SBI PO 2026 Notification Out for 1500 Vacancies, Check Exam Date, Eligibility, Salary & More.
Table of Contents
SBI PO 2026 notification was released on 18 June 2026 and the application window is open until 8 July 2026. The Prelims exam is expected in August 2026, followed by the Mains exam in September 2026. A total of 1,500 vacancies have been announced for this recruitment cycle.
What is the SBI PO Exam?
The SBI PO Exam is a national-level banking examination conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI) for the recruitment of candidates for the post of Probationary Officer (PO). It is one of the most famous banking exams in India and is open for graduates from any recognized university. The exam offers a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and various employee benefits.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Expected Vacancies | 1,500 posts (1,446 regular + 54 backlog) |
| Notification Date | Released - 18 June 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Mains Exam Date | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Interview / GE | October–November 2026 (Tentative) |
| Final Result | January 2027 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Starting Salary (In-hand) | ~₹80,000 – ₹82,000 per month |
SBI PO 2026 Important Dates & Exam Schedule
One of the smartest things you can do is to plan your preparation around the exam calendar. Knowing the SBI PO exam date well in advance helps you set up a realistic study plan as well as book your test slot and avoid last minute panic.
Note: SBI PO 2026 Notification is officially released. The dates are as per official notification (Advt No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09). Exam dates are tentative and will be confirmed through the admit card. Keep visiting sbi.bank.in for updates.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 18 June 2026 (Released) |
| Online Application Opens | 18 June 2026 (Active) |
| SBI PO Application Last Date | 8 July 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card Download | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Prelims Exam Date | 1st & 2nd August 2026 |
| Prelims Result | September 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card Download | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Mains Exam Date | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Mains Result | October 2026 |
| Group Exercise & Interview | October–November 2026 |
| Final Result | January 2027 |
| Joining / Appointment | Early 2027 |
SBI PO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for SBI PO exam, you need to be an Indian citizen and have a graduation degree from a recognised university and be between 21 to 30 years of age. Final year students can also apply. The most important thing before filling up the application form is to check whether you satisfy the SBI PO eligibility criteria. You will be disqualified if you apply but do not meet the criteria, even if you pass all the exam stages.
1. Nationality
Candidates are expected to be:
- A citizen of India
- Citizen of Bhutan or Nepal
- A Tibetan refugee who entered India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or East African countries
2. Educational Qualification
You should have graduation degree in any discipline from a university recognised by the Government of India. There is no minimum percentage required. Can final year students apply? Sure! Students in the last year of their graduation are eligible to apply. However, they must provide proof of the completion of their degree by 30 September 2026. If you cannot produce the certificate, you are automatically disqualified.
Note: Aadhaar verification has been made mandatory for SBI PO 2026 as a new requirement.
3. SBI PO Age Limit 2026
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21 to 30 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 to 33 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 21 to 35 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (General) | 21 to 40 years (10 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21 to 43 years (13 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 to 45 years (15 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government of India norms |
| J&K Domicile (1980–89) | 21 to 35 years (5 years relaxation) |
4. Number of Attempts
For 2026, the maximum number of attempts has been changed to 6 for UR/EWS (instead of 4), 9 for OBC/PwBD (UR/EWS/OBC) (instead of 7) and no limit for SC/ST/PwBD (SC/ST).
SBI PO Notification 2026
The SBI PO Notification has been released by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recruitment of Probationary Officers across its branches. It is one of the most popular banking exams in India for graduates. The notification includes important details like vacancies, eligibility, application dates, selection process, and exam pattern. Candidates can apply online through the official SBI website within the given timeline.
SBI PO 2026 Vacancy
The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the SBI PO notification to fill 1,500 vacancies of Probationary Officer (PO). The vacancy count is higher than the last recruitment cycle and it is a huge opportunity for banking aspirants. The official notification contains details of the category wise vacancies
SBI PO 2026 Vacancy - Official Category-wise Breakdown
| Category | Regular Vacancies | Backlog Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 216 | 18 | 234 |
| ST | 108 | 36 | 144 |
| OBC | 390 | 0 | 390 |
| EWS | 144 | 0 | 144 |
| UR (General) | 588 | 0 | 588 |
| Total | 1,446 | 54 | 1,500 |
Year-Wise SBI PO Vacancy Trend (2020–2026)
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2000 |
| 2021 | 2056 |
| 2022 | 1673 |
| 2023 | 2000 |
| 2024 | 600 |
| 2025 | 541 |
| 2026 | 1500 |
With 1,500 vacancies in 2026, nearly triple that of 2025, this is the best opportunity in years. The surge is attributed to SBI’s branch expansion and retirements. Start preparing now to capitalise on this golden window.
