Banking & Insurance · SBI · Updated 19 October 2026

SBI PO 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test

SBI Probationary Officer (PO)

Conducted by the State Bank of India, SBI PO is the most prestigious public-sector commercial banking officer examination, offering rapid career progression to top executive management. Its rigorous three-phase selection process tests advanced data interpretation, logical reasoning, economy awareness, psychometric profile, and group leadership.

Type
Recruitment
Level
National
Conducting body
SBI

Start for free with SBI PO syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.

Coming up: Phase III: Psychometric test, 31 Oct 2026. Every mock test you take before then shows you where you stand. See all dates

SBI PO exam overview and highlights

About SBI PO

SBI PO recruits Probationary Officers for the State Bank of India, the country's largest public sector bank, and is conducted directly by SBI's Central Recruitment and Promotion Department. Selection has three phases: an online Prelims, an online Mains with objective and descriptive parts, and a final phase that includes a psychometric test, group exercise and interview. It is widely regarded as the most competitive bank PO exam in India.

The examination process for SBI PO comprises 3 stages: Phase I: Prelims, followed by Phase II: Mains, followed by Phase III: Psychometric test, group exercise and interview. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Analysis, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, General, Economy and Banking Awareness — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims is qualifying only. Mains marks and Phase III scores (psychometric test, group exercise and interview) are normalised to a 75:25 weightage, and the combined total decides the final merit.

Key subjects

  • English Language
  • Quantitative Aptitude and Data Analysis
  • Reasoning Ability
  • Computer Aptitude
  • General, Economy and Banking Awareness

What clearing SBI PO leads to

  • Probationary Officer in State Bank of India
  • Compensation & Pay Scale: Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 with advance increments, plus allowances and other benefits
  • Central / Institutional appointment through State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department merit recommendation
  • Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
  • All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
  • Deputation opportunities to central autonomous bodies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and international assignments

Quick facts

Full name
SBI Probationary Officer (PO)
Conducting body
State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department
Frequency
Usually once a year
Exam mode
Online (computer-based test)
Languages
English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified
Stages & papers
3 stages (8 papers total)
Negative marking
One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests
Official website
sbi.co.in/web/careers

SBI PO — Key Highlights & Official Particulars

Complete snapshot of SBI PO conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.

SBI PO key highlights
ParticularsDetails
Exam NameSBI PO — SBI Probationary Officer (PO)
Conducting BodyState Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department
Exam CategoryBanking & Insurance
Exam LevelNational level
Exam Type & PurposeRecruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection)
Exam FrequencyUsually once a year
Usual Notification & Exam WindowTiming shifts from cycle to cycle; the notification usually appears between September and December, Prelims follow six to eight weeks later, Mains about a month after that and the Phase III round a couple of months later
Mode of ApplicationOnline on the SBI careers page
Mode of ExaminationOnline (computer-based test)
Medium / Exam LanguagesEnglish and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified
Selection Stages3 Stages (8 Papers Total): Phase I: Prelims → Phase II: Mains → Phase III: Psychometric test, group exercise and interview
Negative MarkingOne-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests
Selection / Merit ProcessPrelims is qualifying only. Mains marks and Phase III scores (psychometric test, group exercise and interview) are normalised to a 75:25 weightage, and the combined total decides the final merit.
Educational QualificationGraduation in any discipline from a recognised university; final year students may apply subject to producing proof of passing by the date in the notification
Age Limit21 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules
Pay Scale / Salary StructureStarting basic pay around ₹48,480 with advance increments, plus allowances and other benefits
Merit Panel ValidityValid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period
Competition ScaleSeveral lakh applicants for a few hundred to a couple of thousand posts
Official Websitesbi.co.in/web/careers

Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.

SBI Probationary Officers 2026-27 (Advt. No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09): important dates, vacancy and application process

Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.

SBI Probationary Officers 2026-27 (Advt. No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09) important dates
EventDateStatus
Online registration and fee payment18 Jun to 8 Jul 2026Done
Phase I: PrelimsAug 2026Done
Prelims resultAug 2026Done
Phase II: Mains12 Sep 2026Done
Mains resultOct 2026Done
Phase III: Psychometric test31 Oct 2026Upcoming
Phase III: Group exercise and interviewsFrom 18 Nov 2026Upcoming
Final resultNov to Dec 2026Expected
Vacancies
1,500 (1,446 regular and 54 backlog; provisional, may vary with the bank's needs)
Salary
Starting basic pay ₹48,480 plus 4 advance increments, in the JMGS-I scale ₹48,480-2,000/7-62,480-2,340/2-67,160-2,680/7-85,920; SBI puts the approximate CTC at Mumbai at ₹21.97 lakh a year
Application fee
₹750 for General, EWS and OBC candidates; nil for SC, ST and PwBD candidates

Latest updates

  • 1 Jul 2026: SBI removed the CIBIL (credit history) clause from the PO advertisement.
  • Aug 2026: Prelims result published; shortlisted candidates were called for Mains on 12 Sep 2026.
  • Oct 2026: Mains result published with roll numbers shortlisted for Phase III.
  • Oct 2026: SBI gave tentative Phase III dates: psychometric test on 31 Oct 2026, group exercise and interviews from 18 Nov 2026.
  • This cycle's Mains descriptive test (30 marks, 30 minutes) covers email writing, situation analysis, and report or precis writing.

