The SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2026 helps candidates understand how the exam is conducted and what to expect in each stage. The process includes an objective test, a descriptive test, an interview, and LPT. Knowing the time duration, marking scheme, and the fact that there is no negative marking makes it easier for aspirants to plan their preparation and score better. Check the stage-wise exam pattern here.
What is the SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2026?
The SBI CBO written exam is divided into two stages: the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test. The objective test comprises four section: English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness/Economy, and Computer Aptitude with a total of 120 questions to be completed in 2 hours. Importantly, there is no negative marking in the objective test, allowing candidates to attempt all questions without fear of penalty. Following the objective test, candidates will take the descriptive test, which includes a formal letter-writing task and an essay on a banking-related topic. This stage evaluates the candidates' writing proficiency, with a total of 50 marks.
Also Read: SBI CBO Syllabus
What is the exam pattern for the SBI CBO objective test?
The SBI CBO objective test consists of four sections, each with a specific number of questions and marks. The total duration for the objective test is 2 hours. There is no negative marking, so candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions confidently.
- The SBI CBO Objective test includes subjects like English language, banking knowledge, general awareness/economy, and computer aptitude.
- There will be 120 questions for 120 marks.
- No negative marking for wrong answers.
- Time duration is 2 hours.
| Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness/Economy | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 2 hours |
What is the descriptive test pattern for SBI CBO?
In the descriptive test, candidates will be required to write a formal letter and an essay on a banking-related topic. This section is designed to assess candidates' writing skills, with a total of 50 marks.
| Topic | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Letter Writing | 01 | 25 | 30 mins |
| Essay (250 words) | 01 | 25 |
| Total | 02 | 50 |
Attempt Free SBI CBO Mock Test
Is there any negative marking in the SBI CBO Exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the objective section, so you can attempt all questions without losing marks for wrong answers. The descriptive test includes letter and essay writing, which checks your writing skills. Marks from both tests are important for your final selection.
SBI CBO Interview Process and LPT
The SBI CBO Interview carries 50 marks, and candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks set by the bank to be considered for the final selection. After the interview, provisionally selected candidates must also take a local language test for the circle they applied to. This test checks their ability to read, write, and understand the chosen local language. Candidates who studied this language in their 10th or 12th class do not need to take the test. However, anyone who does not pass the language test will not be offered the final appointment.
Enrol in the SBI CBO Online Coaching for expert guided preparation
How is the final selection done in the SBI CBO Exam?
The final selection in the SBI CBO recruitment is based on a candidate's performance in both the Online Test and the Interview, and they must qualify in each stage separately. The marks from the Objective and Descriptive tests are added and then converted to 75 marks, while interview marks are converted to 25 marks. These are combined to form a final score out of 100. A circle-wise and category-wise merit list is then prepared based on these normalized scores. Candidates with the highest ranks in each circle are finally selected.
Key Takeaways
- The SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2026 includes four stages: Objective Test, Descriptive Test, Interview, and Local Language Test (LPT).
- The Objective Test has 120 questions for 120 marks, to be completed in 2 hours, and there is no negative marking.
- The Descriptive Test includes one formal letter and one essay, carrying 50 marks in total.
- The Interview is conducted for 50 marks, and candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks set by SBI.
- The LPT is mandatory for selected candidates unless they studied the local language in Class 10 or 12.
- The final merit list is prepared by combining normalized marks of the Online Test (75%) and Interview (25%) to make a total of 100 marks.
