The SBI PO Psychometric Test is part of Phase-III of the SBI PO 2026 selection process. It is conducted for candidates who have cleared Phase I (Preliminary Examination) and Phase II (Main Examination). The test is used for personality profiling, and the findings are placed before the interview panel.
SBI PO 2026 Key Dates
The SBI PO Recruitment process runs across several months, from online registration in June 2026 all the way to the final result in December 2026. The table below lists all major activities and their tentative dates so candidates can plan their preparation accordingly.
| Activity | Tentative Dates |
| SBI PO Registration & Fee Payment | 18.06.2026 to 08.07.2026 |
| SBI PO Phase-I: Preliminary Examination | August 2026 |
| Phase-II: Main Examination | September 2026 |
| Phase-III: Psychometric Test | October / November 2026 |
| Phase-III: Group Exercises & Interview | October / November 2026 |
| Declaration of Final Result | November / December 2026 |
What is the SBI PO Psychometric Test?
The psychometric test is not based on academic knowledge or syllabus-based questions. It focuses on personality profiling — how a candidate thinks, reacts, and behaves in different situations. According to the official notification, all questions in the psychometric test are mandatory. The test may be conducted in proctored mode or at identified examination centers, as decided by the bank. The findings of the test are placed before the interview panel.
What is asked in the SBI PO Psychometric Test?
The psychometric test does not have right or wrong answers in the traditional sense. Instead, candidates are presented with situations, statements, or tasks that reveal how they naturally think and behave. The test is divided into multiple subtests, each measuring a different psychological or cognitive trait. Here is what each subtest involves:
- Information Ordering Test: Candidates are given a set of steps, facts, or instructions that are out of order and are asked to arrange them in a logical sequence. This checks whether a candidate can process and structure information correctly is a key skill for a banking officer who regularly handles procedures and workflows.
- Selective Attention Test: Candidates must focus on a specific piece of information while ignoring other distracting elements on screen. This measures concentration and the ability to work accurately under conditions where there is a lot going on simultaneously, common in a busy bank branch environment.
- Personality Test: Candidates are shown a series of statements describing behaviors, preferences, or work styles and are asked how much they agree or how often they act that way. There are no trick answers here. The test builds a profile of the candidate’s personality traits such as conscientiousness, openness, and interpersonal style.
- Spatial Scanning Test: Candidates are shown patterns, grids, or diagrams and must identify a path, match a shape, or interpret a visual layout quickly. This tests how well a candidate can read and navigate visual information useful for tasks like reading maps, floor plans, or data layouts.
- Intelligence Test: This subtest includes logical reasoning questions, sequences, analogies, and pattern recognition that measure raw problem-solving ability, independent of academic subject knowledge.
The combined output of all these subtests is a personality and cognitive profile that is handed over to the interview panel before the personal interview begins. Interviewers may use this profile to ask targeted questions during the interview.
SBI PO Psychometric Test Types
The test is made up of five distinct subtests, each targeting a specific ability. Together, they give the bank a complete picture of a candidate’s behavioral and cognitive profile.
| Test Type | Description |
| Information Ordering Test | Ability to organize and structure information logically |
| Selective Attention Test | Ability to focus and avoid distractions |
| Personality Test | Assessment of behavior and personality traits |
| Spatial Scanning Test | Ability to visualize and interpret patterns |
| Intelligence Test | Logical reasoning and problem-solving ability |
What is the duration for the SBI PO psychometric test?
The psychometric test is conducted online within a fixed time window. Candidates should be aware that the test can be held either in a proctored online mode or at a designated exam centre, depending on what the bank decides.
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Mode | Online (proctored mode or at identified centres) |
SBI PO Phase-III: Full Structure
The SBI PO Phase III is the final stage of the SBI PO selection process. It has three parts: the psychometric test, group exercise, and personal interview. While the psychometric test is used purely for profiling, the Group Exercise and Interview together carry a total of 50 marks that directly count toward the final merit list.
- Psychometric Test – Profiling only; findings are shared with the Interview panel before the interview
- Group Exercise – Maximum 20 marks
- Personal Interview – Maximum 30 marks
- Total (Group Exercise + Interview) – 50 marks
The minimum qualifying marks for group exercise and interview will be decided by the bank.
How are marks counted in the SBI PO final selection?
Candidates must qualify both Phase-II and Phase-III separately to be considered for final selection. The marks from both phases are then normalized and combined to arrive at a score out of 100. Phase-I (Preliminary Exam) marks play no role in the final merit list; they are only used to shortlist candidates for the main exam.
| Component | Maximum Marks | Normalized to |
| Phase-II: Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive) | 230 | 75 |
| Phase-III: Group Exercise + Interview | 50 | 25 |
| Total | 280 | 100 |
Key Areas assessed in the Psychometric Test
The psychometric test looks at behavioral and personality dimensions that are directly relevant to working as a probationary officer. These are not skills that can be crammed; they reflect how a candidate genuinely approaches work and people.
- Teamwork and leadership preferences
- Decision-making in complex situations
- Handling stress and emotional control
- Ethical judgment and responsibility
How to Prepare for the SBI PO Psychometric Test?
Since the psychometric test assesses personality and natural behavior rather than knowledge, preparation looks different from other exams. The focus should be on self-awareness and consistency.
- Practice mock psychometric tests to get familiar with the format and types of questions
- Understand common themes such as teamwork, leadership, and ethical decision-making
- Maintain consistency in your answers throughout the test; contradictory responses are flagged
- Do not try to guess the ideal response; the test is designed to detect patterns, and inconsistency can work against you
FAQs
Q1: Is the SBI PO psychometric test qualifying in nature?
A1: It is used for profiling. The findings are placed before the interview panel. All questions are mandatory.
Q2: When is the SBI PO psychometric test conducted?
A2: Phase III, which includes the Psychometric Test, Group Exercises, and Interview, is scheduled for October/November 2026.
Q3: What skills are evaluated in the SBI PO Phase III?
A3: The test evaluates traits like emotional stability, adaptability, decision-making, ethical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Q4: Can I prepare for it like other exams?
A4: No. It does not require traditional study, as it focuses on personality assessment. Practicing mock tests helps understand the format.
Q5: What happens after the psychometric test?
A5: Candidates move to the Group Exercise and Personal Interview, which together carry 50 marks.
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Hi, I’m Tripti, a senior content writer at Oliveboard, where I manage blog content along with community engagement across platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. With 3+ years of experience in content and SEO optimization related to banking exams, I have led content for popular exams like SSC, banking, railway, and state exams.