SBI PO 2026 Notification – Prelims Exam August 1-2, Syllabus & Preparation Guide
Published: June 2026 | Updated: June 21, 2026
August 1-2, 2026
Last week of July 2026
₹63,840-78,230
100 Questions / 60 Minutes
SBI PO 2026 Notification – Complete Overview
The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the recruitment notification for Probationary Officer (PO) positions. This is one of the most sought-after banking jobs in India, attracting lakhs of candidates annually. The preliminary examination is scheduled for August 1-2, 2026, and candidates must start their preparation immediately.
SBI PO 2026 offers excellent career prospects, competitive salary, and job security with one of India’s largest public sector banks. The selection process is transparent and merit-based, consisting of Prelims, Mains, and Personal Interview stages.
Eligibility Criteria for SBI PO 2026
Detailed Eligibility Requirements:
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Age Limit: 21-30 years as of the cut-off date
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% marks for General category) from any recognized university
- Relaxation in Age: SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation; OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation
- Computer Knowledge: Must be proficient in operating computers
- Nationality Status: Must not be a citizen of any other country
Important Dates – SBI PO 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | As per official notification |
| Online Application Deadline | As per official notification |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of July 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | August 1-2, 2026 |
| Preliminary Result | Late August 2026 (Expected) |
| Main Exam Date | September 2026 (Expected) |
| Interview | October-November 2026 (Expected) |
SBI PO Exam Pattern & Selection Stages
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
Total Questions: 100 | Duration: 60 minutes | Total Marks: 100
| Section | No. of Questions | Time (Approx.) | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 15-20 minutes | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 20-25 minutes | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 20-25 minutes | 35 |
Negative Marking: 1/4 mark deducted for every wrong answer | No penalty for unattempted questions
Stage 2: Main Examination
Candidates who clear the Preliminary examination are eligible for the Main exam. The Main examination is more comprehensive and consists of objective-type questions and a descriptive paper. It tests deeper knowledge and analytical skills required for the PO position.
Stage 3: Personal Interview
Candidates clearing both Prelims and Mains are called for Personal Interview rounds. The interview assesses personality, communication skills, domain knowledge, and suitability for the position. Interview marks are combined with Main exam marks for final selection.
SBI PO 2026 Syllabus – Section-Wise Breakdown
English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension (2-3 passages)
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Rearrangement / Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
- Vocabulary & Synonyms/Antonyms
- Phrase Replacement
- Sentence Improvement
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
- Number Series
- Simplification & Approximation
- Percentage & Profit-Loss
- Time & Work, Time & Distance
- Ratio, Proportion & Averages
- Probability & Permutation-Combination
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Mensuration & Geometry
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
Reasoning Ability Syllabus
- Seating Arrangement (Linear, Circular, Mixed)
- Puzzles (Floor-based, Age-based, Designation-based)
- Syllogism
- Inequalities
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction & Distance
- Blood Relations
- Logical Reasoning & Statements
- Classification & Analogy
SBI PO Salary Structure & Benefits
| Component | Metro Cities | Non-Metro Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Salary | ₹63,840-78,230 | Varies with city classification |
| Dearness Allowance | As per Government norms (revised periodically) | |
| House Rent Allowance | 25% of Basic Salary | 15% of Basic Salary |
| Conveyance Allowance | ₹3,700 per month | |
| Other Benefits | Medical, Pension, Gratuity, Leave, Travel Concession | |
In-hand Salary (Approximate): ₹1,15,000-1,40,000 per month depending on location and allowances.
SBI PO 2026 Preparation Strategy – Last 6 Weeks Guide
With the exam just 6 weeks away, a strategic and focused approach is essential. Here’s a comprehensive preparation plan:
Week 1-2: Quick Revision & Assessment
English Language
Focus on reading comprehension and cloze test. Revise vocabulary daily. Solve 2-3 full section tests.
Quantitative Aptitude
Revise number series, simplification, and percentage problems. Practice 50+ problems daily with time constraints.
Reasoning Ability
Solve 2-3 seating arrangement and puzzle questions daily. Master logical reasoning patterns.
Mock Tests
Attempt 2 full-length mock tests in Week 1. Analyze weak areas and errors.