SBI PO 2026 Selection Process
SBI PO selection process comprises of 3 stages i.e. Prelims, Mains and Group Exercise & Interview. Candidates have to clear each stage to be eligible for the next round. Prelims exam is just a screening test and its marks are not counted for final selection. The final merit list is based on the Mains exam and the Group Exercise & Interview round preparation. Candidates who perform well in both the stages are selected as SBI Probationary Officers.
SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern
The SBI PO exam consists of two levels: Prelims and Mains. Prelims is 100 questions for 100 marks with 1 hour duration and is only qualifying in nature.
Mains has 155 objective questions for 200 marks and descriptive for 30 marks. Total of 230 marks. Knowing the exam pattern will help you plan your preparation and time management well.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | 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 (1 hour) |
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- No negative marking for unanswered questions
- Only overall cut-off applies, no sectional cut-off
- Sectional timings are fixed - you cannot switch between sections before time
SBI PO Mains Objective Test Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Total (Objective) | 155 | 200 | 180 minutes |
- In Mains, you must score minimum marks in each section to qualify.
- Negative marking : 0.25 for each wrong answer in objective test
SBI PO Mains Descriptive Test Pattern 2026
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 30 (Revised from 50 in 2026) |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| No. of Questions | 3 tasks: Email Writing + Situation Analysis + Report/Precis Writing |
| Format 1 (Compulsory) | Email Writing (Compulsory - choose 1 from 2 options) |
| Format 2 (Compulsory) | Situation Analysis Writing (Compulsory) |
| Format 3 (Choose 1) | Situation Analysis OR Precis Writing |
| Evaluated? | Only if objective test cut-off is cleared |
| Mode | Typed online (keyboard) |
SBI PO 2026 Syllabus
SBI PO syllabus includes Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language and General /Banking Awareness. It also includes Data Interpretation and Descriptive Writing for Mains. The first step in creating a successful study plan is to be aware of the complete SBI PO syllabus. The Prelims syllabus is moderate while the Mains syllabus is more comprehensive and needs regular practice over months.
1. Reasoning Ability (Prelims + Mains)
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Floor, Box)
- Syllogisms & Venn Diagrams
- Inequalities (Direct & Coded)
- Blood Relations & Direction Sense
- Coding-Decoding & Number Series
- Data Sufficiency & Logical Reasoning
- Computer Aptitude (Mains only): Binary Logic, Flowcharts, Computer Fundamentals
2. Quantitative Aptitude / Data Interpretation (Prelims + Mains)
- Number Series & Quadratic Equations
- Simplification & Approximation
- Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance; Time & Work
- Averages, Ratios, Mixtures & Alligations
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets
- Data Sufficiency (Mains only)
3. English Language (Prelims + Mains)
- Reading Comprehension (Passages from business, economics, current affairs)
- Error Spotting & Sentence Correction
- Sentence Improvement & Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks (Single & Double)
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Usage
- Descriptive Writing (Mains): Email, Report, Situation Analysis, Precis
4. General / Economy / Banking Awareness (Mains only)
- Current Affairs: Last 6 months (National & International)
- Banking & Financial Terms: NPA, CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, Reverse Repo
- RBI Policies, Monetary Policy, Budget Highlights
- Government Schemes: PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM MUDRA Yojana, etc.
- Static GK: Headquarters, Taglines, Banking History
- Economic Survey & Union Budget updates
High-Weightage Topics (Based on Previous Year Papers)
- Reasoning: Puzzles & Seating Arrangements - expect 15–20 questions per paper
- Quant: Data Interpretation sets - usually 20–25 questions in Mains
- English: Reading Comprehension - typically 20–25 questions per paper
- Banking Awareness: RBI policies and Current Affairs - always asked
SBI PO 2026 Application Process - How to Apply Online
The SBI PO 2026 application process is done online via the official SBI portal. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria need to fill up the registration and application form within the given dates. The process includes personal and academic details, uploading documents and application fee payment. Applicants are advised to review all details carefully prior to final submission to prevent errors.
