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SBI PO Syllabus 2026, Check Section Wise Topics with Complete Details

The SBI PO Syllabus 2026 is important for candidates preparing for the Probationary Officer exam conducted by the State Bank of India. The SBI PO exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview. The syllabus covers subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, Data Analysis, Computer Aptitude, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.

The exam is designed to test a candidate’s problem-solving ability, banking knowledge, communication skills, and leadership qualities. Understanding the latest syllabus and exam pattern will help candidates prepare better, improve their speed and accuracy, and perform well in all stages of the examination.

SBI PO Syllabus 2026

A thorough understanding of the SBI PO syllabus 2026 and new exam pattern will help candidates identify important topics, plan their preparation, and focus on high-scoring areas.

Aspect Details
Exam Name SBI PO 2026
Mode of Exam Online
Prelims Exam Subjects English Language, Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude
Mains Exam Subjects
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General / Economy / Banking Awareness, English Language
Interview
Interview & Group Exercises (Personality Assessment)
Negative Marking
0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
Language of Paper
Bilingual
Prelims Exam Pattern 100 Questions, 100 Marks, 60 Minutes
Mains Exam Pattern
170 Questions (Objective) + Descriptive Test
200 Marks (Objective) + 30 Marks (Descriptive)
Total Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Official Website sbi.co.in

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus

English Language Reasoning Quantitative Aptitude
Reading Comprehension Logical Reasoning Profit & Loss
Cloze Test Alphanumeric Series Simple Interest & Compound Interest
Para Jumbles Data Sufficiency Ratio & Proportion, Percentage
Vocabulary Puzzle Time & Distance
Sentence Rearrangement Coded Inequalities Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
Fill in the blanks Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test Sequence & Series
Error Spotting Blood Relations Permutation, Combination & Probability
Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting Seating Arrangement Mixtures & Allegations
Paragraph Completion Input-Output Number Systems
Verbal Ability Syllogism Data Interpretation (Table DI,
Bar Graph (Simple & Composite), Line Graph, Pie Chart, Caselet DI, Mixed Graph DI, Missing Data DI, Radar/Spider Graph, Arithmetic-based DI (Profit, Loss, Percentage, Ratio, etc.))
Word Association Tabulation Surds & Indices

Puzzle and Seating Arrangement Subtopics for Prelims

  • Linear Seating Arrangement (Single Row)
  • Double Row Seating Arrangement
  • Parallel Rows (Two rows facing each other)
  • Circular Seating Arrangement (Inside/Outside Facing)
  • Square Seating Arrangement
  • Floor-Based Puzzle
  • Box-Based Puzzle
  • Day/Month/Year-Based Puzzle
  • Comparison Puzzle (Height, Age, Weight, etc.)
  • Uncertain Number of Persons Puzzle (Variable arrangement)

SBI PO Prelims Topic Importance

The SBI PO 2026 exam requires a stage-wise preparation strategy, as each phase of the selection process tests different skills and competencies

Reasoning Ability

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement Very High 15–25
Syllogism High 3–5
Inequality High 2–5
Coding-Decoding High 0–5
Blood Relations High 0–4
Alphanumeric Series High 0–5
Direction & Distance Medium 0–3
Order & Ranking Medium 0–2
Miscellaneous Medium 1–5

English

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Reading Comprehension Very High 7–10
Cloze Test High 5–7
Error Detection High 3–6
Para Jumbles High 3–6
Fillers High 2–5
Phrase Replacement High 3–5
Sentence Rearrangement Medium 0–6
Word Usage Medium 0–5

Quantitative Aptitude

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Data Interpretation Very High 10–11
Arithmetic (All Topics) Very High 8–15
Caselets DI High 3–5
Simplification / Approximation High 4–6
Number Series High 0–6
Quadratic Equations High 4–6

Arithmetic

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Profit & Loss Very High 1–2
Percentage Very High 1–2
Time & Work Very High 1–2
Ratio & Proportion Very High 1–2
Simple & Compound Interest High 1–2
Mixture & Alligation High 1–2
Time & Distance High 1–2
Boats & Stream Medium 1
Partnership Medium 1
Ages Medium 1
Average Medium 0–1
Mensuration 2D Medium 1
Mensuration 3D Medium 0–1