Week 3-4: Focused Practice & Weak Area Management
- Identify Weak Sections: Based on mock test performance, dedicate 60% time to weak areas
- Speed Building: Practice all sections with strict time limits. Aim to complete 100 questions in 50-55 minutes
- Accuracy Focus: Solve previous year papers and identify recurring patterns
- Mock Tests: Attempt 2-3 full-length mocks per week and review thoroughly
Week 5-6: Final Revision & Test Taking Strategy
- Revision: Quick revision of important formulas, vocabulary, and reasoning tricks
- Speed Optimization: Practice all 3 sections in one sitting to build stamina
- Daily Mock Tests: Take one mock test daily and fix your test-taking strategy
- Mental Preparation: Stay calm, maintain health, get adequate sleep, avoid last-minute learning
- Admit Card: Download admit card when released and check exam center details
Smart Preparation Tips:
- Focus on Accuracy: In the first 4 weeks, prioritize accuracy over speed. Speed will come naturally with practice.
- Time Management: Allocate 20 minutes for English, 20 minutes for Quant, and 20 minutes for Reasoning. Leave 5-10 minutes buffer.
- Selective Solving: Don’t attempt all questions. Skip tough questions and maximize marks from easier sections.
- Previous Year Papers: Solve at least 5 years of previous papers. SBI repeats question patterns.
- Daily Study: Maintain consistency. Study 4-5 hours daily minimum with focused sessions of 1.5-2 hours each.
- Stay Updated: Follow banking news and current affairs for the Mains exam preparation later.
How to Download SBI PO Admit Card
- Visit the official website: sbi.co.in/careers
- Click on “SBI PO 2026 Admit Card” link on the homepage
- Enter your Registration Number/Application Number and Date of Birth
- Your admit card will be displayed on the screen
- Download and print the admit card (minimum 2 copies recommended)
- Carry one printed copy to the exam center along with a valid photo ID
Expected Release Date: Last week of July 2026 on sbi.co.in/careers
Related Banking Recruitment Notifications
If you’re interested in other banking opportunities, check out our guide on Central Bank of India Apprentice 2026. This is another excellent opportunity for students and graduates seeking banking careers.
Start Your SBI PO 2026 Preparation Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the exam date for SBI PO 2026 Prelims?
Answer: The SBI PO Prelims examination will be conducted on August 1-2, 2026 at various exam centers across India.
Q2: What is the age limit for SBI PO 2026?
Answer: The age limit is 21-30 years for General category candidates as of the cut-off date. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, and OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation.
Q3: What is the educational qualification required for SBI PO?
Answer: A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50% marks for General category) from any recognized university is required.
Q4: When will the SBI PO admit card be released?
Answer: The admit card is expected to be released in the last week of July 2026. You can download it from sbi.co.in/careers using your application number and date of birth.
Q5: What is the salary of SBI PO?
Answer: The monthly salary ranges from ₹63,840-78,230 in metro cities, with additional allowances. The approximate in-hand salary is ₹1,15,000-1,40,000 per month including all allowances.
Q6: What is the exam pattern for SBI PO Prelims?
Answer: Prelims consists of 100 questions to be solved in 60 minutes: 30 English questions, 35 Quantitative Aptitude questions, and 35 Reasoning Ability questions. Negative marking of 1/4 mark applies for wrong answers.
Q7: How many stages are there in SBI PO selection?
Answer: There are three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Personal Interview. All three must be cleared for final selection.
Q8: What should be my preparation strategy with 6 weeks remaining?
Answer: Focus on quick revision, mock tests, and previous year papers. Build speed and accuracy in all sections. Take daily mock tests and identify weak areas to improve.
Q9: Where can I get SBI PO study material and mock tests?
Answer: Visit sbi.co.in/careers for the official notification. Use our Telegram channel for daily tips, or refer to popular banking exam preparation platforms for comprehensive study material and mock tests.
Q10: Is there negative marking in the SBI PO Prelims exam?
Answer: Yes, 1/4 mark (0.25 marks) is deducted for every wrong answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
Q11: Can I apply for SBI PO if I’m pursuing my graduation?
Answer: Generally, the notification requires a completed Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Check the official notification on sbi.co.in/careers for specific eligibility criteria regarding final-year students.
Q12: How is the final selection calculated in SBI PO?
Answer: Final selection is based on combined performance in Prelims, Main exam, and Personal Interview. Typically, Prelims marks are qualifying in nature, and final ranking is based on Mains and Interview scores.