SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026 – Prelims, Mains, Descriptive Test, Psychometric Test & Group Exercise Structure
Last Updated: March 2026
Recruiting Body: State Bank of India
Post: Probationary Officer
Exam Mode: Online
The SBI PO exam pattern consists of multiple stages designed to evaluate aptitude, analytical ability, personality, and managerial potential. Understanding the exact exam pattern helps candidates plan preparation effectively.
The SBI PO recruitment stages include:
• Preliminary Examination
• Main Examination
• Descriptive Test
• Psychometric Test
• Group Exercise
• Interview
Final merit is prepared based on Mains + Interview performance.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
Stage | Exam | Nature |
|---|---|---|
Stage 1 | Prelims | Qualifying |
Stage 2 | Mains | Merit deciding |
Stage 3 | Descriptive | English writing test |
Stage 4 | Psychometric | Personality assessment |
Stage 5 | Group Exercise | Communication evaluation |
Stage 6 | Interview | Final assessment |
Important:
Prelims marks are not counted in final merit.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary exam is conducted to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam.
SBI PO Prelims Pattern
Section | 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 |
SBI PO Prelims Key Highlights
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Total Questions | 100 |
Total Marks | 100 |
Duration | 1 hour |
Sectional timing | Yes |
Negative marking | 0.25 marks |
Mode | Online |
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Mains exam evaluates analytical ability and knowledge depth.
SBI PO Mains Pattern
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 min |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 min |
General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 min |
English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 min |
Total | 170 | 200 | 180 minutes |
SBI PO Mains Key Highlights
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Objective Questions | 170 |
Objective Marks | 200 |
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Negative marking | Yes |
Sectional timing | Yes |
SBI PO Descriptive Test Pattern 2026
The descriptive test evaluates written communication skills.
Descriptive Test Structure
Component | Details |
|---|---|
Questions | 2 |
Topics | Essay & Letter |
Marks | 50 |
Duration | 30 minutes |
Mode | Online typing |
SBI PO Descriptive Test Key Points
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Test type | English writing |
Topics | Banking/Economy/Social |
Negative marking | No |
Compulsory | Yes |
Qualifying | Yes |
Purpose:
Assess writing clarity and communication skills.
SBI PO Psychometric Test Pattern
The psychometric test evaluates personality traits and behavioural suitability.
Psychometric Test Structure
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Type | Personality assessment |
Questions | 100–200 statements |
Duration | 90–120 minutes |
Marks | Not disclosed |
Negative marking | No |
SBI PO Psychometric Test Key Features
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Purpose | Behaviour evaluation |
Syllabus | No fixed syllabus |
Question type | Personality statements |
Used for | Interview analysis |
Important:
Psychometric report is shared with interview panel.
SBI PO Group Exercise Pattern 2026
The Group Exercise evaluates communication and teamwork ability.
Group Exercise Structure
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Marks | 20 |
Activity type | Group discussion |
Purpose | Communication evaluation |
Nature | Behavioural assessment |
SBI PO Final Selection Weightage
Final merit list prepared using:
Component | Weight |
|---|---|
Mains | 75% |
Interview + GE | 25% |
Important:
Prelims marks not counted.
SBI PO Negative Marking
Negative marking applies to objective tests.
Exam | Negative Marking |
|---|---|
Prelims | Yes |
Mains | Yes |
Descriptive | No |
Psychometric | No |
Formula:
0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer.
Other Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SBI PO exam pattern?
Prelims, Mains, Descriptive, Psychometric, Group Exercise and Interview.
Is SBI PO descriptive compulsory?
Yes.
Is SBI PO psychometric compulsory?
Yes.
Does SBI PO prelim marks count?
No.
What decides final selection?
Mains + Interview.
What is SBI PO exam pattern?
Prelims, Mains, Psychometric, Group Exercise and Interview.
Is SBI PO prelim qualifying?
Yes.
Does prelim marks count?
No.
Is SBI PO mains important?
Yes. Merit deciding.
Is SBI PO descriptive compulsory?
Yes.
How many questions descriptive?
2 questions.
Marks descriptive?
50 marks.
Is descriptive difficult?
Moderate.
Is descriptive online?
Yes.
What is SBI psychometric test?
Personality assessment.
Is psychometric compulsory?
Yes.
Does psychometric have marks?
No.
Is psychometric difficult?
No.
How prepare psychometric?
Answer honestly.
What is SBI PO group exercise?
Communication test.
Marks group exercise?
20.
Is group exercise compulsory?
Yes.
What skills tested?
Communication & teamwork.
Is SBI PO negative marking?
Yes.
Is SBI PO sectional timing?
Yes.
Is SBI PO exam online?
Yes.
Is SBI PO objective?
Yes.
Is SBI PO toughest banking exam?
Yes among banking exams.