The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the SBI PO Notification 2026 on 18th June 2026 for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) across its branches in India. The detailed notification (Advt. No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09) has been published on the SBI Careers portal. SBI has announced 1500 vacancies this year, which increases the chances of success for candidates. Check details of SBI PO online registration dates, eligibility criteria, exam schedules, and the complete selection process for SBI PO recruitment 2026.
SBI PO Notification 2026 Out
The State Bank of India released the SBI PO Notification on 18th June 2026. Candidates can submit their online applications from 18th June to 8th July 2026 through the official SBI Careers website. The SBI PO vacancy has been increased significantly this year. The SBI PO selection process consists of a preliminary examination, a main examination, a psychometric test, a group exercise, and an interview. Candidates selected as probationary officers undergo training and are placed across SBI branches throughout India.
Download SBI PO Notification 2026 PDF
What is SBI PO 2026?
SBI PO (Probationary Officer) is a national-level banking recruitment examination conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit officers for its branches across India. Selected candidates undergo a probation period and receive extensive training before taking up managerial responsibilities in the bank.
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What changes are there in the SBI PO notification 2026?
The SBI PO Notification 2026 brings a few important updates for candidates. The most significant change is the sharp increase in vacancies from 541 in 2025 to 1500 in 2026. SBI has also revised the descriptive section of the Main Exam and introduced some new guidelines related to PwBD candidates, scribes, and data protection.
- Total vacancies increased to 1500 for SBI PO 2026.
- The descriptive test has been reduced to 30 marks.
- New provisions added under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
- PwBD eligibility guidelines have been updated.
- Stricter rules introduced for the use of scribes during examinations.
- Overall selection process remains unchanged: Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview.
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SBI PO Important Date 2026
The State Bank of India has released the complete SBI PO 2026 schedule along with the official notification. The SBI notification was released on 18th June 2026, and the application started on the same day.
| SBI PO Activity | Date |
|---|
| SBI PO Notification 2026 | 18th June 2026 |
| SBI PO Apply Online Starts | 18th June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 8th July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 8th July 2026 |
| SBI PO Prelims Exam | August 2026 |
| SBI PO Mains Exam | September 2026 |
| Psychometric Test | October / November 2026 |
| Group Exercise & Interview | October / November 2026 |
| Final Result | November / December 2026 |
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How many vacancies are expected for SBI PO 2026?
Through the SBI PO Notification 2026, the State Bank of India has announced a total of 1500 probationary officer vacancies. Out of these, 1446 are regular vacancies and 54 are backlog vacancies.
| Category | Total Vacancies |
|---|
| UR | 588 |
| SC | 234 |
| ST | 144 |
| OBC | 390 |
| EWS | 144 |
| Total | 1500 |
SBI PO Vacancy Trends
The SBI PO vacancy trend over the years shows that the number of vacancies can vary significantly depending on the recruitment requirements of the State Bank of India. While the bank announced 541 vacancies in 2025 and 600 vacancies in 2024, the SBI PO 2026 recruitment drive has seen a major increase with 1500 vacancies. This makes it one of the largest SBI PO recruitments in recent years and provides a greater opportunity for banking aspirants to secure a probationary officer position.
| Year | Vacancies |
|---|
| 2026 | 1500 |
| 2025 | 541 |
| 2024 | 600 |
| 2023 | 2000 |
| 2022 | 1673 |
| 2021 | 2056 |
| 2020 | 2000 |
| 2019 | 2000 |
| 2018 | 2000 |
| 2017 | 2313 |
Also Read: Is SBI PO Tough?
SBI PO Apply Online 2026
The SBI PO Apply Online 2026 process is currently active on the SBI Careers portal. Candidates interested in applying for the SBI PO Recruitment 2026 can submit their online application forms from 18th June to 8th July 2026. Before starting the registration process, applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, keep the required documents ready, and ensure that all details entered in the application form are correct. The SBI PO online application process includes registration, form filling, document upload, fee payment, and final submission.
How to apply for SBI PO 2026?
Candidates can apply for SBI PO 2026 through the official SBI Careers portal by following the steps mentioned below:
- Visit the official SBI website and open the Careers section.
- Click on Current Openings and select SBI PO Recruitment 2026.
- Read the SBI PO Notification 2026 carefully and click on Apply Online.
- Complete the registration process by entering your basic details.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload the required documents, photograph, signature, and other prescribed certificates in the specified format.
- Preview the application form and verify all details before submission.
- Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
- Submit the application form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
What is the application fee for SBI PO 2026?
The SBI PO application fee varies according to the candidate's category. The fee must be paid online while submitting the application form.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil |
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 750/- |
Note: The application fee, once paid, is non-refundable and cannot be reserved or adjusted for any other SBI recruitment process.
