SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Check Complete Prelims & Mains Subject-wise Topics
Table of Contents
The SBI PO syllabus covers English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, Data Analysis & Interpretation and Computer Aptitude. It is divided into Prelims and Mains and each stage tests different skills. Candidates should prepare each subject as per the latest exam pattern & syllabus.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 Highlights
There are 3 phases in SBI PO exam i.e. Prelims (100 marks), Mains (230 marks) and Phase 3 (Group Exercise + Interview). Selection is based on Mains (75%) and Phase 3 (25%)
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,500 |
| Selection Process | Prelims > Mains > Psychometric Test > Group Exercise > Interview |
| Prelims Marks | 100 Marks |
| Mains Marks | 230 Marks (200 Objective + 30 Descriptive) |
| Phase 3 Marks | 50 Marks (GE: 20 + Interview: 30) |
| Duration - Prelims | 1 Hour |
| Duration - Mains | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for every wrong answer (both Prelims and Mains) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based) |
| Language | Bilingual (English and Hindi); English paper only in English |
| Sectional Cut-off | Prelims: No | Mains: Yes |
| Prelims Subjects | English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability |
| Mains Subjects | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, Descriptive Test |
| Exam Date - Prelims | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Exam Date - Mains | September 2026 (Tentative) |
Changes in SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern
SBI has changed the exam pattern in a major way this year. Before you plan your preparation, keep these in mind:
- Descriptive Test marks reduced from 50 to 30 (time duration remains 30 min)
- Total Mains marks reduced from 250 to 230 (Objective 200 + Descriptive 30)
- General/EWS candidates can now attempt 6 times (was 4) • OBC candidates can now attempt 8 times (was 7)
- There is no sectional cut-off in Prelims; only an overall cut-off is applicable.
- English Language increased to 40 questions (from 30); Reasoning and QA decreased to 30 questions each (from 35)
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO prelims syllabus includes 3 subjects. The level of difficulty is moderate. The goal here is speed and accuracy. You have to try and get as many correct answers as you can in 20 minutes per section.
1. Reasoning Ability Syllabus (30 Questions | 30 Marks)
The primary focus of this section are puzzles and seating arrangement and every year they contribute 15 to 20 questions. Put them ahead of everything else. This section tests your logical and analytical thinking. Here's the full list of topics to cover:
- Puzzles (Floor-based, Box-based, Scheduling, Categorisation)
- Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Square, Double Row)
- Syllogism, Coded Inequalities
- Blood Relations, Alphanumeric Series
- Input-Output Coding and Decoding,
- Directions and Distances
- Ranking, Order and Alphabet Test
- Data Sufficiency, Tabulation, Logical Reasoning
2. Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (30 Questions | 30 Marks)
Data Interpretation constitutes 10 to 15 questions in Prelims, making it the highest scoring topic. Arithmetic topics together carry 7 to 8 questions. The SBI PO maths syllabus tests your ability to solve number problems quickly. Topics include:
- Simplification and Approximation, Quadratic Equations
- Data Interpretation (Pie Chart, Bar Graph, Table, Caselet, Line Graph)
- Number Systems, Sequence and Series (Number Series)
- Ratio and Proportion, Percentage
- Profit and Loss, Mixtures and Alligations
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Surds and Indices, Work and Time, Time and Distance
- Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
- Permutation, Combination and Probability
3. English Language Syllabus (40 Questions | 40 Marks)
Reading Comprehension is the maximum weightage topic with 7 to 10 questions. Starting from 2024, the number of questions in the English section has been increased to 40 questions which now carries more weightage than before.
The SBI PO English syllabus will test your grammar, vocabulary and comprehension skills. The topics are:
- Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement)
- Fill in the Blanks (Single and Double)
- Error Spotting and Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement, Paragraph Completion
- Word Association and Word Arrangement
- Vocabulary, Sentence Completion
- Tense Rules, Pair Formation and Match the Column
SBI PO Prelims Topic-wise Weightage (Based on 5-Year Trend)
The table below shows the number of questions that have come from each topic based on the analysis of SBI PO Prelims papers (from 2021 to 2025). Use this to determine what topics to study first.
