The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) Recruitment 2026 to select eligible candidates for officer-level posts in its branches across India. The SBI PO Selection Process 2026 consists of three main stages – Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview (including Group Exercise).
Candidates must qualify at each stage to move to the next round. In this article, you will get complete details of the SBI PO selection process 2026, including exam pattern, marking scheme, and final merit list preparation.
SBI PO Selection Process 2026 – Overview
| Stage | Exam Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Preliminary Examination | Online (Objective) |
| Stage 2 | Main Examination | Online (Objective + Descriptive) |
| Stage 3 | Group Exercise & Interview | Offline |
👉 Final selection is based on marks obtained in Mains + Interview/GE.
👉 Prelims marks are only qualifying in nature.
Stage 1: SBI PO Preliminary Examination 2026
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 is the first stage of the selection process. It is conducted online and is qualifying in nature.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Important Points – Prelims
- Each section has sectional timing
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Candidates must clear sectional as well as overall cut-off
- Marks obtained in prelims will not be counted in the final merit list
Stage 2: SBI PO Main Examination 2026
Candidates who qualify the prelims exam are shortlisted for the SBI PO Mains Examination 2026, which includes Objective Test and Descriptive Test.
SBI PO Mains Objective Test Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours |
Descriptive Test (English Language)
| Test | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing & Essay | 50 | 30 Minutes |
📌 Descriptive test is evaluated only after qualifying the objective test.
Important Points – Mains
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks
- Candidates must secure minimum sectional & overall cut-off
- Marks obtained in mains are counted for final selection
Stage 3: SBI PO Interview & Group Exercise 2026
Candidates shortlisted from the mains exam are called for the Group Exercise (GE) and Interview round.
SBI PO Interview & GE Marks Distribution
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Group Exercise | 20 |
| Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
Key Details
- Interview conducted by a panel of experts
- Candidates’ communication skills, leadership qualities, and banking awareness are tested
- Minimum qualifying marks decided by SBI
SBI PO Final Selection & Merit List 2026
The final merit list is prepared based on:
| Stage | Weightage |
|---|---|
| SBI PO Mains Exam | 75% |
| Interview & GE | 25% |
👉 Marks from Prelims are not included
👉 Final selection depends on combined marks of Mains + Interview
SBI PO Selection Process 2026 – Key Highlights
- Three-stage selection process
- Prelims is qualifying only
- Mains + Interview determine final merit
- Negative marking applicable
- Separate cut-offs for each stage
Conclusion
The SBI PO Selection Process 2026 is designed to test candidates thoroughly in aptitude, banking knowledge, communication, and leadership skills. Candidates aiming for the SBI PO post must prepare strategically for all three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
For best results, focus on:
- Speed and accuracy for prelims
- Concept clarity and current affairs for mains
- Confidence and communication skills for interview