How to Apply Online for SBI PO 2026
- Visit the official website - sbi.bank.in/web/careers
- Go to ‘Current Openings’ and find SBI PO 2026 notification
- Read full notification pdf before applying
- Click on ‘Apply Online’ and register using your email ID and mobile number
- Fill in all the personal, educational and category details in the application form
- Upload your passport size photograph (JPEG, 20-50 KB) and signature
- Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card or net banking
- Submit the form and save/print the application confirmation for your future records
SBI PO Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹750/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil (Exempt) |
Documents Required at Registration
- Recent passport size photograph (JPEG format, 20-50 KB)
- Scanned Signature (JPEG, 10-20KB)
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport or Voter ID
- Category certificate (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) if applicable
- Graduation certificate or final year marksheet
SBI PO 2026 Admit Card
SBI PO 2026 admit card will be released on the official website sbi.bank.in 1-2 weeks before the exam date. Download it by using registration number and date of birth. Carry it to the exam centre with a valid photo ID.
How to Download SBI PO Admit Card 2026
- Go to sbi.bank.in/web/careers
- ‘Current Openings’ → SBI PO 2026
- Click on ‘Admit Card / Call Letter’ link
- Enter Registration Number and Date of Birth
- Download admit card PDF and take a colour printout
Details Printed on the Admit Card
- Complete name of the candidate and roll number
- Examination date, time, and reporting time
- The address of the examination centre
- Photo and signature of candidate
- General instructions for exam day
Documents to Carry on Exam Day
- 1 Valid Original Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID)
- Printed admit card (preferably colour print out)
- Passport size photographs (some centres require 1-2 copies)
What if Your Admit Card Has an Error?
Please check for any errors (name, DOB, photo) immediately after downloading. In case of any error, contact official helpline of SBI or recruitment email id provided in the notification. Don’t overlook errors, wrong admit card may result in denial of entry.
SBI PO Answer Key 2026
SBI PO 2026 Answer Key is the official document through which the candidates can check their answers and can predict their probable score. But unlike other competitive exams, SBI does not always release a final official answer key for the PO exam. Most of the coaching institutes release memory-based answer keys after the exam.
SBI PO 2026 Answer Key Details
- Released after Prelims and Mains exam
- Helps candidates calculate predicted marks
- SBI may or may not publish the official answer key
- Coaching Institutes Release Memory Based Solutions on Exam Day or Next Day
- Final result based only on SBI evaluation and normalization
SBI PO 2026 Salary
The SBI PO 2026 in-hand salary will be Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 82,000 per month after deductions. Basic pay Rs 48,480 + 4 advance increments along with various allowances like DA, HRA, special allowance etc under JMGS-I pay scale. Salary is all dependent on location of posting and benefits involved.
The SBI PO salary is one of the biggest reasons for millions of students dreaming for this job. Apart from a competitive monthly income, this position offers excellent allowances, job security and a clear career growth path.
SBI PO Salary Structure 2026
| Salary Component | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | ₹48,480 – 2000/7 – 62,480 – 2340/2 – 67,160 – 2680/7 – 85,920 (JMGS-I) |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹48,480 per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per CPI, revised quarterly |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 7%–9% of basic pay (based on posting city) |
| Special Allowance | As per SBI rules (percentage of basic pay) |
| City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) | Applicable in select cities |
| Medical Benefits | For employee and family |
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ₹90,000 – ₹95,000 per month |
| In-Hand Salary (Approx.) | ₹80,000 – ₹82,000 per month |
Deductions from Salary
- PF (Provident Fund) contribution
- Contribution to National Pension System (NPS)
- Income Tax (as per applicable slab)
- Professional Tax (if applicable in the state)
SBI PO Service Bond - Read This Before Joining
All selected SBI PO candidates have to sign a service bond of ₹2,00,000. This bond binds you to serve SBI for a minimum period of 3 years from the date of joining. If you resign before 3 years then you have to pay ₹2 lakh to the bank.