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SBI PO Mains Syllabus

English Language Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude Data Analysis & Interpretation General / Economy / Banking Awareness
Reading Comprehension Puzzles & Seating Arrangement Data Interpretation (Table, Bar, Line, Pie, Radar, Caselet DI) Current Affairs
Cloze Test Logical Reasoning Data Sufficiency Banking Awareness
Para Jumbles Input-Output Quantity Comparison Financial Awareness
Error Spotting Coding-Decoding Number Series RBI & Monetary Policy
Fillers Syllogism Quadratic Equations Economy & Economic Survey
Vocabulary Inequalities Probability Government Schemes
Word Usage Blood Relations Permutation & Combination Budget & Fiscal Policies
Word Swap Direction & Distance Arithmetic Word Problems Static Banking Awareness
Match the Column Order & Ranking Percentage Banking Terminologies
Sentence Rearrangement Machine Input-Output Profit & Loss Financial Institutions
Sentence Improvement Critical Reasoning Ratio & Proportion Reports & Indexes
Phrase Replacement Course of Action Average International Organizations
Connectors Statement & Assumption Simple & Compound Interest Insurance Awareness
Miscellaneous Statement & Conclusion Time & Work General Knowledge
Cause & Effect Time, Speed & Distance Important Days & Themes
Data Sufficiency Boats & Streams Awards & Honours
Analytical & Decision Making Partnership Sports
Computer Aptitude Mixture & Alligation Books & Authors
Scheduling Puzzles Ages Obituaries
Number System Miscellaneous
Mensuration (2D & 3D)
Data Interpretation-Based Arithmetic

Puzzle and Seating Arrangement Subtopics for Mains

  • Multi-Variable Hybrid Puzzles (3 to 5 variables mixed together)
  • Blood Relation Seating/Arrangements (Family tree + sitting order)
  • Concentric Seating (Circle inside a circle / Square inside a square)
  • Uncertain Row + Variable (Unknown number of people + extra features)
  • Linear Rows with Distance Constraints (Seats placed at mathematical intervals, e.g., multiples of 6 meters)
  • Direction Sense Integrated Puzzles (Grid and coordinate mapping)
  • Triangular / Hexagonal / Pentagonal Seating (Geometric shapes)
  • Matrix & Complex Tabulation (Heavy elimination charts)
  • Box Puzzles with Capacities/Weights (Boxes containing different numeric items)
  • Coded Puzzles (Arrangements governed by step-by-step alphanumeric conditions)
  • Scheduling Puzzles (Meetings, shifts, events with conditions)
  • Variable or Uncertain Number of Persons Puzzles
  • Mixed/Hybrid Puzzles (combination of 2–3 types)

SBI PO Mains Topic Importance

Reasoning

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement Very High 15–20
Machine Input Output Very High 4–8
Logical Reasoning High 6–8
Data Sufficiency High 2–4
Coding Decoding High 2–4
Order & Ranking Medium 2–4
Inequalities Medium 1–4
Direction Based Medium 1–3
Coded Blood Relation Medium 2–4
Syllogism Medium 1–3

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Data Interpretation Very High 15–16
Data Sufficiency Very High 3–4
Number Series High 2–4
Quadratic Equations High 2–3
Quantity Comparison High 1–2
Time & Work High 1–2
Speed, Time & Distance High 1–2
Mensuration (2D & 3D) High 1–2
Percentage Medium 1
Mixture & Alligation Medium 1
Ages Medium 1
Compound Interest Medium 1
Partnership Medium 1
Number System Medium 1
Boats & Streams Medium 1
Ratio & Proportion Medium 1
Basic Fundamentals Medium 1

English

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Reading Comprehension Very High 14–18
Para Jumbles High 5–7
Match the Column High 3–5
Fillers High 3–6
Error Spotting High 3–5
Cloze Test High 3–5
Word & Sentence Rearrangement Medium 2–6
Word Swap Medium 2–4
Replacement Medium 2–3
Miscellaneous Medium 1–4

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

Topic Importance Expected Questions
Current Affairs (Last 4–6 Months) Very High 15–20
Banking & Financial Awareness Very High 10–15
RBI & Monetary Policy High 3–5
Government Schemes & Policies High 2–4
Static Banking Awareness High 2–4
Economy & Economic Survey High 2–4
Budget & Fiscal Policies  High 1–3
International Organizations Medium 1–2
Reports & Indexes Medium 1–3
Important Days & Themes Medium 1–2
Awards & Honours Medium 1–2
Sports Medium 1–2
Books & Authors Low 0–1
Obituaries Low 0–1

SBI PO Descriptive Test

As you all know that there has been a change in the descriptive test pattern this year. Earlier the descriptive section carried 50 marks, but now the department has reduced it to 30 marks. Consistent writing practice and clarity of thought are essential to perform well in this section. It requires candidates to express ideas clearly and professionally within a limited time.

