prescribed SBI PO Eligibility Criteria 2026 before submitting their application. Interested applicants should carefully read the official SBI PO Notification 2026 to understand the eligibility conditions, online registration process, application fee, selection process, and other important instructions before applying.
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SBI PO 2026 Notification Important Dates
The SBI PO 2026 Notification includes the complete schedule for online registration, admit card release, preliminary examination, mains examination, interview, and final result. Candidates should complete all application-related formalities within the prescribed dates to avoid any last-minute issues.
SBI PO 2026 Notification Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
| SBI PO 2026 Notification Release | June 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 18 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 08 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 08 July 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Admit Card | 2nd/3rd Week of July 2026 |
| SBI PO Preliminary Examination | August 2026 |
| Prelims Result | August/September 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card | August/September 2026 |
| SBI PO Mains Examination | September 2026 |
| Mains Result | September/October 2026 |
| Phase III Call Letter | October/November 2026 |
| Psychometric Test | October/November 2026 |
| Group Exercise & Personal Interview | October/November 2026 |
| Final Result | November/December 2026 |
| Pre-Examination Training | July 2026 |
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
Before beginning their preparation, candidates should understand the latest SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026. Knowing the exam structure, marking scheme, sectional timing, and selection process helps candidates prepare strategically and manage time effectively during the examination.
The SBI PO Selection Process 2026 consists of the following three stages:
- Phase I: Preliminary Examination
- Phase II: Main Examination
- Phase III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Personal Interview
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Preliminary Examination 2026 is conducted in online mode and consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 100 marks. Each section has a separate time limit, making effective time management crucial for success.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Selection for SBI PO 2026 Notification
After the Preliminary Examination, SBI prepares a category-wise merit list based on candidates’ aggregate marks. Unlike some other banking examinations, there is no sectional cut-off in the Preliminary Exam. Approximately ten times the total number of vacancies are shortlisted category-wise for the SBI PO 2026 Notification.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Mains Examination 2026 is conducted online and consists of Objective and Descriptive Tests. The Objective Test carries 200 marks, while the Descriptive Test carries 30 marks, making the total marks 230.
SBI PO Mains Objective Test Pattern
| Test | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 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 | Objective Test | 170 | 200 | 3 Hours |
SBI PO Descriptive Test 2026
The Descriptive Paper is designed to evaluate candidates’ written communication skills. Candidates are required to type their responses on the computer.
| Test | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Email Writing (Choose 1 out of 2) | |||
| Situation Analysis (Choose 1 out of 2) | |||
| Report Writing or Precis Writing (Choose 1 out of 2) | 3 | 30 | 30 Minutes |
| Grand Total | — | 230 Marks | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
SBI PO Phase III Selection Process 2026
Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are shortlisted for the Phase III Selection Process, which includes:
- Psychometric Test
- Group Exercise (GE)
- Personal Interview (PI)
Sectional Cut-Off in SBI PO Mains 2026
To qualify for the final selection, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in each objective section as well as in the Descriptive Paper. The sectional cut-off is determined by SBI based on the overall performance of candidates and the number of available vacancies.
Minimum Aggregate Qualifying Marks
Apart from clearing the sectional cut-off, candidates must also achieve the prescribed overall aggregate qualifying score in the Main Examination.
Based on the category-wise merit list, approximately three times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Personal Interview. The final cut-off is decided by SBI depending on factors such as the number of vacancies, exam difficulty level, and candidates’ performance.
SBI PO Negative Marking 2026
Candidates appearing for the SBI PO Exam 2026 should understand the negative marking scheme applicable to both the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination. The Objective Tests in both phases include a penalty for incorrect responses.
For every wrong answer marked by a candidate, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that particular question will be deducted from the total score. However, no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions, so candidates are advised to avoid random guessing and attempt only those questions they are reasonably confident about
SBI PO Group Exercise & Interview Marks
| Selection Stage | Maximum Marks |
| Group Exercise | 20 Marks |
| Personal Interview | 30 Marks |
| Total | 50 Marks |
SBI PO Final Selection Process 2026
The SBI PO Final Selection 2026 is based on the combined performance of candidates in Phase II (Main Examination) and Phase III (Group Exercise & Interview). Candidates must qualify both stages separately to be considered for final appointment.