SBI PO Job Profile, Career Growth & Promotion Hierarchy
Getting selected in SBI PO is just the beginning. The real reward is the career path it offers in the long run - a structured hierarchy of promotions, competitive salary increments and the prestige of being part of India's largest public sector bank.As an SBI PO you will work as a Junior Management Officer in customer service, loans and branch operations. After 2 years probation you are confirmed and may grow from Manager to General Manager through annual promotion exams.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities of an SBI PO
- Customer account management: opening of accounts, queries, complaints resolution
- Loan processing: evaluating applications for home loans, personal loans, business loans
- Branch sales targets – deposits, life insurance cross-sell, YONO app promotions
- Enabling Digital Banking: Net Banking, UPI, YONO and SBI Card Support
- Branch staff supervision and assist Branch Manager
- Compliance & Documentation: KYC, Audit, Report Filing
Probation Period
All the newly joined SBI POs are under the 2 years probation period as Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I) officers. In this period they are trained on different banking functions. On successful completion they are confirmed as permanent officers.
SBI PO Promotion Hierarchy
| Level | Designation | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Probationary Officer / Junior Officer | JMGS-I |
| Level 2 | Manager | MMGS-II |
| Level 3 | Senior Manager | MMGS-III |
| Level 4 | Chief Manager | SMGS-IV |
| Level 5 | Assistant General Manager (AGM) | SMGS-V |
| Level 6 | Deputy General Manager (DGM) | TEGS-VI |
| Level 7 | General Manager (GM) | TEGS-VII |
Every year, SBI conducts internal promotion exams. Promotion is based on performance, length of service and exam results. Officers who are proactive and good at banking operations can climb the ranks quickly
Expected SBI PO 2026 Cut-Off
Knowing the expected cut off gives you a rough idea about the score to aim for. With a proper preparation strategy, you can improve your chances of cracking SBI PO in the first attempt itself.
Based on previous year trends and current exam expectations, here is the expected cut-off range for SBI PO 2026:
SBI PO 2026 Expected Cut-Off (Approx.)
| Category | Prelims (Expected) | Mains (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 62 – 68 | 78 – 85 |
| OBC | 60 – 66 | 70 – 78 |
| EWS | 60 – 66 | 75 – 85 |
| SC | 54 – 60 | 60 – 68 |
| ST | 48 – 54 | 58 – 65 |
SBI PO 2026 Preparation Strategy
The SBI PO 2026 notification is already released, so candidates should follow a focused preparation plan. Start with strengthening basics of Reasoning, Quant and English for Prelims along with daily practice. Slowly start moving on to mock tests and revision to get better in speed and accuracy. After Prelims, start focusing on Mains subjects such as Data Interpretation, Banking Awareness and Descriptive Writing. The secret to success is practice & mock analysis.
Section-Wise Preparation Tips
Reasoning:
- Solve minimum 2 puzzle sets and 1 seating arrangement per day
- Focus on new pattern puzzles: floor-based, day-based, and complex linear.
Quantitative Aptitude :
- Master DI (data interpretation) - it has the highest weightage in Mains
- Practice daily on arithmetic topics: percentage, CI/SI, time & work
English: -
- One editorial from The Hindu or The Economic Times everyday
- Practice descriptive writing at least 3 times in a week for Mains General & Banking
General & Banking Awareness:
- Follow a monthly current affairs capsule
- Revise banking terms (repo rate, CRR, SLR, NPA) weekly
SBI PO 2026 Result
SBI PO 2026 Prelims result is expected in September 2026, around 3-4 weeks after the exam. You can verify your result at sbi.bank.in by entering your Registration Number and Date of Birth. The mains result is expected in October 2026.
The SBI PO result is announced in phases, first for Prelims and then for Mains. Each result will tell you if you have qualified for the next round.