English Language
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 7 to 10 |
| Cloze Test | 5 to 7 |
| Error Detection | 4 to 5 |
| Para Jumbles | 5 to 6 |
| Fill in the Blanks / Fillers | 5 to 6 |
| Word Swap / Spelling Error | 5 to 6 |
| Phrase Replacement / Sentence Improvement | 3 to 4 |
Reasoning Ability
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Puzzles and Seating Arrangement | 15 to 20 |
| Blood Relation | 3 |
| Coding-Decoding | 3 |
| Direction and Distance | 3 |
| Syllogism | 2 to 3 |
| Inequality (Coded and Direct) | 2 to 3 |
| Order and Ranking | 2 to 3 |
| Arrangement and Pattern | 1 to 2 |
Quantitative Aptitude
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation (All types) | 10 to 15 |
| Arithmetic Problems (Profit/Loss, CI/SI, etc.) | 7 to 8 |
| Number Series | 4 to 5 |
| Quadratic Equations | 3 to 4 |
| Speed Maths / Simplification | 3 to 4 |
| Data Sufficiency | 2 to 3 |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The syllabus for SBI PO mains is vast and much tougher than the syllabus of Prelims. This is a test of your analytical ability and extent of knowledge. The mains examination consists of four objective papers and one descriptive paper. Sectional cut-offs are applicable , you can not afford to ignore any section.
1. Reasoning and Computer Aptitude (40 Questions | 60 Marks | 50 Minutes)
This section is the most difficult section of Mains exam . Puzzles & Seating Arrangement alone covers 18-22 questions. Computer Aptitude questions are rarely asked but they form part of the syllabus.
Prelims level reasoning topics are simpler than Mains. Questions are multi-variable puzzles and complex logic patterns.
- High-Level Puzzles (Multi-variable Floor-based, Box-based, Scheduling, Categorisation)
- Circular and Linear Seating Arrangement, Double Lineup
- Machine Input-Output, Blood Relations
- Directions and Distances, Ordering and Ranking
- Data Sufficiency, Coding and Decoding / Coded Inequalities
- Verbal Reasoning and Syllogism, Course of Action
- Critical Reasoning, Analytical and Decision Making
Computer Aptitude Topics:
Note: Computer Aptitude is a part of Mains syllabus, but rarely asked in the examination. Allocate it a certain amount of preparation time.
- Computer Fundamentals and Terminology
- Internet and Networking, Memory (RAM, ROM, Cache)
- Computer Hardware and Software, Operating Systems
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviations
2. Data Analysis and Interpretation (30 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes)
This section carries the highest marks per question (about 2 marks each). In Mains, 15 to 20 questions are only from DI sets and Caselets every year.
Most often, this is the toughest section of the SBI PO mains syllabus because of the calculation-based DI sets. Topics include
- Tabular Graph (Table DI), Line Graph DI, Bar Graph DI, Pie Chart DI
- Radar Graph and Caselet, Missing Case DI
- Caselet DI (Paragraph-based Data)
- Double Line Up, Data Sufficiency
- Permutation and Combination, Probability
- Advanced Arithmetic (Percentage, Ratio, Profit/Loss applied to complex DI)
3. General / Economy / Banking Awareness (60 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes)
Current Affairs (Last 6 to 8 months) carries 20 to 25 questions. Banking Awareness is the second biggest section with 15 to 18 questions. Begin your current affairs preparation at least 6 months prior to the examination. This section tests your knowledge of banking, finance, and current events. Topics discussed:
- Current Affairs (Last 6 to 8 months; National and International)
- Banking Awareness (RBI policies, SEBI, NABARD, monetary policy, types of accounts)
- Banking Terminology (CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, Reverse Repo, NPA, MCLR, etc.)
