The SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern has been revised with a significant change in the Mains Descriptive Test. Earlier, the descriptive paper carried 50 marks with three writing tasks, but as per the latest SBI PO Notification 2026, it has been reduced to 30 marks and now includes email writing, situation analysis, and either report writing or precis writing. The SBI PO selection process continues to be conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains (objective + descriptive), and Phase III (psychometric test, group exercise, and interview). The prelims exam is qualifying in nature, while the marks obtained in the mains and Phase III are 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 | 230 | 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 Preliminary Examination serves as the first stage of the recruitment process. It evaluates candidates on their English language skills, reasoning ability, and quantitative aptitude. Candidates who clear the cutoff marks in this stage are shortlisted for the main examination.
- The preliminary examination is conducted in online mode.
- The exam consists of three sections with separate time limits for each section.
- There is no sectional cutoff in the preliminary examination.
- A penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every wrong answer.
- The marks obtained in prelims are not included in the final selection process.
- Approximately ten times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the main examination.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| English Language | 40 | 100 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 60 Minutes |
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SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI PO Main Examination is the most important stage of the selection process. It assesses a candidate's reasoning ability, data interpretation skills, banking awareness, and English language proficiency. The marks obtained in this stage play a major role in determining the final merit ranking.
- The main examination consists of objective and descriptive tests.
- The Objective Test carries a total of 200 marks.
- The Descriptive Test carries 30 marks and evaluates communication skills.
- Separate sectional timings are provided for each section of the objective test.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable to incorrect answers in the objective test.
- Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks decided by SBI to proceed to the next stage.
| 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
As per the latest SBI PO 2026 notification, the descriptive paper has been revised and now carries 30 marks. The SBI PO Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Objective Test of the Main Examination. It is designed to evaluate candidates' communication skills, analytical thinking, and ability to present ideas in a structured and professional manner.
- The Descriptive Test is conducted online, and candidates must type their responses on a computer.
- The total weightage of the descriptive test is 30 marks.
- Candidates are required to attempt email writing and situation analysis.
- The third task requires candidates to choose between report writing and precis writing.
- Performance in the Descriptive Test is considered while preparing the final merit list.
- Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by SBI.
| Task | Options Available | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Email Writing | Attempt 1 out of 2 options | 10 | 30 Minutes |
| Situation Analysis | Attempt 1 out of 2 options | 10 |
| Report Writing or Precis Writing | Attempt 1 out of 2 options | 10 |
| Total | 3 Questions | 30 |
Note: Emails and reports are compulsory tasks (with a choice between options), while candidates must attempt either Situation Analysis or Precis Writing.
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SBI PO Psychometric Test
The SBI PO Psychometric Test is the first component of Phase III and is mandatory for all candidates shortlisted from the Main Examination. This assessment is designed to evaluate a candidate's personality traits, behavioral patterns, leadership potential, decision-making abilities, and overall suitability for a managerial position in the banking sector. While no separate marks are allotted for the psychometric test, its findings are shared with the interview panel to help them gain deeper insights into a candidate's profile and behavioral competencies.
SBI PO Group Exercise (GE)
The SBI PO Group Exercise (GE) carries 20 marks and is conducted to assess a candidate's teamwork, communication skills, leadership qualities, and problem-solving abilities. During this stage, candidates may participate in group discussions, case studies, or team-based activities where they are evaluated on their ability to collaborate effectively, present ideas clearly, and contribute constructively to group objectives. Marks obtained in the SBI PO Group Exercise are considered for the final merit list.
SBI PO Personal Interview (PI)
The SBI PO Personal Interview (PI) carries 30 marks and is the final assessment stage of the recruitment process. The interview panel evaluates candidates on various parameters, including personality, confidence, communication skills, banking awareness, current affairs knowledge, leadership potential, and overall suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer. The panel may also refer to the psychometric test findings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the candidate's strengths and professional attributes.
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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 and interview
- Scores are normalized to 100
- Higher-ranked candidates are selected for appointment
| Stage | Maximum Marks | Weightage (Normalized) |
|---|
| Mains (Objective + Descriptive) | 230 | 75 |
| Phase III (GD + Interview) | 50 | 25 |
| Total | 280 | 100 |
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