Are you applying for SBI PO exam you must read this article: SBI PO Maximum Number of Attempts
As the SBI puts restriction on the number of time you apply for this recruitment. Unlike many other banking exams (like IBPS PO) where you can apply as many times as you want until you hit the upper age limit, the State Bank of India (SBI) enforces a strict cap on the maximum number of attempts for the SBI PO exam.
The permissible number of chances varies based on your reservation category, and there is a specific rule about what actually counts as an “attempt.”
Category-Wise SBI PO Maximum Number of Attempts
| Ategory | Maximum Permissible Number of Chances |
| UR / EWS | 6 |
| UR (PwBD) / EWS (PwBD) / OBC / OBC (PwBD) | 9 |
| SC / SC (PwBD) / ST / ST (PwBD) | No Restriction |
SBI PO Maximum Number of Attempts is counted?
SBI counts this number if the candidate only appeared for preliminary exam or Mains exam. We have explained in the below points that you can check The maximum number of times you can attempt the SBI PO exam 2026 is broken down as follows:
2. What Formally Counts as an “Attempt”?
This is where many candidates get confused. Merely filling out the application form or sitting for the first phase does not automatically exhaust an attempt. SBI clearly defines a “chance” based on the phase of the exam you reach:
- Candidates who have already exhausted the maximum number of permitted attempts are not eligible to apply.
- Only appearing in the Main Examination is counted as an attempt; appearing in the Preliminary Examination alone does not count as an attempt.
- In years when the recruitment process consists of only one written examination (without a Preliminary Examination), appearing in that examination is treated as one attempt..
Historical Note: The counting of these attempts officially began for any SBI PO recruitment examinations held on or after April 18, 2010. Any attempts made prior to this date are disregarded.
3. The Absolute Age Limit for SBI PO Maximum Number of Attempts
Age Limit: (As on 01.04.2026): Not below 21 years and not above 30 years as on 01.04.2026 i.e. candidates must have been born not later than 01.04.2005 and not earlier than 02.04.1996 (both days inclusive)
Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation (in Years) |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) – Non-Creamy Layer | 3 Years |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 5 Years |
| PwBD (UR/EWS) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen, Commissioned Officers including ECOs/SSCOs who have rendered 5 years of military service and have been released on completion of assignment (subject to prescribed conditions) | 5 Years |
Once you cross your respective upper age limit, your remaining attempts naturally expire.
Other Factor also Matters
Check other factor before applying to the SBI PO exam
- CIBIL Scores & Defaulters: SBI strictly verifies your background. Candidates with a bad track record or an adverse CIBIL report (such as defaulting on credit card bills or personal/education loans) are ineligible for appointment even if they have attempts left and clear the selection phases.
Also Read: IBPS PO Recruitment 2026