SBI did not state the exact Prelims dates or result release dates in its documents; months are given instead. The Phase III dates are marked tentative by SBI, and call letters with exact slots are still to be issued.

Sources: SBI PO 2026-27 detailed advertisement, SBI PO corrigendum on the CIBIL clause, 1 Jul 2026, SBI PO Prelims result, SBI PO Mains information handout, SBI PO Mains result, SBI notice on tentative Phase III dates, SBI careers: current openings

How to apply online for SBI PO

  1. One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login

    Visit sbi.co.in/web/careers and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on the SBI careers page.

  2. Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences

    Log in to open the SBI PO application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.

  3. Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates

    Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.

  4. Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page

    Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final SBI PO Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.

SBI PO eligibility criteria and age relaxation

Candidates applying for SBI PO must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by SBI.

Educational qualification

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university; final year students may apply subject to producing proof of passing by the date in the notification.

Age limit & relaxations

21 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.

Number of attempts

Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.

Nationality & domicile

Citizen of India, or other categories permitted under the notification.

Other conditions & standards

A limit on the number of attempts applies by category, as specified in the notification.

SBI PO — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms

SBI PO category-wise age relaxation
CategoryAge Relaxation / RuleKey Conditions & Documentation
Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms)+5 Years above prescribed upper age limitRequires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format.
Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms)+3 Years above prescribed upper age limitCandidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST)+10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST)Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016.
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO)+3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual ageMust produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification.

SBI PO selection process and exam pattern

Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims is qualifying only. Mains marks and Phase III scores (psychometric test, group exercise and interview) are normalised to a 75:25 weightage, and the combined total decides the final merit.

  1. Stage 1: Phase I: Prelims

    Online (computer-based test) • 3 Papers (English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability) • 100 Questions • Duration: 20 minutes • A one-hour test of 100 questions for 100 marks with separate timing for each section.

    A one-hour test of 100 questions for 100 marks with separate timing for each section. There is no sectional cut-off: about 10 times the vacancies in each category are shortlisted for Mains on aggregate marks. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit.

    Paper / SectionQuestionsMarksDuration
    English LanguageSBI states only the 100-mark total, not section-wise marks40Varies20 minutes
    Quantitative Aptitude30Varies20 minutes
    Reasoning Ability30Varies20 minutes
  2. Stage 2: Phase II: Mains

    Online (computer-based test) • 5 Papers (Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, General, Economy and Banking Awareness + 2 more) • An objective test of 170 questions for 200 marks in 3 hours with sectional timing: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude (40 questions, 60 marks, 50 minutes), Data Analysis and Interpretation (30, 60, 45 minutes), General Awareness, Economy and Banking Knowledge (60, 60, 45 minutes) and English Language (40, 20, 40 minutes).

    An objective test of 170 questions for 200 marks in 3 hours with sectional timing: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude (40 questions, 60 marks, 50 minutes), Data Analysis and Interpretation (30, 60, 45 minutes), General Awareness, Economy and Banking Knowledge (60, 60, 45 minutes) and English Language (40, 20, 40 minutes). It is followed by a 30-minute, 30-mark descriptive test of communication skills: one email, one situation analysis, and one report or precis. Each section, including the descriptive test, has a minimum qualifying score.

    Paper / SectionQuestionsMarksDuration
    Reasoning and Computer AptitudeObjective, with sectional timingVariesVariesVaries
    Data Analysis and InterpretationObjective, with sectional timingVariesVariesVaries
    General, Economy and Banking AwarenessObjective, with sectional timingVariesVariesVaries
    English LanguageObjective, with sectional timingVariesVariesVaries
    Descriptive test (email, situation analysis, report or precis)Typed on the computer, in English33030 minutes
  3. Stage 3: Phase III: Psychometric test, group exercise and interview

    Online (computer-based test) • Shortlisted candidates take a psychometric test, a group exercise and a personal interview.

    Shortlisted candidates take a psychometric test, a group exercise and a personal interview. Mains and Phase III marks are combined, with Mains carrying the larger weight, to prepare the final merit list.

  4. Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment

    In-person verification by State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation

    Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.

SBI PO subject-wise syllabus and study material

SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.