- Financial Awareness (Union Budget, Economic Survey, fiscal policy)
- General Knowledge
- Static Awareness (Capitals and Currencies, Awards and Honours, Books and Authors, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Sports)
- Principles of Insurance
- Economic Concepts (GDP, Inflation, Index numbers)
4. English Language (40 Questions | 20 Marks | 40 Minutes)
This section is mostly Reading Comprehension, and there are 10-18 questions on it each year. The English paper in Mains is far more challenging than the Prelims, questions in new pattern like Match the Column. Topics Covered in the SBI PO English Syllabus for Mains:
- Reading Comprehension (Complex passages with inference-based questions)
- Grammar, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Word in Context)
- Verbal Ability, Word Association, Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles, Cloze Test (New Pattern)
- Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks
- Match the Column, Sentence Connectors
Note: Despite having 40 questions the English section in Mains carries only 20 marks. Don't spend too much time on this section at the expense of the 60-mark sections.
SBI PO Mains Topic-wise Weightage
The table below is the result of analysis of Mains question papers from 2021 to 2025. Use this to plan your preparation on how much time to spend on each topic.
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Puzzles and Seating Arrangement | 18 to 22 |
| High-Level Reasoning (Critical, Decision Making) | 8 to 10 |
| Machine Input-Output | 5 to 8 |
| Coded Directions, Syllogisms, Inequalities | 4 to 6 |
| Computer Aptitude | 0 to 3 |
Data Analysis and Interpretation
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Advanced DI Sets and Caselets | 15 to 20 |
| Arithmetic (Advanced concept-based) | 5 to 8 |
| Data Sufficiency and Quantity Comparison | 3 to 5 |
English Language
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 10 to 18 |
| Match the Column | 5 to 9 |
| Para Jumbles | 5 to 7 |
| Cloze Test (New Pattern) | 5 to 7 |
| Sentence Connectors | 3 to 5 |
General / Economy / Banking Awareness
| Topic | No. of Questions (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs (Last 6 to 8 months) | 20 to 25 |
| Banking Awareness | 15 to 18 |
| Static GK | 10 to 12 |
| Financial and Economic Awareness | 8 to 10 |
SBI PO Descriptive Test Syllabus (30 Marks | 30 Minutes).
The Descriptive Test will have 3 questions for a total of 30 marks. You have to answer three questions. One Email Writing (15 marks) One Letter/Precis Writing (15 marks) One Report/Situation Analysis (20 marks) Note: The total marks in the question paper is 50 but after the change in 2026 pattern the test has been reduced to 30 marks.
Descriptive Test is conducted online right after the Objective Test. You will type your answers on the computer. This test is to evaluate your business English writing skills.
| Task | Marks | Word Count / Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Email Writing (1 out of 2 options) | 15 | 150 to 200 words |
| Letter Writing or Precis Writing (1 out of 2 options) | 15 | 200 to 250 words |
| Report Writing or Situation Analysis (1 out of 2 options) | 20 | 250 to 300 words |
| Total | 50 (scaled to 30) |
What is Tested in Each Task
Email Writing:
You may be asked to write a formal or semi-formal email on professional or organisational matters. For example, you may be writing an e-mail to your branch manager regarding a customer complaint. You are tested on your ability to express yourself, keep a good tone, and structure the email in a logical way.
Letter Writing:
You may be required to write a formal letter to a Bank manager or RBI or any other authority. Practise formal banking context letters such as complaints to a bank manager or letters to the RBI about policy concerns.
Precis Writing:
You will be presented with a passage and asked to write a shorter version of it in your own words. This is a test of your ability to pick out the main points and write them succinctly.
Report Writing or Situation Analysis:
You could be asked to write a report summarising data or analyse a given situation. Focus on clarity, objectivity and logical structure. Typical subjects are digital banking, financial inclusion and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Note: Read The Hindu editorials daily to improve your vocabulary and essay strucuture. Type on a computer as the exam will be typed and not handwritten. Focus on grammar, punctuation and professional tone.