It is important to note that the marks obtained in the SBI PO Preliminary Examination are qualifying in nature and are not included in the preparation of the final merit list. The final selection is prepared after combining the normalized scores obtained in:
- Objective Test (Main Examination)
- Descriptive Test (Main Examination)
- Group Exercise
- Personal Interview
SBI PO Final Score Weightage
| Examination Stage | Maximum Marks | Normalized Weightage |
| Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive) | 230 | 75 Marks |
| Group Exercise & Personal Interview | 50 | 25 Marks |
| Final Score | 280 | 100 Marks |
The SBI PO Final Merit List 2026 is prepared based on the normalized score out of 100 marks. Candidates securing higher ranks in their respective categories are provisionally selected for appointment as Probationary Officers in the State Bank of India.
SBI PO Apply Online 2026
The SBI PO Application Form 2026 process is available only through the official State Bank of India Careers Portal. Candidates can submit their online applications from 18 June 2026 to 08 July 2026. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.
Before filling out the SBI PO Online Form 2026, candidates should carefully read the official notification and ensure they meet all the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Prerequisites for SBI PO Online Application 2026
Before starting the registration process, candidates should keep the following ready:
- A valid and active email ID.
- A working mobile number for receiving OTPs, admit cards, interview updates, and other recruitment-related communications.
Scanned copies of the required documents, including:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Left-hand thumb impression (or right thumb impression if applicable)
- Handwritten declaration in the prescribed format
Candidates are advised to keep their registered email ID and mobile number active until the completion of the recruitment process.
SBI PO Online Application Process 2026
Candidates can complete the SBI PO Online Registration 2026 by visiting the official SBI Careers website at https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
Follow the steps below to submit the online application successfully:
Step-1: Visit the official SBI Careers portal and click on the SBI PO 2026 Notification recruitment under the Current Openings section. Complete the registration process by providing the required personal details.
Step-2: Upload scanned copies of the following documents in the prescribed format:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Left-hand Thumb Impression
- Handwritten Declaration
Step-3: Enter all personal, educational, communication, and category-related information carefully.
Step-4: Before submitting the application form, carefully verify every detail entered. Once the application is finally submitted, no corrections or modifications will be allowed.
Step-5: Pay the Application Fee
Step-6: After successful payment, the system generates the Application Form and e-Receipt.
SBI PO Helpdesk 2026
Candidates facing any technical issues while filling out the SBI PO 2026 Notification, making the application fee payment, or downloading the admit card can contact the SBI recruitment helpdesk during working hours.
While submitting any query through the official grievance portal or email, candidates should mention “Recruitment of Probationary Officers in State Bank of India – 2026” in the subject line to ensure faster resolution.
SBI PO Photo & Signature Upload Guidelines 2026
Candidates applying for the SBI PO Recruitment 2026 must upload scanned copies of their passport-size photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and handwritten declaration while filling out the SBI PO Online Application Form 2026. These documents should strictly follow the specifications mentioned in the official SBI PO Notification 2026.
The online application will be accepted only if all the required documents are uploaded in the prescribed format and size.
Important Instructions
Before submitting the application form, candidates should carefully verify that the uploaded photograph, signature, thumb impression, and handwritten declaration are clear and easily readable.
If any uploaded document is blurred, unclear, or does not match the prescribed specifications, the application may be rejected during the verification process.
Candidates can modify and re-upload these documents before the final submission of the application form. Once the application is submitted successfully, no further changes will be allowed.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning ability, language skills, quantitative ability, banking knowledge, and analytical thinking. Candidates preparing for the SBI PO Exam 2026 should thoroughly understand the latest syllabus along with the updated SBI PO Exam Pattern to plan an effective preparation strategy.
The syllabus is divided into two stages:
- SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
- SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO Preliminary Examination consists of three sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
| Reasoning Ability | Quantitative Aptitude | English Language |
| Alphamumeric Series | Simplication/Approximation | Reading comprehension |
| Directions | Quadric Equation | Fill in the Blanks |
| Logical Reasoning | Profit and Loss | Para Jumbles |
| Data Sufficiency | Mixture and Alligations | Cloze Test |
| Ranking and Order | Permutation, combination & Probability | Sentence Rearrangement |
| Alphabet Test | Work and Time | Vocabulary |
| Puzzle and Seating Arrangement | Sequence and series | Paragraph completion |
| Inequality | Time and Distance | Multiple meaning/Error Spotting |
| Coded Inequality | Mensuration-cyliner,cone, sphere | Word Association/Arrangement |
| Syllogism | Simple interest & compound interest | Sentence Imrovement |
| Blood Realtions | Data Intrepratation | Tenses Rules |
| Coding and Decoding | Number System | Word Usages |
| Input and output | Percentage | Double fillers |
| Tabulation | Ration and Proporation | Inequalities |
| Pair Formation | ||
| Match the Column | ||
| Error Detection |