English Language — Part I (Reading comprehension)

  • Reading comprehension
  • Cloze test
  • Error spotting and sentence correction
  • Para jumbles

English Language — Part II (Fill in the blanks)

  • Fill in the blanks
  • Vocabulary and word usage
  • Email, situation analysis, report and precis writing (descriptive)

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Analysis — Part I (Data interpretation)

  • Data interpretation (tables, graphs, caselets, radar)
  • Simplification and approximation
  • Number series
  • Quadratic equations

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Analysis — Part II (Arithmetic)

  • Arithmetic (percentage, ratio, interest, mixtures)
  • Time, work, speed and distance
  • Probability and permutation
  • Data sufficiency

Reasoning Ability — Part I (Seating arrangement and puzzles)

  • Seating arrangement and puzzles
  • Syllogism
  • Inequalities
  • Coding and decoding

Reasoning Ability — Part II (Input-output)

  • Input-output
  • Blood relations and direction sense
  • Logical reasoning and critical reasoning
  • Data sufficiency

Computer Aptitude: Computer fundamentals & Operating systems and software

  • Computer fundamentals
  • Operating systems and software
  • Networking and internet
  • MS Office
  • Computer security
  • Flowcharts and number systems

General, Economy and Banking Awareness

  • Current affairs
  • Banking and financial awareness
  • RBI and monetary policy
  • Government schemes
  • Economic survey and budget highlights
  • Financial institutions and markets
  • Static GK

SBI PO salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth

Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 with advance increments, plus allowances and other benefits. Appointments under State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.

Pay Scale & Grade Structure

Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 with advance increments, plus allowances and other benefits.

Appointing / Cadre Authority

State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department (Central Government / Public Sector Service)

Allowances & Perks

Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.

Probation & Training

Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.

Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits

  • Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
  • Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
  • Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
  • National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave

Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression

  1. Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department)
  2. Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
  3. Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
  4. Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
  5. Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre

SBI PO cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score

State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department releases stage-wise and category-wise SBI PO cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.

SBI PO — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks

SBI PO qualifying standards and safe target score
CategoryQualifying Floor / StandardRecommended Safe Target
General / Unreserved (UR)30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests)
General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS)25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor68% to 78% of Total Marks
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor68% to 78% of Total Marks
Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor58% to 70% of Total Marks

Score Normalization & Marking Impact

When SBI PO is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.

Factors Determining SBI PO Cut-Off

  • Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
  • Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the SBI PO cycle
  • Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
  • Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
  • Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles

SBI PO admit card, answer key and result guide

City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam

SBI PO Exam City Intimation & Admit Card

State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official SBI PO Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on sbi.co.in/web/careers. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.

  • Clear A4 printout of the SBI PO e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
  • Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
  • 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
  • PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)

Within 3–10 days after the examination

SBI PO Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window

After conclusion of the objective test, State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on sbi.co.in/web/careers. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.

  • Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
  • Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
  • Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
  • Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations

3–6 weeks after stage completion

SBI PO Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling

State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department declares the SBI PO result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on sbi.co.in/web/careers. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.

  • Download and save your official SBI PO Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
  • Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
  • Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
  • Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website

SBI PO mock tests

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SBI PO previous year papers

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How to prepare for SBI PO

  1. Prelims cut-offs are usually high, so aim to clear the overall cut-off with a safe margin by maximising accuracy in your strongest section.
  2. SBI Mains puzzles and DI sets are known to be lengthier than IBPS, so practice high-difficulty sets under timed conditions.
  3. Prepare the descriptive test seriously: practice typing an email, a situation analysis and a report or precis on banking or economy themes within 30 minutes.
  4. Read a daily newspaper and a monthly current affairs compilation, since General, Economy and Banking Awareness is a large and quick-scoring section.
  5. For the group exercise and interview, practice speaking concisely on current economic issues and on SBI's role in the banking sector.
  6. Check the latest notification for the Mains marks distribution, since SBI has revised it in recent cycles.

SBI PO FAQs

Is SBI PO harder than IBPS PO?

Both have similar syllabi, but SBI PO is generally considered harder because of lengthier puzzles and DI sets in Mains, higher cut-offs and an additional group exercise stage.

How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?

Six chances for UR and EWS candidates, nine for OBC candidates and for UR or EWS candidates with benchmark disabilities, and no limit for SC and ST candidates. Only appearing in the Mains counts as a chance; appearing in the Prelims does not.

Can final year students apply for SBI PO?

Yes, usually. Final year students may apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of graduation by the date mentioned in the notification.

What is the age limit for SBI PO?

The usual age range is 21 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.

Do SBI PO Prelims marks count in the final selection?

No. Prelims is only qualifying. The final merit is based on Mains and Phase III (psychometric test, group exercise and interview) marks.

Is there negative marking in SBI PO?

Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests of both Prelims and Mains.

What is the selection process and exam pattern for SBI PO?

SBI PO is conducted by State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department across 3 stages: Phase I: Prelims → Phase II: Mains → Phase III: Psychometric test, group exercise and interview. Prelims is qualifying only. Mains marks and Phase III scores (psychometric test, group exercise and interview) are normalised to a 75:25 weightage, and the combined total decides the final merit.

What is the age limit and educational qualification for SBI PO?

Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university; final year students may apply subject to producing proof of passing by the date in the notification. Age Limit: 21 to 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.

What is the salary and job profile after clearing SBI PO?

Starting basic pay around ₹48,480 with advance increments, plus allowances and other benefits.

When is the SBI PO notification released and how can I apply online?

SBI PO is held usually once a year (Timing shifts from cycle to cycle; the notification usually appears between September and December, Prelims follow six to eight weeks later, Mains about a month after that and the Phase III round a couple of months later). Online on the SBI careers page.

How can I prepare for SBI PO on SmartRank?

Select SBI PO as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Analysis, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact SBI PO pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.