SBI PO Phase 3 Syllabus: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise and Interview
Candidates who qualify Prelims & Mains are called for Phase 3. This is the last stage, which is of 50 marks in total. Phase 3 marks will carry 25% weightage in final merit list
Psychometric Test
The Psychometric Test is conducted to assess the personality traits of the shortlisted candidates. It is a statement-based question set in which you have to choose from five options: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree or Strongly Disagree. These test marks will NOT be considered for the final merit list. However, the results are shared with the interview panel to give them deeper insight into your personality.
Group Exercise (20 Marks)
In this round, the candidates are divided into small groups and asked to discuss a topic/case study/situation. Some of the common topics are current affairs, banking reforms, socio-economic issues and financial inclusion.
You will be evaluated on:
- Contribution to the debate
- Clear thinking
- Team work and listening skills
- Interpersonal Skills
Note: Important: The Group Exercise is not about how much or how loud you speak. Evaluators will assess the quality of your points and your ability to work with others.
Personal Interview (30 Marks)
The purpose of the Personal Interview is to evaluate your general personality, awareness, confidence and communication skills. Personal Interview by the panel for the suitability of the officer-level position with SBI. Typical areas of questions include:
- Why Banking? Why the State Bank of India? Why the role of PO?
- Your education and work experience
- Knowledge of current affairs and economy
- Banking and financial knowledge
- Future career objectives
- Questions on behaviour and situation
Most Important Topics in SBI PO Syllabus
Some topics are more significant than others. The following topics are of highest priority for both Prelims and Mains as per the last five years papers.
| Prelims High-Priority Topics | Mains High-Priority Topics |
|---|---|
| • Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (15–20 Qs) | • Advanced DI Sets & Caselets (15–20 Qs) |
| • Reading Comprehension (7–10 Qs) | • Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (18–22 Qs) |
| • Data Interpretation (10–15 Qs) | • Reading Comprehension (10–18 Qs) |
| • Cloze Test (5–7 Qs) | • Current Affairs (Last 6 Months) (20–25 Qs) |
| • Number Series (4–5 Qs) | • Banking Awareness (15–18 Qs) |
| • Syllogism (2–3 Qs) | • Match the Column (5–9 Qs) |
| • Error Detection (4–5 Qs) | • Critical Reasoning (8–10 Qs) |
SBI PO Syllabus vs IBPS PO Syllabus: Key Differences
Most of the candidates prepare for both SBI PO and IBPS PO simultaneously. The subjects are similar but there are important differences you should be aware of.
| Feature | SBI PO vs IBPS PO |
|---|---|
| Prelims sections | Both have English, QA, and Reasoning |
| English questions in Prelims | SBI PO: 40 Qs | IBPS PO: 30 Qs |
| QA questions in Prelims | SBI PO: 30 Qs | IBPS PO: 35 Qs |
| Reasoning questions in Prelims | SBI PO: 30 Qs | IBPS PO: 35 Qs |
| Mains sections | SBI PO: 4 sections + Descriptive | IBPS PO: 5 sections + Descriptive |
| Descriptive Test (2026) | SBI PO: 30 marks | IBPS PO: 25 marks |
| Difficulty Level | SBI PO is generally considered harder than IBPS PO |
| Interview | SBI PO: 30 marks | IBPS PO: 100 marks |
| Computer Knowledge | SBI PO: Merged with Reasoning | IBPS PO: Separate section |
FAQ’S About SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO syllabus is divided into Prelims, Mains, and Phase 3. It includes English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Data Analysis, Computer Aptitude, and an Interview.
The Prelims exam has English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. It consists of 100 questions for 100 marks.
The Mains syllabus includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and a Descriptive Test.
Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer in the Prelims and Mains objective tests. There is no negative marking in the Descriptive Test.
No. There is no sectional cut-off in the SBI PO Prelims exam. Selection is based only on the overall cut-off.
Recent changes include no sectional cut-off in Prelims, revised question distribution, reduced Descriptive Test marks, and updated attempt limits for some categories.