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The SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026 explains the complete structure of the selection process conducted by the State Bank of India for the Probationary Officer post. The recruitment process is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude, reasoning ability, banking awareness, English language skills, and overall personality. The selection is carried out in multiple phases, and each stage has a distinct purpose. Candidates must qualify each stage separately, and only performance in the mains and interview is considered for the final merit list.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Exam is conducted in three main phases: Prelims, Mains, and Phase III (psychometric test, group exercise, and interview). Prelims are qualifying in nature, while the Mains and interview stages are used for final selection. Negative marking is applicable in objective sections.
- Prelims is a screening test only
- Mains includes objective + descriptive papers
- Phase III includes psychometric test, GD, and interview
- Final selection is based on Mains + Interview performance
- Negative marking applies in objective sections
| Stage | Mode | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Prelims | Online | Objective (MCQs) | 100 | 1 Hour |
| Mains | Online | Objective + Descriptive | 250 | 3 Hours + 30 Minutes |
| Phase III | Offline | Group Exercise + Interview | 50 | Varies |
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SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Prelims exam is the first stage of the selection process and is conducted online. It is designed to test basic English language ability, reasoning skills, and quantitative aptitude. The exam is qualifying in nature, and marks are not included in the final merit list.
- Objective MCQ-based exam
- No sectional cut-off in most cases
- 0.25 marks negative marking for wrong answers
- Used only for Mains shortlisting
- Around 10 times vacancies are shortlisted
| 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 |
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SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Mains exam is the most important stage of the selection process. It evaluates advanced reasoning, data interpretation, banking awareness, English language skills, and written communication ability. The marks obtained in this stage are considered for the final merit list.
- Includes both objective and descriptive sections
- Higher difficulty level than Prelims
- Sectional timing is strictly followed
- 0.25 negative marking for wrong answers
- Descriptive test is included in Mains score
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 Hours |
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SBI PO Descriptive Test Pattern
The SBI PO Descriptive Paper is conducted after the objective test in the Mains examination. It is designed to evaluate a candidate's written communication skills, clarity of expression, and ability to present ideas in a structured manner. This section plays an important role in the final selection as its marks are added to the Mains score. Candidates are tested on practical writing tasks such as emails, reports, situation analysis, and precis writing. The focus is on grammar, coherence, relevance, and professional writing style.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Email Writing (1 out of 2 options) | 1 | 15 | 30 Minutes |
| Report Writing (1 out of 2 options) | 1 | 15 |
| Situation Analysis / Precis Writing (1 out of 2 options) | 1 | 20 |
| Total | 3 | 50 |
Note: Emails and Reports are compulsory tasks (with choice between options), while candidates must attempt either Situation Analysis or Precis Writing.
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SBI PO Phase III Exam Pattern (Psychometric Test, GD & Interview)
Phase III is the final stage of the selection process and evaluates personality, communication skills, leadership ability, and decision-making. Candidates shortlisted after Mains must appear for all components.
- Psychometric test is mandatory but not separately scored
- Group Exercise tests teamwork and communication
- Interview evaluates personality and banking awareness
- Marks are considered for final merit list
| Component | Marks |
|---|
| Group Exercise | 20 |
| Personal Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
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SBI PO Final Selection Process
The final selection is based on combined performance in Mains and Phase III. Prelims marks are not included in the merit list. The final score is normalized to ensure fairness across shifts and difficulty levels.
- Prelims is qualifying only
- Final merit depends on the mains + interview
- Scores are normalized to 100
- Higher-ranked candidates are selected for appointment
| Stage | Maximum Marks | Weightage (Normalized) |
|---|
| Mains (Objective + Descriptive) | 250 | 75 |
| Phase III (GD + Interview) | 50 | 25 |
| Total | 300 | 100 |
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Check SBI PO-related articles for comparison, preparation, and practice, and use them for your preparation.