Expected SBI PO 2026 Result Dates
| Phase | Exam Date (Expected) | Result Date (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | August 2026 (Tentative) | September 2026 (~3–4 weeks after exam) |
| Mains | 12 September 2026 | October 2026 (~3–4 weeks after Mains) |
| GE & Interview | Oct–Nov 2026 | December 2026 |
| Final Result | - | January 2027 |
How to Check SBI PO Result Online
- visit official SBI website
- Click on 'Current Openings'→ SBI PO 2026
- Find the 'Result / Score Card' link and click it
- Enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth
- Download and Save the PDF - See your result on screen
Result vs Score Card - What Is the Difference?
| Document | What It Contains |
|---|---|
| Result (Pass/Fail) | Whether you qualified for the next round - released first |
| Score Card | Section-wise marks, total marks, qualifying status - released later |
SBI PO Previous Year Question Papers
You can’t have a study plan without previous year question papers. They give you a good idea of what the exam will be like - the type of questions asked, their level of difficulty and the topics that come up most often.
Why You Must Practise Previous Year Papers
- Understand the actual difficulty level of SBI PO - not just the theory
- Identify topics that are repeated year after year
- Practice time management with timed practice
- Get used to the format of the questions before the real exam
- Identify your weak areas and fill the gaps in your preparation
SBI PO 2026 Mock Tests
Mock tests are one of the biggest differentiators between toppers and average scorers in SBI PO. You need to get yourself into timed, exam-like conditions and practice doing 100 questions in exactly 60 minutes, not just read theory.
Why Mock Tests Are Non-Negotiable for SBI PO
- Enhances speed and accuracy by practicing questions at real exam level
- Helps you better understand exam pattern and question difficulty
- Develops time management skills for Prelims and Mains
- Highlights weak areas to help you improve before the real exam
Best Books for SBI PO 2026
Choosing the right books can save you months of wasted effort. To crack SBI PO 2026, you do not need 5 books per subject – one good reference book per section, mock tests and previous year papers are enough to crack SBI PO 2026.
1. Best Books for Reasoning Ability
| Book Title | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand) | Comprehensive basics; good for beginners |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey (BSC Publishing) | Best for puzzles & seating arrangement patterns |
| New Pattern Reasoning | Arihant Publications | Covers SBI PO-specific new pattern questions |
2. Best Books for Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
| Book Title | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand) | Gold standard for basics and formulas |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude | Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill) | Excellent for DI and advanced-level practice |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Arihant Publications | Focused DI practice for Mains level |
3. Best Books for English Language
| Book Title | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) | Best for grammar rules and vocabulary |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Essential for vocabulary building |
| Descriptive English | S.P. Bakshi & Richa Sharma (Arihant) | Covers email, letter, report, and precis writing for SBI PO Mains |
4. Best Books for General / Economy / Banking Awareness
| Book Title | Author / Publisher | Why Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Banking Awareness | Arihant Publications | Comprehensive static banking GK |
| The Hindu / Financial Express | Daily Newspaper | Best free source for current affairs |
| Monthly Current Affairs Capsule | Adda247 / Testbook (Free PDF) | Quick revision of last 6 months current affairs |
| RBI Website + PIB (Press Info Bureau) | Government Sources (Free) | Primary sources for banking policy updates |
What is the Difference Between SBI PO and IBPS PO?
SBI PO and IBPS PO are the two most popular banking exams in India. Both are a safe career in the banking sector but differ in conducting body, salary and job structure.
| Feature | SBI PO | IBPS PO |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | SBI (State Bank of India) | IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) |
| Banks | Only SBI | Multiple public sector banks |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year | Once a year |
| Difficulty Level | Slightly higher | Moderate |
| Salary | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Posting | Anywhere in India (SBI branches) | Depends on participating banks |
| Promotion | Faster growth in SBI | Good but comparatively slower |
| Job Stability | Very high | Very high |
FAQ’s About the SBI PO Exam 2026
SBI PO 2026 notification has already been released in June 2026. Applications are open for a limited period on the official SBI website.
SBI has announced around 1,500 vacancies for SBI PO 2026, including regular and backlog posts.
The in-hand salary is approximately ₹80,000 to ₹82,000 per month after deductions.
No, Prelims is only qualifying. Final selection is based on Mains and Interview marks.
The age limit is 21 to 30 years for General, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Final year students can apply, but they must show proof of graduation before the interview stage.
It has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview/Group Exercise.