Banking Exams · SBI PO
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
SBI PO Exam Pattern: the latest information and updates for SBI PO, collected by airGurukul.
SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern
SBI PO has three phases. All exams are online (computer-based). There is a penalty of one-fourth of the marks of a question for each wrong answer in the objective tests; there is no penalty for unanswered questions.
Phase I – Preliminary Exam (100 marks, 1 hour)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
There is no sectional cut-off in Prelims. About 10 times the category-wise vacancies are shortlisted for Mains from the top of the merit list.
Phase II – Main Exam
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 min |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 min |
| General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 min |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 min |
| Objective total | 170 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Descriptive Test (English) | 3 out of 6 | 30 | 30 min |
The descriptive test is typed on the computer right after the objective test. It has three parts: email writing (1 of 2, 10 marks), situation analysis (1 of 2, 10 marks) and report/precis writing (10 marks). Each section has its own timer and an on-screen calculator is given in Data Analysis & Interpretation. Candidates must clear the minimum score in every test, including the descriptive paper.
Phase III
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Psychometric Test | No separate marks stated |
| Group Exercise | 20 |
| Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
About 3 times the category-wise vacancies are called for Phase III. Final merit: Main Exam (230 marks) scaled to 75 + Phase III (50 marks) scaled to 25.
Source: SBI PO Prelims Acquaint Yourself Booklet 2026, SBI PO Mains Information Handout 2026, SBI PO Advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 (copy)
Download our app
Study smarter with the airGurukul App
Your complete exam-prep companion - classes, practice, and progress tracking.
Learn anytime, anywhere - live classes, tests, notes, and updates in one place.