  • Total Marks: 30 Marks
  • Duration: 30 Minutes
Section Options Task
Emails 1 out of 2 Write an email based on the given situation
Situation Analysis 1 out of 2 Analyze the situation and give a clear response/solution
Report Writing / Precis Writing 1 out of 2 Write either a report or a precis (summary)

SBI PO Descriptive Paper- Sample Questions

Group Discussion and Interview

The final stage of the SBI PO selection process focuses on assessing a candidate’s overall personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for a Probationary Officer role beyond written exams.

At this stage, shortlisted candidates go through a psychometric test followed by Group Discussion (if conducted) and a Personal Interview to evaluate their behavioral and managerial skills.

Key aspects of this stage include:

  • Psychometric test to understand behavioral traits and decision-making style
  • Evaluation of communication and interpersonal skills
  • Assessment of confidence, clarity of thought, and presence of mind
  • Focus on leadership ability and problem-solving approach
  • Interview panel analysis based on overall personality fit for banking roles

The final evaluation consists of:

  • Group Exercises – 20 marks: Designed to assess teamwork, communication, and problem-solving approach in a group setting.
  • Personal Interview – 30 marks: Focuses on subject knowledge, clarity of thought, confidence, and overall personality.

SBI PO Marking Scheme 2026

The SBI PO exam follows a structured marking system where accuracy plays a key role in determining final scores. A clear understanding of the marking pattern helps candidates plan their attempts wisely and avoid unnecessary negative marking.

Marking Scheme Overview:

  • Correct Answer: Full marks awarded
  • Incorrect Answer: 0.25 marks deducted (negative marking)
  • Unattempted Questions: No marks deducted
  • Descriptive Section: No negative marking applied

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Key Differences Between SBI PO Prelims & Mains Syllabus

While both Prelims and Mains are part of the same exam, their syllabus, difficulty level, and focus areas differ significantly. Here’s a simple comparison between the SBI PO Prelims and Mains syllabus are:

Aspect Prelims Mains
Sections English, Quantitative, Reasoning
Reasoning & Computer, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Banking Awareness, English, Descriptive
Difficulty Basic to moderate Advanced and Depth Analysis
Focus Speed and accuracy
Analytical skills, banking knowledge, and communication
Descriptive Test None
Communication Skills: Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing
Duration 1 hour 3 hours + 30 minutes
Marks 100 230 (200 Objective + 30 Descriptive)

Download SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF

Candidates can download the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF to check all the topics included in the exam. It helps in understanding the complete syllabus and preparing in a better way.

Download SBI PO Syllabus PDF

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FAQs

What is the syllabus of SBI PO?

The SBI PO syllabus has two stages: Prelims and Mains. Prelims include English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Mains cover Reasoning, Data Interpretation, General Awareness, English, and a Descriptive Test with essay and letter writing. Both stages are conducted online.

How many questions are there in the Quantitative Aptitude section according to the SBI PO Syllabus

There are 30 questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section according to the SBI PO Syllabus in the Prelims.

How many sections are there in the SBI PO Mains?

There are 5 sections in the SBI PO Mains i.e. Data Interpretation & Analysis, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness and English Language.

Is SBI PO exam very tough?

The SBI PO exam is considered tough due to its challenging questions and competitive nature. It includes difficult sections like Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English in the Prelims, and adds General Awareness and Data Analysis in the Mains.

How to start preparing for SBI PO 2026?

To start preparing for SBI PO 2026, make detailed notes on important topics to aid revision. Practice solving questions from all sections regularly. Also, take mock tests to get used to the exam format and improve your time management skills. This approach will help you prepare effectively.

Is there a negative marking in SBI PO Exam 2026?

Yes, there is negative marking in the SBI PO exam 2026. For each wrong answer, 1/4th of the marks for that question will be deducted. This helps in accurately assessing the candidate's performance. Make sure to answer carefully to avoid losing marks.

What is the marking scheme for SBI PO Syllabus?

The SBI PO marking scheme is: Prelims is will be of 100 marks, SBI PO Mains exam will be of 230 marks (including the Descriptive Test) and Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) will be of 20 and 30 marks, respectively.

What are the important topics for the SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude section?

For the SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude section, important topics include Simplification, Number Systems, Data Interpretation, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, and Sequence and Series. Focusing on these areas will help candidates improve their math skills and perform better in the exam.

Is there Maths in the SBI PO exam?

Yes, the SBI PO exam includes a Math section called Quantitative Aptitude.

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