SBI PO Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility criteria for the SBI PO Exam 2026 are based on age, educational qualification, category-wise relaxations, and disability provisions. Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as of 01.04.2026, with relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per government norms. A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university is mandatory, while final-year students can also apply provisionally if they complete their degree by the prescribed deadline. Additional rules cover PwBD reservations, attempt limits, and credit history requirements before the final appointment.
| Category | Eligibility Details |
|---|
| Age Limit (General) | 21 to 30 years as on 01.04.2026 |
| Date of Birth Range | Born not earlier than 02.04.1996 and not later than 01.04.2005 |
| OBC Relaxation | 3 years upper age relaxation |
| SC/ST Relaxation | 5 years upper age relaxation |
| PwBD (UR/EWS) | 10 years relaxation |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years relaxation |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years relaxation (subject to conditions) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Final Year Candidates | Eligible provisionally; must pass by 30.09.2026 |
| Professional Degrees | CA, Engineering, Cost Accountant, Medical etc. also eligible |
| PwBD Reservation | 4% horizontal reservation under RPwD Act, 2016 |
| Minimum Disability Benchmark | 40% or more for PwBD benefits |
| Attempt Limit (UR/EWS) | Maximum 6 attempts |
| Attempt Limit (OBC/PwBD) | Maximum 9 attempts |
| Attempt Limit (SC/ST) | No restriction |
| Scribe Facility | Allowed for eligible PwBD candidates with compensatory time |
| Selection Condition | Must clear CIBIL/credit checks before joining |
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SBI PO Selection Process 2026
The selection process for the SBI PO Exam 2026 is conducted in three major phases: preliminary examination, mains examination, and group exercise & interview. Candidates must clear each stage separately to move forward in the recruitment process. Final selection is based on the combined performance in Mains and Interview (Phase II + Phase III), while Prelims is only qualifying in nature. The process also includes psychometric testing and strict merit-based shortlisting.
- Three-stage selection: Prelims, Mains, Interview
- Prelims is qualifying in nature
- Final merit based on Mains + Interview only
- Psychometric test for personality assessment
- Negative marking in objective tests (1/4th deduction)
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The preliminary examination of the SBI PO exam is an online objective test conducted for 100 marks. It is the first screening stage and includes three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Each section has a fixed time limit, and candidates must qualify to be shortlisted for the mains exam. There is no sectional cut-off in prelims, but overall performance is considered for shortlisting.
- Online objective test (100 marks, 1 hour)
- 3 sections with separate timing
- No sectional cut-off
- Around 10× vacancies shortlisted for Mains
- 1/4th negative marking applies
| 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 |
Download SBI PO Prelims Kit
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The mains examination for the SBI PO exam is a more comprehensive stage that includes both objective and descriptive tests. The objective section is of 200 marks, covering reasoning, data analysis, general awareness, and English language. Immediately after this, candidates must attempt a descriptive test to evaluate communication skills through essays, emails, and situation-based writing.
- Objective test + Descriptive test (total 230 marks)
- 4 objective sections with separate timing
- Descriptive test conducted immediately after objective exam
- Includes essay, email, report/précis writing
- Sectional cut-off applicable in Mains
- Final shortlisting for Interview based on Mains performance
Objective Test:
| 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 |
Descriptive Test:
| Task Type | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Essay / Email Writing / Situation Analysis / Report or Precis Writing | 3 (any combination) | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Grand Total (Mains) | | 230 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
Download SBI PO Mains Kit
SBI PO Syllabus 2026
The SBI PO syllabus 2026 is similar for Prelims and Mains, with the Mains having a higher difficulty level. Knowing the syllabus in advance helps you build a focused study plan. The SBI PO prelims test candidates on three subjects: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
Check the complete SBI PO Syllabus 2026 (Prelims + Mains)
SBI PO Salary 2026
The salary of a probationary officer in the SBI PO exam is one of the most attractive in the banking sector. It offers a strong starting basic pay along with multiple allowances, such as DA, HRA, and other perks. In addition to the fixed salary, officers also receive benefits like pension contribution, medical facilities, and lease rental support. Overall, the in-hand salary and CTC make it a highly rewarding career option.
- Starting basic pay: ₹48,480 (with 4 advance increments)
- Pay scale: ₹48,480 – ₹85,920 (JMGS-I)
- Approx CTC: ₹21.97 lakh per annum (Mumbai centre)
- Allowances: DA, HRA, CCA, PF, NPS contributions
- Additional benefits: Medical, LFC, lease rental facility
- One of the highest-paying entry-level banking jobs in India
SBI PO Cut Off 2026
The SBI PO Cut Off 2026 will be released after each stage of the examination- prelims, mains, and final selection. The cut-off varies each year depending on factors such as exam difficulty, number of vacancies, and candidate performance. Until the official cut-off for 2026 is announced, candidates can refer to the previous year SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2025 to understand the expected score range.
| Category | Cut Off Marks (Out of 100) |
|---|
| General | 66.75 |
| EWS | 64.50 |
| OBC | 65.50 |
| SC | 59.25 |
| ST | 51.50 |
| VI | 52.50 |
| HI | 36.25 |
| LD | 54.50 |
| D&E | 35.50 |
SBI PO Previous Year Papers
The SBI PO Previous Year Papers (PYPs) are an essential resource for candidates preparing for the SBI PO exam. Practicing PYPs helps aspirants understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and topic-wise weightage. Regular practice also improves time management, accuracy, and overall confidence for both prelims and mains stages.
SBI PO Exam Centres
While applying for SBI PO 2026, candidates are required to choose one preferred SBI PO Exam Centre each for the preliminary and main examinations. The State Bank of India will allot centres based on availability and may assign a different venue if seats at the selected location are filled. The Prelims exam will be conducted across numerous cities in various states and union territories, whereas the Mains exam will be held at selected major centres. Candidates should carefully select their preferences, as requests for change of centre are generally not entertained later.
SBI PO Pre-Exam Training
SBI may conduct SBI PO Pre-Examination Training (PET) for candidates belonging to SC/ST and religious minority communities, in line with Government of India guidelines. This training is usually a 6-day orientation program aimed at helping aspirants understand the exam pattern and key topics. It is organized at designated centres across different regions of India. Interested candidates must opt for this facility while filling out the online application form and download their call letter from the official website, as no printed copy is sent by post.
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